Home Dog Breeds 25 Most Quiet Dog Breeds (Based on Studies)

25 Most Quiet Dog Breeds (Based on Studies)

Last Updated: Mar 26, 2025

If you're thinking about adopting a dog but live in an apartment, condo, or duplex with angry neighbors, one of these quiet dog breeds that doesn't bark often may be your only choice.

Some homeowners associations even have rules about barking dogs, and there may be city ordinances that prohibit dog barking noise altogether.

Fortunately, there are dogs that are quieter and tend to bark less.

In fact, plenty of scientific research has been done on dog communication, including barking patterns, frequency ranges, and the rate of occurrence of many breeds.

Science on Barking Patterns of Different Breeds

Barking in dogs has been proven as a means of communication (1, 2, 3).

Dogs bark as a way of alerting, calling to action, or simply as a greeting (4).

These audible signals have a variable acoustic structure, depending on the breed and the intention of the bark, and their frequency ranges between 160 Hz and 2630 Hz (1, 2).

In a 2010 study, researchers discovered that some family dog breeds bark more, whereas others stay silent more often.

For example, wolf-like breeds like Basenji, Shar-peis, and Chow Chows are some of the quietest dogs and have a low propensity for barking.

However, the issue of finding a quiet dog isn't as simple as “some breeds bark more.”

This largely depends on the type of bark that a breed emits.

For example, one breed may bark less, but its communication will be louder, more aggressive, and more frequent. In contrast, another breed will bark more often, but its barks are quieter and less audibly intrusive.

In a 2000 study (PDF), scientists analyzed barking by breed and all possible types of audible communication that breeds produce.

Using previous data from a 1979 book on the science of communication in different species, they classified barks as such:

Infantile bark (pup yelp), a harmonic sound (240 Hz to 920 Hz frequency), is emitted by the dog spontaneously as a distress call or protest.

Harmonic play bark varies from a few wide frequency bands to numerous narrow bands (160 Hz to 880 Hz frequency range). The dog generally makes this non-aggressive sound in a relaxed state, such as during playtime.

“Christmas tree” bark was labeled like this because the sonogram showed its sequential loss of overtones in the form of a Christmas tree. Poodles frequently overlap, whereas Alaskan Malamutes and GSDs produce a more harmonic sound.

Noisy play bark is a low pitched, short and harsh sound with a sharp rise (peaking at 1206 Hz frequency in Bull Terriers), often released by dogs during the change in behavior, particularly when it's turning into aggressive mode.

Threat bark was the final classification that has the lowest pitch and highest frequency (at 2360 Hz) and was the most abrupt.

Furthermore, because barking in dogs is considered an allelomimetic behavior, researchers found that even quiet dog breeds may bark more when in a group of other dogs (5).

Below are some of the quietest dogs based on several factors: their propensity to bark, the frequency range of their bark, and the types of barks they tend to release most often.

25 Most Quiet Dog Breeds
(from Small to Large Dogs)

1. 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.

2. 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's 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.

3. 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.

4. French Bulldog

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.

5. 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 don’t expect them to be totally silent.

6. 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 isn’t everywhere.

Like many breeds, this pet makes noise only when left alone.

7. 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!

8. 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 doesn’t seem right, but it isn’t an annoying yappy bark.

They have a deep and intimidating “big dog” bark. However, Italian Greyhounds are generally mild-mannered, so they don’t feel the need to bark often.

9. Basenji

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.

10. 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's 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 don’t have “jobs” to perform.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. Whippet

Nicknamed “the poor man’s greyhound”, these fast, agile dogs are often used for racing. 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.

14. Saluki

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.

15. 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 doesn’t 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.

16. Great Dane

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.

17. Borzoi

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.

18. Saint Bernard

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.

19. 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.

20. Bergamasco

This is the unusual-looking dog that many people describe as looking like a mop.

They have long, dread-locked hair (unless it's clipped like in the photo above).

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.

21. 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.

RELATED: Mastiff Dog Breed Profile

22. 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.

23. Bullmastiff

With a breeding for quietly guarding large estates, these pups are still quiet today. While they don’t 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.

24. 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.

25. 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 don’t usually bark, they grunt, moan, and mumble.

Their noises are more entertainment than a nuisance.

Brave and confident, they don’t need to make themselves known with excessive barking.

Remember that these dogs do not do well with children or other pets.

Quietest Dog Breeds: FAQs

Which dog breed is the calmest?

The dog breeds known to be calm and laid-back are the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Greyhound, the Basset Hound, and the Great Dane, among others.

Which dog can't bark?

Basenji, also known as the “Barkless dog,” can only make a sound that resembles a yodel. This is because of the unique shape of their larynx.

You can learn more about this unique dog in this breed profile.

What is the shyest dog breed?

Some dogs, like Akitas, Cairn Terriers, and Shetland Sheepdogs, are known to be more reserved and aloof than other breeds, but it is difficult to say that they are definitely “shy.”

All dogs can be friendly and sociable if they are socialized and trained from puppyhood!

Quiet Dogs: Before You Go…

The breeds mentioned on this list may be the quietest dogs in the canine world, but they're certainly not short of love and affection for their human family.

And that means, quiet or not, they all deserve equal love and care from us!

Want to meet more interesting dogs? Or perhaps, you need a guide to deal with your overly excited and loud dog?

Check out our recommended articles below!

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25 Most Quiet Dog Breeds (Based on Studies)

Science on Barking Patterns of Different Breeds