Top 10 Talkative Dog Breeds

by Mary Simpson

Published: August 3rd, 2020

The sighs, the moans. The grunts, the groans. What exactly is your dog trying to tell you and why are some better at “vocalizing” their needs than others?

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the most obvious reason your dog is sounding off is simply because he wants something from you: maybe its to be let out into the yard, or that you refill his water bowl, or he may just want to get your attention for a little cuddle.

Truth is, in addition to his vocalizations there are a few other factors to consider before you scratch his head and throw him another treat. Body language, physical behavior and your history with him are just a few.

For example, let’s take a whining dog. If it’s incessant, consider:

Is his body language saying that he wants you to follow him? In following him, do you end up directly in front of his treat jar? That could be construed as nuisance whining and you may want to put a figurative (and literal) lid on it sooner than later.
Does his behavior suggest he is getting antsy? Whining and pacing to be let out means he’s got to go. If you’ve just been out for your afternoon walk, he may have a bowel or bladder problem that needs to be checked out.
Is he afraid of thunder, fireworks, or other loud noises? If he’s whining and/or cowering without obvious provocation, he may be anxious about something you can’t hear just yet. Respond appropriately by letting him seek shelter and providing comfort.

Remember, dogs were originally pack animals and their only means of communicating with one another was through vocalization that included barking, growling or howling across a vast wilderness. But while his primal instincts haven’t changed, his living conditions have. You’re his pack now and because living quarters are a tad tighter, he’s been able to perfect his approach to connecting with you. You know, that direct eye contact thing he does when he needs you to listen!

Now, when choosing our top 10 chatty breeds, we weren’t looking for yappy dogs who are easily set off. We also weren’t looking for watchdogs that bark deeply and frequently on provocation (or even perceived provocation). We’re talking about those breeds that can have a meaningful conversation with their pet parent without ever saying a word (human word, that is). The ones who know just what to say and how to say it, in order to push the right buttons. Intrigued? Let’s take a peek:

Siberian Husky

If you’ve ever watched the myriad YouTube videos posted by owners of this extremely talkative pooch, you already know the multitude of sounds that can come out of this big boy’s mouth. Particularly when he isn’t getting his way. But what might surprise you is that this ultra-fuzzy sidekick is not really big on barking. It’s true: he actually barks less than most other breeds of dog. But, when he has a story to tell, you’ll find he is quick to whine, howl or emit sounds that could – if you close your eyes and listen – be construed as human words. (Photo credit: ANURAK PONGPATIMET/Shutterstock)

2. Yorkshire Terrier

You might be thinking this isn’t a chatty dog at all; he’s a yapper. And you’d be right and wrong at the same time. You see, Yorkie’s consider themselves to be big dogs that are ready, willing, and able to take on anything and anyone. From squirrels to Rottweilers, he’ll never shy away from a fight… and may even pick one himself. Strangers don’t stand a chance. He’s loyal, loving, and considers you his partner in crime so how else can he tell you when he has something on his mind than by looking you straight in the eye and giving you a mouthful. (Photo credit: Przemek Iciak/Shutterstock)

3. Vizsla

Not only is this dog a vocal communicator, but he’s also always close at hand so there’s no danger you’ll miss out on what he’s saying. Yes, he’s known as the “velcro” dog because of his instant attachment to his pet parent. Which, of course, means your days of sneaking a snack during a commercial break are now over. This pooch is notorious for applying moans, whines, grunts, and howls when he’s trying to let you know what he wants. And when the American Kennel Club brands a dog as “sometimes manipulative”, you just know he’s found a way to put his chatty talents to good use. (Photo credit: Ivanova N/Shutterstock)

4. Beagle

Where do we begin? This small, affable hunting dog is renowned for his bay – which is an instinctive mechanism that lets other dogs know that he has picked up a scent. Now, if you don’t know what baying sounds like, think of a howl, but longer, lower, and really drawn out. And domestic situations are no different. He’s still inclined to throw his head back and let her rip when he gets excited, sees a stranger, wants out, wants in… you get the picture. Because its hard to ignore a dog emitting this type of sound, he knows how to communicate the message – attention here, please. (Photo credit: Przemek Iciak/Shutterstock)

5. Malamute

Bred to pull sleighs, these big beautiful pooches are not only powerful in physique but strong-willed in nature. And when they want your attention, they know how to get it. Yes, they have perfected the art of vocalization with sounds that can range from snorting and chirping to grumbling, and even yodeling. Like the Siberian Husky, they aren’t necessarily a heavy-barking dog, but they are ready to have a conversation with you in any language you prefer – how about a snort, howl and grumble to let you know they want another treat? Now – before he breaks into a yodel. (Photo credit: elbud/Shutterstock)

6. German Shepherd Dog

Okay, so not all chatty dogs like to babble. Some like to look you straight in the eye and begin a slow boil that rises to a whine. If you’ve got a German Shepherd dog, you know what I mean. Is it frustration? Or disappointment that his human pack aren’t as enthusiastic about going to the dog park as he is? This handsome boy always seems to have a sense of urgency to his vocal communication style and he will be unrelenting until you respond. Aside from the fact it can become annoying, it also works, which is why he’s one of our more effective chatty breeds. (Photo credit: Happy monkey/Shutterstock)

7. Miniature Schnauzer

Small, dignified, and dapper in appearance, it should come as no surprise that this feisty little breed tends to keeps his chatter down to an “as needed” basis. But when he feels it’s needed, look out. In spite of his mini stance, he can easily slip into his big dog persona when he wants something and feels its important for you to be aware. In fact, he is known to position himself front and center, cranking out urgent, annoyed sounds to let you know that he won’t be ignored. While he may sound like a handful, his chatty messages are often just his need for a cuddle or ear scratch. Err… now, please. (Photo credit: Elena11/Shutterstock)

8. Chihuahua

For those who have never lived with this pint-sized provocateur, they probably assume this is just another yappy breed with small dog syndrome. But this little Mexican tamale only has eyes for his pet parent and all that yipping is small talk designed to communicate with his favorite human. It’s not gratuitous, it’s a message that he is happy to run back and forth, relaying again and again just to ensure it’s been heard. He just loves you and is advising you that he’s ready to step up and protect his home turf as needed. (Photo credit: PITAKSUNTI/Shutterstock)

9. Dachshund

Did you know that Dachshunds are the only breed known to hunt both above and below ground? So, it makes perfect sense that this low-slung, little dog is not only expert at effectively communicating back to his human partner, but that he probably has an inherent expectation to receive feedback from same. Right? Well, no surprise that this scrappy little pooch is not only quick to share his opinions but that he can be outright demanding when it comes to getting a response to the affirmative. Not one to be ignored, his stubborn streak will earn you an earful if you don’t play along. (Photo credit: Csanad Kiss/Shutterstock)

10. Shiba Inu

Owners of this confident dog know that he’s quite comfortable delivering his message in any range of vocalizations. Grunts, snorts, whines. And if you still aren’t paying attention, he’s known to resort to screaming. Yes, it’s loud, it’s high-pitched and it makes it impossible to ignore his demands. While it may sound distressing by design, it doesn’t mean he’s upset or hurt. It can slip out when he’s excited, happy to see you, or just wanting to be let out into the yard. For this pooch, oral communication with his people is one of his favorite past-times and it means he’s definitely one of our chattier pooches. (Photo credit: Rin Seiko/Shutterstock)

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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No one likes to be separated from their cherished pet for too long. But going to work is unavoidable for most of us, and, inevitably, our pets have to stay home alone. It might not seem like a big deal to you, knowing you’ll be back after a few hours, but it is definitely a big deal for your dog. In fact, most pet dogs are affected by this separation so much that they can experience anxiety and stress, ranging from mild discomfort to severe panic. Needless to say, this is traumatic for your pet (and can result in destroyed valuables, too) so it’s important to learn how to help them manage anxiety when you’re away. Here are some tips to help you navigate your pet’s separation anxiety while you’re at the office. 6 Ways To Prevent Dog Separation Anxiety When You’re At WorkGoing off to work and leaving their pet behind is a challenge for many pet owners around the world, especially those who live alone. When you're at the office, you need to make sure your pet is safe and taken care of until you come back. But even when you organize everything, your pet might feel stressed out on their own - even when it’s for a few hours, your dog won’t know why you left or even if you are coming back which can be a trigger for a panic attack for some canines. Some, especially  velcro dogs, get so nervous and stressed that they develop a separation anxiety disorder. But even so, there are many ways to help your pet cope when you're at work, regardless of the severity of their anxiety – here are 6 ways to reduce stress for your four-legged bestie.Create a Consistent Routine:Dogs thrive when they have a routine. Establish a consistent daily schedule for feeding, walks, and playtime. This helps them know what to expect and when. You can create their schedule around your work hours, so your pet will not find it odd that you are not there when they know what to expect before and after your shift (e.g. walk and mealtime).Gradual Departures and Arrivals:Don't make a big fuss when leaving or returning home. Keep your arrivals and departures low-key to reduce anxiety. This helps normalize the process. Make it seem like you just popped out for a few minutes. If you help your dog understand it is not a big deal, they might pick up on your relaxed energy and stay calm when you depart.Offer Interactive Toys: 

How to Tell Your Cats Are About to Fight, According to Scientists

Have you ever wondered if your cats are play fighting or fighting for real? People living in multi-cat households know that the occasional scuffle or a full-blown cat fight is bound to happen. However, many cat owners have a hard time figuring out whether their cats are fighting or roughhousing. A new study published in Scientific Reports can provide some clues. As it turns out, certain behaviors could indicate whether an interaction between two felines is friendly, aggressive, or something in between. In this study, scientists, including Noema Gajdoš-Kmecová from the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Slovakia, analyzed 105 videos of interactions between 210 cats. The videos were obtained directly from cat owners and YouTube. After watching around one-third of the videos, Gajdoš-Kmecová pinpointed six types of specific behaviors, including wrestling, chasing, staying still, vocalizing, interactive, and non-interactive activities. She then watched all the videos again to see which cats exhibited one of these specific behaviors and for how long. After running a statistical analysis, Gajdoš-Kmecová was able to identify three distinctive types of interactions between the cat pairs - playful, intermediate, and aggressive. To confirm her findings, other members of the research team also watched the videos and classified each interaction between cats. Over half of the cats from the videos, 56% to be exact, exhibited playful interactions. According to the study, playful interactions included wrestling and a lack of vocalization. About 29% were labeled as agonistic, meaning they exhibited any type of social behavior that included threatening, aggression, and submission. Cats in this group vocalized and exhibited recurring bouts of inactivity.The cats in the intermediate group were involved in both aggressive and playful encounters. According to researchers, this group showed prolonged exchanges of specific behaviors, like laying on the back with the belly exposed, pouncing, stalking, and grooming each other. Scientists believe that this mixture of playful and aggressive behavior may be a sign of short-term friction between the cats rather than the end of the relationship. “This might escalate into a fully agonistic encounter but does not necessarily reflect a breakdown in their social relationship but rather a short-term disagreement in social priorities,” researchers wrote in the study. This study is the first to apply a scientific approach to cat behavior that can be identified by experienced and first-time owners alike. Thanks to this study, scientists can now classify inter-cat interactions as either playful, agonistic, or intermediate. “Wrestling can be a sign of a fight but if it comes with bouts of inactivity then that often means it is playful,” explained Profesor Daniel Mills, who led the study.“Playfighting is also without vocalizations. That’s the profile of a friendly cat. The agonistic cat, they might not do as much wrestling with inactivity but they do lots of vocalization.”“Owners should keep an eye out on how much they are wrestling and whether or not they’re vocalizing. Vocalizing can be broad and include meowing and also yowling,” he added. We all know when cats are fighting fur real, but it’s important to recognize intermediate interactions, where things could end in play or escalate into a real fight. “A lot of cats end up at cat rescue centers because the owners think that they’ve fallen out. In the clinic, I’ve seen cats that are playing and the owner thinks it’s a real fight,” said Professor Mills. If your cats are really getting along (share food and toys and sleep together), an occasional bout of agonistic play is okay. But if your cats aren’t the best of friends, you should look for signs of agonistic behavior. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Poll Reveals Biggest Pet Peeves of Dog Owners in the U.S.

We love our dogs endlessly, but that doesn’t mean they don’t occasionally get under our skin. Even the most beloved pets come with a little “extra baggage,” introducing unique challenges and hurdles in our lives.If you have ever had to cancel plans because you couldn’t find a pet sitter or call into work to take your pet to the emergency vet because they ate something they shouldn’t, you understand.Of course, they are worth the effort!But what is the biggest annoyance faced by pet parents? This is the question that Forbes Advisor set out to answer with a recent nationwide poll. They surveyed 10,000 dog parents to uncover their biggest pet peeves, both nationally and state-by-state.Dog parents across the country revealed their biggest frustration was finding a dog sitter when traveling, as shared by 37.3% of those surveyed. This was also the top in 43 states and ranked among the top three responses in all 50.This was followed by:Finding dog-friendly hotels (23.6%)Having to walk/exercise their dog (23.3%)The cost of owning a dog (22.9%)Excessive barking (19.8%)Excessive shedding (17.5%)The answer highlights the importance of finding and creating a list of trusted pet sitters before you need one. This ensures that you’re covered not only when making travel plans but also in the event of an emergency.There are many ways to find a trusted pet sitter. Consider asking your veterinarian, groomer, or friends/family for recommendations. You can also check websites like Fetch and Rover for pet sitters in your area or browse marketplace-style listings on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Kijiji.Just make sure you are doing your due diligence. Don’t leave your beloved pet with a complete stranger. Instead, take time to ask questions, check reviews, and verify credentials.At the bottom of the list, the least reported annoyance was “when my dog jumps up on/lays on furniture or beds,” reported by only 5.32% of dog owners. Delaware and Missouri were the states where this was most often listed as one of their top annoyances, while those in New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Rhode Island reported it the least.Additionally, the following answers were at the bottom of the list:Having to take their dog to the groomer (7.55%)Excessive drooling/slobber (7.56%)Checking their dog for ticks (7.58%)Their dog taking over the bed (7.72%)Are you interested in a state-by-state breakdown? Forbes Advisor also shared a chart highlighting the top three pet peeves for each state, giving you a more detailed look at the opinions of other dog parents in your area.Overall, the survey provides a fascinating insight into the struggles faced by dog parents. For many, it may serve as a reminder that pet ownership isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Adding a dog to your family is a commitment, one that requires a willingness to make changes or sacrifices to meet their needs.If you occasionally struggle with frustration related to these changes, you’re not alone. Thousands of pet parents across the country also feel this way!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Signs a Dog Is in Pain

Don’t you wish your dog could talk to tell you how he feels? After all, it can be tough to figure out if your pet is experiencing discomfort. But if you learn more about your canine companion’s body language, you’ll be able to pick up on the signs your dog is in pain. Below are some of the things to watch out for.

How Do I Know If My Dog Has Frostbite?

Cold weather affects our pets even more than it does us – dogs are much more sensitive to harsh weather elements and can be especially affected by the freezing winter cold. Depending on their size and the thickness of their coat, dogs can be more or less endangered when the scales go way down below zero, and for some dogs, going out in subzero temperatures can be quite risky. So much so, that they can even get frostbite. While frostbite in dogs can range from mild to severe, it’s a condition you can’t ignore – you need to know how to quickly spot signs of frostbite in dogs and make sure to provide first aid ASAP to prevent any permanent damage. How Do I Know If My Dog Has Frostbite?Exposing your dog to extremely cold temperatures is always risky. While there are certain breeds, like  huskies, who are adapted to extreme weather conditions, dogs are generally not ideally suited for freezing temperatures and as such are at risk of getting frostbite. Frostbite is a result of skin and tissues freezing, and it usually affects the most exposed parts of the dog’s body, like the paws, ears, nose, and tail. However, it can’t always be easy to spot frostbite in the earliest stages – usually, pet owners realize they’re dealing with frostbite when the damage is already done. Try and keep an eye out for the following symptoms if your pet has been out in the cold:Swelling:When frostbite sets in, the affected area will often swell. This happens when the top layers of the skin and tissue become gradually frozen. Likewise, the swollen area could feel firm or hard to the touch.Coldness:The areas that are frostbitten will feel much colder to the touch than the rest of the body. This can be the first and the most obvious sign of frostbite.Skin Ulcers and Blisters:These nasty growths can appear when frostbite has really taken hold of an affected part. As the frostbitten flesh begins to thaw, it also blisters. Limping:When your dog limps in cold weather, it can be the first indication that something is wrong. This is usually due to the soft tissue on the paws being exposed to freezing ground. Discolored Skin:Another tell-tale sign of frostbite is the discoloration of the skin on the affected area. The main cause of this is the reduced blood flow to the area. The skin in this case will appear gray, pale, or bluish.  It goes without saying that frostbite is very dangerous. If you suspect it in your dog, please seek the help of a veterinarian at once. It is paramount that you leave professionals to take care of your pet, rather than to attempt to fix the situation on your own. Things like hot water, direct heat, and other attempts to reheat the flesh quickly will only lead to more damage. Also, keep in mind that the signs of frostbite can take several days to appear. This is mostly true for small areas of flesh being affected, such as the tip of the tail, or the ears. 

Half of Americans Believe Pets Steal the Spotlight During Holidays

A survey revealed that nearly half of Americans (43%) think their loved ones are more excited to see their pets on the holidays than they are to see them. This survey involved 2,000 cat and dog owners and was conducted by One Poll on behalf of Nulo. According to results, 32% of surveyed owners admit they are more delighted to see a friend’s or family member’s pet than they are to see them. Surprisingly, 20% of dog owners think their pets love the holiday season more than they do.What’s not so surprising, is that almost half of respondents (48%) do something special for their pet during the happiest time of year. This includes buying custom ornaments or decorations (64%), dressing their pets in holiday clothing or pajamas (60%), getting their pet their own Christmas tree (49%), and stocking (47%).Half of pet owners like to give their four-legged companions extra treats during the holiday season, and 45% admit they dole out more treats to their pets at Christmas than during any other time of the year. In addition to extra treats, more than two-thirds of pets are likely to be treated with a special holiday meal. This survey also found that the majority of pet parents believe that their pets enjoy the hustle and bustle of holidays and are looking forward to the influx of visitors during the holiday season. Begging for attention, welcoming guests, and playing with a new holiday toy are some of the ways owners know that their pets are in the festive mood.Nearly half of responders give their pets gifts for Christmas. Those owners, on average, spend more than $100 on three gifts for their pets.Most owners decide to gift their pet toys (61%), clothes (59%), and treats (56%).Interestingly, this survey also looked at which family members are the most likely to spoil the pet. The results showed that the owner’s brother is the most likely to buy a present for the pet, followed by the owner’s parents. Surprisingly, 36% of grandfathers buy gifts for their four-legged grandchildren, compared to 34% of grandmothers. “Healthy treats and special occasion meals are a great way to involve your dog or cat in fun holiday moments - and can add a nutritional boost as a bonus,” said Heather Mendoza, Nulo’s Director of Research & Development, according to New York Post. It’s great to see that pet owners are offering their pets special meals that mimic their own holiday feasts. The holiday season provides the opportunity for quality time and special experiences with our families, including finding more ways to show love and affection to our furballs, she added.In addition to gifts, more cuddles, and treats, pets are also spoiled more during the holiday season by having their special person at home with them. Nearly half of respondents admit to going on more walks and adventures with their pets during the holidays. Interestingly, 40% of owners report that their pets also get to sleep more.Considering that almost all American pet owners consider their pets a part of the family, it’s no surprise that pets partake in holiday traditions. The majority of owners bring their pets to celebrations at other people’s homes. Pets are also involved in “opening the presents” and even go to meet the Santa. “Results showed that 40% of respondents believe Christmas is their pet’s favorite holiday - far ahead of the second favorite (New Year’s Day) at 19%,” said Mendoza. And if you still haven’t found a perfect gift for your pet, don’t despair! Check out our detailed holiday gift guide for cats and dogs to find the best holiday present for your four-legged companion. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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Why is My Rabbit Eating Poop and How Do I Stop It?

It’s a weird and uncomfortable habit, but if your rabbit is eating poop, it may not be a sign of health issues! In fact, for rabbits, eating poop may actually be a healthy decision (even if we’d prefer not to see it).In this article, we’re diving into the mystery of why rabbits eat poop, including why you may want to let your rabbit engage in this “cringey” habit. Plus, we’ll look at the warning signs that something is, indeed, off and when you should contact your veterinarian.Let’s get started…Is it Normal for a Rabbit to Eat Their Poop?Obviously, seeing your rabbit eating their own feces isn’t something any rabbit parent enjoys. If this is your first time seeing your rabbit engaging in this behavior, it may even cause serious concerns. What could possibly be so wrong with your rabbit’s system that they would feel tempted to do that? You may be surprised to learn that this is incredibly common and, in many cases, a regular part of their digestive process. By eating a specific type of poop, they ensure that they are getting (and keeping) all the nutrients that they need to support a healthy, happy life. The idea of chowing down on our own waste is disgusting to us. But for our furry friends, this is a normal part of their daily routine. Rabbit Poop vs Cecotropes To better understand the connection between poop eating and your rabbit’s health, we need to learn about the different types of rabbit waste. More specifically, we need to know about cecotropes. When we go to the bathroom, we have one type of solid waste – a material we couldn’t imagine getting near, let alone making into a meal. Rabbits, however, pass two different types of droppings. The first is fecal waste or poop. If your rabbit has a healthy, functioning digestive system, these will be small, round, dry, ball-like pellets that are light brown. This is often found in your rabbit’s litter box (if they are litter-trained) or the bottom of their cage.The second and the most important type of droppings are cecal pellets or cecotropes. These have the appearance of a small bunch of grapes with several round pellets clumped together. They are shiny, coated in mucus, and usually dark brown/mulberry color. The mucus is sticky, which could cause the cecotropes to pick up a layer of hay, wood shavings, or fur from their environment. While feces is the body’s way of discarding everything your body doesn’t need from your food, aka the ‘waste,’ cecotropes are a little different. These pellets contain partially digested foods that passed through your rabbit’s system without the nutrients being absorbed the first time. They are packed with nutrients as well as helpful bacteria and fungi that support a healthy gastrointestinal system. When you see a rabbit eating their waste, they are usually eating these cecotropes. This allows them to absorb the much-needed nutrients that would otherwise be lost.

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