Top 8 Quietest Dog Breeds That Barely Bark

Are you interested in getting a dog but not thrilled about the idea of incessant barking? We hear you. Fortunately, not all dogs are barkers. Several dog breeds are incredibly quiet, and one, the Basenji, physically cannot bark. These eight interesting dog breeds are perfect for those who want a quiet household.

The Basenji is known as the "barkless dog," which is why they top the list as the quietest dog breed. Their vocal cord anatomy is different than that of most other dog breeds, and this prevents them from making the characteristic bark sound.

Even so, they're not entirely silent. Basenjis can make a melodic yodeling noise, but they're considerably quieter than other breeds. These small yet active dogs need loads of engagement to keep them busy and prevent other unwanted behaviors, like digging or chewing.

Loyal and majestic, the Newfoundland is a large dog who's also very quiet. Newfies, as they're fondly referred to, are generally calm dogs, as well. They're big, but their loveable.

These giants are great with children thanks to their gentle disposition and usually only let out a booming bark if they or their family feel threatened. In general, however, a well-socialized newfie is quieter than a lot of other breeds.

French Bulldogs are notoriously rather high-maintenance dogs. They earned their reputation because of their potential health problems and stubborn personalities. However, they're not big barkers.

Instead, a Frenchie might stare at you, paw you, or give you kisses to let you know they want something. Even though French Bulldogs are pretty quiet, they can snore and make other nasal noises due to their upper airway anatomy.

Small dogs are known for being yappy. Not the Japanese Chin. These pups are much quieter than the average pooch.

The Japanese Chin maxes out around 10 pounds, so they're indeed very petite. Chins are known for being quiet dogs, though they will likely bark at an intruder. Just know the breed can be stubborn, which means training will take time and patience.

You might think the Great Dane would be a big barker, but this dog breed is unusually quiet. Like, really quiet. They'll pipe up if something makes them nervous, but most of the time, they aren't very vocal.

Great Danes are affectionate and loyal, which makes them the perfect guard dog for a home. If they need to alert you that someone is trying to break into your home or one of their owners is in danger, they won't hesitate to bellow. In which case, you'll be glad they aren't completely silent.

Whippets rarely bark at all. These medium-sized dogs are relatively timid, which could explain their quietness. They are high-energy, but they would rather run that make a loud ruckus.

In the right environment, Whippets open up and become playful and snuggly. Whippets are intelligent, so they need plenty of stimulation to keep them from getting bored, and a bored Whippet could become vocal.

Big dogs get a reputation for being noisy due to their size, but there are plenty of quiet large breeds. For instance, the Saint Bernard is a (mostly) quiet giant.

Saint Bernards aren't very vocal, but they are incredibly docile and easygoing. These big Teddy Bears do well in households with kids, and if your Saint Bernard has something to say, you'll hear their loud bark far and wide.

If you haven't heard of the Borzoi, you're not alone. This rare dog breed isn't as popular as others, but the great news is they're much quieter than most.

Borzois are calm and independent dogs. This trait means they aren't as likely to experience separation anxiety and won't bark excessively when you're out of the house. They still need engagement and exercise, but they're less likely to bother you with incessant yapping.

All dogs bark occasionally, and any breed of dog can bark a lot if they're not trained properly. Likewise, most dogs can be taught to stay quiet with the right training. Make sure your dog has enough exercise and mental stimulation to keep them busy so they don't turn to bored behaviors like barking. With the right balance, you can have a dog and a quiet home, too.