Ever feel like your home turns into a noisy zoo the moment you step out? If yes, you are not alone in facing this issue. That’s where the charm of dog breeds that bark only when necessary, even alone, comes in. Let me tell you one thing: these canines aren’t fans of unnecessary drama. They won’t bark just because the wind moved a curtain or a squirrel blinked.
Quiet dog breeds tend to remain composed and silent even when left on their own, making them ideal for apartment living, noise-sensitive households, or those who enjoy a peaceful vibe.
In this blog, you’ll discover friendly dog breeds that stay calm, bark less, and make excellent companions for people who value silence, independence, and a little sanity when they’re away from home.
Dog Breeds That Bark Only When Necessary, Even Alone
1. Basenji
Are you really tired of constant barking every time you step into your house? That non-stop voice wears you out. However, here is good news: there are dog breeds that only bark when necessary. And if silence had a mascot, it might just be the Basenji. This ancient breed was initially bred as a hunting dog in Central Africa.
Now let’s talk about why the Basenji is a famously quiet dog breed. This dog is often referred to as a barkless dog, and the reason is that Basenji does not bark, just like traditional dogs, as mentioned by WebMD. They make yodeling sounds when they have to communicate..
Do you want to hear something more cool about the Basenji? This dog exhibits cat-like behaviour. They can do self-grooming and are fond of climbing.
2. Greyhound
You might think the world’s fastest dog would also be full of energy and tend to be a noisy breed. It always surprises humans with its speed and grace. The American Kennel Club states that the champion sprinter is not only gentle and noble but also sweet-tempered. For centuries, Greyhounds have been subject matter for writers, poets, and artists.
They have been added to the list of dogs that bark when necessary. The reason is their calm temperament. They don’t get vocal on little things. And when thy bark, there is solid reason behind that. Otherwise, they are generally quiet dogs.
You know why they are so good at tracking and chasing their prey? They have exceptional eyesight that allows them to spot the movement of prey from greater distances.
3. Whippet
Meet the Whippet, a swift and graceful breed noted for its pace in racing and gentle nature. Britannica states that this breed originated from terrier breeds and small greyhounds. Further, this dog was bred for coursing; therefore, these dogs have a strong prey drive.
Now, here is what makes the Whippet special. Literally, these dogs rarely bark and are often described as silent hunters. Moreover, in-house, they are usually calm. They conserve their energy for times when it is needed.
But these racing dogs are very playful and energetic. So, if you need friends for your kids to play with, you can go for a Whippet. However, they have exercise needs for physical and mental stimulation.
4. Newfoundland
A big dog that looks like a gentle giant and has a heart as big as its size. Guess the dog breeds? It is Newfoundland. Originating from Canada, Newfoundland was developed to work alongside fishermen, assisting them in pulling nets and retrieving fish. With massive builds, thick water-resistant coats, and sweet expressions, they may look intimidating at first glance, but they are affectionate dogs.
So why are these pups among low-barking dogs that bark when required? Simple, they are chill and don’t like to waste their energies on useless things. They are calm and even-tempered, so not a big barker.
Wow factor: These dogs are strong swimmers with powerful lungs. That is why Newfies are often used in search and rescue missions.
5. Borzoi
The Borzoi is like a royal in the dog kingdom, tall, graceful, and confident. It is another sighthound that exudes power and agility in its unique build. Its long, narrow face, silky coat, and flowing moments are enough to turn heads wherever they go. Keep in mind, these dogs are vigilant and always ready for action, but they are not playful.
However, when it comes to barking, astonishingly, they don’t exhibit excessive barking like several other dog breeds. In fact, they have a low tendency for barking, making them pretty quiet dogs. One of the main reasons why they are not excessive barkers is their sighthound instinct; therefore, they prefer quietness.
According to Wikipedia, the Borzoi has a life span of 12 years, which is pretty good. They are active dogs who need regular exercise for their well-being.
6. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Let’s talk about a dog that is strong, bold, and calm, all at once. It was initially bred to track lions and protect farms. That is why it is a muscular dog breed with a balanced and athletic build. Apart from that, it has a short, dense coat, and the most prominent feature of this dog is the ridge of hair on their back. That ridge is a line of short hairs that grows in the opposite direction.
Now, here’s the dog that gets even better: it’s the type of dog that only gets vocal when it senses danger. They don’t bark just to hear their voices. Indeed, they are bred for staying active, not being noisy. These dogs stay calm, watchful, and wait for something that deserves action.
Their standout trait? They are fantastic guard dogs. With a protective nature, these dogs won’t let anything suspicious pass them.
7. Shiba Inu
This breed with prick ears, squinty eyes, and curly tails may look like a fluffy fox, but don’t let this cute face fool you. To be honest, this dog has a bold spirit. Here is an interesting fact: it is the compact and smallest of the six Spitz dogs belonging to Japan, as noted by PetMD.
This small breed is not known to be a loud barker at every little sound or movement. It doesn’t mean the Shiba doesn’t make any noise; in fact, they do. They have a distinctive vocalization called “Shiba Scream”.
Furthermore, Shiba Inu have an independent nature and they are master escape artists. If they find a way, they will definitely escape from the spot. They can exhibit separation anxiety, but if you offer consistent training, they can live alone for a longer time.
8. Saluki
Saluki is truly an elegance on four legs. It is one of the oldest breeds favored by royalty as a hunting companion. Swift, agile, and graceful, this dog walks like it just stepped off a fashion runway. They have long, narrow heads and sleek, muscular bodies, which make them fast and agile.
But why is it not a barking dog? Let’s find out. This dog values peace. They are quiet and composed dogs, preferring to stay calm. They are likely to bark when excited or if they want to alert their owner to anything unusual.
Their intelligence sets them apart from other dogs. However, their independent nature presents challenges in training. Besides that, they can learn new tricks and commands. These dogs love mental exercise and benefit from mental stimulation. Moreover, Salukis have minimal grooming needs due to short, sleek coats.
9. Scottish Deerhound
Are you looking for a big dog with a gentle soul? If so, you should consider this dog. Affectionately known as the “Royal Dog of Scotland,” it is a majestically large coursing dog that stands among the tallest dog breeds. Once it was used to hunt deer, but now, if you ask what they like, they would reply, we enjoy long walks, go for a run, or a nice nap on the sofa.
They are the tallest dogs, but they keep things quiet. They won’t bark on unnecessary things; instead, they prefer to stay silent. Moreover, these dogs have a laid-back personality, and their calm demeanor makes them well-suited for peaceful homes.
Conclusion
If a peaceful and quiet environment is high on your wishlist, these dog breeds are a perfect match. They bark only when needed, stay calm even when alone, and bring comfort without the chaos.
Whether you live in an apartment or just prefer a peaceful home, these low-barking companions can be your ideal furry friend. Their calm nature also makes them great for families with kids or elderly members. Plus, you won’t have to worry about noise complaints from the neighbors.
