In a world where peace and quiet can often feel like a luxury, finding a furry friend that doesn’t bark incessantly can be a real blessing. Whether you live in an apartment with thin walls or simply prefer a tranquil environment, choosing a dog breed known for its calm demeanor is key.
We’ll explore 20 dog breeds that are known for their quiet nature. These breeds may be less vocal, but they are no less loving or loyal. Each breed has unique characteristics and temperaments that make them ideal companions.
Let’s dive into the world of quiet canine companions and discover the perfect low-barking buddy for you.
1. Basenji
Let’s kick things off with the “barkless dog.” The Basenji doesn’t bark, but don’t think for a second they’re silent. These clever pups make a unique yodel-like sound called a “barroo” when they’re feeling chatty.
Independent and cat-like, they’re perfect for someone who wants a quirky yet quiet companion. Their minimal barking comes from their unique larynx structure, which limits typical barking sounds.
Combine that with their playful yet independent nature, and you’ve got a fascinating little dog who’ll keep you on your toes without breaking the sound barrier.
Basenjis are also known for their cleanliness and lack of doggy odor, adding another layer of appeal for owners who appreciate a tidy, low-maintenance pet. Their curious and mischievous side ensures there’s never a dull moment—even if it’s all happening quietly.
2. Shih Tzu
Known as the little lion dog, the Shih Tzu’s priorities are more about lounging than lunging at shadows. These tiny, elegant pups have a calm demeanor and rarely feel the need to bark unless something truly grabs their attention.
They’re fantastic companions for families, seniors, or anyone who loves a low-energy, affectionate dog. Don’t let their luxurious coat fool you—while they may look like royalty, their quiet nature makes them approachable and easy to love.
Shih Tzus were bred to be lap dogs for Chinese royalty, and they still excel at that role today. They’re great with kids, easy to train, and have a friendly attitude that endears them to everyone they meet.
While they may occasionally sound the alarm for visitors, they’re far more likely to greet them with wagging tails than loud barks.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These regal pups are as polite as they look. Cavaliers tend to stay calm and composed, barking only when necessary. They’re naturally affectionate, making them ideal for homes that value peace and companionship over noise.
Whether cuddling on the couch or gracefully following you around the house, these sweet dogs are more likely to express themselves through gentle tail wags than loud barking fits. Cavaliers are excellent with children and other pets, and their adaptable nature makes them suitable for a variety of living situations.
They’re happiest when they’re by your side, showering you with affection and loyalty. While they’re not big barkers, they’re alert and attentive, often letting out a soft bark if they sense something unusual, making them excellent, albeit quiet, watchdogs.
4. Greyhound
Despite being the Ferraris of the dog world, Greyhounds are surprisingly mellow. They’re the epitome of “gentle giant,” and their quiet nature pairs beautifully with their love of long naps.
When they’re not zooming around the yard during their brief bursts of energy, they’re likely curled up in the quietest corner of your home. Greyhounds are loyal, sweet, and perfectly content to live a peaceful, drama-free life.
These dogs are also incredibly low-maintenance, requiring only moderate exercise and minimal grooming. Their calm demeanor and friendly nature make them ideal for families, singles, or seniors looking for a loving companion.
While they’re not prone to barking, they are highly observant and may use subtle gestures or soft whines to communicate their needs.
5. Borzoi
Another speedster with a soft-spoken demeanor, the Borzoi is elegant, affectionate, and prefers to observe rather than bark. Think of them as the introverts of the dog park—quiet, dignified, and slightly mysterious.
Their calm and composed nature makes them a wonderful choice for families looking for a large dog that won’t dominate the soundscape of the home. Borzois form strong bonds with their families, often using body language and gentle nudges to communicate.
They’re also known for their independent streak, so training them requires patience and consistency. Despite their size and athleticism, they’re couch potatoes at heart and thrive in calm, loving environments where they can relax and stretch out—preferably on a soft surface they’ve claimed as their own.
6. Bernese Mountain Dog
Berners are big, fluffy, and full of love. These gentle giants are more about snuggles than sound, barking only when they feel it’s truly necessary—like warning you about a squirrel invasion. Their calm temperament and steady nature make them excellent family dogs, especially for homes with kids.
While they may not bark often, their deep, rumbling voice ensures you’ll pay attention when they do. Berners are also incredibly loyal and thrive on companionship, making them wonderful emotional support animals.
They’re happiest when they’re included in family activities, whether it’s a hike, a backyard barbecue, or just lounging around. Their thick double coat requires regular grooming, but their loving and easygoing personality makes up for the extra effort.
7. Whippet
Similar to their Greyhound cousins, Whippets are laid-back and love a good snooze. They’re affectionate and sweet, making them perfect for anyone who wants a quiet, low-maintenance buddy.
Whippets are known for their short bursts of speed, but once they’ve had their playtime, they’re happy to lounge around and enjoy the quiet moments. Their calm disposition means they rarely feel the need to bark.
They’re gentle with children and other pets, making them a versatile choice for families. While they’re generally quiet, they’re incredibly expressive with their body language, often communicating through subtle movements and soulful eyes.
Their low-maintenance grooming needs and affectionate nature make them an excellent choice for first-time dog owners.
8. Scottish Deerhound
Graceful and calm, the Scottish Deerhound is a noble breed with a reserved personality. Their barks are as rare as their energy bursts, making them ideal for a peaceful home. These gentle giants are known for their loyalty and mild manners, making them excellent companions for those who enjoy a quiet lifestyle.
Despite their size, they’re incredibly gentle and thrive on forming close bonds with their families. Deerhounds are also known for their patience and calm demeanor, making them great with children. They require moderate exercise to stay healthy but are just as happy lounging in a cozy spot.
Their wiry coat needs regular grooming, but their affectionate and serene personality more than compensates for the upkeep. While they may not bark often, they’re always attentive and aware of their surroundings.
9. Akita
Akitas are the epitome of the strong, silent type. These majestic dogs are known for their unwavering loyalty and calm demeanor. Unlike some breeds that bark at every leaf rustle, Akitas are discerning about their vocalizations.
They prefer to observe and assess before reacting, making them excellent guardians who rely on their presence rather than noise to deter intruders. Their quiet confidence is matched by their deep bond with their families, as Akitas are incredibly devoted to their owners.
While they can be aloof with strangers, they’re affectionate and playful with those they trust. Akitas require consistent training and socialization to bring out their best qualities, but their composed nature and minimal barking make them a joy to have in a peaceful home.
10. Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds may be among the tallest dog breeds, but their calm and gentle demeanor ensures they’re not the type to make a scene. These gentle giants are known for their affectionate nature and reserved personality.
While their size can be intimidating to some, Irish Wolfhounds are incredibly sweet and rarely feel the need to bark.
They’re more likely to greet visitors with a wagging tail than a flurry of noise. Irish Wolfhounds thrive in loving, tranquil environments where they can relax and bond with their families.
Their deep connection with their owners, paired with their quiet disposition, makes them ideal for homes seeking a calm and regal companion. Regular exercise keeps them healthy, but their favorite activity is often lounging by your side, enjoying the serenity of home life.
11. Great Dane
Known as the “gentle giants” of the dog world, Great Danes are enormous in size but surprisingly subtle in sound. These towering dogs are typically calm and composed, with a bark that is more like a rare announcement than a daily occurrence.
They are incredibly affectionate and gentle, often thinking they’re lap dogs despite their size. Great Danes thrive on human companionship and are wonderful with children, making them excellent family pets.
While they may not bark often, their sheer size and presence are usually enough to deter any would-be intruders. Regular exercise and a comfortable place to stretch out are all they need to stay happy.
Their loyalty and love for their families make them excellent companions who bring peace and a sense of security without the need for constant noise.
12. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are as serene as they are massive. These gentle giants are known for their incredible patience and sweet nature, especially with children. Originally bred as working dogs for fishermen, Newfoundlands are natural rescuers with an innate sense of calm.
They bark only when necessary, preferring to communicate through their body language or soulful expressions. Their thick, water-resistant coats make them well-suited for cooler climates, and they absolutely love being in the water.
Newfoundlands form deep bonds with their families and are happiest when they’re included in daily activities. While their grooming needs are high due to their luxurious coat, their loving and peaceful demeanor makes the effort worthwhile.
13. St. Bernard
St. Bernards are famous for their roles as rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps, but their calm and gentle demeanor makes them just as suited for family life.
These massive dogs are incredibly patient and affectionate, often forming strong bonds with children. Despite their size, they’re surprisingly quiet and bark only when they feel it’s absolutely necessary. St. Bernards thrive in loving, tranquil environments and enjoy spending time with their families.
Their thick coats require regular grooming, but their sweet and loyal nature makes the extra effort worthwhile. While they’re not particularly energetic, they do need moderate exercise to stay healthy.
14. Basset Hound
With their droopy ears and soulful eyes, Basset Hounds are as charming as they are laid-back. These low-energy dogs are known for their gentle disposition and love of lounging.
While they may let out a distinctive bay every now and then, Basset Hounds are generally quiet companions who prefer sniffing out new scents to making a lot of noise. Their long, floppy ears and powerful noses make them exceptional trackers, but at home, they’re all about relaxation.
Basset Hounds are great with kids and other pets, making them ideal for families. While their stubborn streak can make training a bit challenging, their loving nature and low-maintenance attitude more than make up for it.
15. Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs are the ultimate silent protectors. These large, powerful dogs are natural guardians, but they rely more on their imposing presence than their vocal cords to keep their families safe.
Known for their calm and confident demeanor, Bullmastiffs rarely bark unless they feel it’s absolutely necessary. They’re incredibly loyal and affectionate with their families, forming deep bonds that make them excellent companions.
Despite their size, they’re surprisingly gentle and thrive in loving, peaceful homes. Regular exercise and consistent training help them stay happy and well-behaved.
While their short coat is easy to maintain, their big hearts and quiet strength make them a breed that leaves a lasting impression without making a lot of noise.
16. Chow Chow
Chow Chows may look like fluffy teddy bears, but their personalities are more akin to dignified aristocrats. These quiet and reserved dogs are known for their aloofness and independence. They rarely bark unless they have a good reason, making them ideal for calm households.
Chow Chows are fiercely loyal to their families but can be wary of strangers, which adds to their appeal as low-maintenance watchdogs. Their thick, lion-like coats require regular grooming, but their cleanliness and lack of doggy odor are definite perks.
While they may not be the most openly affectionate breed, Chow Chows are deeply devoted to those they trust. Their unique combination of quiet dignity and protective instincts makes them stand out in any home.
17. Clumber Spaniel
Clumber Spaniels are the definition of mellow. These stocky, laid-back dogs are known for their calm and affectionate nature. Unlike some of their spaniel relatives, Clumbers are far from hyper and rarely feel the need to bark.
They’re incredibly loyal and thrive in quiet, loving homes where they can relax and enjoy the company of their families. Their low energy levels and gentle disposition make them great companions for seniors or anyone looking for a peaceful pet.
Clumber Spaniels do require regular grooming to keep their thick coats in good condition, but their easygoing attitude makes them a joy to care for. Whether they’re lounging by your side or taking a leisurely stroll, these dogs are all about tranquility.
18. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are small in size but big on personality. These charming little dogs are known for their affectionate and playful nature, but they’re also surprisingly quiet.
Frenchies are more likely to communicate through adorable snorts and grunts than barking, making them perfect for apartment living. They thrive on human companionship and are happiest when they’re included in family activities.
While their short snouts can lead to some snoring, their lack of excessive barking more than makes up for it. French Bulldogs are low-maintenance in terms of exercise but do need regular cleaning of their facial folds to stay healthy.
19. Pekingese
The Pekingese may be small, but their personalities are anything but. These regal little dogs were bred to be companions for Chinese royalty, and they still carry themselves with an air of dignity.
Pekingese are generally quiet, barking only when they feel it’s absolutely necessary—like alerting you to a visitor or reminding you it’s mealtime. They’re affectionate with their families and form strong bonds, often becoming devoted lap dogs.
Their long, flowing coats require regular grooming, but their calm and loving nature makes the effort worthwhile. Pekingese thrive in peaceful homes where they can be the center of attention without a lot of commotion.
20. Japanese Chin
With their dainty appearance and feline-like grace, Japanese Chins are elegant and quiet companions. These small dogs are known for their calm and affectionate nature, often forming strong bonds with their families.
Japanese Chins are more likely to use their expressive eyes and body language to communicate rather than barking. They thrive in tranquil environments where they can relax and enjoy the company of their loved ones.
Their long, silky coats require regular grooming, but their sweet and gentle personalities make it all worthwhile.