Not all dogs feel the need to fill the air with barks and howls. While some breeds are naturally vocal, others are content to communicate with quiet companionship. For dog lovers who live in apartments, close-knit neighborhoods, or simply prefer a more peaceful home environment, choosing a calm and quiet breed can make all the difference.
Quiet dog breeds are known for their low tendency to bark, whine, or howl unnecessarily. While all dogs will occasionally make noise—especially when excited or alert—some are just less inclined to be loud. These breeds tend to be more laid-back, observant, or simply more selective in when they use their voice. Though training plays a role in curbing excessive barking, starting with a naturally quiet breed offers a head start for harmonious living.
Whether you’re a city dweller with sensitive neighbors or simply someone who values peace and quiet, this list of quiet dog breeds will help you find a fiercely loyal companion who lets their presence be known without making a sound.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Rarely Bark
1. Irish Setter
The Irish Setter, often referred to as the “Red Setter,” is a high-spirited gundog known for its elegance, athleticism, and affectionate nature. Originating in 18th-century Ireland, the breed was developed from a mix of spaniels, pointers, and other setters to assist hunters by quietly locating birds without startling them.
These striking dogs belong to the Sporting group and typically stand between 25 and 27 inches tall, weighing 40 to 70 pounds. With an expected lifespan of 12 to 15 years, Irish Setters are beloved for their exuberant personalities and deep loyalty to family.
They are friendly with children and thrive in active households that can accommodate their high energy levels and need for mental stimulation. WebMD says Irish Setters make excellent companions for families due to their friendly and energetic nature.
Unique Traits
Despite their energetic disposition, Irish Setters are not frequent barkers. Bred to silently “set” when detecting game, their role in the field demanded focus and calm rather than vocal alarms.
Their vivid mahogany coat requires consistent brushing to prevent tangles and debris. While they adore running outdoors, Irish Setters also crave companionship and do best when included in family activities.
Fun Fact: The Irish Setter’s flamboyant red coat and sweet disposition made it a favorite of President Nixon, who had a beloved Setter named King Timahoe.
2. Saluki
Also known as the Persian Greyhound or Gazelle Hound, the Saluki is a regal, ancient breed whose lineage traces back to Egypt and the Fertile Crescent as far as 7000 BCE. PetMD states that the elegant and powerful build of this breed made it a favorite among royalty.
Revered as the “royal dog of Egypt,” Salukis were companions of pharaohs and Bedouin tribes alike, primarily used to hunt gazelles and hares. Today, they’re celebrated for their quiet demeanor and striking elegance.
These hounds belong to the Hound group and typically stand 23 to 28 inches tall, weighing between 40 to 65 pounds. Salukis are long-legged and graceful, with a life expectancy ranging from 10 to 17 years. Though not known for barking, they are far from lazy, requiring plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation.
Unique Traits
These hunting dogs come in two coat varieties: feathered and smooth. Their coats can be white, cream, fawn, golden, black and tan, or grizzle and tan, often silky to the touch.
With large, expressive oval eyes and a noble bearing, they exude dignity. Despite their quiet nature, they are fast sprinters—capable of reaching speeds up to 42 miles per hour. Salukis adapt well to various climates and thrive with structured routines.
Did you know? In Islamic tradition, Salukis were one of the few breeds considered clean and were often welcomed inside Bedouin tents and royal palaces.
3. Akita
Also known as the American Akita or Great Japanese Dog, the Akita hails from Japan’s mountainous Akita prefecture and has a legacy of loyalty and strength. Originally bred for hunting large game and serving as guard dogs for nobility, these powerful canines belong to the Working Group and are known for their dignified demeanor and fearless nature.
Akitas are large, muscular dogs, with males typically standing 26–28 inches tall and weighing around 110 pounds, while females range from 24–26 inches and weigh approximately 80 pounds. According to the AKC, the breed has a broad, massive head that is well-balanced by a full, curled-over tail.
With a life span of 10 to 14 years, they are ideal for experienced owners who can provide firm, consistent training and socialization.
Despite their formidable appearance, Akitas are remarkably reserved and rarely vocalize without a reason, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a quiet companion.
Unique Traits
The Akita’s dense double coat comes in a variety of striking colors like white, brindle, and pinto, often with a bold facial mask. Their full, curled tail, erect ears, and strong jawline give them a noble and alert look.
These dogs are typically calm indoors but can be protective and territorial, making them exceptional watchdogs. They form deep bonds with their family but remain aloof from strangers.
Their natural inclination toward silence means they only bark when necessary, often as a warning or during moments of stress or excitement. Early socialization helps reduce reactivity and reinforces their naturally quiet disposition.
Fun Fact: The most famous Akita, Hachikō, is revered in Japan for his unwavering loyalty—waiting daily at a train station for his deceased owner for nearly 10 years.
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog, affectionately known as the “Berner,” hails from Switzerland and has served as a devoted working dog for centuries. Originally bred by Romans over 2,000 years ago, this gentle giant was used to drive cattle, pull carts, and guard homesteads in the Swiss Alps.
Berners belong to the Working Group and stand tall at 23 to 27.5 inches, weighing between 70 to 115 pounds. Known for their sweet, affectionate temperament and striking tri-color coat, they’re ideal for families—especially those with children—and are typically calm, friendly, and loyal to a fault. Their life expectancy ranges from 7 to 10 years.
Unique Traits
Bernese Mountain Dogs are impressively quiet, often choosing to remain calm and observant rather than vocalizing. While some may bark in excitement or alert, most remain reserved unless provoked by unusual activity.
Their thick, silky double coat—typically black with rust and white markings—is not only beautiful but also suited for cold weather, which complements their historic alpine duties. Berners are intelligent, eager to please, and thrive when given mental and physical stimulation.
Fun Fact: A heroic Berner named Nico once saved two people from a rip current in California, showcasing the breed’s courage and loyalty.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, affectionately known as the Cavalier, Charlies, or Cavies, is a regal yet affectionate toy breed originating from England.
Standing at 12–13 inches tall and weighing between 13–18 pounds, this breed was developed from the English Toy Spaniel in the early 1900s to revive the longer-muzzled spaniels once beloved by King Charles II.
With their poised demeanor and adaptable nature, Cavaliers have become cherished companions across both countryside manors and urban apartments. They belong to the Toy Group and typically live 12 to 15 years.
Unique Traits
What sets the Cavaliers apart is their calm, gentle spirit. They rarely bark, making them ideal for apartment dwellers or families desiring a quieter pet. Instead of reacting with noise, they greet strangers with a wag and a nuzzle.
Their expressive, round eyes and silky ears make them irresistible, while their friendly nature ensures they fit seamlessly into households with children or other pets. Cavaliers may vocalize when seeking attention or feeling separation anxiety, but this is often easily managed with companionship and affection.
Fun Fact: U.S. President Ronald Reagan gifted a Cavalier named Rex to his wife, Nancy, who later lit the White House Christmas tree with a simple paw press.
6. French Bulldog
Known affectionately as the “Frenchie,” the French Bulldog originated in France during the late 1800s from small native dogs crossed with toy Bulldogs. Recognizable by its compact frame, signature bat-like ears, and alert expression, this nonsporting breed stands 11–13 inches tall and weighs under 28 pounds.
Frenchies are celebrated for their affectionate demeanor and adaptability, making them ideal for city dwellers or anyone living in a smaller space. With a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, they form close bonds with their families and require minimal outdoor exercise.
Unique Traits
French Bulldogs are well-known for their quiet personalities. Unlike many small dogs, they bark infrequently, usually only to alert or during moments of excitement. Instead of yapping, they often “talk” through snorts, grumbles, or soft whines.
Their short, smooth coats come in a variety of colors, including brindle, fawn, and white. These low-energy companions are content lounging indoors and are especially suited for apartment life, though they may surprise you with some impressive snores.
Fun Fact: A French Bulldog named Gamin de Pycombe was a passenger aboard the Titanic. His owner, Robert Daniel, survived, but sadly, the dog did not.
7. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested, sometimes affectionately called the “Crestie,” is a toy dog breed known for its endearing eccentricity and distinct appearance. It comes in two types: the hairless variety, which has soft, exposed skin with tufts of hair on the head, feet, and tail, and the “powderpuff,” which is covered in a fine, silky coat.
Originating possibly from Africa and popularized by Chinese merchant ships, this breed stands about 11–13 inches tall and weighs between 5–10 pounds.
With a lifespan of 13 to 18 years, the Chinese Crested is prized for its affectionate temperament, clownish personality, and low tendency to bark, making it a peaceful presence in any home. Cresteds thrive on companionship and attention, making them ideal for devoted pet parents who won’t leave them alone for long.
Unique Traits
Cresteds are playful, gentle, and rarely vocal unless truly necessary. They are intelligent and quick to learn tricks, often delighting their families with their goofy antics. Their love of climbing and digging calls for engaging play or a secure yard.
The breed’s fine-boned elegance is matched by its low bark frequency, making it perfect for apartment dwellers or noise-sensitive households. A fun fact: Cresteds have unusually large, upright ears and are often seen cuddling with their favorite humans like tiny lap dogs.
Conclusion
In a world full of noise, quiet dog breeds offer a soothing alternative. These zen-like dogs provide peace without sacrificing personality or companionship. Whether you’re in an apartment or simply value tranquility, generally quiet breeds bring harmony into the home. They may not bark much, but their presence speaks volumes through calm loyalty and gentle affection. These dogs are often intuitive, adaptable, and eager to bond, making them great companions for a low-stress lifestyle.
Beyond the breeds already highlighted, others like the Great Dane are surprisingly soft-spoken despite their towering size. Similarly, the Basenji—often dubbed the “barkless dog”—expresses itself through yodel-like sounds instead of traditional barking. Both breeds exemplify how silence doesn’t equal aloofness. For those seeking a serene yet affectionate pet, these quiet breeds prove you don’t need a bark to make a lasting impression.
