People looking to adopt a family dog should search for the breed that best fits their family’s needs and lifestyle – so if you enjoy doing quiet things inside while being quiet, you’ll probably want a dog that can follow your lead.
Likewise, if you live in an apartment, enjoy taking your dog with you on public outings, or live with children who are sensitive to loud noises, a quiet dog might also be your best bet.
Below are 10 breeds that could definitely fit the bill!
10. Greyhound
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Both greyhounds and Italian greyhounds were bred to pursue prey quickly – and also silently. They’re even quiet indoors, says dog behaviorist Megan Stanley.
“Surprisingly, they do well for apartment dwellers as they are fairly inactive indoors. They are gentle and independent dogs who have a sweet temperament.”
9. Basenji
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They’re known as the “barkless dog” because the unusual shape of their larynx makes it pretty much impossible for them to bark.
That said, they do yodel, says Stanley, and will require a firm training hand to earn good behavior indoors.
8. Shiba Inu
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This Japanese breed is independent and smart, meaning they aren’t “needy” and thus, don’t bark for attention, says behaviorist Donna Culbert.
“Bred originally for hunting, these dogs are quick and intelligent but reserved with strangers. However, they are fiercely loyal once they don bond with a human.”
7. Great Dane
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The Dane has a deep, booming bark to match its giant stature – but you won’t hear it very often, says Stanley.
“They tend to have a calm nature, which means they don’t bark often. Great Danes are bred to be people-pleasers, so they are great family dogs that are easy to train.”
6. Saint Bernard
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Sure, they drool, but they’re quiet! Saint Bernards are also serious and protective of their human families, says behaviorist Jim Lessenberry.
“In general, they are on the quiet side, barking to alert the group to an intruder, or possibly to demand attention from a family member.”
5. Newfoundland
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These dogs are highly trainable and great swimmers, plus they’re great with children – they’re even sometimes known as the “nanny dog.”
4. Coton de Tulear
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This small, white dog looks like a cotton ball, and was bred to be a royal lapdog. They have big personalities, but don’t tend to bark a whole lot unless they feel left out or lonely.
3. Irish Setter
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Stanley says that though these distinctive dogs are high energy, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re loud.
“These are active and intelligent dogs who are known for being outgoing and cheerful. They require proper physical and mental exercise as they are an energetic and rambunctious breed. As long as they get enough exercise, nuisance barking is minimal.”
2. Mastiff
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Boxers, bull mastiffs, English mastiffs, Neapolitan mastiffs, Rottweilers, and Tibetan mastiffs are all huge, strong, and serious by nature and, according to Lessenberry, not prone to barking.
“Mastiffs tend to be on the quiet side, so barking is cause for attention on the owner’s part. Mastiffs are not for everyone and generally not a breed for first-time dog owners.”
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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These dogs are hard to resist, and they love people as much as we love them – which means that even though they’re not huge nuisance barkers, they can be prone to separation anxiety and barking for attention if they’re not getting enough.
Happy Doggie Adopting!
