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What Is The 'Whining Dog' Meme? The German Shepherd Whining In Many TikTok Brainrot Memes Explained
There's a new meme on TikTok, simply called "Whining Dog." It shows a German Shepherd whining like, "Hm, hm, hm, hm," at its owner.
The silly animal has sparked an odd brainrot trend, involving absurd, lobotomized video edits that mash the original clip into oblivion. What started as a wholesome dog video has since become a niche method for chronically online ne'er do wells to flex their editing skills (and the dark recesses of their minds).
So, where did it come from? What is the "Whining Dog" meme, and how is it spreading online? Let's explain.
Where Did The Original 'Whining Dog' Video Come From?
The first known upload of the "Whining Dog" video was shared by TikTok user @pet.pet.pet.pet.pet in early August 2025. The page is dedicated to reposting viral animal content, mostly from Chinese social media.
Unfortunately, the video's original poster is still unknown. Whoever they are, they decided to record their German Shepherd whining while sitting on the ground. It's something that the breed is known for. They start breathing like a squeaky toy whenever they want pets or a treat.
On TikTok, the "Whining Dog" video has racked up more than 2.7 million likes. It's also still receiving new comments, mostly because of the new memes that have gotten people circling back to the source material.
How Did The 'Whining Dog' Become A Meme?
The "Whining Dog" video started spreading as a meme when some Instagram Reels users paired it with an onomatopoeic caption that, for some reason, also included two stock graph Emojis, reading in full, "Hm📈hm📉 hm📉 hm-hm📈 hm📈 hm📉 hm-hm📈📈📈📈📈📈."
Because of the caption, some internet users have started calling the German Shepherd the "Hm Hm Hm Dog," as seen in a video from Instagram user @thwomp25.
In recent weeks, the "Whining Dog" video has mutated past the point of no return. It's entered the fried, brainrotted sphere of the internet, where meme creators are adding ridiculous CapCut effects and filters, trying to confuse and awe the viewer.
The videos are being described as a "lobotomy" by some, mimicking the sensory numbing effect of old "Hood Irony" edits from years past.
Basically, the point of the "Whining Dog" memes is to be incomprehensible. They fully realize the "Our Brains Are Shrinking" reaction image because what else could be going on in the skull of its avid supporters.
What Are Some More 'Whining Dog' Memes?
'Whining Dog' Meme Green Screen / Template
For the full history of Whining Dog, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's entry for even more information.