The first USS Growler (1812), a 53-ton wooden schooner of 5 guns, was purchased as Experiment on Lake Ontario during 1812, and was first commanded by Sailing Master M.P. Mix. She was actively employed with Chauncey's squadron on Lake Ontario from 1812 to 1814.
The second USS Growler (1812-2), a 112-ton sloop armed with ten 18-pounders and one six-pounder, was purchased on Lake Champlain in 1812. She cruised under the command of Lieutenant Sidney Smith as part of Commodore Thomas Macdonough's squadron until she was taken by the British near Ile aux Noix, Canada, on 3 June 1813. Growler was then taken into the Royal Navy as Shannon, and later Chub.