15 Best Quiet Dog Breeds That Bark Less

Barking dogs can be a real nuisance, especially if you live close to your neighbors. It's possible to train a dog to bark less, but you can improve your odds of having a quiet dog by selecting a breed with a low tendency to bark. Certain dogs were bred to be barking hunting dogs—alerting the hunter to prey. Other dogs keep quiet and remain stealthy, allowing them to catch game.

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Dogs vocalize out of excitement, anxiety, boredom, and more. It's their natural way to communicate, and owners must understand the reasons behind the barks before they can address the behavior.

Breed Characteristics

Breeds that bark less tend to be more confident; they have a routine to their lives and feel comfortable with their people, environment, and exercise level. Dogs prone to be barkers get anxious and may experience separation anxiety, phobias, or attention-seeking behaviors. In general, sighthounds hunt by sight, not scent, and do not usually need to alert hunters or the rest of the pack about finding a quarry. These quieter dogs go out and catch prey items using their speed and stealth.

Here are 15 generally quiet dog breeds that make great companions, especially if your neighbors are sensitive to noise.

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Afghan Hound

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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're not suitable for every home.

Breed Overview

Group: Hound (AKC)
Height: 25 to 27 inches
Weight: 50 to 60 pounds
Coat and Color: Silky coat; colors include blue, cream, and more
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
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Akita

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Akitas can make excellent guard dogs and will typically only bark to alert you of danger. They are intensely loyal and often form strong bonds with only a few people. Otherwise, they tend to be aloof around strangers. Consistent training is a must, as many Akitas have a stubborn streak.

Breed Overview

Group: Working (AKC)
Height: 24 to 28 inches
Weight: 70 to 130 pounds
Coat and Color: Burly and heavy-boned dogs with a dense double coat that comes in multiple colors, including white
Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 years
03 of 15

Basenji

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The basenji doesn't bark. Instead, the breed makes a yodeling sound when vocalizing. These dogs are not especially noisy, but they are also not silent. When excited, expect the occasional yodel, squeal, or whine out of these energetic dogs.

Breed Overview

Group: Hound (AKC)
Height: 16 to 17 inches
Weight: 22 to 24 pounds
Coat and Color: Short, fine coat; colors include red, black, tricolor, or brindle with white markings on their feet, chest, and tail
Life Expectancy: 13 to 14 years
04 of 15

Chow Chow

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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're not especially vocal. They sometimes have a reputation for being aggressive, but this is mainly because they want to protect themselves and their families.

Breed Overview

Group: Non-sporting (AKC)
Height: 17 to 20 inches
Weight: 45 to 70 pounds
Coat and Color: Coats can be rough or smooth in black, blue, cinnamon, cream, or red; blue-black tongue
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

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Collie

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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.

Breed Overview

Group: Herding (AKC)
Height: 22 to 26 inches
Weight: 50 to 75 pounds
Coat and Color: Rough or smooth coat; colors include sable and white, blue merle, and more
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
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Greyhound

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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. But some develop very close bonds with their families and will vocalize their displeasure when left alone. Behavioral training can help to correct this.

Breed Overview

Group: Working (AKC)
Height: 26 to 28 inches
Weight: 100 to 150 pounds
Coat and Color: Large, heavy-coated in gray, brown, black, and black-and-white
Life Expectancy: 8 to 10 years
07 of 15

Newfoundland

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The Newfoundland is an affectionate dog that's intensely loyal to its humans. Barking is not typical unless your Newfie needs to warn you about something. It takes the right home to accommodate these gentle giants. They need plenty of exercise but not as much grooming as you might think. Most are responsive to training.

Breed Overview

Group: Working (AKC)
Height: 26 to 28 inches
Weight: 100 to 150 pounds
Coat and Color: Large, heavy-coated in gray, brown, black, and black-and-white
Life Expectancy: 8 to 10 years
08 of 15

Saint Bernard

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Saint Bernards are generally quiet unless they feel they must warn you of danger. In general, they are highly loyal and affectionate dogs that are eager to please. Take the time to train this breed, as they can be easily distracted and must be controllable at such a large size.

Breed Overview

Group: Working (AKC)
Height: 26 to 30 inches
Weight: 120 to 180 pounds
Coat and Color: Dense coat; colors include brown and white, red and white, and more
Life Expectancy: 8 to 10 years

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Shiba Inu

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The shiba inu is typically a quiet dog that might seem reserved or standoffish at first, especially among strangers. The breed tends to be stoic but devoted to its family. These dogs have minimal grooming and average exercise needs, but training can be challenging due to their independent nature.

Breed Overview

Group: Non-sporting (AKC)
Height: 13.5 to 16.5 inches
Weight: 17 to 23 pounds
Coat and Color: Long coat, heavy shedders; coat comes in black with tan points, sesame, red, or cream/white; undercoat is cream, gray, or buff
Life Expectancy: 13 to 16 years
10 of 15

Whippet

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Like its greyhound cousin, the whippet is a generally quiet dog. Exercise is essential, as the breed's activity needs are moderate to high. And because whippets can be stubborn or easily distracted, training must be consistent. Some whippets can be reserved around strangers, but they're playful and affectionate with their families.

Breed Overview

Group: Hound (AKC)
Height: 18 to 22 inches
Weight: 25 to 40 pounds
Coat and Color: Short, smooth coat that comes in various colors
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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Cavalier King Charles spaniels are not known to be barkers. However, some can bark tons if they crave attention or feel neglected. If they are left alone for any length of time, expect this dog—or most types for that matter—to become a barking dog. The Cavalier King Charles spaniel can change its barks depending on its emotional level and what they're trying to say. If they're barking, it's usually for protection, alarm, or out of fear or separation anxiety.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 12 to 13 inches
Weight: 13 to 18 pounds
Coat and Color: Medium-length silky, wavy coat; adults have feathering on their ears, chest, legs, feet, and tail; primary coat color is white with ruby, chestnut, and black and tan varieties
Life Expectancy: 9 to 14 years
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Shar-Pei

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The shar-pei rarely, if ever, barks. It is a perfect choice if you prefer a quiet breed. The shar-pei is a strong, loyal, and loving dog breed. Chinese shar-peis are zen-like dogs that hardly make a sound unless to sound an alarm about a potential threat.

Breed Overview

Group: Non-sporting (AKC)
Height: 18 to 20 inches
Weight: 45 to 60 pounds
Coat and Color: Short, bristle coat, commonly in black, chocolate, blue, and cream
Life Expectancy: 8 to 12 years

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Japanese Chin

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Japanese chins are not prone to barking. This family-friendly breed is pleasant, cuddly, and gets along with children. They are often described as being cat-like and are fond of curling in a lap. This breed can turn into an anxious dog and will bark if left alone or lacking attention.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 8 to 11 inches
Weight: 4 to 9 pounds
Coat and Color: Long and silky coats in black and white, lemon and white, sable and white, black, and other color variations
Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
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Great Dane

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Great Danes are another breed of gentle giants that are famous for protecting their homes and loved ones. They are among the quietest breeds. They rarely bark unless there is a good reason—usually to alert, protect, greet, or, sometimes, out of boredom, if ignored or left alone for too long.

Breed Overview

Group: Working (AKC)
Height: 28 to 32 inches
Weight: 110 to 175 pounds
Coat and Color: Short hair in brindle, fawn, blue, black, harlequin (white with black patches), or mantle (black and white)
Life Expectancy: 6 to 8 years
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Rhodesian Ridgeback

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Ridgebacks generally don't bark a lot. They may bark to alert you to something unusual, and some might bark when they are bored, but this isn't a yappy breed. This African breed was bred to hunt and guard its home. It makes a beautiful addition to the home and continues to gain popularity in the U.S.

Breed Overview

Group: Hound (AKC)
Height: 24 to 27 inches
Weight: 70 to 85 pounds
Coat and Color: Ridge on their back; short and dense coat; colors range from light to red wheaten with small white markings on their chest and toes; may have a black mask
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

Breeds to Avoid

Unlike their quiet cousins, several dog breeds are known for their vocal nature. Many terrier breeds, such as the Yorkshire terrier, tend to be barkers—often reacting to movement around their homes. And scenthound dogs, including basset hounds and beagles, can be rather noisy with their melodious howls, though they typically aren’t excessive barkers. One of the barkiest dogs, the Finnish spitz, is also called the barking bird dog and can bark up to 160 times per minute.

Understanding Dog Talk

15 Best Quiet Dog Breeds That Bark Less

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Breed Characteristics

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Breeds to Avoid

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