10 Dog Breeds That Bark Less Than Others
Choosing the right dog for your family comes with many considerations: shedding, energy levels, and even barking habits. If a peaceful home is your priority, a dog that keeps barking to a minimum might be a perfect fit. Luckily, there are several breeds known for their calm demeanor and quieter nature, making them ideal for those seeking a little extra tranquility.
That said, it’s important to note that all dogs bark—it’s their way of communicating. Even typically quiet breeds can become vocal if they’re anxious, distressed, or have unmet needs. “Barking is often a form of communication, but it can also be a way for dogs to release anxiety,” explains Pet Rescue Advocate Rocky Kanaka. With that in mind, here are ten of the quietest dog breeds, perfect for apartment living or anyone craving a more peaceful companion.
1. Basenji

Nicknamed the barkless dog, the Basenji — originally bred in Central Africa — is one of the most chill dog breeds to own. Instead of barking, Basenjis often produce a distinctive sound known as the Basenji Yodel. This is because this breed’s larynx is shaped differently from other dogs.
And even when they Yodel, they don’t do so unnecessarily. In fact, during their historical days as hunting dogs, hunters often tied bells around their Basenjis to know where the dogs were as they hunted.
Basenjis are fun-loving, active dogs known to be affectionate and loyal to their loved ones.
“My experience as a single-man Basenji owner…. They are relatively quiet. Outside of having a pack of Basenjis, since they have no one to yodel with, they don’t really yodel. But they do communicate A LOT with paw gestures, facial expressions, actions, etc.,” commented user @VadPuma in a Reddit discussion on the Basenji dog breed.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

If you’re on the search for small dog breeds that don’t bark so much, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is worth your attention.
Originally bred as a lapdog for European royalty, it’s easy to conclude that the Cavalier was carried everywhere because he knew how to stay quiet. Besides their silent nature, which amazes those who prefer small dogs that don’t bark, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are also loved for their sweet, loving temperament and adorable looks.
“Very quiet, my dog only barks during the occasional squirrel chasing dream,” wrote user @sickwiththejillness in a Reddit discussion on the Pros and Cons of owning a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
3. Bernese Mountain Dog

Described as super calm, gentle dogs with tons of love to give, you’ll hardly find a Bernese Mountain dog yapping for no reason. This sturdy, strikingly stunning dog — originally bred as an all-round farm dog in Switzerland — has a low tendency to bark, making them among the most calm dog breeds that don’t bark a lot.
However, since Berners can be quite aloof with strangers, it’s not unusual for them to back loudly when their protective instincts kick in.
“We’ve had 2 Berners over the years and camped a lot with them. They are not big barkers. Otto will give a warning bark when he thinks it’s necessary, but he doesn’t bark for no reason like some dogs do,” shared one user in a Reddit discussion on Bernese Mountain dogs and barking.
4. Whippets

An active, athletic dog who’s happy to snooze on the couch for hours after turning the whole yard upside down, the Whippet is anything but an excessive barker.
Whippets love to maintain silence and will only bark for a reason. For instance, when vocalizing their excitement, seeking attention, or responding to suspicious sights or sounds. Whippets are known for their clinginess and are prone to separation anxiety if left alone for a prolonged period.
“Mine rarely barks in the house or garden. Really, only when she’s out running on her walks. Occasionally, she’ll bark if she sees a cat outside or if the neighbor’s dog is barking in their garden while she’s outside,” commented user @Humble_yesterday _271 in a Reddit discussion on whether Whippets are noisy.
5. Japanese Chin

Also called the Japanese Spaniel, the Japanese Chin dog — described as a cat-like breed because of its climbing abilities and extreme self-grooming habits — is one of the chillest small dogs. Japanese Chin dogs have a reputation for staying quiet most of the time and will only become vocal if they feel it’s necessary.
“He is VERY non-yappy, he doesn’t bark when people come to the door, though he does get excited. Chins do the cutest ‘woo woo’ sound when someone comes home,” wrote user @LazyCassiusCat in a Reddit discussion on Japanese Chin dogs.
6. Chow Chows

An ancient dog native to China, the Chow Chow — originally bred as an all-purpose dog for hunting, guarding, and herding — is a great addition for families that can’t stand constant barking noises. Considered chill dogs who love quiet companionship, Chows Chows mostly bark if they need to flex their guarding abilities.
“Mine never barks except when someone is on the property (not just street/sidewalk) or she thinks she’s seen something moving outside at night…..but even this only about 2 times and often just little huffs,” shared user @ax_graham in Reddit discussion on Chow Chows and barking.
7. Newfoundland

The ever-sweet-natured Newfoundland — of Newfie, as they’re fondly called — has a lot to offer as a family dog. Newfoundlands are super affectionate, calm, do great with kids, and aren’t unnecessarily noisy. Generally, the Newfie isn’t a certified barker; they mostly let out a woof when there’s a good reason.
“Our Newfoundland, Zelda, rarely ever barks. Even when she needs to go out in the morning, she will come over to the edge of my bed and stomp her feet. If she does bark it’s usually when another dog is around, or she needs something immediately,” wrote user @ettuniversum in a Reddit discussion about how much Newfoundlands bark.
8. Borzoi

Native to Russia, the Borzoi — a cross between Arabian Greyhounds and a thick-coated Russian dog breed — is a pretty chilled dog who carries themselves in a calm, dignified manner.
Borzois were originally kept as hunting dogs for Russian royalty, and their noble heritage is evident in their elegant build and laid-back personality. This athletic, insanely affectionate dog, easily recognized by its slender face, may be the right breed for you if you’re looking for a quieter breed of dog that doesn’t bark much.
“My Borzoi is a very people-oriented dog. He loves to be petted and snuggled and will actively solicit attention from people he knows and strangers. He isn’t jumpy or vocal; he just likes to come lean on your legs or rub his body on them like a cat while you pet them,” commented user @cavalier_queen in a Reddit discussion on Borzois.
9. Greyhound

A gentle, composed dog with an overall family-friendly nature, the Greyhound — whose history can be traced back to ancient Egyptian times — isn’t a notorious barker at heart. Greyhounds are generally considered calm dogs who only bark when they feel the situation calls for some woofs.
“Mine is essentially silent. Never barks at dogs, people, other animals, or anything. Only time he’ll bark is if you ignore his quiet whining at dinner time for too long. And occasionally in the morning to wake you up to go to pee,” commented user @TruckBC in a Reddit discussion on Greyhounds and barking.
“Generally, ours only barks when outside & whines inside when he wants something, most of the time in the morning. He’s a lot quieter than any dog we’ve ever had!” user @GreyPAmom added.
10. Shiba Inu

Described as an alert, fearless, and reserved dog with fantastic watchdog skills, the Shiba Inu — a hunting breed native to Japan — rarely barks without a cause. Shiba Inus becomes vocal when it’s absolutely necessary, for instance, if they’re trying to alert their owner or expressing a need.
Oftentimes, though, they let out a loud, distinct scream instead of barking.
“Shibas, in general are not a commonly barking breed. My girl only barks if something startles her ……she doesn’t bark at the postman, cars, or other dogs,” commented user @icephoenix21 in a Reddit discussion on whether Shiba Inus barks a lot.