7 Quietest Dog Breeds To Consider

Silence can be golden—especially when it comes to choosing the right dog. While barking and howling are natural ways for dogs to communicate, not everyone enjoys a chatty companion.

For people living in apartments, shared spaces, or quiet neighborhoods, finding a calm, soft-spoken breed can make all the difference in maintaining peace and harmony at home.

Quiet dog breeds don’t just bark less—they bring a sense of calm and balance to daily life. Their composed personalities make them excellent companions for individuals who value serenity, whether they’re working from home or relaxing after a long day.

Many of these breeds express affection through gentle gestures rather than constant vocalization, proving that love doesn’t always need to be loud.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the quietest dog breeds to consider—the ones that prefer cuddles over chaos and contentment over commotion. From reserved watchdogs to laid-back lap dogs, these peaceful pups are perfect for anyone who believes tranquility and companionship can go paw in paw.

Quietest Dog Breeds To Consider

1. Basenji

Often nicknamed the “barkless dog,” the Basenji stands out as one of the quietest breeds in the world. According to the American Kennel Club, the Basenji is a small and elegant hunting breed known for its intelligence, grace, and gentle expression.

Their calm and self-assured nature means they rarely make noise unless genuinely excited or alarmed. This makes them perfect for apartment living or for owners who value tranquility. However, their sharp minds and boundless curiosity require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent mischief.

Basenjis are remarkably independent yet affectionate with their families. They thrive when involved in daily routines but are equally comfortable spending quiet moments alone, making them ideal for busy households. Their reserved demeanor and minimal barking maintain a soothing environment.

Fact: The Basenji doesn’t just avoid barking—it’s one of the few breeds that can’t produce a typical bark due to the unique structure of its larynx, resulting in its famous yodel-like vocalization.

2. Greyhound

The Greyhound, also known as the English Greyhound, is a graceful and slender breed celebrated for both its speed and serenity.

According to PetMD, the Greyhound is classified as a sighthound—a type of dog that depends on speed and agility to pursue prey, in contrast to most other hounds that rely primarily on scent and endurance.

Despite being one of the fastest dogs in the world, capable of reaching impressive racing speeds, this elegant sighthound is a surprisingly calm and quiet companion indoors.

What makes Greyhounds ideal for peaceful homes is their naturally gentle demeanor. They seldom bark, preferring quiet observation over vocal excitement.

Their laid-back temperament allows them to adapt well to smaller spaces, making them excellent pets for apartment dwellers seeking a tranquil friend.

After short bursts of play, Greyhounds transform into affectionate loungers who cherish long naps and cozy corners. Their sensitivity and love for routine make them wonderful companions for calm households, including those with children or seniors.

Fact: Greyhounds are known for their “couch potato” lifestyle despite their racing heritage—after quick sprints, they can spend up to 18 hours a day resting in complete peace.

3. Whippet

The Whippet, often affectionately called the “poor man’s racehorse,” is a graceful British sighthound known for its sleek frame and gentle nature. According to WebMD, although Whippets resemble Greyhounds, they are a distinct breed developed for hunting game in open fields.

Despite their history as racing and hunting dogs, Whippets are among the quietest dog breeds you can find. They prefer lounging on soft cushions to barking at every noise, making them ideal companions for apartment living or peaceful homes.

Their calm and affectionate temperament allows them to remain poised even in lively households.

When properly exercised, Whippets are remarkably relaxed indoors. They rarely bark, choosing instead to communicate through expressive eyes and gentle nudges. Their balanced energy makes them excellent pets for people who value serenity without sacrificing playfulness.

Fact: Whippets hold the record for the fastest acceleration among dogs of their size—going from stillness to sprint in mere seconds.

4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, also affectionately known as the Cavalier, combines elegance and warmth in one small, quiet package.

With expressive eyes, long silky ears, and a gentle nature, this breed is adored for its calm temperament and affectionate personality.

Unlike more vocal breeds, Cavaliers bark sparingly and only when necessary—often to alert or express mild excitement. Their naturally serene demeanor makes them ideal for quiet households, apartments, or seniors who prefer a peaceful environment without constant noise.

Cavaliers thrive on companionship but don’t demand excessive attention. They’re equally happy lounging on the couch or joining you for a leisurely walk, adapting effortlessly to relaxed routines. Their gentle disposition and quiet charm make them soothing companions for both individuals and families.

Fact: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can adjust their tone of bark depending on their mood—soft and brief when alerting, and often silent when calm or content.

5. Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu, often called the Japanese Brushwood Dog, is one of Japan’s oldest and most admired breeds, known for its fox-like face and confident poise.

Compact yet athletic, this breed was originally developed for hunting small game in mountainous regions, giving it a sharp mind and a self-assured nature that stands out even today.

When it comes to quiet companionship, the Shiba Inu strikes a perfect balance between independence and affection. They rarely bark without reason, preferring to observe quietly from a distance.

Their reserved demeanor makes them ideal for peaceful households, as they express loyalty through presence rather than noise.

Though naturally aloof with strangers, Shibas form deep bonds with their families. Their calm temperament and low-maintenance personality make them great pets for those who value serenity and structure.

They require gentle, consistent training to manage their stubborn streak, but reward patience with unwavering devotion.

Fact: Despite being mostly silent, the Shiba Inu is known for its unique “Shiba scream”—a high-pitched yelp that appears only when they’re overly excited or displeased.

6. Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog, affectionately called the Berner, is a majestic working breed from the Swiss Alps known for its calm temperament and striking tri-colored coat.

Despite their size, Berners are gentle giants with a naturally quiet demeanor, making them one of the most peaceful companions you can have at home.

While they may bark to alert their owners, Bernese Mountain Dogs rarely do so without reason. Early socialization and gentle training help them distinguish between real threats and everyday noises, further encouraging their serene nature.

Their intelligence and eagerness to please make training a smooth process when positive reinforcement is used.

These dogs thrive in structured environments where they receive mental stimulation and regular exercise to balance their tranquil disposition. Their patience and steady temperament make them wonderful companions for families and individuals alike.

Fact: Despite their calm nature, Bernese Mountain Dogs were originally bred as farm helpers, pulling carts and herding livestock in Switzerland’s mountainous regions.

7. Great Dane

The Great Dane, also known as the “Apollo of Dogs,” stands out not only for its towering stature but also for its serene, composed nature.

Despite being one of the largest breeds, this gentle giant is known for its affectionate temperament and surprising quietness. Their calm presence commands respect without the need for constant barking.

Great Danes are among the quietest breeds because they bark only when necessary—typically to alert or greet. Their even-tempered personalities make them ideal for first-time dog owners who want a large companion without the noise.

They’re devoted to their families, thriving in peaceful environments where they can stay close to their loved ones.

These giants are also eager to please and respond well to consistent, gentle training. Their low barking tendency, combined with a loyal heart, makes them wonderful housemates in calm households.

Fact: Despite their intimidating size, Great Danes are known as “gentle giants” and were originally bred in Germany to protect estates and hunt wild boar.

Conclusion

When it comes to peace and calm at home, certain breeds truly stand out for their generally quiet and gentle nature. While a barking dog can sometimes be a sign of alertness or excitement, these calm companions know how to keep things balanced.

Breeds like the Shih Tzu, French Bulldog, and Japanese Chin are known to be pretty quiet, even around other dogs or animals. Their independent nature allows them to stay content during long periods alone—though they still crave attention and may feel neglected if left without affection for too long.

Larger dogs such as Saint Bernards and the graceful Scottish Deerhound also maintain calm demeanors, proving that size doesn’t determine silence. Unlike excessive barkers, these dogs typically alert their owners only to a potential threat.

Whether small dogs with a long coat or smooth coat, they form strong bonds with their families, are easily trainable, and—like many other small dogs—bring serenity to any home without the noise.