Not all dogs are barky, noisy, or attention-demanding. Some are naturally quiet, calm, and content to enjoy life without making a scene. Whether you live in an apartment, work from home, or just prefer a mellow, undramatic companion, choosing a quiet dog breed can make a huge difference.
Here are 15 dog breeds that are famously quiet, along with the reasons why they tend to keep it down — without losing any of that signature canine charm.
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1. Basenji
The Basenji is often called the “barkless dog,” and that’s not an exaggeration. Instead of traditional barking, they make a unique yodel-like sound called a baroo.
Why they’re quiet: This breed has a naturally calm temperament and a relatively independent personality. They communicate more through body language and facial expressions than through vocalisation.
2. Greyhound
Despite being known for their speed, Greyhounds are actually couch potatoes at heart. They’re calm, sweet-natured, and incredibly quiet.
Why they’re quiet: Greyhounds are sensitive dogs that don’t get easily excited or reactive. They also rarely bark unless something is truly unusual or alarming.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These little charmers are affectionate lap dogs with soft voices and gentle demeanours.
Why they’re quiet: Cavaliers were bred to be companions, not watchdogs, so they generally have little reason to bark. They’re emotionally intuitive and prefer staying close to you rather than reacting to the environment.
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
Big, fluffy, and incredibly mellow, Bernese Mountain Dogs are famously good-natured — and quiet.
Why they’re quiet: This breed is confident, patient, and slow to react to stimuli. They’re not easily spooked, and while they may alert once or twice, they’re unlikely to become serial barkers.
5. Shiba Inu
Shibas can be aloof and independent, and while they have the famous “Shiba scream” in rare moments of protest, they’re not known for regular barking.
Why they’re quiet: They’re self-contained and often cat-like in behaviour. Unless they’re anxious or demanding attention, they tend to go about their day quietly.
6. Irish Wolfhound
Tall, majestic, and surprisingly chill, the Irish Wolfhound is often described as a “gentle giant.”
Why they’re quiet: This breed has a calm, steady personality. They were bred for hunting but are now more likely to be lazy, peaceful companions with little interest in barking at every passerby.
7. Bulldog (English Bulldog)
Bulldogs have a distinct appearance and an even more distinct personality: laid-back, easygoing, and more likely to snore than bark.
Why they’re quiet: They’re not particularly reactive or high-energy, and they don’t have a strong guarding instinct. Most of the noise they make comes from snoring, not barking.
8. Great Dane
Another giant breed that surprises people with its quiet, composed nature.
Why they’re quiet: Great Danes are known for their calm presence and deep loyalty. They’re not quick to bark unless there’s a real reason — and when they do, it’s more of a deep rumble than a yappy outburst.
9. Whippet
Whippets are fast, lean, and athletic, but at home they’re often found curled up in a blanket like tiny statues.
Why they’re quiet: They’re emotionally gentle and rarely vocal unless they’re startled or bored. Their sensitivity means they don’t like conflict — so they tend to keep things peaceful.
10. Borzoi
Elegant and reserved, the Borzoi was bred for hunting silently — and they’ve maintained that trait.
Why they’re quiet: Borzois are introverted dogs with an independent streak. They’re observant but don’t see the need to sound the alarm unless something truly unusual happens.
11. Japanese Chin
These petite, charming dogs are more likely to stare at you with mild disdain than bark at a falling leaf.
Why they’re quiet: The Japanese Chin is graceful and composed, bred to be a companion to nobility. They tend to quietly follow their person rather than cause a fuss.
12. Saluki
Another ancient sighthound, the Saluki is quiet, refined, and gentle.
Why they’re quiet: Salukis are not watchdogs. They’re more interested in resting, watching the world calmly, or going for elegant runs — barking simply isn’t part of their routine.
13. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
While many terriers are barky and excitable, the Wheaten Terrier is the exception.
Why they’re quiet: Wheatens are happy, friendly, and less reactive than other terrier breeds. They still need stimulation but aren’t known for excessive barking.
14. Coton de Tulear
Fluffy, cuddly, and surprisingly undramatic, the Coton is known for its love of cuddles, not chaos.
Why they’re quiet: While they enjoy company and play, Cotons aren’t big barkers unless something’s clearly wrong. They’re more likely to wait quietly for affection than demand it loudly.
Amanda O’Brien is the owner of The Dog Snobs website. She is dog mad and dog aunt to Clover in London and Poppy in Sydney. She can’t wait to have a schedule that allows her to have a dog of her own (for now it is two Siberian cats) and loves learning about dog breeds and dog behavior.