Thinking of bringing a gentle companion home, but don’t know much about their temperament? Don’t worry, we have got you covered. We have gathered ten of the best dog breeds for families who would love a great pup, but without the excessive barking.

Not all dogs bark at every passing shadow; some have the wisdom to know when it truly matters. These breeds are calm, confident, and remarkably discerning, saving their voice for genuine threats instead of daily distractions.

Let’s be real, everyone loves dogs, but noisy dogs can become irritating at times, especially if you live in an apartment setting. If you’re looking for a loyal protector who won’t fill your home with unnecessary noise, these dog breeds that bark only at real threats strike the perfect balance between vigilance and peace.

Read on to learn more about these calm, intelligent, and powerful dog breeds who will make your life much easier.

Dog Breeds That Bark Only At Real Threats

1. Basenji

The Basenji is a breed famous for being barkless. So, if you’re hiring them as guard dogs, you must think twice before making this decision. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t do the needful. These dogs are watchful and alert.

They will yodel or scream to let others in the house know if something unusual is happening or a stranger is getting close to the property.

These dogs are intelligent and affectionate, but can be stubborn at times. This can be corrected with proper and consistent training. Early socialization makes them great with older kids. With the right family, these pets can be very loving and loyal, and protective of humans around them.

Basenjis thrive with experienced owners. They have high energy needs and can show signs of destructive behavior if a proper outlet is not provided.

2. Japanese Chin

Japanese Chin is a small, graceful dog with a gentle temperament. These dogs are fond of curling up in the lap of their favorite humans.

Japanese Chins are defensive animals, but do not bark without a purpose. They alert their owners by barking softly, only if they feel like something isn’t adding up. The breed responds well to training but does not feel comfortable with a harsh trainer.

These dogs are quite low maintenance, but one thing you must know about these great pets is that they have heat tolerance issues and require a constant supply of fresh water to stay hydrated and satisfied.

They are great for first-time pet owners, as they don’t need regular grooming or exercise. Because of their small size, you can take them anywhere you like.

3. French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are a popular and beloved small dog breed that is especially popular among city dwellers. These dogs don’t bark much, but their alertness and ability to protect make them excellent watchdogs.

These dogs aren’t frequent barkers, which is a beloved trait that people find good enough when adopting these pups. They only bark when there’s something unusual happening around them, for instance, any new item in the house, a human they’re not familiar with, or other pets in the house.

These small, low-barking dogs have erect bat-like ears, a large, square head, and an extremely short nose, which makes them easily recognizable.

These dogs get bored easily and may show their frustration by barking. So, adopt them if you can ensure these loyal pets don’t get that bored very often.

4. Borzoi

The Borzoi, with its tall, graceful frame and flowing coat, is not only admired for elegance but also for its composed temperament. Unlike many excited breeds, Borzois are naturally quiet and reserved, choosing to bark only when they sense a genuine threat.

Borzois are known for their quiet and calm nature. This breed does not bark a lot and has a laid-back temperament.

They will alert their owners and other pets in the house if an intruder is approaching or something strange occurs, but otherwise they remain calm and at ease as if their presence is non-existent.

This breed is included amongst the most beautiful and impressive dogs. These dogs can be well trained with patience and consistency, along with good humor. They are great family pets and enjoy rough-housing with the kids.

5. Whippet

The Whippet is a quiet and gentle breed, often praised for its calm nature and minimal barking. Unlike more vocal dogs, Whippets typically save their voice for situations that truly matter, barking only when they sense a genuine concern.

Though Whippets are quiet dogs and are considered a low-barking breed, with proper training, they can be fairly good guard dogs.

These dogs are fast and love to run. They require a good amount of exercise to blow off energy so that they can relax with you at home for a nice, quiet evening.

Their reserved temperament, paired with sharp awareness, makes them wonderful companions for those who appreciate peace at home while still valuing a dog that can alert them to real threats.

These dogs often bark when they’re unhappy and are in need of some necessary fun time to feel better. They are generally healthy but are prone to certain health conditions. They can get cold easily, but you can always dress them up with custom-made sweaters to keep them warm.

6. Akita

The Akita is a large, powerful breed from Japan, revered for its loyalty, courage, and noble guarding presence. Originally bred to guard royalty and hunt big game like bears and boars, the Akita carries an air of dignity and quiet strength.

According to PetMD, the Akita is a highly appreciated breed because of its loyalty and protective traits. They are known for their alert nature as they only bark to let humans know if something is not right. They bark at strangers, intruders, and anything out of the usual.

They bark when they feel threatened by other dogs or strangers. They are better suited for a calm home environment without kids, as they are sensitive dogs and can easily be triggered by a noisy environment.

Their loyalty, courage, and discerning nature ensure that when an Akita raises the alarm, it’s something worth paying attention to.

7. Scottish Deerhound

These are known to be Royal Dogs of Scotland and are among the tallest breeds in the canine world. Scottish Deerhounds are polite, easy-going, and gentle giants who only bark when they feel threatened or sense danger around them.

These dogs don’t think twice before taking action in serious situations to protect their favorite humans.

This breed has a high prey drive, which can make them bark at other animals or pups. They are not bothered by excessive noise or doorbells and have a very laid-back personality.

They enjoy chasing, but aren’t likely to play fetch. A simple walk around the block won’t be enough; these dogs need space to run and plenty of vigorous exercise.

8. Sloughi

The Sloughi, often called the “Arabian Greyhound,” is an ancient sighthound breed prized for its elegance, speed, and loyalty. These medium to large-sized dogs have athletic bodies and a reserved personality.

The American Kennel Club mentions that the Sloughi is a graceful dog breed and is known for being lean hunters. They are very cautious and protective of their space and do not get friendly too easily.

They thrive with calm, caring, and sensitive pet owners. They need plenty of exercise and are easy to train, but do not do well with harsh training methods.

This breed is among the quietest dogs in the canine world, but is sure to alert its owners with barking when necessary. They are protective and loyal towards their owners, but are not well-suited for a home with children.

9. Saint Bernard

These giants are not frequent barkers but are known to bark for attention from their favorite people. They have strong instincts and can sense danger easily, and will bark for their owner’s safety.

Their bark is always purposeful, but if they bark without any reason, you can always ensure positive reinforcements to correct their behavior. It is recommended to offer them treats and be affectionate while training them to ensure they follow your commands.

These pups are patient companions and are fond of playing with children, which makes them a famous and beloved breed all over the world.

In general, St. Bernards tend to be more expensive than the average breed because their large size means they eat more and cost more for vet visits and grooming.

10. Bergamasco Sheepdog

This breed is known for protecting and keeping its fortress safe. These brave dogs have strong instincts and can sense incoming threats, a squirrel in the garden or a postman at the gate, and will make it their duty to alert you and keep intruders away.

These dogs seldom use their bark as they are peace-loving and are compatible with other pets and children in the house, making them ideal family dogs.

These intelligent giants have moderate energy levels, so you don’t have to worry much about their activity time. However, if you want help planning their play times, you can use our Dog Exercise Calculator to learn more about these sheep dogs.

These dogs are very loyal, love staying cuddled up with their owners, and may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for a long time.

Conclusion

Looking for a silent yet powerful guard dog breed for your home? These breeds top the list as the top 10 pups who ensure security but do not bark unnecessarily. These loyal breeds make great pets and are an ideal choice for pet owners who do not want a dramatic dog.

So, what are you waiting for? Choose the perfect pup for your home according to your lifestyle today, and thank us later.