As someone who grew up with a black Lab-Springer Spaniel mix who barked constantly, I can tell you that endless barking isn’t an ideal quality, especially if you have neighbors. Since then, I’ve learned there are some dog breeds hard-wired to vocalize. Others have developed more muted methods of communication. Interestingly enough, several guardian dogs are not known for their barking. In fact, many quiet dog breeds bark only when they really mean it and it’s our job to listen and figure out what they’re trying to tell us. If you want a quiet dog breed, look no further than this comprehensive list, built with some help from the American Kennel Club, renowned dog behaviorist Matt Beisner and veterinary medical advisor Dr. Rebecca Reenstein. Most of the pups here have been identified as breeds that bark only when necessary (if then!). So find a quiet spot to curl up and dig into this list of quiet dog breeds.
25 Quiet Dog Breeds to Consider If Noise Is a No-Go
No ifs, ands, or barks about it
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Rebecca Greenstein is a Veterinary Medical Advisor for Rover. She has more than 15 years of experience treating animals in Canada and has appeared as the resident veterinary medical expert on CTV’s The Social and Your Morning.
- Matt Beisner is a renowned dog behaviorist with 17 years of experience training dogs. You may have seen him on Netflix's "Inside the Mind of a Dog," on Disney+ in "Dog: Impossible" or on CNN discussing canine behavior. Beisner focuses on improving the human-animal bond by reframing how we see our pets—including looking for context when they bark.
Are there breeds that don't bark?
Dr. Greenstein, a veterinary medical advisor for Rover, says the only dog breed that (technically) doesn’t bark is the Basenji. “However, prospective pet parents should keep in mind that they are still able to vocalize,” Dr. Greenstein says. Basenjis actually make howling sounds that are similar to yodels.
Matt Beisner, a dog behaviorist with nearly two decades of training experience, says there are certainly breeds that are “predictably less vocal.” There are always exceptions, but several mountain breeds, like Bernese Mountain Dogs and Great Pyrenees, generally don’t want to waste energy barking a lot. They’d rather conserve their strength for trudging through rough terrain or guarding their homes. Sighthounds, like Irish Wolfhounds and Salukis, are similar, in that they prefer to chase prey than bark at it, Beisner says.
Dr. Greenstein adds that even among dogs known for being quiet, like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Whippets, “there is a lot of individual variation, based on personality, environmental stimuli, the number of pets and kids in the house and training.”
While it’s unlikely a dog won’t bark at all, the breeds on this list have made a name for themselves in being more intentional about when and how they bark.
Does a quiet dog mean it's a calm dog?
A quiet dog doesn’t necessarily mean a calm dog. Dr. Greenstein says many calm dog breeds aren’t big barkers, but there are always exceptions. “I have several patients who are relatively docile and yet would tear apart couch pillows or run circles in the backyard at any opportunity they got,” she says. “So quietness doesn’t guarantee low energy!”
Think about Greyhounds. They are pretty chill until they see a rabbit that needs chasing, and then they’re off. They may not bark at their target like Beagles do, because Beagles have been bred to alert hunters to a scent, but Greyhounds are anything but calm when they’re on the run.
Beisner reminds us to look for additional context to figure out what’s going on inside our pups’ heads. If your relatively quiet or calm dog begins barking, he says this often means your dog is alerting you to something they have questions about. To interpret a bark, think about the acronym DID:
- Distance: How far away is the object your dog is barking at?
- Intensity: How loud and aggressive is the bark?
- Duration: How long has your dog been barking at the object?
Use the answers to these questions to check out the situation, soothe your dog as needed and take note so the next time the stimuli pops up, you can better understand what your dog is trying to tell you.
1. Newfoundland
- Height: 26-28 inches
- Weight: 100-150 pounds
- Personality: Friendly, Loving, Patient
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Shedding Factor: Moderate to High
- Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
- Trainability: fairly easy to train
Patience is hard to come by in a dog, but the Newfoundland is full of it. You’ll hardly ever get a restless yelp or irritable nip out of one of these big friendly giants. More often than not, they’re passively accepting pats on the head and belly scratches. Beisner says a large breed like the Newfie will be “more intentional in how they use their energy” and are less likely to waste it on barking.
3. Scottish Deerhound
- Height: 30-32 inches (male), 28-30 inches (female)
- Weight: 85-110 pounds (male), 75-95 pounds (female)
- Personality: loving, social
- Activity Level: moderate
- Shedding Factor: moderate
- Life Expectancy: 8-11 years
- Trainability: trains well
Scottish Deerhounds were bred to hunt deer, which may be why they are so good at being quiet. They are also often called polite, which means they like doing what’s asked of them and respond well to instructions. The Scottish Deerhound Club of America says these sweethearts nap a ton as adults (we get it), but aren’t for everyone because of their size and exercise needs.
3. Great Pyrenees
- Height: 25-32 inches
- Weight: 85-110 pounds
- Personality: Calm, Sweet
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Shedding Factor: Seasonal
- Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
- Trainability: Moderate
This fluffy dog breed, like the Newfoundland, isn’t going to spend time barking when it has work to do. As a terrific family pet, often that work includes cuddling and guarding the home. The Great Pyrenees Club of America says their “general demeanor is one of quiet composure,” meaning they likely won’t bark unless they feel their territory is being threatened (Great Pyrenees are very loyal).
4. Great Dane
- Height: 28-32 inches
- Weight: 110-175 pounds
- Personality: Patient, friendly
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Shedding Factor: Low
- Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years
- Trainability: eager to please, socialization is a must
Beisner says Great Danes are generally quieter dogs. Like Scottish Deerhounds, their size makes them more challenging for novice owners, so do your research if you’re in the market for a large, quiet dog! The Great Dane Club of America says these dogs thrive when socialized early, especially if you have young kids at home or in the neighborhood.
5. Italian Greyhound
- Height: 13-15 inches
- Weight: 7-14 pounds
- Personality: playful, sweet
- Activity Level: moderate
- Shedding Factor: low
- Life Expectancy: 14-15 years
- Trainability: easy to train
As quiet as they are small, Italian Greyhounds love nothing more than a peaceful afternoon on their person’s lap. Maybe it’s the breed’s worldly wisdom (they’ve been around for about 2,000 years) that makes them so calm—or maybe they just know actions speak louder than words.
6. Chow Chow
- Height: 17 - 20 inches
- Weight: 45 - 70 pounds
- Personality: Stubborn, Loyal
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Shedding Factor: Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
- Trainability: can be stubborn during training
Even if met with the unfriendly dog next door, the Chow Chow is a noble, quiet creature who will likely continue going about her day without so much as a growl (they love their alone time). Sure, they can be stubborn, but reaffirming this non-confrontational behavior early is the best way to keep it going. The AKC says these canines are “serene and adaptable.”
7. Bullmastiff
- Height: 24-27 inches
- Weight: 100-130 pounds
- Personality: Affectionate, Obedient
- Activity Level: Moderate to High
- Shedding Factor: Low to Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 7-9 years
- Trainability: may be stubborn, train early
The Mastiff family is a docile one, despite their intimidating statures. Bullmastiffs, Spanish mastiffs, Pyrenean mastiffs and Neapolitan mastiffs all go easy on the barking and hard on the cuddling. Be sure to train early—they’re eager to please but need to get the rules down as puppies.
8. Saint Bernard
- Height: 26-30 inches
- Weight: 120-180 pounds
- Personality: Charming, Watchful
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Shedding Factor: Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
- Trainability: may be stubborn, train early
Like Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards are large, oversized teddy bears ready to play—and they are especially good with children. You’ve got a greater chance of seeing their slobbering tongues sneaking food from the table than hearing their booming bark from down the hall. Socialization is key to a happy, healthy Saint Bernard, as they are watchful and eager to protect their family members.
9. Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Height: 24-27 inches
- Weight: 70-85 pounds
- Personality: affectionate, independent
- Activity Level: moderate
- Shedding Factor: moderate
- Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
- Trainability: strong-willed, train early
One of the more interesting breeds on our list, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is even-tempered as long as her owners raise her with firm discipline. These dogs used to help people track lions in Africa, OK? So yeah, they are strong-willed but can be trained to give into their relaxed sides. A barking Ridgeback likely means someone they don’t know has gotten too close to their territory.
10. Irish Water Spaniel
- Height: 21-24 inches
- Weight: 45-68 pounds
- Personality: Playful, alert
- Activity Level: Moderate to High
- Shedding Factor: Hypoallergenic
- Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
- Trainability: easy to train, may bore easily
- Height: 21-24 inches
- Weight: 45-68 pounds
- Personality: Playful, alert
- Activity Level: Moderate to High
- Shedding Factor: Hypoallergenic
- Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
- Trainability: easy to train, may bore easily
These water dogs love being outdoors and, according to the Irish Water Spaniel Club of America, have “been bred for the characteristic of not barking excessively.” We take that to mean they love the soothing sounds of nature. Irish water spaniels are also incredibly sensitive and intuitive; don’t bark at them and they will continue not barking at you.
11. Irish Wolfhound
- Height: 30-34 inches
- Weight: 100-120 pounds
- Personality: mellow, brave, loving
- Activity Level: moderate
- Shedding Factor: moderate
- Life Expectancy: 6-8 years
- Trainability: may be difficult to train
Almost godlike in stature, Irish Wolfhounds are tall, elegant and tranquil canines from—surprise!—Ireland. Their enormous size might look scary to strangers, but their subdued nature actually makes them lousy guard dogs. On the flip side, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better canine BFF.
12. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Height: 12-13 inches
- Weight: 13-18 pounds
- Personality: Affectionate, Friendly
- Activity Level: Low to Moderate
- Shedding Factor: Low to Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- Trainability: trains well
Calm, good for people with anxiety and ideal for apartment living, it’s no wonder Cavalier King Charles spaniels are also quiet dogs. Affectionate and friendly, this toy breed also has a low prey drive, which means barking at critters on walks isn’t likely.
13. Pekingese
- Height: 6-9 inches
- Weight: < 14 pounds
- Personality: proud, loyal
- Activity Level: low
- Shedding Factor: moderate
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
- Trainability: can be difficult to train
Since these canines are considered royalty (or at least, they have regal dispositions), it’s unlikely you’ll hear them yelping about anything. How plebian! They keep quiet while patrolling their territory (or following you around wherever you go). Note: Pekingese have significant grooming requirements, as their coats can grow super long and fluffy.
14. Pug
- Height: 10 to 13 inches
- Weight: 14 to 18 pounds
- Personality: adaptable, charming
- Activity Level: moderate
- Shedding Factor: high
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Trainability: easy to train
With a smile practically plastered onto their faces, Pugs are lovable dogs with generally positive dispositions. They avoid barking because they just want to make their people happy! Train them early to reinforce this behavior. The Pug Dog Club of America says you’ll probably hear these pups snore, though we see this as just another charming facet of their goofy personality.
15. Whippet
- Height: 18-22 inches
- Weight: 25-40 pounds
- Personality: calm, playful
- Activity Level: moderate to high
- Shedding Factor: low to moderate
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- Trainability: smart, trains well
Calm and gentle, Whippets want nothing more than to hang out with you! But not like, in a desperate way. Hobbies include: running around, spooning with owners, running around some more and not barking (remember, quiet doesn’t always mean calm). Just be sure you slather some doggie sunscreen on your whippet when heading outdoors!
16. Bulldog
- Height: 14-15 inches
- Weight: 40-50 pounds
- Personality: Brave, devoted
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Shedding Factor: Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
- Trainability: trains relatively well
Many bulldog breeds are pretty quiet, according to Beisner. They may have short bursts of energy where they bark at another dog, but they don’t vocalize excessively or for long periods of time. Bulldogs are brachycephalic breeds, so they require extra care to keep their faces clean and bodies healthy (avoid strenuous play or exercise in hot temperatures).
17. French Bulldog
- Height: 11 to 13 inches
- Weight: 17 to 28 pounds
- Personality: playful, alert
- Activity Level: moderate
- Shedding Factor: moderate
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
- Trainability: can be stubborn during training
French Bulldogs limit their barking big-time and are known for their ability to chillax. They make excellent apartment dogs because of their quiet, even-keeled nature and dedication to their owners. They’re also the most popular dog in the U.S., probably thanks in part to their generally quiet and loving demeanor.
18. Akita
- Height: 24-28 inches
- Weight: 70-130 pounds
- Personality: Loyal, Protective
- Activity Level: Moderate to High
- Shedding Factor: Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
- Trainability: can be stubborn, train early
Praised as being both quiet and meticulous, Akitas don’t bark loudly but definitely don’t trust strangers and are territorial of and loyal to their owners. Since they are constantly alert and protective, they make terrific guard dogs and Beisner says they are thoughtful about when they bark (usually to alert you to strangers).
19. Basenji
- Height: 16-17 inches
- Weight: 22-24 pounds
- Personality: independent, smart
- Activity Level: high
- Shedding Factor: low
- Life Expectancy: 13-14 years
- Trainability: trains well
- As Dr. Greenstein says, these pups are literally called “barkless dogs;” however, that nickname can be deceiving. While Basenjis don’t bark per se, they do make throaty groans to express themselves. This hound dog breed is also likened to cats when it comes to grooming and training, so consider yourself warned.
20. Afghan
- Height: 25-27 inches
- Weight: 50-60 pounds
- Personality: Independent, proud
- Activity Level: Moderate to High
- Shedding Factor: Low
- Life Expectancy: 12-18 years
- Trainability: independent, difficult to train
Truly a regal breed, Afghans are infrequent barkers and loyal companions. However, the Afghan Hound Club of America warns that these proud dogs might make their own rules at home and force you to work around their preferences. That being said, Afghans bond closely to their humans. They also require lots of grooming, so prep accordingly.
21. Shiba Inu
- Height: 13.5-16.5 inches
- Weight: 17-23 pounds
- Personality: Affectionate, Protective
- Activity Level: High
- Shedding Factor: moderate
- Life Expectancy: 13-16 years
- Trainability: difficult to train
Shiba Inus are part of the spitz family, along with the Akita. An ancient breed, the AKC says these dogs are pretty clean (they groom themselves almost as often and as meticulously as cats do) and protective of their families. Barking is likely restricted to moments when a Shiba feels her family or environment is threatened.
22. Shar-pei
- Height: 18-20 inches
- Weight: 45-60 pounds
- Personality: territorial, calm
- Activity Level: moderate
- Shedding Factor: moderate
- Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
- Trainability: strong-willed, usually trains well
The Chinese Shar-pei is a guardian dog with a wrinkly face and a blue tongue! These mellow canines don’t get riled up easily, unless they feel someone (especially another dog) is encroaching on their turf. Smart but sneaky, training can go well but may be difficult if the dog gets bored or decides he’s no longer interested. Consistency and positive reinforcement is key.
23. Bernese Mountain Dog
- Height: 23-28 inches
- Weight: 70-115 pounds
- Personality: Calm, Affectionate
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Shedding Factor: High
- Life Expectancy: 7-10 years
- Trainability: easy to train
Bernese Mountain Dogs prefer watching over their homes, nuzzling up to their family members or going for long leisurely walks to barking at things. They make great therapy dogs because they are confident and alert, according to the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America.
24. Saluki
- Height: 20-28 inches
- Weight: 40-65 pounds
- Personality: Gentle, independent
- Activity Level: Moderate to High
- Shedding Factor: Low to Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 10-17 years
- Trainability: independent, may be tricky to train
Salukis are on our list of the most expensive dog breeds to own, and their gentle spirits and adaptability make it easy to see why. While these regal dogs are not for everyone, they make excellent companions to dedicated owners. Salukis are independent and need lots of outdoor time to run around and burn energy.
25. Greyhound
- Height: 27-30 inches
- Weight: 60-70 pounds
- Personality: Independent, Sweet
- Activity Level: Moderate to High
- Shedding Factor: Low
- Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
- Trainability: difficult to train
Like the Saluki, the Greyhound needs wide open spaces to sprint and exercise their long legs. Energy bursts are common, though at home these dogs can be gentle, quiet creatures. They are also fairly sensitive, so vocalizing typically comes when they are trying to let you know they are uncomfortable or uneasy.
Summary
There’s no such thing as a barkless dog, through the Basenji and its yodeling comes close. Quiet dog breeds may also be calm in temperament, but will gladly bark to alert you to an intruder, a missed meal or an urge to play. Finally, as always, remember that every dog is an individual. Barking is one of many traits that can vary within a breed.