Bernese Mountain Dogs, Greyhounds and Irish Setters are among the quiet dog breeds that don't bark as much as others. While there are of course no silent dogs, some breeds are relatively less vocal than others.
"As dogs can't speak human, it's likely all dogs will bark at some point in their life, but some barks are definitely louder than others," PDSA Vet Nurse, Shauna Walsh, tells Country Living.
"A really important thing to understand is that barking is a normal behaviour for many dogs. In most cases, your dog is barking to try to communicate, so understanding what they're trying to say is important."
Remember: how much a dog is likely to bark is actually affected less by their breed than other factors such as their personality, energy levels, training, socialisation, and their environment. On that note, take a look at the breeds below:
1. Basenji
"Basenjis are often described as 'barkless' dogs. Due to the shape of their larynxes (voice boxes), they actually can't bark in the traditional sense like other breeds," says vet Shauna. "But that doesn't mean they're totally silent - Basenjis will happily make a yodelling noise when they're excited!"
2. Bernese Mountain Dogs
"A working breed from the Swiss Alps, these gentle giants are calm and loving. They are great family dogs, and can be a fantastic and quiet companion for younger children," the Kennel Club tell us.
3. Shiba Inu
"The Shiba Inu is a Japanese dog breed renowned for being tidy and quiet, apart from the occasional 'Shiba scream' – a unique sound that resembles a wolf howl."
4. Greyhound
"Greyhounds are known to be calm family dogs due to their affectionate, mellow and docile nature. They are generally quiet and calm dogs that enjoy sleeping throughout the day after a long walk."
5. Irish Setters
"The original breeding purpose of Irish Setters was hunting, which means they don't tend to bark without a reason! These dogs enjoy a lot of active exercise and a well-deserved quiet nap afterwards."
6. Akita
Despite common belief that they never bark, Akitas are also known for their regular howls. According to the PDSA, Akitas have a reputation for barking only when they deem is necessary. You may find they bark to alert you of strangers, especially if they are feeling anxious.
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FAQs
Check out the 10 breeds below that tend to be among the quietest dog breeds.
- 7 – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: The Tranquil Royal.
- 6 – Greyhound: The Silent Sprinter.
- 5 – Great Dane: The Gentle Giant.
- 3 – Japanese Chin: The Indoor Companion.
- 2 – Pug: The Emperor's Silent Companion.
- 1 – Basenji: The Barkless Dog.
The Basenji produces an unusual yodel-like sound, due to its unusually shaped larynx. This trait also gives the Basenji the nickname the 'barkless dog. '
Why can't basenji bark? ›
In Basenjis, the ventricle of the larynx is less deep which supposedly inhibits the vocal folds from vibrating sufficiently enough to produce a traditional bark sound. Some believe that the breed's inability to bark was purposefully incorporated through selective breeding in their homeland of Africa.
Are basenji good family dogs? ›
The basenji can be an aloof dog very affectionate with his family, but not outgoing to strangers. They originally hunted in packs and are usually good with other dogs if socialized while young. However, some can be argumentative with other basenjis.
Which dog will never bark? ›
The basenji is literally known as the "barkless dog" because they make so little noise, but the breed's not completely mute. When they do decide to speak up, the hounds make odd noises that sound similar to yodels.
Which dog is known as the barkless dog? ›
The Basenji does not bark but does make yodeling noises. The Basenji is known as the "barkless dog".
Why are Basenjis quiet? ›
As a basal breed—or a breed with DNA that predates modern breeds—the Basenji is one of the oldest types in the world. Said to have been bred from dogs who showed less tendency to bark in order to prevent a noisy dog from giving away his village's location, the Basenji is quiet, but not unable to vocalize.
What is the only breed of dog unable to bark? ›
What is the only breed of dog that is unable to bark? The Basenji, often referred to as the “barkless dog,” is the only breed of dog that is unable to bark in the traditional sense.
Why are Basenjis so hard to train? ›
Basenjis have an independent mind of their own and are not pushovers to raise and train. They can be manipulative, and many are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. To teach your Basenji to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory.
What is the one thing that a Basenji Cannot do that other dogs can? ›
The Basenji's larynx is shaped differently than those in most other dogs, so they cannot produce a bark.
They're only moderately good with young children, other dogs, and strangers. Early training is necessary to keep them sociable and obedient. But they aren't an easy breed to train. Basenji are willful, stubborn animals so training one is more like training a cat than a dog.
How expensive is a Basenji? ›
The typical Basenji pup costs $800–$2,000, depending on the breeder and your location. A show dog-quality Basenji puppy will cost more—between $2,000–$4,500. Basenjis are expensive because they're a rare breed and only come into heat once a year, according to the breed club.
Do Basenji dogs like to cuddle? ›
Typically, the breed will have an independent character, but When it suits them, they'll be back by your side for lots of cuddles. We assume they love all members of their family - but they do tend to form a stronger bond with one person which will likely grow even stronger over time.
What breed of dog is quiet and calm small? ›
In this article, we discussed the top 10 small dog breeds known for their quiet nature, including the Italian Greyhound, Basenji, Whippet, Bichon Frise, Chinese Crested, French Bulldog, Havanese, Japanese Chin, Maltese, and Shih Tzu.
What is the least yappy small dog? ›
Small, Mostly Quiet Dog Breeds That Aren't Yappy
- Affenpinscher. Image by Ida Damkilde from Pixabay. ...
- Basenji. Image by Aleksandr Tarlõkov from Pixabay. ...
- Basset Fauve de Bretagne. ...
- Bichon Frise. ...
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. ...
- Coton de Tulear. ...
- Dandie Dinmont Terrier. ...
- Havanese.
Pomeranians may be small, but their barks are mighty! This breed often tops the list of yappiest dogs, frequently barking to express a range of emotions from excitement to alerting their owners about perceived threats. There's no denying that Chihuahuas are among the noisiest dog breeds.
How much is a Basenji dog? ›
Basenji FAQs
The typical Basenji pup costs $800–$2,000, depending on the breeder and your location. A show dog-quality Basenji puppy will cost more—between $2,000–$4,500. Basenjis are expensive because they're a rare breed and only come into heat once a year, according to the breed club.
