15 Quiet Dog Breeds That Don’t Bark (Too Much)

From big to small, many dog breeds don’t tend to vocalize their emotions. For potential dog owners, this can be an essential factor. Consider these dog breeds if you live in an apartment, have a loud family, or need a dog as a companion for anyone sensitive to sound, among other reasons.

The 15 Quiet Dog Breeds That Don’t Bark

1. Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dogs are large dogs with a gentle, calm spirit that limits how often they tend to vocalize. They have an eye-catching coat with long hair and a tri-color pattern of deep brown, light brown, and cream or white. The pups came from the Bernese Mountains and were working dogs, historically engaged with draft and droving work.

These pups are intelligent and are capable of finding different ways to communicate what they want. Their patience and placid demeanor mean that they aren’t demanding dogs, though. Loyalty and faithfulness are other characteristics associated with this beautiful breed.

2. Basenji

The Basenji is thought to be the quietest dog in the world, partially for the reason that they don’t know how to bark. These adorable, little dogs are fearless and kind, all while being practically silent. The only sound they do emit is a yodeling noise that enabled them to hunt lions in Africa. When this occurs, they let out their yodel and might squeal or whine. They only stand 16 inches high at their shoulder but are loyal and loving barkless dogs.

3. Great Dane

There is a reason that part of this breed’s name includes “Great.” They are called the Apollo of Dogs, but they have an easygoing, humble nature. If you are familiar with small dog syndrome, this dog practically has the opposite. Great Danes can reach up to 34 inches tall at shoulder height and weigh up to a whopping 200 pounds. These pups do not need to prove their dominance to anyone, but it isn’t in their personality regardless.

4. Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback comes from a long line of fearless and hardworking hounds. They are also named the African Lion Hound because of their job to chase down lions. The “Ridgeback” in their common name is because of hair that grows in opposite directions along their spine to form a sort of ridge.

They are protective and extremely loyal pups, showing devotion to their owners, especially if they think that they are in danger. As many hounds do, these dogs seem to believe that actions speak louder than any sound and will place themselves between their loved ones and potential risk, still living up to their guard dog genetics.

5. Afghan Hound

One of the most common reasons for a dog to bark is to warn their “pack” about potentially dangerous strangers. However, the Afghan Hound generally doesn’t engage in loud alerts unless they have received direct training.

The Afghan Hound is a typical show dog due to its beautiful coat and head of hair. They require substantial amounts of grooming, though, and owners need to be prepared to give a great deal of time to maintaining this pup. They are independent dogs, almost as though they know how beautiful they are, and are sometimes aloof. Their loyalty could never be questioned, though, and they are most affectionate to those whom they have deemed their favorites.

Related Links: Why Doesn’t My Dog Bark? 6 Possible Reasons

6. Akita

The Akita breed originally comes from Japan and hails back far into their history. They were developed and used as a working dog in the mountains. Their jobs usually involved hunting and sometimes fighting, although now they are often used in the police force or trained to be a guard dog.

This dog is another proud dog. They have been revered in Japan, being made a “natural monument” by the Japanese government in 1931. It is almost as though they know this, and always hold their tails and heads up high, typically only forming tight bonds with a couple of people. They are devoted to those people to the end of their days, though, and only tend to bark if they are alerting them of danger.

7. Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is probably the oldest breed on our list, possibly dating back more than 3,000 years ago. No one is sure where the Chow Chow comes from; they are assumed to be from China, but they may have come from Arctic Asia and migrated across Mongolia and Siberia to reach the present Chinese borders.

These dogs seem wise in their old breeding, having more of a serious temperament. They are an independent breed and only bark if they sense danger and sometimes not even then.

8. Irish Setter

Even if you can’t picture an Irish Setter when you hear the name, you are bound to recognize their flowing, red-brown hair from TV commercials and movies. These dogs are happy, active extroverts of the dog world because they are so outgoing. Although they need a great deal of mental and physical exercise, they are known to be loving family pets and are well-behaved around children. As long as Irish Setters receive enough exercise, their barking is minimal, as they won’t have any reason to vocalize their displeasure.

9. Whippet

The Whippet is a small dog, popular in both the U.S. and England. The dog is known for being very thin, similar in appearance to the Greyhound, but miniature. They were initially used as a hunting dog but have more of a relaxed and spoiled attitude about them now.

This breed does not tend to be vocal, partly because they are only concerned with keeping themselves comfortable and partly because of their discipline and docile temper. These dogs are a good match for apartment dwellers because they combine small size with a quiet temperament.

10. Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are one of those teddy bear giants. They are quite calm and love attention, yet they know their size and what threatens them and what doesn’t. They have never had any aggression bred into them but are known for being extremely cuddly.

These dogs have a long history of work and strong attachment to their owners. Their thick and long coat of hair was meant to protect them in the freezing waters of the North. They are one of the quietest breeds one can adopt. For those who have a colossal amount of love to give to this giant and enough time for grooming, they won’t have a word to say crosswise.

11. Scottish Deerhound

Scottish Deerhounds look a little like a deer themselves, at least in stature. They are easily recognized dogs, covered in thick wiry hair that changes between shades of cream to grey or white. They are tall and slender and were used, and sometimes still are, for deer hunting.

This is yet another gentle giant. They are extremely friendly and devoted to their family. As long as they have plenty of space to run, and sometimes even if they don’t, they stay quiet.

12. Shiba Inu

Japan has many fantastic breeds when it comes to devoted and quiet dogs. The Shiba Inu is another one of them. Shibas can vary from stoic to playful and energetic. They tend to be reserved with new people and animals at first, even appearing shy. Once they warm up to them, they are committed to the end of their days. Their tendency not to bark primarily comes from their independent nature. Training can be difficult because of this, but they only have moderate exercise and grooming needs.

13. Malamute

Malamutes can be seen on funny videos, not barking but “talking” to their owners. Some of these might be confused for the extremely vocal tendencies of the Siberian and Alaskan Huskies, though.

They are another ancient breed that predates the modern domestic dog. Theoretically, their tendency not to bark is an evolutionarily developed trait. If they had been yappy dogs, they would have had a greatly decreased chance of survival. In the old world of eat or be eaten, these dogs needed the upper hand of silence.

14. Borzoi

The Borzoi is not a well-known dog, perhaps because of its tendency for silence. They are one of the fastest dogs on earth, capable of running up to 40 miles per hour. They are another old breed, initially developed by the Russians, and the Czars used them as hunting dogs.

These dogs are calm around strangers, which is why they don’t make a good guard dog. Although they might be a silent dog, they are still a relatively high maintenance breed. They need plenty of exercise and a great deal of grooming time to keep their body and coats healthy.

15. Bulldog

Both the English Bulldog and the French Bulldog are wonderfully quiet dogs. They are known for their laziness, simply not bothered to let out a bark when they have the option to do something better, like eating or cuddling.

Both of the Bulldogs make great apartment dwellers. With a little exercise to keep them healthy and happy, they are content to spend their time on a soft spot. Even when they are in a playful mood, they don’t vocalize their excitement.

Conclusion: Dogs That Don’t Bark

Whether you are looking for a gentle giant or a calm apartment dweller, there is a wide variety of pups out there who don’t feel the need to be vocally expressive. With the right training and adequate exercise to suit the breed, any of these pups can make the perfect pet.

Featured Image Credit: Tara Robinson, Pexels