Yellow Lab Puppy's First Bark Is So Fierce It Knocks Him Right Off His Feet
Our little fur babies grow up so fast. Which means we can consider ourselves lucky if we get to be there for all their big milestones. Especially since many of them — from barking to wagging their tails — may happen before we officially bring them home. For instance, most pups aren't adopted before eight weeks old, but many bark as soon as four weeks! So, if you haven't witnessed a first bark, you're in for a treat, as this TikTok video features a fierce one for the whole internet to see.
@caitlin_gregg The "bark" took everything out of this sweet puppy! #labrador #labradorpuppy #labradorsoftiktok #yellowlab #puppytok
Oh, to be a proud paw-rent. One TikToker got to capture a wonderfully precious moment in their pup's life: his first bark! And this one was a total doozy. The short clip shows one yellow Lab in a crowd of other pups sniffing his sibling. Then, he opens his mouth to speak and a powerful squeak of a bark comes out, knocking him right off his feet!
As the TikToker noted, we all just witnessed a puppy find his voice for the first time, which is almost too cute to be real. The fact that his bark was especially fierce is even more fascinating. "That bark's so loud it almost pushed him. What a mighty puppy!" said one amazed viewer in the comments. As another commenter said, this really is the "biggest little bark" around.
Do all dogs bark?
Now this pup had a mighty, mighty bark, and many other doggos do, too! However, just because we associate barking with all dogs, do they actually all do it? Well, not necessarily. Let's dig into the reasons some dogs bark a lot, and others don't at all.
Almost all dog breeds are capable of barking. All dog breeds but one, that is. The Basenji is the only dog breed in the world that doesn't bark (but it's not silent). Instead, this breed makes a sound that, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), is a mix between "a chortle and a yodel." Even if your fido isn't an official "barkless dog," that doesn't mean it has to use its bark much at all. A dog's barking frequency can have a lot to do with its personality and temperament, like Shiba Inus or Saint Bernards that are known for being less vocal.
A naturally quiet dog isn't really cause for concern. In fact, people who live in an apartment may want to take advantage of notably quieter pups. However, if you've usually got a big barker on your hands who suddenly stops, it may be something to look into. While your dog may be hoarse and just need a vocal break, it could also be a sign of larger issues like infection or a neurological condition, so be sure to set up a vet visit.