Finding peace and tranquility in your home can be a challenge, especially if you’re a dog lover who prefers a quieter environment. For those who cherish the companionship of a canine without the relentless noise, choosing the right breed is crucial. Enter the world of low barking dog breeds, where serenity meets loyalty. These breeds are perfect for apartment dwellers, families with young children, or anyone seeking a harmonious living space. Discover the seven best low barking dog breeds that promise not only companionship but also a peaceful coexistence, allowing you to enjoy the calming presence of a pet without the constant clamor.
Let’s talk about something we’ve all experienced – that moment when you’re on an important Zoom call, and suddenly the neighbor’s barking dog decides it’s time for their daily TED talk about the squirrel situation in the backyard.
Look, here’s the deal: dogs are gonna dog. They’ll make noise when that suspicious plastic bag floats by (because clearly, it’s up to no good), when they need attention, or when they just have some hot gossip to share about the local mail carrier. But here’s the thing – not all of our furry friends feel the need to be quite so… vocal about their observations.
Whether you’re apartment dwelling with those paper-thin walls (we’ve all been there), or you just value your quiet more than your beagle-owning neighbor seems to at 4 AM, finding a quieter canine companion might be high on your priority list.
Sure, training can work wonders in teaching any dog when it’s appropriate to sound the alarm versus when to keep it cool. But why not stack the deck in your favor?
Discover everything about the best low-barking dog breeds. Perfect for apartment living, families, and quiet neighborhoods – your comprehensive guide to peaceful pet ownership.
Low Barking Dog Breeds
1. Basenji
Picture this: you’re in the heart of Africa, and you need a hunting dog who won’t scare away the game with unnecessary chatter. Enter the Basenji, nature’s answer to the stealth mission. These incredible dogs evolved to hunt without making a peep, developing a unique larynx structure that makes traditional barking impossible.
Your Basenji might not bark but don’t think they’re completely silent. They’re known for their distinctive “yodeling sound” when excited – think of it as their version of singing in the shower. It’s weirdly charming and way less disruptive than conventional barking. Plus, they’re masters of facial expressions that would put any Instagram influencer to shame.
Despite belonging to low-barking dog breeds, Basenjis are incredibly social animals. With a friendly nature, they form strong bonds with their families and can often be found curled up in your lap, silently judging your Netflix choices. According to WebMD, starting early with training is crucial to ensure they remain sociable and obedient. However, they can be quite challenging to train.
These clever pups need serious mental stimulation, or they’ll find… creative ways to entertain themselves (goodbye, favorite shoes). A bored Basenji is a destructive Basenji, so puzzle toys, agility training, and regular exercise are must-haves. Think of them as the crossword enthusiasts of the dog world – they need their daily brain teasers.
Blessed with a short, sleek coat, Basenjis are relatively low maintenance in the grooming department. However, they’re known for their cat-like cleanliness and will often groom themselves. Regular check-ups are important as they can be prone to certain genetic health issues, but overall, they’re pretty hardy pups.
2. Great Dane
Originally bred in Germany as boar hunters and estate guard dogs, Great Danes have come a long way from their fierce hunting days. These majestic dogs were bred to be fearless in the face of wild boars, which makes their modern-day gentle nature even more remarkable. It’s like they traded their warrior armor for a comfy sweater and decided to become peace-loving philosophers instead.
Let’s address the elephant – er, Great Dane – in the room: these dogs are HUGE. But here’s the cool part: they’re the zen masters of the dog world. They’ll chill on your couch (taking up most of it), watch TV with you, and rarely feel the need to comment on the plot twists.
Just be prepared for some epic drool sessions – keeping a towel handy isn’t just recommended, it’s a lifestyle. Despite their imposing size, Great Danes are famous for being incredibly gentle with children and other pets. They’re the definition of “gentle giant” – think of them as that tall friend who’s always careful not to bump their head on doorframes.
These dogs are so social that they often forget their size and try to be lap dogs. Yes, all 150+ pounds of them. Your legs may fall asleep, but your heart will be full. According to Britannica, Great Danes need moderate exercise, but they’re not marathon runners. Daily walks and some playtime will keep them happy, but they’re more interested in quality time than intense workouts.
Early training is crucial though – because let’s face it, nobody wants to be walked by their dog, especially when that dog could pull a small car. The good news? They’re usually eager to please and quick to learn. These gentle giants unfortunately have shorter lifespans than smaller dogs (usually 7-10 years), so quality healthcare is essential.
3. Bernese Mountain Dog
Straight from the Swiss Alps, these gorgeous tri-colored pups were originally farm dogs, helping with everything from pulling carts to protecting livestock. Their working background taught them to be observant without being unnecessarily vocal, a trait that modern Berner owners appreciate.
Having a Bernese Mountain Dog is like having a living, breathing teddy bear who also happens to be an excellent life coach. They’re incredibly intuitive about their family’s emotions and provide silent support when needed. Sure, they shed enough to create a small army of yarn puppies, but their calm, steady presence makes it worth keeping a vacuum cleaner on standby.
According to PetMD, Berners are famous for their gentle nature with children and their ability to get along with other pets. They’re like that one friend who somehow manages to be best friends with everyone. While they might alert you to genuine potential threats, they’re not likely to bark at every passing squirrel or leaf.
They prefer to maintain their dignity and save their voices for important announcements only. These mountain dogs need regular exercise but aren’t hyperactive. A daily walk and some playtime in a fenced yard will keep them happy.
They excel at cart pulling, agility, and other activities that engage both their body and mind. That gorgeous double coat needs regular grooming, and they do shed… a lot. They also prefer cooler weather and can be prone to certain health issues.
4. Newfoundland
Originally bred as working dogs for fishermen in Newfoundland, Canada, these incredible water dogs have a history of heroic water rescues. Their massive size and strength, combined with their natural swimming ability, made them perfect for hauling fishing nets and rescuing people from the icy Atlantic waters.
Prepare for lots of drool – these gentle giants come with built-in water features! But what they lack in daintiness, they make up for in heart. Newfies are famous for their patient, quiet nature. They move through life with a calm deliberation that’s almost zen-like, rarely feeling the need to vocalize unless there’s something genuinely worth mentioning.
Known as “nature’s babysitter,” Newfies have an almost supernatural patience with children. They seem to instinctively understand the need to be gentle with smaller beings. Their protective nature doesn’t come with excessive barking – they prefer to quietly position themselves between their loved ones and any perceived threat. Despite their size,
Newfies don’t need excessive exercise – moderate daily walks and regular swimming sessions (if possible) will keep them happy. According to the American Kennel Club, they excel at water rescue work, cart pulling, and therapy dog duties. Training should start early, focusing on basic obedience before they reach their full size.
That thick, water-resistant double coat requires serious grooming commitment. They’re prone to hip problems and heart issues, so regular vet check-ups are crucial. Also, consider installing a ceiling fan – these dogs definitely prefer cooler temperatures.
5. Scottish Deerhound
Meet the “Royal Dog of Scotland” – a breed that looks like they just walked out of a medieval tapestry. These elegant sighthounds were originally bred to hunt red deer in the Scottish Highlands, which required stealth over sound. They were once so prized that no one ranked below an earl was allowed to own one. Talk about exclusive club membership!
These are one of the low-barking dog breeds with a quiet, dignified aristocrat who occasionally forgets their manners and zooms around your house like a puppy. They’re gentle giants who seem to float through life with an air of refined grace – until they spot something chase-worthy, that is. Then they transform into the world’s most elegant athletes.
These dogs are the definition of “gentle soul.” They’re wonderful; pets with quiet, well-mannered, and surprisingly sensitive natures. Think of them as introverted friends who are content to curl up with a book (or in this case, a cozy bed) while chaos reigns around them. They get along well with other dogs but might need to be reminded that smaller pets aren’t for chasing.
Despite their laid-back indoor personality, Deerhounds need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A fenced yard is a must – these dogs can hit impressive speeds when motivated! Training should be gentle and consistent; they have a sensitive nature and don’t respond well to harsh corrections. They’re intelligent but independent, so don’t expect them to be obsessed with pleasing you.
Their rough coat is surprisingly easy to maintain – regular grooming and occasional baths are usually sufficient. However, like many large breeds, they have relatively short lifespans (8-11 years) and can be prone to certain health issues. They’re also not great in hot weather, so maybe skip relocating to Phoenix if you’re planning to add one to your family.
6. Chinese Shar Pei
The Shar Pei’s history reads like an epic novel – these wrinkled warriors were originally bred in China for hunting, herding, and guarding. Their trademark wrinkles weren’t just for looks (though they are adorably squishable); they helped protect them in fights by making it harder for opponents to grab hold. Clever, right?
Living with a Shar Pei is like having a furry ninja in your house. They’re typically quiet, dignified, and incredibly loyal, but they also have a stubborn streak a mile wide. They’re not big barkers, preferring to keep watch over their domain with silent vigilance. Those wrinkles, though, require some serious maintenance – think of them as the high-maintenance supermodel of the dog world.
These dogs typically bond deeply with their families but can be reserved with strangers. They’re like that friend who takes forever to warm up to new people but is ride-or-die once they do. While they’re not usually barkers, they make excellent guard dogs, alerting you to genuine potential threats without going overboard about every passing leaf.
Here’s where it gets interesting: Shar Peis are intelligent but independent thinkers. Training requires patience, consistency, and a sense of humor – they’ll often have you questioning who’s training whom. Moderate exercise needs mean they’re great for less active families, but they do need regular mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
Those iconic wrinkles need daily attention to prevent skin issues – we’re talking about regular cleaning and drying to avoid infections. They can also be prone to eye problems and hip dysplasia. Think of them as the sports car of the dog world – amazing to have, but they do require specialized maintenance to keep them running smoothly.
Just like the Shar Pei, the Shih Tzu also has a rich history and unique appearance, making them a fascinating companion. Both breeds require dedicated care to maintain their distinct features and ensure their overall health.
7. Irish Setter
Originally developed in Ireland for bird hunting, these stunning redheads were bred to work closely with hunters in silence until it was time to flush out game. Their gorgeous mahogany coat isn’t just for show – it helped them stand out against the Irish countryside (though nowadays it’s more likely to stand out on your Instagram feed).
Having an Irish Setter is like living with a perpetually cheerful, eternally youthful soul who happens to be wearing a glamorous red fur coat. They’re known for maintaining their puppy-like enthusiasm well into adulthood, but they’re surprisingly quiet for such energetic dogs. Just be prepared for everyone to stop and ask about your dog during walks – they’re total head-turners.
Irish Setters are the extroverts of the dog world – they never met a person or dog they didn’t want to befriend. While they’re not typically barkers, they do have an enthusiastic personality that can manifest in other ways (like the famous Irish Setter “wiggle-butt” greeting).
They’re incredible with children and make fantastic family dogs. These beauties need plenty of exercise – we’re talking enthusiastic participants in your morning jog, not casual walkers. They excel at dog sports, hiking, and any activity that involves being with their people.
Training should start early and focus on channeling their natural enthusiasm into positive behaviors. Pro tip: a tired Irish Setter is a well-behaved Irish Setter. That stunning red coat requires regular grooming to maintain its show-stopping glory.
According to VCA, Irish Setters may have genetic conditions including an autoimmune disease called Canine leukocyte adhesion. Regular exercise is crucial not just for their physical health but their mental well-being too – a bored Irish Setter might decide to redesign your house while you’re out.
Conclusion
Let’s keep it real – finding the right dog isn’t just about choosing a dog among the low-barking dog breeds. While these breeds typically tend toward the quieter side, every dog comes with a unique personality (kind of like how no two coffee orders at Starbucks are ever the same). Before you commit to any of these gorgeous quiet companions, think about your lifestyle and living space – a Great Dane might be zen-like in temperament, but they’ll still take up half your studio apartment!
There are some other examples of quiet dog breeds. These include Greyhounds (who, despite their prey drive, are often calm and quiet at home), Afghan Hounds (elegant and dignified), Rhodesian Ridgebacks (loyal and protective, but not excessive barkers), Shiba Inus (independent and cat-like), French Bulldogs (playful and adaptable), and Japanese Chins (gentle and affectionate).
Remember that individual dogs within any breed can vary, and consistent training from a young age is crucial for any dog to be a well-behaved member of your family.
In conclusion, selecting a low barking dog breed can greatly enhance a serene home environment, benefiting both pet owners and their neighbors. Breeds such as the Basenji, French Bulldog, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are ideal choices for those seeking quiet companionship without the constant noise of barking. These breeds generally exhibit calm temperaments and silent behaviors, making them well-suited for apartment living or shared spaces. While individual personalities may vary, understanding the characteristics of these breeds helps ensure a harmonious living experience for both the dogs and their human families.