Dogs that don't bark or that bark very little: here are the 43 ideal breeds!
Dogs that don't bark or that bark very little: here are the 43 ideal breeds!
Written by Silvia
October 18, 2023
When searching for a four-legged companion, the breed's tendency to bark can be an important factor to consider.
Many owners prefer dogs that do not bark excessively, or that only bark when necessary.
If you want to know which dog breeds do not bark, or those that bark very little, then you are in the right place!
In this article, we will explore 43 dog breeds that are notoriously quiet, analyzing their characteristics, behavior, and the consistency of their barking.
We will also discuss the importance of this trait and what laws and penalties are applied in Italy for the control of excessive barking in dogs.
Which dog breeds do not bark?
If you're looking for a dog that never barks, your choice is quite limited: in fact, there is only one breed that does not bark, and that is the African dog known as the Basenji.
This is a primitive small-sized dog from Congo, which not only has the unique characteristic of not barking but also another: the female goes into heat only once a year, not twice.
The Basenji has a rather reserved nature and is not the classic playful and affectionate companion dog.
They are quite stubborn and independent, need a lot of exercise, and training them is not as easy as it is for other apartment dogs that bark little, but if silence is your priority, this dog is the right one for you.
Then there is another breed classified among the dogs that do not bark, but wrongly, or rather: this breed does not bark because it howls!
It is the very popular Siberian Husky, another primitive dog that likes to communicate by emitting a strong howl that resembles the sound of a siren.
For this reason, if you find it on a list of dogs that bark little, know that you are receiving partially inaccurate information.
The howling of one or more Siberian huskies is enough to wake up the entire condominium, and not just the neighbors next door.
And I assure you that it is not a rare event, since one of my neighbors has 3 of them and they are quite talkative!
What are the breeds of dogs that bark little?
Here is a list of dog breeds that tend to bark less compared to others, along with some information about each of them.
As specified, these breeds bark little, or less than other breeds, but in situations of alarm, danger, or excitement you may occasionally hear them bark.
American Akita: Akitas are large dogs and are known for being reserved and calm. They bark moderately, usually only when necessary to signal something.
Great Dane: An XL size breed, these dogs are affectionate and quiet, but can occasionally bark when excited or alerted.
Bloodhound: Large in size, Bloodhounds are known for their exceptional sense of smell but only bark when necessary.
Bobtail: Known for its mass of hair that looks like a white and grey cloud, the Bobtail is calm and gentle, usually not barking excessively.
Boxer: Medium to large in size, Boxers may bark occasionally, but they are generally playful and frolicsome.
Bernese Mountain Dog: Despite their XL size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are peaceful and sociable dogs, who only bark when necessary.
Hungarian Vizsla: Vizslas are calm and quiet hunting dogs, as pointing dogs generally are. But when they do make noise, they have a nice, booming voice.
Brittany: Medium in size, the Brittany is active but not prone to excessive barking, doing so only when necessary.
French Bulldog: The most popular dog breed in the United States is not only inherently charming but also known for not being particularly noisy.
English Bulldog: The medium-sized cousin also doesn't bark much, just like the French Bulldog. But neither are completely silent, as they will entertain you with some loud snoring!
Bullmastiff: This gentle giant has a peaceful and balanced nature that makes it less prone to barking.
Cane Corso: Another large dog, like most giant breeds, it does not bark frequently.
Great Pyrenees: Given its size, it could have a commanding voice, but this giant dog is instead calm, balanced, and rather quiet.
Pug: Like the French Bulldog, this brachycephalic dog also has a low tendency to emit sound signals.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Here's another small-sized dog suitable for apartment living that barks little.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever: Large in size, they are hunting and rescue dogs, and usually only bark when necessary.
Japanese Chin: With the silent grace of Asian dogs, this small-sized dog is also perfect for apartment living with those who prefer a less vocal canine.
Clumber Spaniel: Large in size, it is known for its calm and quiet demeanor.
Collie: Used to moving flocks of sheep that scatter in all directions, this shepherd dog has learned to use movement instead of voice, and therefore doesn't need to make much noise.
Coton de Tulear: This charming little dog is not very common in Italy, but if you like small dogs with a nice thick coat like Poodles, you might consider it.
Doberman: Another large breed, Dobermans are intelligent and attentive guard dogs that bark only when necessary, but be aware: they are guard dogs, so if alerted they will make themselves heard.
Argentine Dogo: It is a large breed and does not need to make noise to instill fear and respect, and consequently barks moderately.
Dogue de Bordeaux: An XL breed, it is a calm and reserved dog that usually only barks in particular situations.
Golden Retriever: Among the favorite dogs in the medium to large size range, they are affectionate and friendly, with moderate barking. These dogs generally bark only to
Labrador Retriever: Another much-loved breed of medium to large size, Labradors are friendly and good-natured dogs that bark moderately.
Afghan Hound: Large in size, they are calm and reserved dogs, with rare barking.
English Greyhound: Large in size, like the Afghan Hound, the English cousins are known for their moderate barking and gentle behavior.
Neapolitan Mastiff: Although large in size, they are calm and quiet dogs, with rare barking.
Abruzzese Shepherd: The Abruzzese are protective shepherd dogs, with moderate barking to defend their flock. Of course, if you're not a sheep farmer, this won't be an issue.
Australian Shepherd: Medium in size, they are intelligent and active but are not known for excessive barking, unless they are used as herding animals.
Belgian Shepherd: Medium to large in size, it is a very active dog but does not show a strong tendency to bark.
Italian Greyhound: Like their larger cousins, the pocket version in the Greyhound family will please those looking for a small, quiet apartment dog.
Pointer: Medium in size, these hunting dogs communicate with moderate barking reserved for a few occasions, as their pointing instinct does not require barking even when hunting.
Rhodesian Ridgeback: Large in size, they are rather reserved hunting and guard dogs, usually barking only when necessary.
Rottweiler: It is one of the best defense breeds, but if not exposed to alarming situations, this dog does not bark frequently.
Saluki: Large in size, like the other greyhounds, they are known to be calm and reserved, with moderate barking.
Saint Bernard: XL in size, they are calm and sociable dogs, with moderate barking.
English Setter and Irish Setter: Medium to large in size, they are hunting dogs that do not bark much, unless they are signaling danger.
Sharpei: This dog has a truly Zen personality: it's calm and barks only rarely.
Shiba Inu: Small in size, the Shiba Inu is known for its independent behavior and moderate barking.
Shih Tzu: Small in size and perfect for apartment living, Shih Tzus are calm and affectionate companion dogs that bark less than other similar dogs.
Newfoundland: XL in size, they are water dogs with moderate barking.
Wheaten Terrier: Medium in size, they are playful and sociable dogs, with infrequent barking.
These breeds are known for their generally quiet behavior and for barking only when there is a good reason.
Of course, the frequency of barking will depend on the situations the dog is exposed to but also on the animal's personality itself.
Some individuals are indeed born with a more anxious or protective character and a greater tendency to bark even when this characteristic is not predominant in the breed.
Why choose a dog that barks little?
Choosing a dog that barks little or less than other breeds, or at least appropriately, can be important for various reasons.
Firstly, it can help maintain good relations with neighbors, especially in urban environments where excessive noise can cause annoyance.
Secondly, it can contribute to a better quality of life for the dog itself, avoiding situations of stress or anxiety related to excessive barking.
Lastly, it can improve the overall experience for both owners and dogs, promoting more harmonious communication.
With a bit of patience, it is nevertheless possible to train dogs not to bark, or at least not to bark excessively.
What are the laws in Italy regarding dog barking?
In Italy, regulations concerning dog barking can vary from municipality to municipality.
Generally, it is accepted that a dog may bark as this is part of its natural behavior and is simply its way of expressing itself, but obviously, there are some restrictions that apply to cases that cause intolerable disturbance to neighbors or the community.
And by neighbors, it does not mean a single individual, who may be particularly sensitive to noise or simply a bit vindictive: the disturbance must be intolerable to multiple people.
Are there penalties for excessive dog barking?
It is important to be aware of local laws and ensure that the dog is well-trained and socialized to minimize excessive barking.
If the dog disturbs the public peace, the owner could be fined more than 300 Euros, with the aggravating circumstance of 3 months of arrest if instigation to bark is proven, or if the incessant barking is due to a state of neglect for the animal or mistreatment.
Furthermore, if the intolerable noise particularly affects a neighbor, the owner might be required to pay additional financial compensation.
Education and understanding of your dog's needs are fundamental to maintaining a peaceful and respectful environment.
In conclusion...
Choosing a dog that barks little or appropriately can contribute to a better quality of life for you and your dog, as well as avoid potential legal issues related to excessive noise.
Always remember to dedicate time to training and socializing your dog to promote healthy and harmonious communication in your family and community.
Other articles that might interest you
How to stop your dog from barking on walks – A step-by-step guide
How to calm your dog at a restaurant: a guide for a peaceful experience
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