Every great dog does not need to bark to be heard. Some of the most remarkable breeds are calm, composed, and quietly charming — the kind of companions who bring peace instead of noise.
Everybody who brings a dog into their house may not be ready for the constant barking! Quiet dog breeds are the dream of many aspiring pet parents who want all the fuzzy love and sweetness, but in a less noisy package.
Many dog breeds are well known for being less prone to barking and vocalizing, yet there are many quiet doggos you probably haven’t heard of.
If you’re someone who wants their dog to stand out in the crowd, or are curious about rare dog breeds, but also worried about them turning out to be noisy, we’ve got you covered.
These 7 dog breeds that we’ve reviewed in this article aren’t just less common, but are also on the quieter side and make good options for owners who can’t handle noise.
Popular Rare Quiet Dog Breeds You Should Consider
1. Bergamasco Sheepdog
The Bergamasco Sheepdog is a herding dog immediately noticeable due to its unbelievably shaggy, thick coat. Don’t let its appearance put you off, as it’s quite easy to maintain; it doesn’t shed much and doesn’t require regular brushing, as per the AKC.
Quite calm in nature and adaptable in a home with kids, this Sheepdog can be quite protective in nature. It might not always take orders due to its independent streak, but it’s a very trainable and eager-to-please doggo.
They make generally quiet companions and need only moderate daily exercise, but will appreciate spending some time with their owners on walks or hikes. They will quietly watch for anything unusual and are wary of strangers; they are not aggressive, though, unless they feel really threatened.
2. Cirneco dell’Etna
This beady-eyed doggo has a sleek, athletic build and perky, bat-like ears. Cirneco dell’Etna was originally bred to help hunters and hails from Sicily, Italy. Active and affectionate, these sleek dogs are a great choice for people who don’t want a huge, imposing dog by their side.
They can be considered rare in the U.S despite being an ancient breed.
Don’t expect your Cirneco to stay put all day or be a couch potato, but it’s still a really easygoing dog, as long as it’s getting some physical activity. They’re better suited for homes with older children who can match their energy levels, and can live well with other dogs, if they’re properly socialized.
Cirneco hates being left alone and needs a lot of physical exercise, and also enjoys mental stimulation, like puzzle games. They’re easy to train, especially with positive reinforcement like treats and food.
Grooming this pup isn’t going to be a lot of nuisance, as it has a short coat that can be kept in good shape by some weekly brushing. These dogs bark very little and won’t drive you crazy with their noise; this makes them a good choice for owners who don’t like noise.
3. Azawakh
Azawakh is a lean and muscular sight hound with a deep chest and high energy levels. According to PetMD, this breed hails from the very hot African Sahel region; a great companion for you if you live in a warm climate.
Despite being energetic dogs, Azawakh are quite sensitive and reserved in nature, and generally quiet. They’ve been historically used as guard dogs as well as hunting dogs, and need to be properly socialized early.
A well-trained Azawakh makes for an amazing and loyal companion dog that can even warm up to strangers if given the opportunity. These pups are better off on leash as their high prey drive can make them want to chase small dogs and other animals.
4. Sloughi
Sloughi is another sleek and agile hound that’s also known as the Arabian Greyhound, and has been used as a hunting breed in Northern Africa, according to WebMD. These athletic and tall pups might not be the best apartment dogs and need a lot of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy.
Sloughis thrive when given enough space to run around; on-leash exercise in a fenced yard is a great way to keep them active. Sloughis are easy to groom as their short coat needs only weekly brushing, but they can develop some dog odor; make sure to take out time for their bathing sessions.
Despite their energy levels and high prey drive, these pups have a loving and gentle nature; you also won’t have to worry about excessive barking with this breed.
They’re moderately playful dogs as they can be reserved in nature, but this doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy spending time with their human families.
5. Spinone Italiano
Spoinone Italiano is a breed native to Italy but uncommon in the U.S. as of now. It’s a muscular and energetic breed that makes for a loving companion due to its gentle temperament. Also called “Bracco Spino” (prickly pointer) in Italian, this doggo comes in a coarse coat.
Other than their powerful noses and prowess in hunting, these pups make pretty good family dogs and enjoy socializing. They’re very playful in nature and get along well with other dogs (or cats) and even kids, but should be watched around small children.
Spinones are all about being the center of their humans’ attention and tend to be very opinionated. While they won’t make much noise barking loudly, they will let you know of their thoughts by whining. They need moderate regular exercise and might start barking if they’re bored or lonely.
6. Borzoi
Borzoi is a very agile, fast, and athletic breed of Russian origin that makes a surprisingly gentle family dog, especially if well socialized from an early age. It’s also been nicknamed “Russian Wolfhound” (this breed has literally been used to hunt wolves historically).
One of the most elegant and calm members of the canine world, the Borzoi is a very loyal dog that also makes for a great hiking partner. It can try to chase small animals due to its hunting instincts, and should be kept on leash.
These pups are quite smart and can exhibit a cat-like personality; they won’t appreciate rude behavior and respond better to positive reinforcement.
Though they’re not the best choice for people who just want an easygoing lap dog, Borzois are great companions for owners who love outdoor activities like camping.
They’re typically quiet dogs that won’t bark unnecessarily and are a great choice for people who can’t stand loud barks.
7. Glen of Imaal Terrier
Glen of Imaal Terrier is a bouncy and sweet pup with a body longer than its height. This cute doggo has been used to hunt vermin and foxes, etc., and provide company as a farm dog.
Though this pooch doesn’t need vigorous exercise, some daily activity is still recommended; incorporating toys in their routine will make them very happy. These dogs can be stubborn at times and need early socialization training as well as mental stimulation to keep them engaged.
Their medium size makes them good candidates for apartment dwellers; they don’t bark a lot, though, as alert doggos, if they perceive a potential threat, they will let you know loud and clear.
FAQs
Why should someone consider adopting a rare quiet dog breed?
These rare dog breeds have their own amazing traits, as many of them have been developed to work with humans. If you’re fascinated by uncommon and quiet dog breeds, you should consider adopting one of them.
Are rare, quiet dog breeds suitable for apartment living?
Many of them are a good fit for apartment living, especially breeds that don’t need a lot of outdoor exercise. Some of them might need fenced yards or outdoor walks to stay content.
Do rare quiet dog breeds require special care or training?
Most of these rare, quiet dog breeds are better suited for experienced owners and need early training. However, grooming and caring needs can vary from dog to dog.
Conclusion
Silent and uncommon are two interesting traits to combine in a pet dog, and many pet parents seek these qualities. A quiet dog makes for an amazing companion if you like to live a peaceful life.
If you want your pooch to be a rare breed, make sure to learn about its health and dietary needs, as well as the illnesses it might be prone to.
