Quiet dog breeds are less likely to bark, howl, or whine. Their gentle and calm temperament makes them well-suited for relaxed households. If you are a homeowner who prefers peaceful living, a quiet dog breed may be the right fit for you.
Many of these breeds tend to stay quiet because of their historical roles. For instance, sight hounds were bred to hunt using their sense of sight. So, they are generally quiet. They love to lounge and bark only to alert their owners about potential dangers.
They are usually well-socialized, live with a routine, and feel comfortable with people and environments. However, any dog can become an excessive barker when triggered by unfamiliar noises, people, and situations.
Have a look at 9 amazing quiet dog breeds for relaxed homes.
Amazing Quiet Dog Breeds for Relaxed Homes
1. Pekingese
Pekingese are small, sweet, and fluffy dogs who love cuddles. They were originally bred as lap dogs for Chinese royalty centuries ago. Their long and flowing coat that touches the ground makes them look even more adorable.
Pekingese is a quiet dog breed that barks rarely. These flat-faced canines need only moderate exercise for physical and mental stimulation. They make excellent companions for quiet and relaxed households. Pekes are generally confident and opinionated, but tend to be laid back at home, per PetMD.
Pekingese are alert dogs and have a strong bark for their size. They are brachycephalic, which means they are prone to certain respiratory issues. So, we recommend that you should not overexercise your Peke or take it out in hot and humid weather.
2. Basset Hound
Known for its floppy ears and excellent sense of smell, the Basset Hounds were originally bred to hunt rabbits and hares. They are calm dogs with low energy levels. These good-natured dogs are affectionate and friendly with kids and other pets.
Basset Hounds are quite sociable and playful dogs, but tend to stay quiet. These low-key companions need moderate but regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Usually, a daily walk at a moderate pace can fill the bill. Exercise also helps prevent them from becoming obese.
Basset Hounds are independent dogs, so training them can be a bit challenging. Sometimes, they may seem aloof and not interested in following your commands. Early socialization starting from puppyhood is important to turn them into well-mannered family pets.
3. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are calm and patient dogs with a loving nature. Despite their large size, they need only moderate exercise for physical and mental stimulation. This powerful breed usually stays quiet and barks, only to alert their owners about potential hazards.
Ideal for peaceful households, Saint Bernards form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy spending time with them. They thrive in homes where they have ajob to do. Saint Bernards love cold weather, as their thick double coat provides them excellent insulation.
However, they cannot tolerate excessive heat and prefer staying indoors in air condition in hot summer days. Saint Bernards have a mellow demeanor, and they behave exceptionally well with children who know how to interact with dogs.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a toy dog breed with a gentle temperament and an affectionate nature. These sweet and friendly dogs do not bark much. Instead, they are one of the quiet dog breeds and make a good fit for relaxed homeowners.
According to the American Kennel Club, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is quite adaptable and adapts well with active pet parents as well as shameless homebodies. These loving canines get along well with everyone, including strangers.
Cavaliers need only moderate walks and indoor play sessions every day to stay physically and mentally stimulated. They can spend their entire day snoozing with their owners and make wonderful lap dogs. Cavaliers are smart dogs, so they can be trained easily.
5. Newfoundland
These large dogs are often called ‘nanny dogs‘ due to their patient and calm temperament around kids. Newfies may look intimidating due to their large size, but are pure softies at heart. This quiet dog breed makes a great pet for relaxed homes where people prefer stress-free living.
Their thick double coat and webbed feet make them excellent swimming companions. Despite their large size, only half an hour of moderate physical activity is required to burn off excess energy. Newfies love spending time indoors with their family.
Newfoundland puppies are intelligent, outgoing, and curious, but never get aggressive. They thrive on human contact and form strong bonds with their family members. Early socialization and proper training help ensure that your Newfie grows into a well-behaved pup.
6. Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees is a large dog breed with a snow-white coat. These canines were originally bred as livestock guardians. Great Pyrenees are calm dogs who bark rarely. They guard their families by roaming around carefully, explains WebMD.
Pyrs are intelligent dogs with wise and independent personalities. They are quite easygoing and equipped with sharp instincts. Pyrs are adaptable to various environments, and their thick double coat enables them to thrive well in colder temperatures.
Great Pyrenees are a great fit for relaxed homes. They are very perceptive of the mood changes in animals and humans. It not only enables them to detect potential threats to their flock, but also make excellent therapy dogs.
Pyrs are known to save their energy during the day and are more active at night. This can lead to barking and late-night activity.
7. Pug
Pugs are surprisingly chill and laid-back pooches, well-suited for relaxed households. Their moderate energy levels and minimal exercise needs make them an ideal fit for apartment dwellers. Pugs have an easygoing personality, and they adapt well to various environments.
Pugs generally do not bark, but make funny snorting sounds due to their brachycephalic faces. Their flat faces make them prone to breathing issues. That is why you should avoid overexercising your Pug and taking it out in excessive heat.
Pugs are loving dogs who can spend hours resting in their owner’s lap. They never fail to entertain their family with their playful nature and goofy antics. Pugs are mellow fellows having a natural affinity for cuddles. They form deep bonds with their humans.
8. Bulldog
Bulldogs are adorable fellows who do not bark much. However, this relatively quiet dog breed makes snorting, grunting, and snoring sounds due to their flat face. Bulldogs are mellow companions who are happy to relax next to their owner’s feet.
These calm dogs enjoy occasional romps and going on walks. Moderate exercise provides them with adequate physical activity and mental stimulation. Very warm days should be spent in front of the air conditioner. These sweet and easygoing companions love to please their owners.
English Bulldogs are friendly and loyal dogs who get along nicely with other pets and children. They have a reputation for being lazy and need regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Bulldogs are generally docile, but can be curious in new situations.
9. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu is a popular lap dog breed that was originally bred in Tibet as a companion. With their name literally translating to ‘little lion,’ Shih Tzus are friendly and loyal dogs. They have an adaptable nature and adjust well in many households.
These little dogs need only moderate exercise for physical and mental stimulation. It makes them well-suited for apartment living. Shih Tzus are loved for their luxurious coats that are hypoallergenic, making them a good fit for allergy sufferers.
The coat also sheds minimally and needs extensive grooming to stay in top-notch condition. Like Pugs and Bulldogs, Shih Tzus are also brachycephalic and tend to make snorting noises. They are not too vocal, but bark when someone is at the door.
Having a sweet disposition, Shih Tzus need lots of attention and affection from their people. They can develop separation anxiety when left alone for too long.
Conclusion
Some dog breeds are surprisingly quiet and make a good fit for relaxed homes. These calm dogs have a gentle temperament and need only moderate exercise for physical and mental stimulation. They make loyal and loving companions and get on well with people.
They are not excessive barkers but may vocalize to alert their owners. Sometimes, even a quiet dog breed may start barking excessively in the absence of proper training and regular exercise. However, they make excellent family pets.
