Are you a peace lover or a pet owner surrounded by noise-sensitive neighbors? Fortunately, you can adopt a quiet dog breed that is less likely to bark, whine, or howl compared to many other breeds. They make ideal pets for apartment dwellers and people who prefer serenity.
Dogs bark due to many reasons, such as to get attention or out of excitement, anxiety, or fear. They may also bark to alert their owners about potential dangers. But some dogs are too yappy and vocalize a lot.
Many quiet dogs are confident and well socialized, but do not vocalize too much, mainly due to their historical role. For example, sighthounds assist hunters using their sense of smell without the need to alert hunters.
Have a look at these perfect, quiet dog breeds.
Perfect Quiet Dog Breeds
1. Basenji
One of the most fastidious dogs out there, Basenjis are known as the “barkless dogs.” The unusual shape of their larynx probably makes it impossible for them to bark. But they have other ways to communicate, namely yodeling and chortling.
These sounds are famously called “Basenji yodel.” These energetic dogs are not particularly noisy and vocalize only in rare circumstances, maybe out of excitement. That is why these pooches are considered one of the quietest dog breeds.
This smart dog requires regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation. According to the American Kennel Club, these sweet-faced dogs are quite intelligent, and their almond-shaped eyes often convey human-like emotions.
2. Greyhound
One of the quieter breeds, Greyhounds are calm and sweet canines belonging to the sighthound family. These gentle pooches get along nicely with children and are quite tolerant of them. They rarely bark during hunting and do not vocalize a lot.
Greyhounds are super-fast dogs and surprisingly make great apartment dogs as they are fairly active indoors. They are typically non-aggressive and walk away from anything that seems problematic instead of barking at it.
They also spend most of their time sleeping, which is a very quiet activity. Greyhounds form deep bonds with their families and sometimes may vocalize when they are left alone. Behavioral training can help overcome this problem.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle and affectionate dogs who are not known to be barkers. One of the quieter breeds, Cavaliers will melt your heart with their sweet faces and big brown eyes. These adaptable fellows love to accompany their owners everywhere.
Cavaliers are not big barkers, but they are prone to excessive barking if they crave attention or are neglected for too long. They bond so deeply with their owners that they can develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can change their barks depending on how they feel or what they are trying to say. They are sensitive to human emotions and make wonderful therapy dogs. Cavaliers love to play and get along nicely with everyone, including kids and strangers.
4. Whippet
Whippets are slender and mischievous dogs known for their sweet and gentle nature. They prefer staying silent instead of being boisterous. Originally bred for hunting, Whippets tend to chase any small animal they see.
According to PetMD, the Whippet is generally a quiet dog breed, but like all other dogs, they may bark when they are playing or seeking attention. A Whippet’s personality is a unique mix of friendly and calm, so they are better suited for quieter homes.
Whippets need daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. They do not need to run for hours, but they do need to stretch their legs and explore. Whippets benefit from positive reinforcement-based training methods and rewards like praise and toys.
5. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain dog is adored by dog lovers due to their good nature and calm personality. They are among the pooches who do not bark much and are very placid. Berners love to please their people and are particularly good with children.
Berners make wonderful pets for individuals looking for a quiet and loving dog. Having low barking tendencies, the Bernese Mountain dog vocalizes when it’s alert or excited. Berners are large and energetic dogs who require regular physical and mental exercise to stay healthy.
They are always up for a long walk or play session with their owners. These outdoorsy canine companions also make wonderful partners for camping and backpacking. Berners excel at agility, tracking, herding, and obedience, explains the American Kennel Club.
6. Bulldog
Bulldogs are playful and irresistibly cute dogs with a gentle disposition. These wrinkly pooches usually stay quiet and love their nap time. They may not bark much, but often wheeze, snort, and snore due to their brachycephalic airway structures.
Bulldogs are calm, loyal, and affectionate dogs who form strong bonds with their family members and are great with children. They are quite low-maintenance dogs, but need regular cleaning of facial folds to prevent skin infections.
They do not require extensive exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Only short walks around the block and minimal playtime will suffice. These docile dogs may be curious about new situations but reserved around strangers.
7. French Bulldog
Another loving and gentle dog breed, French Bulldogs are not overly vocal. However, they do bark when someone is at the door. Similar to Bulldogs, Frenchies are also brachycephalic and therefore, prone to overheating.
Due to narrowed airways, they often make cute snoring sounds. For the same reason, they should not be over-exercised. Only a few short walks and indoor play sessions provide adequate physical and mental stimulation to these dogs.
French Bulldogs are incredibly alert and attentive to what is going on around them. Despite being generally quiet, they will bark to let you know that you have a visitor. Frenchies also make a lot of soft chortles and other noises.
8. Shiba Inu
Shiba Inu is a naturally quiet dog that seems to be reserved or standoffish towards strangers. These stoic pooches are devoted to their owners and are usually quiet. Like many other small dogs, Shiba Inus make good pets for apartment dwellers.
These Spitz-type dogs, hailing from Japan, are relatively independent, so they do not bark excessively just because they are not with you. However, they make a high-pitched shrieking sound when they are upset.
When they bark, it is very abrupt and clear. Some of the reasons that trigger barking include seeing another dog, feeling happy or playful, or being uncomfortable. Having a bold and confident personality, the Shiba Inu is incredibly faithful to its humans.
9. Newfoundland
Newfoundland is a large dog known for being incredibly loyal and affectionate. Barking is unusual unless your Newfie wants to alert you about something. This calm and loving pooch is perfect for family life and is a true gentle giant.
Newfies are typically quiet, but if you hear them bark, it must be for a valid reason. They are not very active but need regular exercise for physical and mental enrichment. Adult Newfies require at least an hour of daily activity to stay fit, explains PDSA.
Their sterling character is strongly reflected in their affinity for kids. Newfoundland is a multi-purpose dog that does equally well on land and in water. They enjoy swimming and excel in activities like dock diving, agility, herding, rally, and obedience.
10. Borzoi
Hailing from Russia, this sighthound was developed to pursue large game. Barking was unnecessary for these stealthy hunters, and this is the reason why this breed is fairly silent today. These gorgeous canines have a calm and agreeable temperament.
Having a gentle nature, Borzoi need plenty of exercise and activities to keep their minds and bodies busy. These tall and slender dogs are well-mannered and dignified, often known for exhibiting a cat-like behavior.
These pooches are loyal to their owners but tend to be reserved towards strangers. Due to their strong prey drive and natural hunting instincts, this breed may not be well-suited for households with other pets.
Conclusion
Several dog breeds are known for being big barkers, but some pooches rarely bark. These quiet dog breeds have a calm, gentle, and affectionate personality. Many of them are known to be barkless.
Even if they vocalize under rare circumstances, they do so to alert their owners, out of excitement or boredom, or to seek attention. Remember, any dog can become an excessive barker if not stimulated or trained properly, so ensure proper training and regular exercise for your mutt.
