Is That a Man Screaming in Pain? Nope, It’s Just Walter the Frenchie
As much as we adore our dogs and treat them like family, they sure have some quirks that leave us laughing, scratching our heads, or saying, “What on earth was that?” That’s exactly how the internet feels about Walter Geoffrey, a senior French Bulldog with a flair for the dramatic and a scream that sounds uncannily human. (Watch Video Above)
Nicknamed the “King of Meltdown City,” Walter has gone viral for his theatrical tantrums and over-the-top howls that are equal parts hilarious and bewildering. One listen, and you’ll understand why this eccentric Frenchie has become an internet legend.
Why This Frenchie Throws Full-On Hissy Fits
Walter’s mom, Amber Martin, runs his wildly popular Instagram account, and recently, she gave his one million followers an inside look at what sets off his infamous meltdowns.
Amber revealed five triggers that make Walter scream like a banshee: impatience, boredom, annoyance, attention-seeking, and good old-fashioned hunger. And when all else fails? A bite of his favorite food is often the only thing that can soothe his dramatic soul, and save Amber’s ears in the process!
Walter’s latest post racked up over 49,000 likes and more than 7,000 comments—proving once again that his dramatic antics never fail to brighten people’s day. One fan, Lisa Whited, commented, “We need the best of Walter’s top 10 meltdowns ❤️🔥” while another joked, “Someone’s grandpa is screaming 😍.”
But Walter’s fame doesn’t stop at Instagram. His signature human-like howls have even caught the attention of global media, with Daily Mail UK calling his sounds “unique human-sounding howls.”
The First Meltdown
Amber was in her late 20s when she brought Walter home and instantly fell in love. But it didn’t take long for her to notice something unusual about her new Frenchie pup.
Back when Walter was still being potty trained, Amber once placed him in his crate and stepped away, only to hear what sounded like loud screams of pain. Panicked, she rushed back, worried he was hurt. But to her surprise, Walter was perfectly fine.
When she tried leaving again, the cries returned. That was the moment Amber first witnessed Walter’s signature meltdown and realized that she has a weird dog. This was unknowingly, the beginning of Walter’s journey to stardom.
Is It Normal for Dogs to Scream Like Walter?
While barking, whining, and howling are par for the course with dogs, “screaming” like Walter does is definitely on the rare end of the spectrum. According to Rover.com, breeds like Shiba Inus and Huskies are known for their high-pitched screeches, often as a way of expressing excitement or demanding attention.
French Bulldogs, like Walter, aren’t far behind when it comes to dramatic flair. But for most dogs, a sudden scream can signal pain, fear, or anxiety. That’s why understanding the context—whether your dog is being left alone, wants food, or is genuinely distressed—is key.
In Walter’s case, his mom has figured out his unique vocal range is more personality than panic. And while the average pet parent might consider gentle training or enrichment toys to tone things down, for Walter, the screams are just part of his charm—and his path to stardom.
Walter’s howls are truly in a league of their own, and his viral fame proves it. Few dogs have ever captured the internet’s imagination quite like he has. Still, Walter isn’t the only dog whose unexpected vocal talents have left people baffled and amused.
A Pomeranian-Bichon Frise mix named Rocky became an online sensation for letting out screeches that are more eagle than canine. And then there’s Livvy, a Labrador-Golden Retriever puppy who was caught on video screaming into a pillow like a human going through a quarter-life crisis.
It turns out Walter may be the king of meltdowns, but he’s got a few honorary members in his animal scream squad.
