Howling is a behavior commonly associated with dogs, as it’s ingrained in them. When looking for a pet dog, most potential owners wish to know if a particular dog breed tends to howl a lot.
The Whippet is known as a slender racing dog and is highly popular for its well-mannered and quiet nature. However, this loving family dog can get vocal sometimes. Like any other dog, Whippets also communicate by barking or howling, but it’s occasional.
One dog breed that many people are interested in is the Whippet. Also known as the “Lightning Rag Dog” and “Poor Man’s Racehorse”, it is very similar to the Greyhound and is often mistaken for it. Whippets are well-loved for their affectionate, gentle, and intelligent nature. Another major plus is that Whippets rarely bark.
In the next section, we’ll discuss the main reasons for howling in Whippets and more interesting information about this behavior.
Do Whippets howl? Sometimes, this sweet-faced doggo does howl, but for specific reasons. It is a known fact that Whippets are very calm and quiet most of the time. They may start howling if they’re over-excited, lonely, or simply in order to communicate.
We all know dogs make a variety of sounds. But howling is a particularly unmistakable sound and is different from a bark. Similar to wolves, some dog breeds tend to make this loud cry fairly often.
You’re probably wondering, what does howling sound like?
Unlike a bark, which is usually brief and abrupt, howls are drawn out and may sound mournful. Some dog breeds tend to howl more than others. Depending on the situation, there could be many reasons for your dog’s howling.
Do Whippets Usually Howl?
When it comes to Whippets, being quiet is more their style. By definition, Whippets are sighthounds and barking is not really in their nature.
This particular breed has unique nature with a mix of different qualities. On one hand, they are highly agile, energetic, racing dogs. And on the other, they love staying indoors and have a gentle and shy temperament.
Living with a Whippet is relaxing as they make great apartment dogs. You don’t usually have to worry about disturbing the neighbors because of their laid-back, relaxed nature. In fact, this breed is also known to be a loving therapy dog.
They bark very rarely, even at strangers. And the same goes for howling.
However, there can be many different traits and behaviors, within the same dog breed. Some Whippet owners say their dog never howls or barks at all. While others report their Whippet making howling sounds every night.
Why Does My Whippet Howl?
You might have a pet Whippet who often howls. This is not usually a matter of concern as some dogs simply have a higher tendency to howl.
In simple words, it is a primal reaction and instinct present in dogs. Essentially, it is a way for them to communicate with their owner or the dogs around them.
We know it can be worrisome or annoying, but you can easily figure out why your pet dog may be howling. The main reasons for howling in Whippets include:
Separation Anxiety
As we all know, dogs can get attached to their owner and family pretty quickly. They form a close and deep bond with their owner and don’t like being away from them. Whippets are no exception. In fact, they are also known as ‘velcro dogs’ for their clingy nature.
With a Whippet by your side, you will never feel alone. They would want to snuggle with you and share your bed and sofa. They love close proximity to their beloved owner and will usually curl up right next to you. This also means that Whippets hate being alone and are prone to experiencing separation anxiety.
If there’s too much physical distance between you and your pet Whippet, they might start howling. Whippets who howl at night are often just missing their owner and asking for their presence.
You should also know that in the case of separation anxiety, howling is usually accompanied by digging, scratching, or pacing.
To gain their owner’s attention
As we mentioned earlier, this particular breed does not like being left out. Howling could also be their way of gaining your attention when you’re busy. You may have noticed your Whippet howling, only to go out and find that your dog just wants to play.
According to some dog owners, dogs can even be emotionally manipulative. They might learn different tricks to get their owner to notice them. When their needs aren’t being met, Whippets can make a mild, repetitive howl to get your attention.
If you keep repeating the same routine, your dog will eventually learn that howling is an effective way of getting your attention.
Response to high-pitched noises or sirens
Your pet dog may also be howling in response to certain environmental triggers. This could be a nearby siren, music, sounds from television, or someone singing. Research has also indicated that howling in dogs usually stems from listening to certain sounds.
This kind of howling could mean a number of things. Perhaps, your dog likes the sound, feels bonded to it, and wants to join in. In other cases, they might be protesting and expressing their dislike for the sounds. The reason remains unclear, but it’s nothing to worry about. It’s simply your dog being a dog.
To alert their owner about discovery or danger
Dogs are highly intuitive and smart creatures. They can sense danger from miles away. Howling is often their way of alerting their owners about a potential threat.
In other cases, your dog may have made an interesting discovery and wants to share it with you.
They’re Dreaming
When your Whippet is in a deep slumber and is actively dreaming, he or she may start making different noises, including howling. These sounds may be related to the emotions he or she is experiencing in the dream.
Some people believe that a dog howling is a sign of approaching death. However, this is just a superstition and there is no evidence to support it. Dogs may be intuitive, but they definitely do not have psychic abilities.
Medical issues
Many dogs howl to vocalize their pain, whether its physical or emotional.
If your Whippet is howling non-stop, you should immediately check upon him. In some cases, howling may be related to fear, anxiety, or discomfort. Similarly, howling may be a result of a physical pain your dog may be experiencing. The possible reasons could be an accidental injury or even an illness.
If you can’t find signs of physical injury and the reason for howling remains unclear, you need to make sure that he or she is not sick. It would be a sensible idea to get your dog checked by a veterinarian.
Old age
Howling is more likely to become a behavioral issue in dogs during old age. They tend to howl more when they are suffering from conditions like dementia or loss of hearing.
Are Whippets vocal dogs?
As mentioned earlier, Whippets are naturally quiet and calm, as long as their essential needs are being met.
So, you must know that one important need for this dog breed is exercise. These dogs need daily exercise to let out their energy. An adult Whippet should be getting 40 minutes of exercise per day and opportunities to run.
When this dog breed needs to communicate, it can be pretty vocal. The most common reason for Whippets to bark or howl is to get their requests or needs fulfilled. They also don’t hesitate in showing their displeasure when left alone.
Are dogs happy when they howl?
There could be many reasons for howling in dogs. So, there is no single answer to this question. The answer could vary from dog to dog, regardless of the breed. Some dogs actually love to howl and they even do it as a form of singing
In some cases, your dog may have achieved something or is feeling excited and wants to show it to you. But if you don’t notice or acknowledge him, he might howl as a natural mode of communication. During hunting, many dogs howl to announce when they have detected something. So yes, your dog may be happy and simply wants to express it.
In order to understand why your pet Whippet is howling, you need to properly observe your dog’s behavior and the situation they are in.