15 Low-barking Dog Breeds That Help You Build A Quiet Home

Barking doesn’t have to be part of dog ownership. Some breeds are naturally quiet, keeping things calm without constant noise. If your idea of home includes soft footsteps instead of loud alerts, these dogs might be the perfect match. Here’s a look at 15 breeds that rarely bark.

Basenji

A uniquely shaped larynx means a standard bark isn’t part of their vocal range. You might occasionally hear a yodel-like call known as a “barroo.” Developed in Central Africa for silent hunting, Basenjis prioritize stillness over sound. That natural restraint and catlike independence make them perfect for peaceful spaces.

French Bulldog

In 19th-century Paris, French Bulldogs found their niche among lace workers and artists, cherished for their low-key companionship. Their subdued nature made them ideal for the lively yet confined spaces of the city. To this day, they tend to express themselves using subtle sounds, not barking.

Shiba Inu

Despite their foxlike intensity, Shiba Inus keeps vocalizations rare. Their bark usually comes out only in unusual situations or strong objections—otherwise, they stay silent and observant. Bred in Japan to hunt silently in brushy terrain, they developed a sharp mind and stoic control.

Greyhound

They’re at their most content during quiet stretches with nothing going on. A Greyhound can be wide awake but still as a statue, watching from the sofa with barely a twitch. Raised to chase, not alert, they never learned to announce what’s coming—they’d rather let the moment pass in silence.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Gentle eyes and consistent loyalty define this toy spaniel. Though alert, they seldom bark without apparent reason. Selective breeding for royal companionship prioritized docility and sociability over vocal defense. They follow the owners from room to room, responding more with body language than voice.

Whippet

Whippets sleep up to 14 hours a day, which naturally limits when they might bark. They enjoy brief sprints, then return to resting mode. Their voice rarely comes into play indoors, even during activity. A home that matches their low-stimulation rhythm won’t hear much more than shifting paws.

Borzoi

Loud environments don’t suit their personality, so Borzois often observe before reacting, and even then, their responses remain understated. They drift through the home like gentle shadows, seldom raising their voice unless there’s genuine cause. Their refined composure brings more presence than disruption in low-stimulation spaces where sensitivity matters.

Scottish Deerhound

They may tower over other breeds, but Deerhounds rarely draw attention to themselves. Their body speaks louder than their voice—literally. You won’t hear much barking because they don’t find it necessary. Steady by nature, they communicate through posture rather than sound.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Calm dominates their personality more than vocal excitement. While they’re loyal and attentive, they don’t resort to barking to show it. Instead, they communicate with subtle cues and patient stares. Their easygoing attitude helps maintain a relaxed environment, especially in households with routines built around steady, quiet energy.

Great Dane

Volume rarely matches size in this case. Great Danes often respond to life with slow movements and low murmurs. Barking comes into play only when something truly stands out. Their mellow approach helps them integrate into low-key homes where physical presence doesn’t need to come with constant noise.

Italian Greyhound

Vocal restraint comes naturally to this breed. They don’t bark for attention; they use subtle cues—a shift of posture or soft eye contact. Some may vocalize when anxious or startled, but those moments are rare. For a dog always ready to move, they remain notably subdued.

Japanese Chin

This toy breed doesn’t react to volume; it watches with focused interest. Its voices are reserved for rare moments, and it generally prefers staying close to its person. Its sensitivity makes it ideal for calm homes where noise isn’t welcome, and routines stay consistent from one day to the next.

Chow Chow

Don’t expect running commentary. Chows stay to themselves, observing with dignity and stepping in only when necessary. Barking isn’t their first instinct, even when someone’s at the door. Their composed nature makes them ideal for people who want a calm canine presence that speaks with glances.

Saluki

Grace defines their movements, and their behavior follows suit. Salukis are neither reactive nor demanding and tend to drift through the day with little vocalization. Their quiet companionship adds to the peace in homes that value routine and light activity rather than breaking it.

English Bulldog

While they snore more than they bark, that’s part of their charm. Bulldogs don’t raise a ruckus unless something truly disrupts their comfort zone. Most of their time is spent resting or following people around quietly. They’re a solid match for a family craving stillness with a side of personality.