All dogs whine from time to time, but a few dog breeds are known to whine a lot more than others. From Miniature Pinschers to Alaskan Malamutes, dogs that whine or groan more than others are often also intelligent, energetic, playful, and sociable.
Does your dog whine a lot? Are you wondering if it’s normal or are you considering adopting a dog and want to rule out the whiners?
Let’s look at why dogs whine, ten dog breeds known for whining and groaning, consider what they have in common and how you can get your dog to stop whining if you happen to have a whining dog on your hands.
Why Dogs Whine
Dogs whine to express pain, anxiety, excitement, a need or want, a plea for attention, to apologize, or show submission.
Here are common reasons for a dog to whine:
- Pain.
- A need or want.
- Excitement.
- Anxiety.
- A plea for attention.
- To apologize or show submission.
Before trying to change a whining dog’s behavior, you need to rule out the pain caused by illness, injury, or a degenerative condition like arthritis and hip dysplasia. Another degenerative disease that can make an old dog whine more is dementia.
Consult a vet if you notice your dog is whining when laying, sitting, or getting up. These can indicate arthritis, osteoarthritis, or hip dysplasia.
If your dog often stares blankly, gets lost in familiar places, does not recognize familiar faces, and is whining more than before, chat to a vet about the possibility of dementia.
Although there are no cures for conditions like arthritis, osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, and dementia, a vet can advise on supplements, diet changes, and lifestyle modifications to manage and lessen the progression of the disease.
10 Dog Breeds That Whine a Lot
The following dog breeds are known to whine a lot: Alaskan Malamute, Australian Shepherd, Basset Hound, Beagle, Bloodhound, Cairn Terrier, Dachshund, German Shepherd, Miniature Pinscher, and Siberian Husky.
Dogs communicate with barks, whines, groans, and yelps. Some darks are more vocal than others.
Here are 10 dog breeds that whine or groan more than other dog breeds:
- The Alaskan Malamute
- Australian Shepherd
- Basset Hound
- Beagle
- Bloodhound
- Cairn Terrier
- Dachshund
- German Shepherd
- Miniature Pinscher
- Siberian Husky
1. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest and largest Arctic sled dog breeds. These strong dogs were bred to pull heavy sleds.
Malamutes are usually quiet dogs and seldom bark, but they are to be ‘talkative’ and will howl, whine or make what sounds like a “woo woo” sound to communicate.
Bred for their endurance, these high-energy dogs need daily walks. The longer the better. If an Alaskan Malamute does not get enough exercise, it is more likely to whine.
This large dog breed is similar to that of the Siberian husky.[1] [2]
2. Australian Shepherd
Known as a cowboy’s dog, the Australian Shepherd was bred in America from Australian imported collies as a herding dog.
This intelligent and energetic dog needs regular exercise and mental stimulation. It’s a great dog to get if you love running, hiking, and going for long walks. This is also a great dog to train for dog sports.
If this dog does not get enough exercise, it is more likely to whine and is known to become destructive. [3] [4]
5. Beagle
Beagles were bred for hunting in packs. As a result, they enjoy the company of people and other dogs.
The beagle is a popular family pet due to its strong build, medium size, and pleasant temperament. These intelligent dogs are energetic and need a daily walk. [9]
6. Blood Hound
These large hounds were bred for hunting deer, wild boar, and tracking people. They are pack dogs that enjoy the company.[10]
7. Dachshund
In German, dachshund means ‘badger dog.’ This explains what they were bred for – to hunt small animals like badgers and rabbits.
They are also known as ‘sausage dogs’ for their long bodies and short legs, they don’t have the build for running long distances, but they love chasing small animals, birds, and balls with stubborn determination. These social dogs love spending time with people and are known to suffer from separation anxiety. [11]
8. German Shepherd
Also known as an Alsatian, the German Shepherd was bred using traditional German herding dogs to become what we know as an intelligent, loyal and hard-working dog. [12]
9. Miniature Pinscher
Miniature Pinschers (Min Pins) are small dogs with big personalities. The breeding is uncertain, but they are believed to be the result of breeding dachshunds with greyhounds.
They may be small and cute at 10-12.5 inches (25.4-31.5 cm) in height, but they are not content as lazy lap dogs. These are high-energy and playful dogs that need daily walks and outdoor playtime. If they don’t get enough, they can whine
Min Pins are prone to separation anxiety and can cry when left alone for long periods. [13]
10. Siberian Husky
This medium-sized sled dog looks similar to the Alaskan Malamute. Bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia for shed pulling in packs and for their companionship, it is an active dog that loves being part of a family. [14]
According to the American Kennel Club, they are highly vocal and energetic dogs. These dogs need daily walks or runs. They also love chasing small animals, like squirrels, so a large garden with lots of room to run is advisable. [15]
If they do not get enough exercise, they are likely to whine.
What Do Dogs Breeds That Whine A Lot Have In Common?
Other than being more vocal than most, dogs that are prone to whining and groaning are often sociable and intelligent working pack dogs. They are descendants of dogs bred to hunt, herd, or work.
From the badger-hunting Daschhund to the sled-pulling Siberian Huskey, many of the dogs who are prone to whining were bred to work alongside humans and other dogs.
They are naturally sociable, as is evident in their vocal attempts to connect and communicate with both humans and other dogs. They are also naturally energetic, even if it is only in short but determined spurts of the Dachshund.
If these dogs are deprived of the mental, physical, and social stimulation that they were bred for, you are going to hear about it.
How To Stop Your Dog From Whining
There are a few things you can do to stop your dog from whining so much. You can ensure your dog gets enough exercise, including daily walks and outdoor playtime, ignore attention-seeking whining, and stop feeding your dog from your plate.
Set a Daily Exercise Schedule
Set a schedule for your dog that includes a daily walk. All dogs need exercise and it’s been found to ease separation anxiety, one of the main causes of whining.[16]
Ignore a Dog That is Whining for Attention
Do not make eye contact, talk or yell at a dog that whines for attention. Only give your dog your attention for it comes to you calmly. This teaches the dog that whining doesn’t work to get your attention, a calm and quiet approach does.
Related: How to Stop Puppies From Whining
Stop Feeding Your Dog While You Are Eating
If your dog often whines for food while you’re having dinner, stop giving it titbits off the table, and don’t let your dog lick the plates.
If you or anyone in your household continue to feed your dog from your table, the dog will continue to wait and whine for extra food. [17]
How to Avoid Adopting a Whining Dog
You can avoid adopting a dog that whines a lot by doing research. Look up the dog breeds you like and compare the dog breed’s need for exercise, company, and mental stimulation with your lifestyle.
Here are things to consider when adopting a dog:
- Size of the dog in comparison to your home and garden.
- Energy levels and exercise needs.
- Temperament.
- Common health problems that affect the breed.
- Is it a breed that is more vocal than others.
- If the dog breed is prone to separation anxiety.
An energetic dog that loves being part of a pack is a great pet for an active family, but it will only whine in despair if adopted by someone who lives a sedentary lifestyle.
Dogs are prone to whining if their needs are not met, and some are more vocal about it than others.
Dogs That Love Long Walks Whine More
Sled dogs, like the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky, are strong and need long walks. Bred to work in packs, they naturally enjoy having company.
Herding dogs, like German Shepherds, and hunting dogs, like the beagle and bloodhound, need daily walks. Hunting dogs love using their powerful noses and chasing small animals and birds. These intelligent working dogs enjoy having company and mental stimulation.
If you don’t walk herding, hunting, and sled dogs often enough and leave them alone for long periods, they will whine.
Small But Active Dogs Whine
And don’t be fooled by a dog breeds size either. Although they are small and love sitting on their owners’ laps, Min Pins are not lazy ‘lap dogs,’ This is an energetic breed that will whine when it doesn’t get enough opportunity to exercise.
Dogs That Suffer From Separation Anxiety Whine
A vocal dog that suffers from separation anxiety, like a Min Pin or Daschhunds is a great option if you work from home.
They are not the best dog breed choice if you work long hours away from home and live alongside neighbors who are likely to complain about the noise.
Related: Why Is My Dog Whining at Night?
Conclusion
All dogs whine sometimes, especially when their needs aren’t met. Dogs that vocalize more are communicating and if you are looking for true companionship from a dog, the odd groan won’t bother you.
Make sure your dog is loved, feed, and exercised daily and you should have one happy pooch, no matter the breed.
