Living in a shared space—whether it’s an apartment, condo, or a cozy house with close neighbors—comes with its own set of challenges, especially for dog lovers. One of the most common concerns? Dogs that bark a little too much.
While most dogs naturally vocalize to express excitement, alert their owners to strangers, or just react to a weird shadow on the wall, certain breeds are simply more soft-spoken by nature. In fact, a study by the United Nations shows that about 55% of the global population lives in urban areas, making quieter dogs not just a preference, but often a necessity for peace and harmony.
While training and lifestyle play a big role in behavior, starting with a breed known for its quiet nature and low tendency to bark can make life easier. Whether you’re drawn to a calm dog with a graceful breed personality or a gentle and affectionate companion who keeps their mouth shut, this guide is for you.
From gentle giants to small dog breeds, we’ve rounded up the ultimate list of dog breeds that rarely cause a barking ruckus. Ready to meet the quiet dog of your dreams? Let’s take a look!
Ultimate Dog Breeds That ‘Rarely’ Ever Bark
1. Whippet
Whippets are known for being quiet and gentle dogs. They rarely bark, especially if they are well-exercised and content. While they can bark when bored or unhappy, this behavior is usually easy to manage with proper care.
These pups are affectionate with family but may be a bit shy around strangers. They enjoy being around their people and love a calm, peaceful home. Although they’re not ideal guard dogs, their quiet nature makes them a great choice for apartment living or close quarters.
Whippets do need regular exercise—they’re fast runners with high energy levels. But after a good run, they’re happy to curl up and relax by your side. If you’re looking for a calm dog who enjoys a quiet evening as much as you do, the whippet might be the perfect fit.
2. Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is a refined and elegant companion with a silky, flowing coat and a distinctly aristocratic presence. Known for their cat-like grace and cleanliness, these dogs are fastidious, quiet, and enjoy lounging indoors with their favorite people.
Unlike many small dog breeds, the Japanese Chin is not prone to frequent barking. They have a calm nature and love being close to their families, often curling up on laps for hours. Their gentle temperament and quiet personality make them a great match for apartment living or homes with close neighbors.
While they are typically a quiet dog breed, they may bark if they feel anxious or are left alone for too long. With consistent attention and a stable routine, however, they tend to stay relaxed and peaceful.
3. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a massive and powerful working dog with a gentle and calm nature. Despite their towering size, they are known as sweet, loyal, and patient companions. WebMD states that these pups are often called “nanny dogs,” as they are especially good with kids.
These pooches have a soft and soulful expression, and their outer coat is flat and coarse. Coat colors include black, brown, gray, and the famous black-and-white “Landseer” pattern.
This gentle giant is affectionate and devoted to their family. The breed is not known for excessive barking. They usually only bark when they sense something unusual or want to alert their owners. Otherwise, they prefer to stay quiet.
Newfoundlands are intelligent and respond well to gentle training. They need regular exercise and enjoy swimming. Historically, they even worked on ships and helped rescue people from the water!
4. Akita
Akitas are large, powerful dogs with a strong and noble presence. They were originally bred in Japan and are known for their loyalty, courage, and dignity. In Japanese culture, they are symbols of good health, happiness, and long life.
Akitas typically bark only to alert their owners of strangers or potential danger. They are naturally quiet and fastidious, which many dog lovers appreciate. Their bark usually has a purpose, making them ideal for those who prefer a more peaceful home.
Because of their independent nature, early socialization and consistent training are important. If left alone too long or if they feel threatened, they may bark or howl. Akitas are not typically suited for young families or households with many pets.
They do best in calm environments where their quiet strength is appreciated. Their spirited personality and protective instincts make them unique among dogs and well-loved by those who understand their needs.
5. Basenji
The Basenji is famously known as the barkless dog. Instead of barking, they produce unique sounds like yodels, chortles, or soft “woofs” due to the unusual shape of their larynx.
While they don’t bark, Basenjis aren’t completely silent. When excited, they may yodel or squeal, but they still make far less noise than most breeds. This makes them well-suited for peaceful homes and city dwellers who value quiet.
Basenjis are small, sleek dogs with a graceful build and expressive eyes that clearly show their emotions. They’re fastidious and often groom themselves like cats. Though they have an independent streak, they enjoy human contact and form strong bonds with their families, combining elegance with affection in a quiet, tidy companion.
6. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a small breed with a cute and lovable face. Known as a quiet dog breed, Frenchies don’t bark much—usually only when someone is at the door. Instead, you may hear soft grunts, snorts, or the occasional whine.
Britannica mentions that Frenchies are brachycephalic, meaning they have short noses and narrow airways. This can cause snoring and breathing noises, but they still live quietly overall. Because of this, they do best in cooler climates and should avoid too much heat or heavy activity.
They are a great fit for apartments and small spaces. Daily walks are enough to keep them happy, and they love to rest and relax near their person. Their playful energy doesn’t lead to noise, making them a perfect choice for anyone wanting a calm, quiet dog breed.
7. Scottish Deerhound
AKC says that the Scottish Deerhound is often called the “Royal Dog of Scotland,” and is a noble and majestic breed with ancient roots. Originally used to hunt red deer, this tall and graceful hound was once favored by Scottish nobility for its strength and elegance.
They are not known for being barkers. In fact, they are usually quiet and relaxed, choosing to lounge peacefully rather than react to everyday sounds like doorbells. Barking is rare and usually only happens if they feel truly threatened or spot something worth chasing.
Deerhounds do have a strong prey drive, so they should be kept on a leash or in a secure area. They enjoy a good sprint but are just as happy settling down for a nap afterward. With their calm energy and peaceful temperament, they make wonderful, quiet companions.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a peaceful home environment, choosing a quiet dog breed can make all the difference. While most dogs have their vocal moments, some are naturally quieter and more content to stay calm and observant. With the right match, you’ll enjoy a loving companion who won’t keep the whole neighborhood awake.
But wait! Our list doesn’t end here, though. There are other breeds as well that rarely bark. These include the Bernese Mountain Dog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shiba Inu, Australian Shepherd, Great Dane, Irish Setters, and Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Whether you live in an apartment, have close neighbors, or simply value your peace, there’s a perfect pup out there for you. Remember, even dogs that rarely bark still need attention, training, and plenty of love to stay happy and well-adjusted. A little research goes a long way toward finding a loyal, quiet friend.
