Why Are Dalmatians So Vocal: 5 Real Reasons Why

Last Updated on November 7, 2022 by The Puppy Mag

Dalmatians are known to be one of the more vocal breeds out there… But many owners ask us why? Dals can whistle, howl, grunt, talk, sing, and more.

This article explains everything about Dalmatians and their vocal habits, let’s get into it!

Being Vocal Comes Down To Communication

Whether it’s howling, whining, talking, grunting, barking, or singing, it’s all a form of communication. For your dalmatian, making “noise” is all about communicating what he’s thinking and how he’s feeling.

Communication is used as a tool, to inform you of something. Whether it’s getting close to his mealtime, he’s feeling sick, or maybe he’s letting you know that he doesn’t appreciate you touching his toy! It’s all for the purpose of communicating feelings and thoughts.

Typically, the most vocal breeds tend to be working breeds, as they must communicate to their owners when out hunting, pointing, retrieving, or guarding. Dalmatians are a working breed and would have been communicating (checking in) with their owners as they ran alongside the horses and carriages.

Food for thought: It’s the same as us, why do we talk? Better yet, why do we talk to dogs? Maybe in an alternate universe, there are dalmatians writing articles about why humans are so vocal? lol!

Interesting Read: Why Dalmatians mostly have a bad reputation.

5 Reasons Why Dalmatians Are So Vocal

Let’s run through all of the reasons behind your dal’s interesting vocal habits.

1. Anticipating or waiting for something

Howling, whining, and talking are classic behaviors when your dalmatian patiently waits for you to do something.

This could be in anticipation for his mealtime, to be let outside, to go for his walk, or when your partner returns home every day.

Events that cause anticipation usually evoke some visible or audible behaviors. This is simply him letting you know that something needs to be done, or that it’s getting close to a certain event.

When your dal’s anticipation is building up you may also see him shake, pace, and get excitable.

2. Getting told off

Grunting, cooing, whining, and talking often happens in response to when he’s being told off, has been caught red-handed going through the garbage, or he’s just done something he knows he shouldn’t have.

Being vocal after having done something naughty can mean different things, and it’s admittedly hard to distinguish.

The most common is that he’s expressing his feeling of wrong-doing and admitting that he’s been “naughty”.

And the other is when he completely disagrees with you and doesn’t care what you’re saying, in these situations, it’s kind of like he’s arguing with you and back-chatting you. Either way, his vocals in these situations all indicate discontent and stress.

3. Reacting to external sounds

Dalmatians often howl in response to certain sounds. It’s typical to hear dal’s responding to sirens, the television, and even baby cries with their own drawn-out howl.

When dogs howl in response to baby cries, it’s considered by them to be a pacifying response, in order to reassure the baby. Whether or not this happens is completely different, but that’s the intent behind this kind of responsive howling.

When Dal’s howl in response to sirens, it typically means something different. Dogs used howling in the wild to find their way back to the pack if they ever get lost.

Howling travels incredibly far (up to 10-15 miles) and is far more effective than barking. When your dal hears a siren, he may actually think it’s a lost pack member in the distance.

4. Changes in their environment

Dogs are very sensitive to their environment, not just inside your home, but outside in your local neighborhood too.

Things like different neighbors, new pets, the presence of other animals outside, or even building-works can all potentially evoke a response from your Dalmatian, either negative or positive.

Responding to changes in their environment is usually indicative of something that’s stressful for them. And your dalmatian is much more likely to whine and talk when something has changed that they aren’t happy with.

I’ve heard many examples of other dogs (not specifically dalmatians) who started howling and whining upon having a change of neighbor. It wasn’t until they met the new neighbor and became accustomed to their smell did they stop with the vocals.

5. Injury or illness

Health concerns are another frequent cause of whining, whimpering, and even growling.

When you or I have a cut or graze, we will subconsciously or consciously keep the injured area shielded from other people or anything that may get close to it. Dog’s do the same, and protective growling is a common reaction to a recent injury or fresh wound.

But sometimes, it’s more subtle than that. Whimpering and light whining throughout the day could indicate an underlying health concern that isn’t so obvious.

It could be anything from feeling unwell to serious conditions that require veterinary help.

So due to this, it’s always best to rule out health conditions first, before assuming your dal’s vocals are caused by something else.

Trending Article: Do Dalmatians go blind or deaf? What every Dal owner should know

When Does Your Dalmatian Become Vocal?

To really figure out why your dalmatian is vocal, it’s important to recognize patterns in the behavior, specifically when it happens.

Timing. Does the whining, talking, and howling all happen at the same time every day? If it does then try to focus on what happens around that time of the day and shortly before it. Perhaps it’s when your partner leaves for work, or when you typically take him out for his daily walk?

Knowing when the behavior happens will give you the best clues as to why it’s happening. Compare the timing of the vocals to the typical events that usually take place at that moment.

Don’t Forget, Being Vocal Is Normal!

Lastly, it’s important to remember that being vocal is mostly normal. There isn’t anything wrong with being vocal, and frankly, it’s part of what makes dalmatians so interesting.

Whether it’s howling, singing, talking, or yes, grunting at you. Their range of vocals and ways to communicate can make for an excellent bond between the both of you.

Just remember that If the vocals are being caused by discontentment, try to figure out a resolution to that issue, and always be ready to rule out health concerns with your veterinarian.

Check out this awesome clip of a dal singing!

Thank you for reading! I hope this has answered your question on why dalmatians are so vocal, and if you have any feedback or further questions, please let me know! I am always happy to edit my articles if needed.

Recommended Read: Why does my Dalmatian smell do bad?

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