brindle whippet in field

Do Whippets Bark?

So, Do Whippets Bark?

whippet in field

If you've ever been around a Whippet, you might have noticed something strange -  the lack of barking. Greyhounds are also very similar in this way. These sleek, elegant sighthounds are not your typical small, yappy dogs. But do Whippets bark? Let's uncover the truth behind the (almost) silent serenaders of the dog world.

Whippets And Communication

First things first, don't get me wrong - whippets aren't mute. They do communicate, albeit in their unique ways. Picture this: you come home after a long day, expecting a cacophony of barks to welcome you. Instead, you're greeted by the whippet's version of a "hello"- a wagging tail, soulful eyes, and maybe a gentle whine. It's like they're saying, "Hey, human, I missed you, but I'll express it with my dignified demeanor."

It's In Their Genes.

So, why the silence? Well, it's all in their genes, darling! Whippets are descendants of hunting dogs, bred for speed and agility rather than vocal prowess. Back in the day, barking during a hunt would've been a dead giveaway to their prey. Can you imagine a whippet shouting, "Hey, bunny, here I come"? Exactly! Stealth was their game, and they mastered it like pros.

How Whippets Express Themselves.

But don't be fooled by their quiet demeanor. Whippets might not bark much, but they sure know how to express themselves. They're masters of the art of body language. From the way they cock their heads to their playful zoomies, Whippets have a whole repertoire of gestures to convey their thoughts and feelings. It's like watching a silent movie starring your favourite four-legged friend.

whiye whippet

The Yelp

Now, here's where it gets interesting. Despite their aversion to barking, Whippets are not completely mute. In fact, they're quite capable of producing sound when they feel the need. Picture a Whippet spotting a cat or squirrel in the backyard; a rare moment of excitement for these laid-back pups. Suddenly, you hear it: a high-pitched yelp, almost like a tiny hiccup. That's the whippet's version of a bark, a fleeting reminder of their vocal abilities.

But fear not, dear reader, for whippets' lack of barking is not a sign of unhappiness or dissatisfaction. On the contrary, these gentle souls are content to lounge on the couch or sprint around the yard in blissful silence. It's their way of saying, "Life is good, let's enjoy it together."

So, do Whippets bark? The answer is a resounding "not really." But who needs barks when you have those expressive eyes, graceful movements, and boundless affection? Whether they're curled up next to you on the sofa or chasing butterflies in the garden, Whippets are living proof that sometimes, silence speaks louder than words.

If you've enjoyed 'Do Whippets Bark?' see more posts about whippets here.

If you love to dress your whippet, or other sighthound, up check out our recommended store The Trendy Whippet.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.