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Why Do Greyhounds Howl?

Why Do Greyhounds Howl?

If you own a greyhound, you almost certainly have had the experience of hearing the unmistakable sound of your greyhound howling. So, why does your greyhound howl?

Typically, greyhounds are known for their quiet nature. However, like all dogs, a greyhound is definitely capable of howling if they feel their needs are not met and are trying to communicate. The most common reason why a greyhound will howl is due to separation anxiety. However, this is not the only reason a greyhound will howl. Greyhounds will also howl or bark excessively when overexcited or for attention.

Continue reading to learn more regarding why greyhounds howl, whether greyhounds are more prone to howling than other dog breeds, how to prevent your greyhound from howling, and more.

Do Greyhounds Howl?

Greyhounds aren’t generally known for being extremely loud or howl-y. While they may bark if there are animals outside or if the doorbell rings, they usually keep their voices to themselves. Greyhound owners generally only hear howling noises emanating from their dogs when they are having fun or signaling a need. As a result, Greyhounds may whine, sigh, or even howl on occasion, though howling is infrequent.

However, the sheer excitement of playing or the idea of playing usually elicits howls. Greyhounds are known for their docile and quiet nature but have been known to bark or howl if they get excited at mealtimes by their owners or other pups. However, howling can also indicate a greyhound‘s desperate need to communicate with their owner and, therefore, can occur as a result of separation anxiety.

Unfortunately, if you are looking for a dog who can howl more like a wolf, the greyhound will not be your best bet. Instead, try looking at a breed like a Husky or German Shepherd

Why Do Greyhounds Howl?

Howling Can Indicate Separation Anxiety in Greyhounds

Greyhounds, however, can develop separation anxiety when left alone for long periods of time. This breed is very people-oriented and has a strong desire for companionship. Separation anxiety can result in unpleasant barking, howling, and destructive behavior, so spend as much time at home as possible to avoid these issues.

Greyhounds, like other domestic dogs, live in packs. When dogs are left alone for long periods of time, they may get despondent or bored, resulting in howling.

Howling Can Indicate Excitement in a Greyhound

Like most dogs, greyhounds can and will bark or howl when excited. This excitement can come from a variety of things, including you coming home, other dogs or even their food.

This howling may start as barking, but as their excitement continues, a greyhound, like all dogs, can begin to hold their bark, which results in a long howl.

When your greyhound accomplishes something or is elated, it also may want to brag about it and gain praise. However, if you aren’t paying attention, they may howl, which is a dog’s natural way of vocal communication.

For example, you may have noticed that hunting dogs frequently scream after detecting game or completing a successful hunt. They are ecstatic and like sharing their accomplishments; all they want is a little recognition, which means they will begin howling to summon their owner.

Howling Can Indicate that Your Greyhound is Attempting to Communicate with You

Greyhounds employ a variety of vocal communication methods, including howling. A greyhound will howl to attract attention, establish touch with others, or proclaim its existence.

While greyhound howling might be irritating, it’s vital to remember that it’s a form of communication between canines and humans. When your greyhound is bored, aroused, hurt, or even delighted, it may howl. Since howling can sometimes also be an indication of illness, it’s critical to figure out why your dog is howling so you can provide them with the best care possible.

Howling Can Indicate that Your Greyhound is Sick or Injured

A greyhound’s illness or injury can sometimes be indicated by howling. Greyhounds who are sick or injured may typically scream a lot or screech a lot. Other signs your dog may exhibit include lack of appetite, difficulty breathing, weight loss, and continuous licking at his wounds.

Illness and injury that causes intense distress can cause your greyhound to howl. This can signal that something is physically wrong with your greyhound and that they are in discomfort internally. 

So, if your dog is howling on a regular basis, make sure they aren’t sick and that they haven’t had any physical damage. It’s always recommended to take your greyhound to the doctor for a checkup if you suspect he’s howling due to medical reasons. After all, howling might indicate a canine injury or illness, so it’s essential to treat it seriously.

Will a Greyhound Howl at Strangers or Intruders?

Greyhounds may bark at intruders, but it’s more likely that they’re thrilled to meet a new person than that they’re trying to warn you about danger.

Greyhounds aren’t the best watchdogs in the world. They’re highly affectionate and friendly canines who will make friends with just about anyone. If you have an intruder, your greyhound will most likely approach them and lick them instead of chasing them away. 

As a result, while greyhounds want to preserve their territory, they largely want to make sure you’re secure. That is, if they believe you are safe, they are typically fine with trespassers. Therefore, if someone breaks into your house to take your television and your greyhound senses a threat, they’ll come to check on you rather than try to ward off the invader.

They aren’t heroes, and they won’t risk their lives to protect your stuff, nor will they bark to scare the intruder away, but if the intruder approaches you aggressively, they will defend you.

Are Greyhounds More Prone to Howling that Other Dog Breeds?

Due to their calm and reserved dispositions, Greyhounds don’t howl much. As a result, they make poor security dogs since they may or may not howl at anyone approaching your home. While greyhounds are generally calm dogs, they are still K9s with the ability to bark and howl, just like any other dog.

Greyhounds don’t have a reputation for being extremely chatty and usually keep their voices to themselves. Greyhound owners typically only hear noises emanating from their dogs when they’re having fun or expressing a need. As a result, greyhounds may whine, sigh, or even howl on occasion, but howling is unusual.

What Are Some Ways to Help Prevent Your Greyhound from Howling?

Your greyhound may be barking or howling for a variety of reasons. This includes things like playfulness, delight, territorial dangers, fear, under socialization, and more. While any of these situations might lead your greyhound to howl, there are simple alternatives.

Providing Your Greyhound with Adequate Exercise

Exercising your greyhound might help it release excess energy and stop howling. A fatigued dog is, after all, is a good dog. You’re not giving your dog enough exercise if you’re gone for 12 hours a day, and your dog’s stroll consists of a fast sprint into the backyard.

Excess energy can, unfortunately, be channelled into unpleasant behaviors, including howling, biting your shoes, or tugging you on the leash. Puppies have more energy and require more exercise than older dogs.

Greyhounds require at least one hour of daily exercise. Although outdoor exercise is fine, frequent walks give greater mental and physical stimulation for your dog and help you and your new pet form a trusting relationship.

Socializing Your Greyhound

Gradually socializing your greyhound is the most straightforward approach to discourage them from howling at other animals. Introduce them to other pets gradually in a safe environment, praising them for good behaviour. If you enhance their socializing skills, they’ll learn to behave around other dogs and stop howling at them.

Resolving Any Separation Anxiety Issues in Your Greyhound

If your greyhound suffers from separation anxiety, talk to your veterinarian about how you might make him feel more at ease while you’re gone. Getting your pet frequent exercise and gently promoting crate training are two things you can do to make them feel less stressed.

Final Thoughts

Greyhounds are not recognized for their howling abilities but rather for their mild demeanor. Nonetheless, like other dogs, the greyhound is capable of howling if their needs are not satisfied, and they are attempting to communicate.

Greyhounds are noted for being gentle and quiet, however, they have been known to howl if they are stimulated around mealtime, by their owners, or by other puppies. 

On the other hand, howling can also show a greyhound’s intense need to connect with its owner, which can be a sign of separation anxiety. Your greyhound can also scream due to illness or injury. This indicates that your greyhound is experiencing internal discomfort due to a physical issue. So, if your dog is howling on a frequent basis, take then to a vet to rule out any severe problems.

Overall, the greyhound isn’t the ideal choice if you’re searching for a dog that howls like a wolf. Instead, consider adopting a Siberian Husky or German Shepherd as an alternative.