10 Quiet Dog Breeds That Bark The Least
We all love our furry friends, but we know that the sound of non-stop barking can drive anyone mad.
Especially, if you live in an area, where you need to take your neighbors into consideration. Here is some information on 10 different breeds that aren’t known for barking incessantly.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If you want a companion that is fun, active, loving and excited to see you, without all the noise that tends to go along with those things, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel might be perfect for you.
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | |
| Life Expectancy | 9-15 Years |
| Size | 30-33 cm tall, 6-8 kg in weight |
| Grooming | They are average shedders. While they do need to be brushed regularly, and bathed quite often to prevent matting, they do not require any special grooming. |
| Exercise Needs | They are only moderately active, so they don’t need that much exercise, playing in a small yard will be enough. If they do go on walks they should be kept on a leash, as they aren’t very street smart. |
| Health Issues | Mitral Valve Disease, Syringomyelia, Episodic Falling, Dry Eye, Hip Dysplasia |
| Temperament | They are extremely friendly and loving. |
| Family Pet or Guard Dog | They are too friendly to be guard dogs, as they might not even bark at strangers. They are best suited as family pets, they are loving and gentle and play very well with children. |
Cons:
- They do not make great guard dogs
- They need to have their coats brushed regularly
- You’ll need to manage their diet, as they easily eat too much
- They need to be kept on a leash because they want to hunt
Pros:
- They are extremely friendly and happy
- They are smart
- They are well behaved, they do not drool, snore dig or bark much
- They are great with children
- They do not shed much
French Bulldog
These bat-eared, monkey-faced cuties can be a wonderful addition to any family.
They don’t require much maintenance, and what they lack in looks, they make up for in personality. They are considered the number 1 apartment dog in the world!
| French Bulldog | |
| Life Expectancy | 9-11 Years |
| Size | 27-30 cm tall, 11-15 kg in weight |
| Grooming | They don’t require much grooming at all. |
| Exercise Needs | They don’t need much exercise and aren’t built for jogging. They also shouldn’t be over-exercised during the warmer months. |
| Health Issues | Allergies, Hip Dysplasia, Pinkeye, Deafness, Cherry Eye, Brachycephalic Respiratory Syndrome, Stenotic Nares, Tracheal Collapse, Heat Stress, Elongated Soft Palate, Laryngeal Collapse, Hemivertebrae, Intervertebral Disc Disease, Cleft Palate, Von Willebrand’s Disease, Thyroid Issues |
| Temperament | They are even-tempered, as long as they are getting enough attention. |
| Family Pet or Guard Dog | They are not fitted well to be guard dogs, and they tend to challenge other family members for your attention. Thus, they are more suitable for single companionship. |
Cons:
- They are unfortunately known for having bad health
- They are expensive to buy, even before their medical bills
Pros:
- They are great with children
- They don’t require much grooming and they don’t shed much
- They don’t need much exercise and are perfectly happy chilling with you
- They might snore, grunt and sigh, but they don’t bark much
Basenji
These Congolese natives have earned the nickname “barkless” on the continent from which they originate.
They are master hunters, but can easily adjust to the lifestyle of a family pet.
| Basenji | |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 Years |
| Size | 40-43 cm tall, 9-11 kg in weight |
| Grooming | They have a short, fine coat which they maintain themselves. They shouldn’t need a bath more than once every couple of months. |
| Exercise Needs | They are hunting dogs, so they need a lot of exercise or else they will escape. |
| Health Issues | Fanconi Syndrome, Malabsorption, Hemolytic Amenia, Hypothyroidism, Umbilical Hernia, Hip Dysplasia |
| Temperament | They are hunters, not bred for companionship. So owners should be understanding and patient. They will chew on anything they can find, and no small animals will be safe near them. They are very intelligent and resourceful. |
| Family Pet or Guard Dog | They can be good guard dogs, especially as no intruder can sneak past them. They can be good family pets if trained well and socialized early. |
Cons:
- They are independent to the point of being naughty
- They need a yard, and the yard will have to be secured well, they are master escape artists
- They will chew and nibble on everything
- They will not get along well with other pets
Pros:
- They won’t get separation anxiety
- They do not bark much
- They require virtually no grooming
- They are great for novice dog-owners
Borzoi
Native to Russia, these hounds are essentially oversized lapdogs. Even though they are built to be athletic and fast, there’s nothing they would like to do more than curl up next to you on a sofa.
| Borzoi | |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 Years |
| Size | 66-81 cm tall, 24-50 kg in weight |
| Grooming | Their long hair needs to be gently brushed weekly, they are seasonal shedders. |
| Exercise Needs | They are not generally high energy dogs and need to be taken for walks to get their exercise in. |
| Health Issues | Bloat, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Osteochondrosis Dissecans |
| Temperament | They are quiet, gentle, loving and intelligent. They are trusting of people. They might not work well with toddlers, simply because they are too large and might hurt young children by accident. They’re not aggressive towards other animals, but their instincts might make them chase smaller animals. |
| Family Pet or Guard Dog | They are great sighthounds, so they will alert you to any intruder, while they are big enough to threaten people, their temperament doesn’t really allow for them to actually attack anyone. They are great family pets. |
Cons:
- They need quite a bit of space
- When they shed, they shed quit
- They have a high prey drive
Pros:
- They are quiet and gentle
- They are beautiful
- They can live in colder climates
- They are extremely athletic
Scottish Deerhound
If you are an active person looking for a companion that is able to keep up with you, look no further than the Scottish Deerhound. These magnificent, strong, athletic dogs were bred to take down deer three times their size.
| Scottish Deerhound | |
| Life Expectancy | 8-11 Years |
| Size | 71-81 cm tall, 34-50 kg in weight |
| Grooming | They have a thick coat which sheds constantly, daily brushing is required. |
| Exercise Needs | They are very calm and will lie around for most of the day, that said, they will then need up to an hour of good exercise. |
| Health Issues | Anesthesia Sensitivity, Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Cystinuria, Osteosarcoma, Bloat, Allergies, Hypothyroidism |
| Temperament | They are a chivalrous breed, gentle, strong, sensitive and brave. They are best suited for active strong families with older children. They do not like other animals. |
| Family Pet or Guard Dog | While they may intimidate any would-be trespasser, they are too kind to actually attack people. They are a great family dog, provided the family can keep up with them. |
Cons:
- They have a below-average life expectancy
- They need to be fenced in and cannot be walked off-leash
- They shed a lot
Pros:
- They are polite and well mannered
- They do not bark much
- They are strong and athletic
- They are good for novice dog-owners
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
These loving little characters are a great choice for apartment-dwellers or first-time dog owners. They’re friendly, cute and easygoing.
| Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 Years |
| Size | 43-48 cm tall, 13-18 kg in weight |
| Grooming | They don’t shed much, and grooming depends on how you want their coat to look. If you want long straight hair, they have to be brushed daily, if you want a scruffier looking dog you can get by with less. |
| Exercise Needs | They are quite docile, half an hour of exercise per day will be enough. |
| Health Issues | Protein-Losing Nephropathy, Protein-Losing Enteropathy, Addison’s Disease, Renal Dysplasia |
| Temperament | They are happy and relaxed. They get along well with children and other dogs, but they might chase after smaller animals. |
| Family Pet or Guard Dog | They are alert enough to warn you but too friendly to protect you. They make excellent family pets. |
Cons:
- They need to be trained not to bark
- They don’t like being left alone
Pros:
- They are super friendly and loving
- They are easy to take care of
- They love children
Shih Tzu
These fluffy little dogs are bred only for companionship. They are loving, beautiful, entertaining and happy. The only thing they care about is their human friend.
| Shih Tzu | |
| Life Expectancy | 10-16 Years |
| Size | 22-25 cm tall, 4-7 kg in weight |
| Grooming | They are not easy to groom. Daily brushing and combing is needed and they will have to go to a professional groomer often. |
| Exercise Needs | They aren’t very active, and can easily get their exercise in an apartment. |
| Health Issues | Allergies, Hip Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation, Juvenile Renal Dysplasia, Bladder Infections, Eye Problems, Ear Infections, Umbilical Hernia, Shuffles, Reverse Sneezing |
| Temperament | Shih Tzus are bred to be companions, so that’s just what they are. Loving, friendly, funny. |
| Family Pet or Guard Dog | They may alert you to someone at the door, but they can’t protect you. They are bred to be the ideal family pets. |
Cons:
- They can be difficult when being housetrained
- They need a lot of grooming
- They are known for having bad health
- Although they are sweet and loving, they can be stubborn
Pros:
- They are comfortable in any living situation
- They are very loving and extremely cute
- They don’t need a lot of exercise
- They aren’t as fragile as some other small breeds
- They get along well with other pets
Saluki
These beautiful, quiet dogs are one of the oldest breeds on earth. If you can be patient in training them and provide them with ample space, they may be the perfect addition to your home.
| Saluki | |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 Years |
| Size | 58-71 cm tall, 15-32 kg in weight |
| Grooming | Their smooth, silky coats are easy to groom. Brushing once every couple of weeks and wiping down with a damp cloth will be fine for keeping them clean. |
| Exercise Needs | They need a big yard in which to run. When you take them for a jog or a walk they need to be kept on their leashes. |
| Health Issues | Anesthesia Sensitivity, Hemangiosarcoma, Cardiomyopathy, Hypothyroidism |
| Temperament | They are aloof and quiet but devoted to their family. They don’t like strangers and prefer other Salukis over other pets. |
| Family Pet or Guard Dog | They are too sensitive to be aggressive guard dogs, but they’ll detect an intruder before anyone else. They are great family pets, providing the family understands them. |
Cons:
- Their prey drive makes them run off from time to time
- They aren’t very playful or cuddly
- They need a lot of exercise
Pros:
- Perfect for active families
- They are very loyal
- They’re almost never aggressive
- They’re absolutely stunningly beautiful
Boerboel
If these South African monsters look like they can bite an intruder in half, it’s because they can. Nevertheless, they are also known for being playful and loving.
| Boerboel | |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 Years |
| Size | 55-71 cm tall, 50-90 kg in weight |
| Grooming | Weekly brushing and monthly baths are all that’s necessary for their coats. |
| Exercise Needs | They need a lot of exercise, and when they are the size that they are, they will need a lot of space for exercise. |
| Health Issues | Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Heart Disease, Bloat |
| Temperament | They are very playful and intelligent. They look to please, so they are happiest when they are given tasks to perform. They love their family, which can lead to them overprotective. |
| Family Pet or Guard Dog | Nobody would dare mess with you or your loved ones as long as a Boerboel is around. They are excellent guard dogs. They are also brilliant family pets as long as you can teach them the discipline to not be overprotective. |
Cons:
- May be aggressive towards strangers if not trained well
- They need a lot of space
- Can become destructive if ignored
- There are a number of countries where owning a Boerboel isn’t legal. (Here is a list of countries in which Boerboels are banned)
Pros:
- They are fiercely loyal and protective
- They truly are an amazing specimen to behold
- They are loving and playful
- They don’t bark much
- They’re comfortable living outdoors
- They love children (although children should not be left unsupervised with any breed)
Chinook
Chinooks are sensitive and loving, but still athletic enough to keep you and your family active. They are best suited for owners with experience training dogs.
| Chinook | |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 Years |
| Size | 53-70 cm tall, 24-31 kg in weight |
| Grooming | Daily brushing keeps their coats clean, they rarely need a bath |
| Exercise Needs | They are active and need lots of exercise. They love running around, so a house with a yard would be best for them. |
| Health Issues | Hip Dysplasia, Cataracts, Seizures, Skin Diseases, Gastrointestinal Issues |
| Temperament | They are loving and friendly. Females tend to be more independent than males. They are used to teams, so they enjoy having other dogs around, and they like children. |
| Family Pet or Guard Dog | They will alert you to trespassers, but they won’t attack. If trained well they are brilliant family pets. |
Cons:
- They shed quite heavily
- They enjoy digging up the garden
- They don’t like being left alone
- Their prey drive makes them chase after smaller animals
Pros:
- Accustomed to snow, they handle cold climates well
- They are intelligent and can be trained to do a lot of work
- They’re very loving
- They’re easy to groom
- They aren’t barkers
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a quiet pet that won’t bother you or the neighbors, that doesn’t eliminate dogs as an option. Hopefully, this list can help you make a decision on finding a pet that is right for you.
