Silence is more than just the absence of sound; it’s a form of self-care. According to the Cleveland Clinic, quiet moments help the mind unwind, spark creativity, and promote mindfulness by giving our brains a break from constant stimulation. In today’s noisy world, a little peace and calm can feel like a luxury, one that benefits both body and soul.
But let’s be honest, achieving that Zen-level serenity at home isn’t always easy, especially if you live in a bustling city like New York, Paris, or Amsterdam. That’s where the right furry companion makes all the difference.
If you’re looking for a loyal friend who brings comfort without the constant barking, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up the best quiet dog breeds that rarely bark, even when left alone. These calm, low-noise pups are perfect for apartment living, urban lifestyles, or simply anyone who values tranquility as much as tail wags.
So, take a deep breath, turn down the noise, and let’s meet the gentle, peaceful companions who prove that love doesn’t always need to be loud.
Dog Breeds That Bark Rarely, Even When Left Alone
1. Chinese Shar-Pei
Imagine coming home to a peaceful, calm environment? Seems like a dream of a full-blown introvert, but hey, what about we say this peace and soothing symphony can be a possibility even without your solitude? Seems impossible, doesn’t it, but it’s actually not.
Just so you know, this unique partner of yours comes with guaranteed loyalty, devotion, and a calm, composed, and quiet temperament.
Chinese Shar Pei, according to PetMD, is a strong, sturdy dog and a reliable companion for families and loners alike. Usually recognized for their calm confidence, the Shar-Pei is not a breed known for excessive barking.
Most are naturally quiet, docile, and composed. Though originally bred as guard dogs, they may show protective instincts or wariness toward unfamiliar people or animals, yet they rarely make unnecessary noise.
Shar-Peis often form a particularly strong bond with one person in the household, earning their reputation as “one-person dogs.” However, they’re also affectionate with the entire family and deeply loyal to anyone who treats them with kindness and respect.
Proper early socialization is essential to prevent any signs of distrust or aloofness toward strangers. Choosing a reputable, experienced breeder is equally important to ensure a well-balanced temperament and a confident, well-adjusted companion.
2. Shiba Inu
Yes, you heard that right, this trendy red spitz dog that became famous for the dog meme, does bring in a massive load of pizzazz and character, but also a massive advantage of adding not much background noise to your important calls and meetings.
Perfect for enjoying your contemplative evenings, self-reflective mornings, and calm and cozy nights.
Orvis notes that independent, confident, and faithful, this ancient Japanese breed that is now deemed a national treasure isn’t your usual cuddly lap dog, but they are quite a goofy, bold, and delightful breed that is always excited to go out there, play, and show you their athleticism with excitement.
This double-coated, beautiful pup is such a blissful breed for an introvert because you can see but can’t hear them.
The Shiba Inu also has a cat-like attitude, hence those Mozart fans who hate the loud barks and woofs of a canine and are more of a cat person should explore the possibility of bringing in this fiercely loyal breed that has a low tendency to bark or howl.
3. Bernese mountain dog
Have you ever had the chance to meet a strong, burly bundle of fluff who seems pretty boisterous but is as calm as the Buddha himself? If you haven’t, meet the Bernese mountain dog, an exceptionally beautiful tricolored breed from Switzerland.
These docile creampuffs or dark Swiss chocolate cakes topped with Swiss meringue are the ideal dogs for young families and older adults who have too much noise in their house and prefer some silence and harmony over incessant noise pollution.
Continental Kennel Club advises that these large dogs are ideal for those who are looking for a multi-talented dog breed. Because this sweet puppy proves to be a great guardian, herder, drover of cattle, and puller of carts.
It is the main power behind the famous Swiss cheese and Swiss chocolate as they were used by dairy farmers in Bern, Switzerland.
4. Newfoundland
It is believed that Americans tend to struggle with stillness and quiet time, as FOMO runs deep and is a big part of the culture, and is ingrained in the fabric of the nation. People use external stimuli like devices and social media to distract themselves from personal thoughts or feelings that are uncomfortable.
But hey, meet the ultimate motivational force that will encourage you and empower your meditation practice. These huge dogs have mastered the art of self-reflection and will often be found sitting in stillness, looking internally and delving deeper.
VCA Animal Hospitals states this massive dog breed is known for a social, patient, and loyal nature, intelligence, and ease of training. Moreover, these pooches are neither shy nor aggressive.
The Newfies were originally bred to assist fishermen in pulling carts or fishnets out of the water or for water rescuing due to their excellent swimming skills and webbed feet.
Yet this brave and heroic puppy, whose exact roots are lost in history, happens to be one of the most silent and sweetest dogs out there.
5. Scottish deerhound
Did you know? Creativity and problem-solving come easily to those who talk less and listen more. Maybe these scraggly pooches already had an inkling that there is a high value in being more observant.
Hence, it mastered the art of silence and built that laser-sharp focus which helped him in hunting giant wild red deer in his home country.
This popular companion dog is another quietest dog on the list, which also happens to be the “Royal dog of Scotland” and is as majestic as it is ancient. This calm dog breed is also one of the tallest, strongest, fastest sighthounds with a lithe, athletic build and a powerful, regal appearance.
The AKC says these polite hunting dogs are the most unique dogs put there. They crave attention and human companionship and are often found lounging around the house or showcasing their large burst of sighthound energy when exercising.
But hey! If you want to enjoy your morning coffee sans device or magazine and want to practice mindfulness (being in the present), then these big dogs with an incredible sense of smell, speed, and stamina, and a profound loyalty to their master, are a great, sophisticated pick for a family dog. Because not only is it generally quiet, but also a rare and highly sought-after breed to this day.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Not looking for a rambunctious, aggressive, and loud puppy to own? Do not fear, as this Cavalier will not make your life stressful or filled with fear. Highly loyal and extremely effortless in the matter of training. The owners of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel rave about the sweet qualities and attributes of these small dogs with poetic fervor.
Extremely affectionate and attentive, these bright, playful, and well-balanced dogs with slightly wavy and silky coats are a dream to raise and own. They are highly sociable, courageous, intelligent, and keen athletes who love to run, chase, and enjoy the outdoors quite often.
They like attention and frequent exercise; hence, they won’t start barking at every small thing if their physical and mental stimulation needs are being met. Hence, if you treat them like the royalty they are and focus on getting them well socialized from an early age, these typically friendly puppies will also return the favor and make the lives of their potential owners a possible wonderland.
P.S. Apartment dwellers note that these pups tend to bark less than their other boisterous counterparts and can even keep your neighbors on good terms with you.
7. Greyhound
It is quite bizarre to see that the literal picture of speed, grace, and power happens to be a part of the quiet dog breeds list. But did you know? Even athletes and Olympians value inner peace, strength, and being in sync with their inner spirits, as many of them swear by the sheer power of will, which becomes the reason for their success.
Hence, this 45-mph couch potato, or as Purina calls them, the racehorses of the canine world, also know the power of resting and recharging his batteries more than once in a while. These dignified and sweet dogs are known for their quiet grace and nobility.
Hence, a perfect silent companion who can steady your breathing, decrease your heart rate, lower your blood pressure, reduce muscular tension, and increase your focus and cognition.
P.S. The only thing you need to be worried about when having these greyhounds as a pet is their relentless habit for the chase from which it is impossible to call back their attention, as they are prone to following whatever crosses their path. Hence, it is vital that they stay on a leash in an open space.
8. Saint Bernard
This original search and rescue pup and the Hollywood superstars of the dog world. These gentle giants don’t just give you peace of mind; their caring and patient nature also makes them great nannies for young children. (Talk about endearing, they are even motherly).
Straight from the Swiss Alps, this powerful workhorse of a dog has a boisterous presence and a serious expression that gives them the ultimate superhero vibes (it even looks like it’s ready to save you in an instant).
But you might not have guessed that such an active dog with such an immensely daunting job is another quiet dog breed that is gentle, playful, and curious, a big dog. You’ll find them snuggling with their owners or spreading joy and kindness with their teddy bear-like cuddly presence.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) gives a great feature story about Tuffy, a 9-year-old Saint Bernard who has been a therapy dog since she was just over a year old, who sometimes marches to the beat of her own drum but is basically a very sweet girl.
9. Basenji
Also known as the barkless dog, this unique pup doesn’t woof like the common mainstream dogs. Nor is it too easy to train due to his independent, intelligent, and interesting nature. But hey, it is a breed of antiquity, where cave paintings in Libya from 6000 B.C depict dogs remarkably similar to the basenji.
Omlet describes that the pygmies, one of the oldest cultures in Africa, also kept basenjis in the place which is now called the Democratic Republic of Congo.
These barkless dogs were excellent hunters who were capable of independently fulfilling the massive task on their own and were the sole reason their owners remained fed for years.
These independent and aloof puppies are wary of strangers and boisterous children and loved by their owners for their yodeling, howling, and screaming. This highly active breed is quite stubborn and also gets bored easily, which then gives them a straightaway pass to mischief.
But with proper training and socialization, these adorable dogs can prove to be pleasant companions and a source of constant entertainment for their owners.
Conclusion
Have you ever seen those monks sitting on some cliffs like Master Shifu from the Kung Fu Panda? Practicing balance, discipline, and harmony to become great warriors or people of intellect. These dogs are like those buddhas and monks that are calm and in sync with what lies within. You can see most of these pooches shoulder immensely difficult jobs and responsibilities, yet they are calm and composed rather than being loud and boisterous, which indicates their inner strength and determination.
They know chaos can only be handled with patience and composure, and to be alert and focused, they need to remain silent to hear more clearly what’s happening around them. Some more examples of the calm and dignified breeds happen to be the immaculately powerful Rhodesian ridgeback, the extremely breathtaking Afghan hound, the cuddly chow chows, the glamorous Irish setter, the intriguing Russian wolfhound, the cat-like Japanese Chin, and the silky-haired Shih tzu.
