67 HzLowest frequency
45,000 HzHighest frequency
9.4Octaves
2.2×Upper limit vs. humans
How it compares
Greater wax mothsBottlenose dolphinsBeluga whalesBatsMiceRatsCatsOpossumsGerbilsGuinea pigsDogsHedgehogsFerretsSheepRabbitsPigsRaccoonsGoatsCowsHorsesChinchillasHumansElephantsOwlsBudgerigars (parakeets)CanariesCockatielsTree frogsCatfishBullfrogsGoldfishChickensTuna
10 Hz1001 kHz10 kHz100 kHz
Shaded band: typical human range (20 Hz–20 kHz). Log scale.
Good to know
Dogs hear well above our range, which is why 'silent' dog whistles (around 23–54 kHz) work.
Tones dogs can hear
Tones dogs cannot hear
Frequently asked questions
What frequencies can dogs hear?
About 67 Hz to 45,000 Hz.
Can dogs hear ultrasound?
Yes – their upper limit is above 20 kHz.
Can dogs hear infrasound?
No – their lower limit is above 20 Hz.
Sources & credits
- Wikipedia – Hearing range (compiled from Fay 1988; Heffner & Heffner) · Approximate hearing ranges from behavioural audiograms (largely Fay 1988 and Heffner & Heffner), usually measured at 60 dB SPL. Individual animals, ages and studies differ.