Do you love dogs but prefer a peaceful living? Quiet dog breeds tend to stay calm and do not vocalize much. They are less likely to bark, howl, and whine compared to other breeds. Such breeds are a great option for apartment dwellers or those who live close to neighbors.
Remember, all breeds have a tendency to bark. Some breeds bark more than others due to their historical roles, while others do not bark much. For instance, sight hounds were bred to hunt using their sense of sight and high speed to catch prey, without needing to alert hunters.
That is why they tend to stay quiet. Sometimes, quiet dog breeds may start barking excessively due to several reasons such as lack of exercise. Proper training, socialization, and regular exercise can help overcome this behavior in dogs.
Have a look at these wonderful quiet dog breeds and their traits.
Wonderful Quiet Dog Breeds & Their Traits
1. Basenji
Basenjis are the famous ‘barkless dogs,’ who make yodel like sound called a ‘baroo’ while vocalizing. They are not very noisy but also not very silent. This compact breed is a loyal companion who tends to be quite aloof and independent at times.
Basenjis are fastidious dogs often exhibit a cat-like demeanor. They use their paws to clean themselves. Their coats also need minimal grooming to stay in top notch condition. Basenjis are very intelligent and energetic dogs having a strong sense of smell.
Basenjis need regular exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation. They respond well to positive reinforcement based training methods. However, they can easily get bored so training should be kept short and fun, explains PetMD.
These athletic dogs enjoy and excel at many canine sports including lure coursing, tracking, obedience, and agility competitions.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle and affectionate dogs with expressive eyes. One of the calm dog breeds, Cavaliers do not bark excessively. These quiet dogs make excellent family pets and therapy dogs due to their sensitive nature.
Cavaliers are capable of changing their barks depending on their emotions or what they are trying to say. They get along nicely with children and other dogs, explains the American Kennel Club. Cavaliers are highly adaptable.
They do equally well with active owners as well as homebodies. Cavaliers can be upbeat athletes or shameless couch potatoes depending on their owner’s lifestyle. They were bred to be lap dogs but need regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
Their lustrous, silky, and eye-catching coat requires regular grooming to keep looking clean. These intelligent dogs have an eager to please nature, so you can train them easily.
3. Whippet
Whippets are sociable dogs with highly affectionate and gentle demeanor. Looking a lot like Greyhounds, Whippets are quiet dogs. They tend to behave well around kids and other dogs. These smart dogs do not bark unnecessarily and are extremely fast.
They can reach a speed of 35mph. Whippets were bred as sight hounds and have a friendly, alert, and playful nature. Whippets are sweet and easygoing indoors and are quite adaptable. They enjoy an evening on the couch or a walk in the park.
Whippets are stubborn, but can be easily distracted, so need consistent training to become well behaved pets. They are loyal to their owners, but reserved towards strangers. Whippets form strong bonds with their owners and can develop separation anxiety when left alone for too long.
Their short and smooth coat needs very little grooming and sheds moderately. however, the shedding tendency may increase seasonally.
4. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu is an affectionate lap dog with a smooshed face and luxurious coat. Their minimal exercise needs, along with their mellow and quiet personality, make them well suited for apartment living situations.
Shih Tzus nake loyal and loving companion animals who do not bark much. But they’ll make sure to inform you when the mail arrives. These brachycephalic dogs make funy snorting noises and cannot tolerate extremely hot and humid weather.
Also, do not over-exercise your Shih Tzu as it can lead to breathing problems. With their happy-go-lucky nature and immense kindness, Shih Tzus make wonderful therapy dogs. These social butterflies get along nicely with everyone including kids, other pets, and even strangers.
Their hypoallergenic, low-shedding coat make them a good fit for allergy sufferers. These cuddly buddies have a sweet disposition and need lots of love and attention.
5. Pug
Pugs are adorable little dogs who were bred in China as companions and lap dogs. These popular dogs are loved for their smooshed faces and playful nature. Pugs never fail to entertain their loved ones with their goofy antics.
These brachycephalic dogs may snort and snuffle due to their short and narrow airways. Pugs are charming, loving, and mischievous dogs who can spend their entire day snuggling in their owner’s lap. They also love food, so make sure to exercise them regularly.
Fortunately, these laid back pooches can be easily satisfied with indoor play sessions and short daily walks. Their stable temperament and loving nature make them easy to train. Pugs’ smooth and glossy coat needs minimum grooming to keep looking healthy.
According to Hill’s Pet, Pugs can be stubborn but normally have an eager to please nature. They get along nicely with kids who know how to interact with small dogs.
6. Glen of Imaal Terrier
Glen of Imaal Terrier is a calm dog breed known for its versatility, easy trainability, and smartness. These quiet dogs are a little more laid back than other terriers. They need moderate exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation.
However, they are still terriers so they tend to be brave and have a stubborn streak. Glen of Imaal Terriers benefit from good long walk twice a day. They possess a high prey drive and strong scenting ability so be careful when you let them off leash.
Their rough coat does not shed much and needs regular combing to keep their coat in top notch condition. Glen of Imaal Terriers are very curious so they should be kept in a fenced yard, so they don’t chase small animals that catch their eyes.
7. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are cute canines known for their laid back yet playful nature. These quiet dogs are brachycephalic, so they should not be overexercised or taken out in hot and humid weather. They also make funny snorting sounds, like Pugs due to their narrow airways.
Their grumpy expression hides a joyful disposition. Frenchies are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. These adaptable dogs enjoy relaxing as much as playing. Due to their moderate energy needs, they are also better suited for elderly.
French Bulldogs have an eager to please nature, but tend to have a stubborn streak. So, patience is required while training these canines. They are moderately good watchdogs but poor protection dogs. They are neither fighters nor barkers.
Conclusion
Quiet dog breeds have a calm and gentle demeanor. They do not bark much unless they need to express themselves or alert their owners. Quiet dogs are loyal towards their owners and form strong bonds with them.
They are better suited for individuals who prefer peaceful living. Quiet dogs usually have moderate energy levels and do not require extensive exercise for physical and mental stimulation. However, they are generally playful and form loving companions.
