17 Quiet Dog Breeds That Don’t Bark Much (with Pictures)

Although it is impossible to find a breed that doesn’t bark at all, certain breeds are quieter than others. This fact makes those breeds ideal for apartment living or for people who simply don’t like much barking to begin with.

If you are looking for a quiet dog breed that doesn’t bark much, you have come to the right place. In this article, we are going to recommend our favorite 17 quiet dog breeds that don’t bark much. Although these dogs still bark some, they are much quieter than other breeds.

The 17 Quietest Dog Breeds That Don’t Bark Much

1. Basenji

The Basenji is easily one of the quietest breeds to consider. Although the dog is not completely mute, it is often known as the barkless dog because its larynx is shaped differently than other dogs. This makes it much more difficult to bark. When this breed does make noise, it doesn’t sound like most other barks. It sounds more like a yodel.

2. Bernese Mountain Dogs

Although large in weight, Bernese Mountain Dogs are nothing more than gentle giants. It tends to have a very even killed nature, and it becomes very loyal to its owners. Because the Bernese Mountain Dog was a working breed originally, it doesn’t bark very much either.

3. Great Danes

Great Danes are another breed of giant dogs that don’t make a lot of noise. Even though they can look a bit scary from their size, Great Danes were bred to please people first and foremost. As a result, they are great family dogs, easy to train, and don’t make a lot of noise.

4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

So far, the top three dogs on our list are medium to large in size. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, however, is a small breed that doesn’t bark much. This breed loves people and has a much more even-tempered personality than other small dogs. It can have separation anxiety, which can cause it to bark when you aren’t home.

5. Glen of Imaal Terrier

Many people love the energy and spunk of terriers but can’t handle the excitability and barking. The Glen of Imaal Terrier offers the best of both worlds. It loves to play, but this breed doesn’t bark a lot and it doesn’t get quite as unruly as other terriers.

6. Bulldogs

Bulldogs are a favorite breed for many reasons, one of which being because of how quiet they are. Whether you are interested in an English Bulldog or French Bulldog, Bulldogs as a whole are an incredibly quiet breed.

7. Scottish Deerhound

Scottish Deerhounds have a shaggy look and gentle personality that makes them stand out from many other breeds. Although this breed certainly is not small, it barks very little. Plus, it has very average energy, meaning you can take it to play or nap with it.

8. Shiba Inu

Even though Shiba Inus can cause a lot of laughter from their popular meme, you won’t likely hear this breed make a lot of noise themselves. This dignified and quiet breed is known as being incredibly loyal and calm. They can make noise, which is often called the “Shiba scream,” though it is infrequent.

9. Shar Pei

Shar Peis are easily one of the most adorable breeds with their wrinkly faces. In addition to being super cute, they are incredibly quiet, calm, and collected. Although they may be a bit standoffish around strangers, they love family and are incredibly gentle.

10. Greyhound

Many people do not know this, but greyhounds were originally bred to silently chase prey. As a result, they are incredibly quiet, as well as gentle and sweet. This makes them one of the best breeds to have inside an apartment.

11. Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard is one of the most affectionate and loyal breeds out there. Although it has a protective and serious streak for its family, the breed is incredibly quiet. About the only time you can expect to hear a Saint Bernard bark is if someone new enters the home.

12. Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a very unique look. You identify their breed by looking at the stripe of hair that grows down its spine. In addition to its unique look, this breed is incredibly calm and quiet. It was actually bred to track lions down in Africa, meaning they know how to stay quiet while searching for prey.

13. Borzoi

Borzois are less known than many of the other breeds on this list. Nevertheless, this tall and skinny breed is incredibly quiet and calm. This dog rarely barks and maintains an affectionate and loyal demeanor to its owners. They are also incredibly agile and athletic, with the ability to run up to 40 mph.

14. Chow Chow

Chow Chows have a rather unknown history. Some people believe they were bred because of their calm and quiet disposition. As a result, Chow Chows are generally quiet, until they want something or an intruder enters the home. Once the Chow Chow starts barking, its bark is incredibly loud and a bit scary.

15. Irish Setter

The Irish Setter has elegant features, complete with feathery ears and a beautiful red coat. On top of being beautiful, they are active, intelligent, and incredibly quiet. Even though this breed is known to be a bit rambunctious, their barking is kept to a minimum.

16. Coton De Tulear

Very few dogs are as cute as the Coton De Tulear. As the name suggests, their coat is white and soft as cotton, making them a great lapdog. Even though this breed certainly is a lot of fun and can get into a bit of mischief, they don’t bark very much, making them a great option for homes looking for a quiet companion.

17. Mastiff

Technically, the Great Dane falls under the Mastiff category, but Mastiffs as a whole tend to be really quiet. Whether it’s an English Mastiff or a Rottweiler, this breed is muscular, serious, and very quiet. Whenever it barks, it’s likely to get your attention.

Which Breed of Dog Barks the Least?

As a whole, Basenjis bark the least of all dog breeds. Although individual Basenjis may bark more than others, the breed is actually known as being barkless because of how rare it is to hear the dogs of this breed bark.

The reason why this breed of dog barks so little is because it has an unusually shaped larynx. This larynx makes it nearly impossible for the dog to bark in the way that other dogs bark. Basenjis can make other noises, which is often called the “Basenji yodel,” though the dog doesn’t make this noise frequently.

How Do You Calm an Anxious Dog?

One of the leading causes for excessive barkers is anxiety. Many of the smaller breeds on this list are generally quiet when with their owners, but they can get loud whenever their owner leaves. It’s important to calm an anxious dog in order to keep barking at a minimum.

Before you leave your dog, make sure to exercise the dog and give it adequate physical contact beforehand. This will tire the dog out, allowing it to sleep while you are away and keep barking at bay.

You may also want to invest in a calming coat or T shirt for your anxious dog. Many anxious dogs find these articles of clothing really relaxing when you are away. This will keep your dog calm, whether or not you are present.

If your dog is anxious with you present, music therapy, a calming coat, and physical contact are all a great way to quickly soothe an anxious dog.

Conclusion

Dogs come in all shapes and weights. Additionally, different dog breeds tend to be more or less vocal than others. The breeds on this list tend to be quiet, though they will still bark occasionally. If you are looking for the absolute quietest dog breed, then you can’t go wrong with the Basenji, a virtually barkless dog, but any of the other options on this list would be great too!

Featured Image Credit: Benkai, Pixabay