Quiet Dog Breeds: 9 Low-Bark Dogs You’ll Want to Meet

My cattle dog-collie mix, Willy, has a bark that can break glass in Alaska. Fortunately my neighbors aren’t in close proximity and while we hear each other’s dogs (we all have at least one) no one’s barking is a nuisance. At home, Willy’s sharp, startling bark doesn’t elicit calm energy but fortunately there are many quieter breeds who might not bark every time a car pulls in the driveway.

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Factors influencing a dog’s quietness

Dr. Antje Joslin, a veterinarian consultant at Dogtopia, says a dog’s temperament will determine in part  whether it’s quiet or vocal. “Breed traits, genetics, training, socialization, environment and individual personality will all influence how vocal a dog may be,” she says. Historically, dogs were bred for different ‘jobs’ such as hunting, guarding, herding or companionship — all requiring various levels of vocalization, Dr. Joslin explains. Age, health and emotional well-being further affect vocalization. “Even within the ‘quiet’ breeds; individual vocalization can vary significantly,” Dr. Joslin says. 

Paige Gordon, a certified trainer at SpiritDog Training, echoes Dr. Joslin. “A lot of factors go into what can make some dogs more vocal or quiet than others,” Gordon says. She lists the general environment of a dog’s upbringing, the extent of their socialization and desensitization, their breed history and genetic predisposition to certain behaviors. 

Benefits of owning a quiet dog

Not being rudely startled awake or distracted from work are significant benefits of owning a quiet dog. Households with small children or people who work from home prefer a quiet environment. For people who live in apartments, shared housing, or those with roommates, a quiet dog can make or break a relationship. There can even be legal ramifications for nuisance barking — some communities place legal limits on dog barking.

9 most popular quiet dog breeds

Gordon says it’s important to research a breed’s history and characteristics and weigh those factors in relation to your lifestyle before choosing a dog. There are at least 17 breeds that thrive in small spaces. Others need room to run. There are dogs who were bred to use their voices to protect people or other animals and those like sighthounds who were bred to hunt silently but still need lots of exercise. Many toy breeds provide quiet  companionship. 

Basenji

Basenji is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world and originated in Central Africa. They excelled at hunting small game in the Congo. Because of their unique larynx, instead of barking they make yodel-like sounds (“baroos”) or whines, which is why they’re sometimes called the “barkless dog.” “They tend to be quiet but aloof, intelligent and independent,” Dr. Joslin says. 

Greyhound

Greyhounds are an ancient breed whose long, lean figures are depicted on the walls of the Egyptian pyramids. They’re sighthounds bred to silently pursue game at high speeds. More recently, they’ve been employed in the controversial sport of greyhound racing. In between bursts of energy, they’re sweet, quiet and affectionate family dogs. “They can adapt well to indoor living and enjoy lounging,” Dr. Joslin says. 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel originated in Renaissance England as a palace lapdog. As their name suggests, they were a favorite of King Charles II. Today’s Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are popular family dogs because they tolerate indoor living, small children and they’re quiet. “They’re generally a quiet, laid-back, affectionate breed and they adapt well to apartment living,” Dr. Joslin says, so you can charm neighbors and nobility alike. 

French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are descended from English bulldogs. They were refined in 18^th century France as companion dogs, particularly among Parisian café society. ‘Frenchies’ express themselves through snorts and snuffles. They’re also prone to snoring. While generally quiet, they can be vocal, Dr. Joslin cautions. “This breed exhibits considerable individual variation, with some individuals being very active and vocal.”

Shiba Inu

“Shiba” means “brushwood” in Japan, where the Shiba Inu is an ancient Japanese breed raised for flushing birds and small game in mountainous terrain. Their reddish-brown coats even match the colors of the brush. Being quiet helped them conserve their energy and maintain an element of surprise. “This breed is considered a quiet breed, but they do have a ‘Shiba-scream’ when they are distressed or very excited,” Dr. Joslin says. Shibas are a cat-like dog in that they’re independent and aloof or standoffish with strangers.

Afghan Hound

Like Greyhounds, Afghan Hounds are sighthounds and are among the world’s fastest land animals. They were bred to chase gazelles and hares with great speed and agility in Afghanistan’s rugged mountain terrain. Since barking would have slowed them down, they’re a quiet breed. At rest, Afghan Hounds are typically aloof and self-contained though affectionate with their family. 

Chow Chow

An ancient Chinese breed and one of the oldest breeds in the world, Chow Chows were once used for guarding temples, pulling carts and hunting.  They’re a dignified, reserved breed that’s wary of strangers and typically only bark if they have something important to say (like telling you there’s a stranger at the door). Chows are distinguished by blue-black tongues, moderate exercise needs and a serene demeanor unless provoked. Alert but not alarmist describes the Chow Chow. 

Collie

Collies were bred in Scotland and Northern England to herd sheep. They include Rough Collies, Smooth Collies and Border Collies. Dr. Joslin notes the latter is excitable (that would be Willy) but Rough and Smooth Collies are steady, gentle and not overly vocal even though they used their voices to move sheep. Their sensitive, family-oriented nature means they intuit the family environment and bark only when necessary. 

Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhounds and their larger cousins, Whippets, are generally quiet because they were bred to chase prey without barking. Greyhounds were bred in Renaissance Italy for companionship and small-game hunting. Whippets were developed in England as the “poor man’s racehorse” and for chasing rabbits. Both are quiet, affectionate dogs who prefer lounging to excessive vocalizing. 

How to train and socialize a dog for quiet behavior

Regardless of their breed, all puppies are excitable and prone to barking so it’s important to train your puppy to stop barking as soon as possible. It’s also possible to fix your dog’s non-stop barking and reinforce quiet behavior if they’re older. “Training a dog for quiet behavior includes positive reinforcement, consistency and patience,” Dr. Joslin says. She recommends exposing your puppy or dog to a variety of stimuli and training them to be silent and calm by giving them a treat when they exhibit the desired behavior. 

Doggie daycare gives dogs the chance to play, exercise and interact with other dogs so they’re more quiet at home. “A tired dog is a quiet dog,” Dr. Joslin says. 

Gordon says if your dog is loud and reactive to noises like firetrucks, YouTube is a source for desensitizing playlists. She recommends giving your dog a tasty long-lasting chew and playing triggering  sounds quietly, gradually increasing the volume over time. The benefit of this training is that your bond with your dog will improve,” she says. “It’s great to be able to spend time with your dog and see real results like being able to have your dog listen calmly to a sound that may have set them off.”

Bottom line

A dog’s breed can determine how much they bark. Certain breeds were developed for specific purposes, like silently hunting at high speeds or quiet companionship. These dogs evolved to bark selectively. They’re good choices for people living in close proximity to others or people who value a quieter environment. Without correct socialization and training however, or if its needs aren’t being met, any dog will express itself by barking. Excessive barking or a lack of barking can be a sign of health issues if your dog isn’t eating, drinking and moving normally.