BASENJI

Basenji are sometimes called "barkless dogs" so you can not get much quieter than that! They only bark in incredibly rare circumstances, and actually make a sound that's more like a yodel. Basenji dogs are considered one of the quietest dog breeds you can get. Well known as the "barkless" dog, the Basenji still makes some noise. That noise is described as something like a yodel, but they are still classified with the quiet dogs. While they may not use their mouths to make various noises, they will use them to chew. You must always keep everything put away. Even with training, this breed has trouble curbing that desire. Basenjis are an ancient Egyptian breed, and they have the arrogance and independence to match.





GREAT DANE

When a Great Dane barks you will certainly know about it (and so will your neighbors!) but this breed is not called gentle giants for nothing. While they are excellent guard dogs and will bark to defend their patch, overall these friendly and noble dogs are content to sit quietly with their family. These slim, muscular dogs are elegant and big. On their hind legs, they stand taller than most humans! Loveable and friendly, the Great Dane is not easily frightened and will not start barking at every little noise, however, they will bark if a stranger is getting too close to their territory. While mild-mannered and calm, these fur-babies still need daily exercise and play to keep from becoming destructive and boredom barking. While they are one of the most quiet dog breeds, they won't be a good fit for owners living in small homes due to their extra-large size.





AKITA

Another Japanese breed, the Akita is a popular companion dog and one of the most quiet dogs. Their calm, quiet demeanor makes them great for living with humans. While they do not usually bark, they grunt, moan, and mumble. Their noises are more entertainment than a nuisance. Brave and confident, they do not need to make themselves known with excessive barking. Remember that these dogs do not do well with children or other pets. Nicknamed the silent hunter, this profoundly loyal breed may be quiet when it comes to nuisance barking, but don’t let that fool you - these natural guard dogs will quickly raise the alarm if they feel it is warranted.





SHIBA INU

While this four-legged family member does not bark much, she will growl. Shiba Inus are known to be possessive, but they do not do well around kids and other pets. They like to keep their toys, bed, and food well away from other living things. With that said, they will not participate in nuisance barking. These independent, territorial animals need a pack leader trainer and socialization from a young age. The oldest and smallest of Japan's dog breeds, the active and alert Shiba Inu is a bold and confident canine who is incredibly faithful to his family. While they are certainly watchful, this breed only barks when necessary, favoring a sharp and clear form of communication over incessant yapping.





BULLMASTIFF

With a breeding for quietly guarding large estates, these pups are still quiet today. While they do not make a lot of annoying noise, they will drool, and that annoys you. Although Bullmastiffs are protective and independent, the right owner and trainer can turn these intimidating giants into quiet, calm therapy dogs. Surprisingly, they are patient with children and sick people.





RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK

While this dog is a quiet breed, it is known as the "African Lion Hound" for a reason. Usually, the Rhodesian Ridgeback pup is quiet, like a predator himself, but it has no problem springing into action to scare off lions, cheetahs, and other predators with a fearsome bark. These strong, muscular canines can back up those barks as well. Today, they are prized as an adaptable, quiet family dog instead.





CHINESE CRESTED

A hypoallergenic dog, these four-legged family members have a mane of hair, and then a poof on the tail. The rest of the Chinese Crested's body is hairless, but a recessive version, the Powderpuff, is covered in hair. You will be happy to know that both versions rarely bark. They are happy-go-lucky pups who are satisfied playing with the kids or cuddling on the couch. Prone to separation anxiety, the Chinese Crested may whine when left alone.





NORWEGIAN LUNDEHUND

These acrobatic canines have double—and even triple-jointed toes! They also have extra neck joints that allow them to turn their heads 180 degrees. They can climb cliffs, bookshelves, and fences. It is true - Norwegian Lundehunds are hard to handle, but one benefit is that they rarely bark or howl. Lunderhounds are more cat-like and strong, silent dogs. However, they still make good watchdogs as they are wary of strangers and will sound an alarm.





HAVANESE

Developed strictly to be a lapdog, the Havanese has all the great characteristics of a canine that is taken everywhere, including a low desire to bark. Just like people, dogs have different personalities, but if you get a more talkative one, these pups are highly trainable. As a popular breed, many disreputable and irresponsible Havanese breeders are out there. Make sure you get your pup from a responsible breeder so that the traits of your new dog are predictable.





FRENCH BULLDOG

Playful, bright and affectionate, the French Bulldog is incredibly alert and attentive to what is going on around him, but the good news is, he will likely only bark when he wants to let you know that you have a visitor. The French Bulldog is mischievous, fun, and entertaining to most owners. Although they are generally quiet, they bark when people approach their territory (the house), so they still make good watchdogs. Although French bulldogs are friendly with everyone in the family, they still need socialization training to curb their sometimes territorial nature.Without this training, they could become nuisance barkers.








A D V E R T I S E M E N T










BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG

Calm, good-natured and blessed with a kind and eager-to-please temperament, the Bernese Mountain Dog is imposing in size but not threatening. They make excellent watchdogs and it is usually only when someone they do not know enters their property that they will be prone to barking.





CANE CORSO

Exuding an air of quiet competence and confidence, the Cane Corso is an assertive dog but he is also highly intelligent, which makes him trainable. This is a wilful breed though, so they need a human who can show them who is boss.





PUG

While they may be loud breathers at times, Pugs are exceptionally quiet when it comes to barking, making the occasional yips when they get excited. Cuddly and quirky, this human-obsessed breed are total lazy logs, so snoring is about the only noise you will hear out of these little comedians.





JAPANESE CHIN

Cute and calm, these companion dogs are not your typical lap-dog yapper. Japanese Chins are quite independent and are not always in your face, asking for attention; however, they do not like being alone, either. When left alone, they will cry and bark due to separation anxiety. These dogs are said to "sing" (similar to a howl) when company comes or music plays, so do not expect them to be totally silent.





BOLOGNESE

Another little dog that is calm and reserved, this pooch can adapt to life in many homes. Loving and eager to please, the Bolognese dog is easy to train—except house-training. So while you may be able to curb any excess noise quickly, expect to be patient with the potty. Try using puppy potty pads so the mess is not everywhere. Like many breeds, this pet makes noise only when left alone.





MALTESE

Maltese dogs are small, affectionate, and known for their quiet demeanor. They are gentle and loving, making them great companions for families and individuals alike. Maltese dogs are not prone to excessive barking and are well-suited to apartment living. Their long, silky coat requires regular grooming to keep it in top condition, but their playful and endearing nature makes them a joy to have around.





SAINT BERNARD

Utterly charming, friendly and with the patience of a, well, saint! These genial giants are powerful and muscular, while at the same time being placid and quiet and they love nothing more than lazing about with their family. Patient and loving, these traditional rescue animals are great with children. Some people even call them nanny dogs! Saint Bernards are true human companions, molding themselves to human life. They rarely bark or howl, which may surprise you due to their large size. These quiet dogs have virtually no prey drive, either. While they are large, they are great for apartment living as long as they get out to stretch a couple of times a day. They are quiet and mild-mannered, which makes them great neighbors. They also won't bark at every little noise.





WHIPPET

When it comes to gentle souls, the Whippet is right up there with the Cavie, in terms of its sweet and loving nature. As long as he has his daily exercise needs met, the Whippet will make for a calm and quiet companion. Like their cousin, the Greyhound, any unwanted characteristics have been virtually bred out. This means they rarely bark and are not aggressive. That said, Whippets retain a high prey drive and will silently chase cats, squirrels, cars, and anything else that strikes their fancy. They need a tall fence, a sturdy leash, or an invisible dog fence. Once they take off, you will not be able to catch them.





GREYHOUND

The greyhound is one of the few hound breeds that can be considered quiet. Although they need a moderate amount of exercise, most greyhounds are easygoing couch potatoes. Because they develop close bonds with their families, some may vocalize their displeasure when left alone. Behavioral training can help to correct this.





ITALIAN GREYHOUND

While not bred with the racetrack characteristics of the Greyhound or Whippet, these little dogs are still prized as companion dogs. The Italian Greyhound still retains a high prey drive and will bark and chase anything that moves. Dogs in this breed will bark when something does not seem right, but it is not an annoying yappy bark. They have a deep and intimidating "big dog" bark. However, Italian Greyhounds are generally mild-mannered, so they do not feel the need to bark often. Greyhounds are notoriously calm and quiet dogs with a sweet disposition. They are very tolerant of children and are considered non-aggressive – they will walk away from something bothering them rather than growl or bark. They also spend a lot of their time sleeping, which is a very quiet activity.





BULLDOG

Because bulldogs are a brachycephalic (or short-headed) breed, you may not think of them as a quiet dog. To be fair, they do make their share of noises — their snoring is almost human in proportion, but they are actually low key when it comes to barking. They spend most of their time sleeping and generally lazing about, and while this generally means they are silent, it also means they are prone to weight gain, so remember to keep your bully active.





BORZOI

Borzois are gorgeous dogs who are usually well-mannered and quiet. They are calm and dignified, and are sometimes considered cat-like. Once called the Russian Wolfhound, Borzois may look like mythical creatures that would open up their mouths and talk to you, but they won't - and they won't bark much, either! This unique-looking dog is also one of the quietest breeds out there. A typical sighthound, what this dog lacks in vocal ability, he makes up for in speed and agility. Borzois need a tall, sturdy fence, and must never be off-leash. Not a good watchdog, these pups won't even bark if an intruder is approaching. While they are gentle and need human companionship, they are awkward around children and need to be socialized.





SCOTTISH DEERHOUND

Standing nearly 3 feet high at the shoulder, a Scottish Deerhound probably won't fit in your lap, but the tall hound makes up for it with a dignified and gentle personality. Their middle-of-the-road energy levels means they can appreciate a good gallop outdoors, followed by a long nap.





IRISH WOLFHOUND

This beloved lazy bag of bones is not the right choice for you if snoring is a problem, but they rarely bark or howl. Sight hounds, like the Irish Wolfhound or Greyhound, are unlikely to be flustered by distraction such as blowing wind or banging dishes, as they are bred to zone-in on prey. However if they are unhappy about something they might let you know with a single, loud bark. Their breeding also means they are not good watchdogs, so are unlikely to bark at someone coming to the door.





IRISH SETTER

You may have heard that setters are silent, you may have heard that they are the chattiest dogs around, really it all depends on their training. They are unlikely to bark unless startled if they are properly entertained, and getting enough exercise and attention, however when they do bark they have a very loud voice. While they aren’t big barkers, they do “talk” in quiet howls and whines and often engage in conversation with their owners.





AUSTRALILAN SHEPHERD

Active and sharp as a tack, Aussies as a breed actually developed mostly in the U.S., despite their name. The herders will alert their owners when they think something requires their attention or someone's getting out of line, but they are unlikely to start barking up a storm at nothing in particular.





SHIH TZU

While small breeds tend to have a reputation for yappiness, that is not universally true. The mostly-silent Shih Tzu historically lived with Chinese royalty, but they're more than happy to become the kings or queens of your humble abode. The joyful pups have over a thousand years experience serving as companions, so they are expert roommates.





BOSTON TERRIER

You may be surprised to find a terrier on this list, but the Boston Terrier is actually quite a quiet breed, only barking when necessary. They aren’t big on overreacting either, so are unlikely to bark without good reason - they have been known to bark for attention though. They are another highly trainable breed, so if they do begin to bark, you should be able to solve the problem without too much drama. They are actually one of the best behaved dog breeds you can own.





SALUKI

The saluki is another sighthound with a low tendency to bark. This breed hails from Egypt and is among the oldest of dog breeds. Though they're pretty quiet, these are active dogs who need plenty of exercise and mental engagement. The quick-footed hounds can sprint at top speeds, and their loyalty to their owners ranks as one of their most desirable qualities. Give them lots of direction and plenty of exercise and they will give you their all. Similar to the Afghan Hound, but with shorter hair, the Saluki is an ancient sight hound. While reserved around strangers, they are not fearful and will not usually bark or growl. This quiet breed is nonetheless energetic. Care must be taken with small children as this breed cannot easily contain their boisterous play. When running, these dogs can reach 25 mph, so always keep them secured.





NEWFOUNDLAND

When you are this size, you probably do not need to shout about much. The Newfie is a very calm and gentle dog, perfect for a family. They are unlikely to bark unless provoked, so if they are barking at something it is probably for good reason and you should pay attention!





BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIER

Not a typical tiny terrier, these four-legged family members can reach 145 pounds. Bred as guard dogs, the Black Russian Terrier does not need to make much noise to make their presence known. Like a typical guard breed, they are aloof with strangers and can be that way with other dogs. They also don't like younger, energetic children. Blackies are independent, but they need constant human companionship to keep from becoming loud or aggressive.





AFGHAN HOUND

Afghan hounds are generally quiet and independent, though they can be playful and affectionate around their favorite humans. They are intensely loyal to their families. Their silky coat requires ample grooming, and some Afghans can have a stubborn streak. They're also pretty energetic dogs, so they are not suitable for every home.





CHOW CHOW

The chow chow is a stoic, independent dog breed known for its bear-like appearance and bluish-black tongue. Chows are generally not barkers unless they sense danger. Even then, they are not especially vocal. They sometimes have a reputation for being aggressive, but this is mainly because they want to protect themselves and their families.





COLLIE

Intelligent and athletic, collies are typically quiet until they have something important to say. This gentle breed can make an excellent companion for many types of homes. Coat care is essential with brushing a few times per week. Exercise needs also are reasonably high, but training is generally straightforward.





BORDER-COLLIE

A traditional herding dog, these canines still try to herd everything - cats, children, other dogs, etc. While doing this, they make yipping noises, a type of short bark. It is not surprising to see the intelligent and energetic Border Collie on the list of quiet dog breeds. These canines are very smart and need to stay busy. They need to be physically and mentally active. They can become destructive and loud if they do not have "jobs" to perform.





CHINESE SHAR-PEI

The shar-pei rarely, if ever, barks, making this breed a perfect choice if you prefer a quiet dog. Chinese shar-peis are zen-like dogs that hardly make a sound unless to sound an alarm about a potential threat. They are strong, loyal, and loving dogs, but can be strong-willed when it comes to training.





MASTIFF

The mastiff is yet another gentle giant know for a quiet, affectionate demeanor. These big guys are natural protectors who are only likely to bark when they perceive a threat, and that bark is deep and intimidating. Mastiffs are fiercely loyal to their families and make wonderful pets for those with the space to accommodate them.





ENGLISH TOY SPANIEL

Socialization is important for these quiet dog breeds, as they can be timid and shy. This timidity can lead to fear, which causes dogs to bark more when fearful. The English Toy Spaniel pups are calm and do better in homes with older kids and adults. They may bark and growl when afraid or pestered, but otherwise, they are considered a quiet breed. They prefer to be the only animal in the house. This is important to know before you consider bringing them home!





CLUMBER SPANIEL

Although not a terribly popular breed, the Clumber Spaniel still has many great characteristics, and one of these is that it hardly ever barks. It will alert you to unusual activity, sure, but it won’t participate in rowdy or nuisance barking. With the perfect droopy hound dog look, they have a calm, quiet demeanor to match. In fact, they are downright lazy. They still like to play fetch and take walks, though, but due to their hip structure, they cannot sustain jogging or running.





CHINOOK

This sled dog is loving and friendly, but you may be surprised to see them on the list of quiet dogs. It never meets a stranger, so its barking is minimal. They are intelligent and want nothing more than to please their masters. Playful and great with kids, if the Chinook makes a racket, it is probably from over-excitement and joy. That is when he will emit a whining sound. The whining sound and the "woo-woos" are the only sounds you usually hear from this "talking" fur-baby.





BOUVIER des FLANDRES

These dogs are strong and large, intimidating to anyone who sees them. They may even bark when strangers approach. Other than that, Bouvier des Flandres are mellow, friendly, and gentle. They make excellent family dogs, but they need to learn manners from an early age, as they can easily hurt small children on accident. Although they are large, their quiet, calm demeanor makes them great house dogs.





BERGAMASCO

This is the unusual-looking dog that many people describe as looking like a mop. They have long, dread-locked hair. While he may look like a handful, the Bergamasco canine is mannerly and one of the quietest dogs. With that said, he is a guard dog breed and will sound an alarm when necessary. To avoid your pet from becoming physically confrontational, ensure it undergoes obedience, socialization, and pack leader training from an early age.





NEAPOLITAN MASTIFF

Looks can be deceiving with this 200-pound lap dog. While the droopy hound dog look does hint at the calm, loving baby inside, this pup still strikes fear into the heart of any would-be intruder. While the Neapolitan Mastiff is one of the quietest dogs, they will not hesitate to put a stranger in its place with loud, powerful barks. While you may not hear a Neo's barking sounds very often, you will hear them snorting, grunting, and fart quite often.





COTON de TULEAR

According to the American Coton Club, this small breed is more of a warning barker than a nuisance yapper. Usually they will bark when someone comes to the door, but they're not overly noisy.





BASSET HOUND

Basset Hounds are laid-back and easygoing. They are affectionate and loyal, forming strong bonds with their families. Basset Hounds are not known for excessive barking, making them perfect for a quieter environment. Their short coat is easy to maintain, but they need regular exercise.





DALMATIAN

Dalmatians do not bark much. They may let out a sound from time to time, but overall they are pretty friendly pups. That means they are not likely to bark when strangers come by or when they hear other noises.





SHETLAND SHEEPDOG

The Shetland sheepdog bears a strong resemblance to its cousin, the Collie. Though it is most known for rounding up sheep, it also has a reputation for being incredibly intelligent, obedient, and considerate of your neighbors.





GREAT PYRENEES

Originally bred to detect sheep-stealing wolves, Pyres make for mellow companions and — although they still have an instinct for vigilance — they are far more watchful and stealthy than they are boisterous.





GLEN OF

IMAAL TERRIER

If you love terriers' spunk but could do with a little less, um, excitability, this gentler breed is for you. Glens still have that strong spirit you love from the category, but play it a bit cooler and quieter than many of their more frenetic brethren.





SOFT COATED

WHEATEN TERRIER

Wheatens will bark when necessary, but usually make their presence known with what is called the "Wheaten greetin'" an enthusiastic hello with lots of jumping. Outside of making guests feel welcome, they are pretty chill. The Wheaten Terrier is another dog that won't bark without cause and a well behaved member of the breed should not give you any problems. However, they will bark the house down if they have separation anxiety. While they are not a breed we think of as vocal, they may need more training or support than other dogs if they have issues with reactivity or anxiety, as these may manifest with barking or howling.





CAVALIER KING

CHARLES SPANIEL

These docile dogs really are the sweethearts of the canine kingdom, they adore company of the two or four-legged variety so they will seldom bark. Affectionate, graceful and gentle, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a lover, not a fighter and he will stick closely to his owner's side.