19 Dog Breeds That Whine a Lot | Whiniest Dog Breeds

Whether you’ve had dogs all your life or you’re a new pet parent, most people assume their pupper will make some noise. Well, anyone who’s been around a pooch or two will tell you no dog is the same.

With hundreds of dog breeds, each with unique characteristics, it shouldn’t be surprising that every type of dog is different. That can mean that even low-maintenance dog breeds can whine and speak, regardless of whether they can spend a lot of time alone.

When choosing a pet, you might want to know if your future companion is more or less likely to be vocal. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 19 dog breeds that whine a lot so you can decide which breed is best for you.

19 Dog Breeds That Whine a Lot

How much a dog whines will be related to its breed and what that pedigree was originally bred for. Before the average pooch became a couch potato, every breed had a job. So, it makes sense that dogs need to communicate for different reasons.

Each canine will communicate with its pet owners. It’s up to the pet parent to figure out why. Countless factors affect why your doggo might whine. Whether they’re ill, injured, or simply bored, there’s a reason why your canine companion may turn into a whining dog.

If you’re ready to get informed about the 19 dog breeds that whine the most, continue reading.

Read Next: Get all the answers to why your dog is whining so much all of a sudden.

1. Miniature Schnauzer

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Miniature Schnauzers are spunky, intelligent, and friendly small dogs from Germany. These proud pups were originally bred as both family pets and rat hunters.

Schnauzer enthusiasts love that these cuties are so devoted and deeply attached to their pet parents. But this can be troublesome for people who can’t give their undivided attention to their furry friends.

Miniature Schnauzers are loud and incredibly communicative. This breed will whine for many reasons, and if you rule out a medical condition and injury, you’ll realize they express themselves often. They may well be one of the whiniest dog breeds. 

Commonly, you’ll find this breed whining out of boredom, stress, excitement, loud noises or just some attention-seeking whining. Mini Schnauzers are also prone to excessive barking if their need for regular exercise and ample mental stimulation isn’t properly met.

2. Beagle

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Beagles are arguably the most popular scent hounds kept as family pets today. These spirited and loving companions were once used in hunting parties to primarily hunt hares — which is also known as “beagling,” funnily enough.

Beagles are easy-going and gentle with people and animals, so don’t expect a fierce and ferocious guard dog. However, their keen sense of smell can get them into trouble. Not only are they super inquisitive, but these smart hounds need mental stimulation to calm their nose for adventure.

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With boundless curiosity, Beagles can be very vocal about anything, really. Dogs whine out of boredom and excitement, which can be fixed with appropriate stimulation and training. But note that due to their social nature, Beagles can be prone to separation anxiety which means a lot of baying, whining, and barking when left alone.

3. Basset Hounds

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Considered sweet-tempered and tenacious, the Basset Hound is a medium-sized scent hound from France. This breed, with its long body, stubby legs, and gigantic ears, is known for having the second-best sense of smell after the Bloodhound.

These super sniffers are intelligent and a tad stubborn, and their whining is often linked to their need to express themselves as social pets. You’ll notice your Basset will whine, bay, and howl when bored or lonely. Untrained Bassets will dig, catch small animals, and destroy furniture if not sufficiently stimulated at home.

However, if your Basset whines when it moves or is touched, you should be cautious of possible health concerns this breed can face. 

Bassets are at risk of many health issues, such as Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) or a slipped disc, hip and elbow dysplasia, and more. This can leave your Basset in a lot of pain, so be sure to be clued up about common ailments this breed can have.

4. Great Pyrenees

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Moving away from pups close to the ground, the Great Pyrenean Mountain dog, or Great Pyrenees, is a stunning French livestock guardian. This tall dog breed has gained popularity in the States for its calm and protective demeanor.

However, its guarding instincts can make this pooch pretty expressive. If you’re a Great Pyrenees owner, you’ve probably wondered why this breed whines and barks at night. Well, that’s because these adult dogs were used to patrol farms, protecting livestock day and night, hence the late-night barking.

People interested in a Great Pyrenees should be aware that aside from using whining and barking to alert you to things, they’ll whine to communicate their needs, such as hunger, pain, or loneliness.

5. Pomeranian

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Pomeranians are plucky, small, Spitz-type dogs. Poms are typically friendly and bossy but tend to be quite perceptive to changes in their environment.

This clever toy breed has a tendency to be vocal and will often bark and whine non-stop when they see a perceived threat. Poms can be good guard dogs or a nuisance to you and your neighbors, so early training and puppy socialization is necessary.

The main reasons a Pomeranian may whine are usually related to attention seeking, excitement, and anxiety. They will whine as a form of submission, to greet their owners or as a result of separation anxiety. The Pomeranian may well be one of the most whiny dog breeds.

6. Maltese

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The Maltese is a toy breed known for its energetic, affectionate, and trusting nature. These pups are also smart and fearless, making them excellent alarm systems. Maltese dogs require a lot of attention from a doting owner — not only in the form of time together but through consistent exercise and enrichment.

Good toy breed owners understand that the energy-filled Maltese will whine when their needs are neglected. Changes to their routine, a lack of mental stimulation, and loneliness are key reasons Maltese whine, howl, and bark.

7. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

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Staffordshire Bull Terriers, lovingly referred to as “Staffies,” are terrier dogs that look like pitbulls but aren’t. They are docile, reliable, and chatty dogs known for being great family pets.

Staffies are considered chatty as they’re quick to learn that vocalizations can help them communicate their needs more effectively. While not the most trainable, they are still quite intelligent.

Though a Staffy will whine for any reason, they don’t really bark. Most of the time, when Staffies whine, it’s due to boredom, frustration, anxiety, and excitement. Keeping an eye on your Stafford’s behavior should indicate which whine means what over time.

Pro Tip: Staffies are energetic dogs and need a combination of physical and mental stimulation for at least 60 minutes a day. A great way to do this is to give your Staffy a food puzzle or a favorite toy after a long walk.

8. Poodle

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The Poodle is one of the best-behaved dog breeds out there. This German water dog is active, intelligent, and faithful to its pet parents. With high social and activity needs, Poodles are generally high maintenance in all aspects, including their hypoallergenic coats.

You’ll find these pooches tend to be quite vocal and will tell you when they need just about anything. Boredom, hunger, curiosity, and the need for time outside are all typical reasons why a Poodle will whine at you. It’s super important to use your pup’s trainability to your advantage to avoid excessive whining.

9. Miniature Pinscher

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Miniature Pinschers, or “‘Min Pins,” are much more than miniature Dobermans. These playful, outgoing, and independent pups might not strike you as especially whiny, but they can make a lot of noise.

The untrained Miniature Pinscher will bark at anything and everything. But a well-socialized and trained Min Pin whines more than it barks. 

Because of this breed’s heritage as a multi-purpose working and companion dog, you’ll find its whining is related to its need for attention, mental stimulation, and its need for activity.

10. Bloodhound

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Bloodhounds are considered an ugly dog breed, but this droopy-looking pooch is dear to hound lovers everywhere. Historically, Bloodhounds are the most iconic scent hound used for tracking and hunting.

Their wrinkly faces and long ears are there to serve a purpose, as are the various sounds this breed makes. Howling, crying, baying, and whining are distinct vocalizations made by the Bloodhound to communicate to its owner.

This breed was made to be good at their job, and having one sit in the house all day will lead to constant noise and one unhappy pooch. If you’re interested in keeping a Bloodhound, ensure it has a job or enough activity to keep it enriched.

11. Dachshund

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Dachshunds, “Doxies,” “sausage dogs,” or “wiener dogs” were the original badger hunters. These lively, devoted, and stubborn sausages are unsurprisingly courageous and, consequently, very noisy.

Untrained Doxies will bark, whine, howl, or cry for almost any reason. Whether it be due to stress, boredom, to obtain rewards and attention, or to meet their needs, these anxious dogs will communicate with you. They’re also incredibly excitable and can be affected by minor changes in their environment.

To avoid excess whining, it’s vital you train and socialize your Doxie while ensuring it has a predictable routine and a good outlet for its pent-up energy.

12. Siberian Huskies

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This wouldn’t be a post about whiny dogs if the Siberian Husky didn’t make the list. Huskies are notoriously vocal, energetic, and outgoing Spitz-breed sled dogs. They’re also often mistreated by people who love their looks but fail miserably to meet their needs.

Huskies were made to communicate with a pack. That includes you, their potential owner. Your Husky will whine, bark, howl, and cry for any reason at any time. So, it’s crucial you train, socialize, and enrich this friendly and intelligent pooch so you can enjoy the best bits of this amazing breed, somewhat noise-free.

13. Shih Tzu

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The Shih Tzu is considered a teddy bear dog breed for its adorable stuffed animal look. Its looks complement its sweet temperament. Shih Tzus are known for being loving and perky pups that aren’t known for being snippy like many small dog types.

Shih Tzus are known to whine a considerable amount. They’re more likely to develop separation anxiety and whine due to loneliness, a need for affection, and a lack of enrichment.

This Tibetan companion dog needs enough exercise and does best with positive reinforcement training. Ensuring your Shih Tzu is properly socialized is the first step and proper training by dog owners should means less whining and more cuddle time.

14. Chihuahua

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Chihuahuas might be one of the smallest dog breeds, but they have big dog energy. These Mexican toy companions are alert, high-energy, and highly vocal.

If you thought Chihuahuas were just sweet lap dogs, you’d underestimate these social, smart, and feisty pups. This breed is loyal yet independent and requires decent exercise and plenty of enrichment.

Generally, your Chihuahua should be whining to communicate its needs with you, talk to you or alert you to something. 

You should be concerned about a Chihuahua’s whining when you’re not meeting its fundamental needs. Without proper care, these pups can become aggressive, especially when their boundaries are crossed.

15. Yorkshire Terrier

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The Yorkshire Terrier, or “Yorkie,” is another teeny-tiny dog breed that is often underestimated as a very docile lap dog. While Yorkies are sweethearts with their humans, these pups can be domineering, energetic, and stubborn.

However, they’re also affectionate and require a hands-on owner who can take the time to enrich, train, and socialize this breed. Separation anxiety and the need for company are two of the top reasons Yorkies whine a lot.

Yorkies will also whine to indicate emotional distress or if they need something. Much like the Chihuahua, if you’re unable to provide them with adequate space and be conscious of their boundaries, this breed will become aggressive.

16. German Shepherd

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German Shepherds don’t need much of an introduction. This iconic working dog is highly intelligent, trainable, and brave. They’re also wonderful family pets bound to talk your ear off.

This breed can whine and grumble excessively to get what they want. Whether it be to alert you to a possible threat or for attention, you’ll know when this dog has something to say.

Obviously, proper training and socialization will improve excess whining. But you could argue that the German Shepherd’s social nature is a wonderful trait that shouldn’t be changed.

17. Weimaraner

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The Weimaraner is a large and fast dog breed known for its hunting background and powerful nature. Obedient and friendly, especially with their family, Weimaraners are a talkative breed.

Weimaraners are super playful and full of energy, so the number one reason this canine will whine is that it needs enrichment and exercise. These pooches also have a penchant for whining out of jealousy. Because they love plenty of attention, this breed wants to be the center of attention.

While none of these traits are inherently bad, an experienced pet owner is more suited to meeting the needs of this gorgeous dog.

18. Australian Shepherd

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Australian Shepherds are striking herding dogs from America (ironically). This beautiful and easy-going breed is easy to train but best suited to having a job or plenty of enrichment.

Despite their herd instincts and somewhat bossy nature, Aussie Shepherds do well with kids of all ages. These doggies have a strong work ethic and whine out of a need to communicate with their humans.

Australian Shepherds will whine about everything without appropriate mental stimulation and exercise, eventually becoming destructive due to their pent-up energy.

You might enjoy reading my articles on the most dramatic dog breeds and all about the Shepadoodle.

19. Italian Greyhound

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Italian Greyhounds, “IG’s,” or “Iggies,” are funny little pooches known for their high-strung and clingy nature. While they love their family, Iggies can be difficult dogs to own. They can be stubborn, and it can be a struggle to house-train them properly.

IG’s are frequent whiners who cry for affection, food, playtime, and exercise. Owners of Iggies must be willing to take extra care of these sensitive doggies. They become deeply attached to their pet parents and need significant attention.

A benefit of owning this whiny canine is that it’s a breed that doesn’t smell or shed much, making it the perfect cuddle buddy.

Dog Breeds That Whine a Lot Wrapped Up

What dog breeds whine the most? Hopefully, our list of 19 dog breeds that whine a lot will help you make an informed decision when choosing the right pet for you. While noisy dogs aren’t for everyone, a vocal pet indicates an inherent social nature that makes them such good companions.

If you’re considering getting one of these whiny dog breeds, remember that the time and effort you put into their training and socialization will minimize any bad behavior in the future.

Up Next: Discover everything you need to know about bear coat Shar Peis to learn about this fascinating fluff ball.

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