03/26/2025
Do Dogs Have a Favorite Music Genre? Exploring the Science of Canine Music Preferences
Dogs are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and deep connection with humans, but have you ever wondered whether they enjoy music? Many dog owners have observed their pets reacting to different sounds, but does that mean they have a favorite music genre? Science suggests that dogs do respond to music, and certain genres may even help them feel calmer or more energetic. Let’s explore what research says about dogs' musical preferences and how you can use music to enhance your pet’s well-being.
How Dogs Perceive Sound and Music
To understand whether dogs have a favorite music genre, we first need to look at how they hear. Dogs have an impressive range of hearing, picking up frequencies between 40 Hz and 60,000 Hz, much wider than the human range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. This means dogs hear high-pitched sounds we can’t detect and may react differently to music based on its frequency and rhythm.
Unlike humans, who appreciate music for its artistic and emotional value, dogs primarily react to music based on how it makes them feel. The tempo, pitch, and even the instruments used in a song can influence their mood and behavior.
What Science Says About Dogs and Music
Several studies have investigated how dogs respond to music, with surprising results.
1. Classical Music Has a Calming Effect
A 2002 study by Dr. Deborah Wells, a psychologist at Queen’s University in Belfast, tested how different types of music affected dogs in an animal shelter. The study found that classical music, such as compositions by Beethoven and Bach, had a soothing effect, reducing barking and promoting relaxation. Shelter dogs exposed to classical music spent more time lying down and were noticeably calmer.
2. Heavy Metal Can Increase Anxiety
The same study discovered that heavy metal music had the opposite effect. Dogs exposed to heavy metal songs, particularly those with aggressive tempos and distorted sounds, became more restless and agitated. Some even barked more frequently, suggesting that loud and chaotic sounds might cause stress rather than enjoyment.
3. Reggae and Soft Rock Are Dog Favorites
A 2017 study conducted by the Scottish SPCA and the University of Glasgow examined the impact of different music genres on shelter dogs. Researchers played classical, pop, reggae, soft rock, and Motown music and measured the dogs' heart rates and stress levels. Interestingly, reggae and soft rock emerged as the most relaxing genres. Dogs listening to these genres had lower stress levels, and many of them lay down and seemed visibly content.
Dr. Neil Evans, one of the researchers, suggested that reggae and soft rock have a rhythmic and soothing quality that dogs find comforting. The results also hinted that, like humans, dogs may have individual preferences.
How to Use Music to Benefit Your Dog
If you want to use music to improve your dog’s mood, here are some practical tips:
For relaxation: Try playing classical music, reggae, or soft rock if your dog seems anxious or restless. This can be especially helpful during thunderstorms, fireworks, or when leaving them alone at home.
For stimulation: If your dog needs motivation or energy, consider upbeat but not overwhelming genres, such as light pop or jazz. Avoid heavy metal or electronic music with sudden loud beats.
For bedtime: Slow, instrumental music can help calm dogs before bedtime. Some pet-specific playlists on streaming services offer calming melodies designed for dogs.
For car rides: If your dog gets anxious in the car, playing soft rock or reggae might help ease their nerves.
Can Dogs Recognize Their Favorite Songs?
While there’s no conclusive evidence that dogs recognize specific songs like humans do, they do develop preferences based on exposure. If your dog repeatedly hears a particular tune and associates it with positive experiences—such as cuddling or treats—they may respond favorably when it plays.
Some dog owners have reported their pets reacting excitedly to familiar songs, wagging their tails or even "singing" along by howling. While this behavior might not indicate musical taste in the way humans experience it, it does show that dogs form associations with sounds they hear frequently.
Conclusion: What’s the Best Music for Dogs?
If you want to create a playlist for your furry friend, reggae and soft rock seem to be the safest bet for relaxation, while classical music is great for calming anxious dogs. Avoid heavy metal and overly loud or chaotic genres that might cause distress. However, just like humans, each dog is unique, so the best way to find out your pup’s favorite music is through experimentation.
Try playing different genres and observe your dog’s reactions—do they lie down, wag their tail, or perk up their ears? With a little patience, you might just discover your dog’s favorite soundtrack to life.
Animal Cottage provides pet boarding and lodging, daycare, bathing, and dog training in Hayward, WI.
