Dogs That Don't Bark: 15 Quiet Breeds for Peaceful Homes

Why Do Some Dogs Bark Less Than Others?

Barking is a natural canine behavior, but the frequency and intensity vary enormously between breeds. The reason comes down to breeding purpose and temperament. Breeds developed for guarding livestock silently, coursing game by sight, or serving as quiet companions in royal courts were never selected for vocalization. On the other hand, terriers bred to alert hunters, herding dogs that needed to control flocks with their voice, and hounds that tracked prey with baying calls tend to be much noisier.

A dog's barking level also depends on individual temperament, training, and environment. But starting with a naturally quiet breed gives you a massive head start. The breeds below all score 1-2 out of 5 on our barking scale — check our full quietest dog breeds ranking for the complete list.

1. Basenji

The Basenji is often called the “barkless dog,” and it lives up to the name — mostly. Originating in Central Africa as a hunting dog, the Basenji has an unusually shaped larynx that prevents it from producing a traditional bark. Instead, Basenjis communicate with a distinctive yodel-like sound called a “baroo,” along with whines, growls, and the occasional howl. They're not silent, but they're about as close as a dog gets.

Basenjis are independent, cat-like in their grooming habits, and fiercely intelligent. They score just 1/5 on barking but 4/5 on energy, so they need plenty of exercise. Best for experienced owners who want a quiet, athletic, and uniquely quirky companion.

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was bred to be a lap dog for British royalty, and royal courts demanded quiet companions. Cavaliers are gentle, affectionate, and remarkably calm. They may let out a soft bark when someone arrives at the door, but they settle quickly and rarely bark without reason. Their primary sound is a contented sigh as they curl up beside you.

Scoring 2/5 on barking, Cavaliers are ideal for apartment living, families with children, and senior owners seeking a peaceful companion. They do need moderate exercise and are prone to heart conditions, so regular vet visits are essential.

3. Bernese Mountain Dog

Despite their massive size, the Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the quietest large breeds around. Originally bred as farm dogs in the Swiss Alps, Berners worked calmly alongside their owners without excessive vocalization. They'll bark to alert you to a visitor, but that's about it — the rest of the time, they communicate through expressive eyes and gentle nudges.

Berners score 2/5 on barking and 5/5 on good with kids, making them outstanding family dogs. The trade-off is their shorter lifespan (6-8 years) and heavy shedding. Best for families with a house and yard who want a quiet, loyal giant.

4. French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is America's most popular breed, and its quiet nature is a big reason why. Frenchies rarely bark — they're more likely to communicate through snorts, snuffles, and the occasional dramatic sigh. Their flat face contributes to a range of amusing sounds, but a piercing bark isn't one of them.

Scoring 2/5 on barking and 5/5 on apartment friendliness, French Bulldogs are practically designed for urban living. They're low-energy, sociable, and content to lounge on the couch. Best for apartment dwellers, couples, and anyone who wants a playful but quiet companion.

5. Bulldog

The English Bulldog shares its French cousin's quiet temperament. Bulldogs are famously laid-back — they'd rather snooze on the sofa than bark at squirrels. When they do vocalize, it's usually a low grumble or a wheeze. They're not completely silent, but their sounds are more comical than disruptive.

With a barking score of 2/5 and minimal exercise needs, Bulldogs are excellent for laid-back households. They're great with kids and other pets, making them a solid choice for families who want a low-volume, low-maintenance dog.

6. Shih Tzu

Bred as palace dogs for Chinese emperors, the Shih Tzu learned centuries ago that quiet dignity gets you further in court. While some small breeds are notoriously yappy, the Shih Tzu tends to be calm and composed. They may bark briefly at the doorbell, but they're not the type to bark at every passing leaf.

Their barking score of 2/5 combined with their small size and affectionate nature makes them perfect for apartments and older owners. Shih Tzus prefer gentle play and belly rubs over anything that might require raising their voice.

7. Whippet

The Whippet is a sighthound — bred to chase prey by sight rather than sound. Barking would have been a disadvantage in the field, so the trait was never encouraged. Modern Whippets are some of the quietest dogs you'll ever meet, often going entire days without making a single sound. When they do vocalize, it's typically a soft whine of excitement or a single alert bark.

Scoring just 1/5 on barking, Whippets are gentle, athletic, and surprisingly couch-friendly despite their speed. They need a daily sprint but are calm indoors. Best for quiet households, apartments with nearby parks, and owners who appreciate an elegant, low-key dog.

8. Great Dane

You might expect a dog the size of a small horse to have a booming bark, but Great Danes are surprisingly reserved vocalizers. They were bred as estate guardians whose mere presence deterred intruders — no barking needed. When a Great Dane does bark, it's a deep, resonant woof that carries authority, but it's infrequent.

Great Danes score 2/5 on barking and are famously gentle despite their size. They're patient with children and surprisingly adaptable to apartment living if they get daily walks. Best for families who want an imposing but quiet guardian.

9. Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard was bred to rescue stranded travelers in the Swiss Alps — a job that required calm focus, not barking. These gentle giants are among the most soft-spoken large breeds. They communicate through body language, soft woofs, and their signature drool-laden sighs.

With a barking score of 2/5 and exceptional patience with children (5/5), Saint Bernards make wonderful family dogs. They're low-energy indoors and prefer a relaxed lifestyle. Best for families with space who want a massive, quiet, and incredibly gentle companion.

10. Rhodesian Ridgeback

Originally bred in Southern Africa to track lions, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a powerful, dignified breed that rarely wastes energy on unnecessary noise. They're silent trackers by nature — barking would have spooked their quarry. At home, Ridgebacks are watchful and alert but communicate their concerns through posture and a steady, intense gaze rather than vocalizations.

Scoring 2/5 on barking, Ridgebacks are independent, loyal, and athletic. They need vigorous daily exercise and an experienced owner who understands their strong-willed nature. Best for active households wanting a quiet but capable guardian.

11. Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is a gentle giant among gentle giants. Bred as working water dogs in Canada, Newfies are calm, patient, and remarkably quiet for their size. They'll occasionally bark to alert you, but their default mode is a serene, watchful calm. When they do vocalize, it's a low, rumbling bark that's more reassuring than alarming.

Newfoundlands score 2/5 on barking and 5/5 on good with kids — they're natural babysitters. Their sound of choice is the heavy sigh of contentment. Best for families with children who want a large, quiet, and endlessly patient companion.

12. Borzoi

Another sighthound on this list, the Borzoi (Russian Wolfhound) is graceful, elegant, and practically silent. These aristocratic dogs were bred to course wolves across the Russian steppe — a job that demanded speed and stealth, not barking. Modern Borzois retain that quiet dignity, often going days without barking at all.

With a barking score of just 1/5, Borzois are calm indoors but need room to run. They're independent and cat-like in temperament, preferring to observe the world from a comfortable spot. Best for experienced owners who appreciate a quiet, regal companion.

13. Akita

The Akita is sometimes called the “Silent Hunter” in Japan, where the breed originated. Akitas are powerful, dignified dogs that view unnecessary barking as beneath them. They'll bark only when they genuinely believe there's a reason — which means if your Akita barks, you should pay attention. Their other vocalizations include a distinctive mumbling “talking” sound that owners find endearing.

Scoring 2/5 on barking, Akitas are fiercely loyal to their family but reserved with strangers. They require experienced handling and early socialization. Best for experienced owners who want a quiet, imposing, and deeply loyal guardian.

14. Mastiff

The English Mastiff is the epitome of quiet confidence. Weighing up to 100 kg, a Mastiff doesn't need to bark to be intimidating — their sheer presence does the talking. These ancient guardians were bred to watch and protect, not to raise the alarm at every small noise. When they do bark, it's a deep, thunderous sound that stops people in their tracks, but they reserve it for genuine threats.

Mastiffs score 2/5 on barking and are surprisingly gentle and affectionate at home. They prefer short walks and long naps. Best for families with space who want a massive, low-key guard dog that communicates through presence rather than noise.

15. Pug

Pugs are the clowns of the quiet dog world. While they're not completely silent, their vocalizations lean more toward snorts, snuffles, grunts, and the famous “Pug scream” of excitement rather than actual barking. Bred as companions for Chinese emperors, Pugs are people-oriented dogs that would rather cuddle than bark at the mailman.

With a barking score of 2/5 and a personality that's pure entertainment, Pugs are excellent for apartments, families, and first-time owners. Their sounds are amusing rather than disruptive, making them a great choice when you want personality without the volume.

Tips for Reducing Barking in Any Breed

Even if you choose a naturally quiet breed, every dog can develop barking habits if their needs aren't met. Here are proven strategies for keeping any dog quiet:

• Provide enough physical exercise — a tired dog is a quiet dog
• Use mental stimulation (puzzle toys, training sessions) to prevent boredom barking
• Teach the “quiet” command early using positive reinforcement
• Socialize your dog thoroughly so they're not alarmed by normal sights and sounds
• Address separation anxiety, one of the most common causes of excessive barking
• Avoid punishing barking — it often increases anxiety and makes things worse
• Consider white noise machines or calming music when you leave the house

Remember that some barking is normal and healthy. The goal isn't a completely silent dog — it's a dog that barks appropriately and settles quickly.

Find Your Perfect Quiet Companion

Not sure which quiet breed matches your lifestyle? Take our Breed Finder Quiz to get a personalized recommendation based on your living situation, experience level, and preferences. You can also explore our full quietest dog breeds ranking to see every breed sorted by barking level, or browse the best dogs for apartments if noise is your primary concern.