Dog Breeds That Don't Bark Much

Dogs bark for many reasons. With other dogs, it is a more direct form of communication since they can better understand each other. However, dogs will still bark at humans to try to tell them something. Since we cannot directly understand what a bark means, we need to observe their body language and other signals. This way we can work out what it is our dog is trying to tell us.

When we have adopted a dog which doesn't bark much, we need to pay even more attention to other communication signals. Also, just because a dog does not bark a lot, doesn't mean they won't make other vocalizations. This is something you can see with some of these dog breeds that bark the least:

1. Basenji
2. Bloodhound
3. Newfoundland
4. Akita Inu
5. Rottweiler
6. Labrador Retriever
7. Australian Shepherd
8. Great Dane
9. Pug
10. Bulldog

We also provide a list of some more quiet dog breeds at the end and look at some common characteristics of dogs that don't bark much.

Although our list is not ranked from quietest to loudest, the Basenji just might make the top spot as the dog that barks the least. They are also one of the oldest known dog breeds in the world.

This dog breed originated in Africa and it is particularly known for barking the least. This is not to say they don't make any noise. Instead of barking, they make a yodel-like sound which does not resemble the traditional bark at all. Some think it even sounds a little like laughter. It is due to their physical makeup, as their larynx is shaped differently, resulting in the unique vocalization.

Although a Basenji won't bark, it doesn't mean they are well-suited to the quiet life. They are very energetic dogs and need a lot of exercise. They will also need good education and plenty of cognitive stimulation if we want them to live a happy and healthy life.

The Bloodhound is also a quiet dog, but not in the same way as the Basenji. They can bark and will when they need to, but their lack of excessive barking is due to their calm personality. They are known for being very even-tempered and great companions for families.

However, just because they are a dog which doesn't bark much, it doesn't mean they are inactive. Bloodhounds are known for their superior tracking abilities which can make them very tenacious and, sometimes, willful.

The Bloodhound is a relatively large dog, even if they don't make much noise. Another large dog with a quiet sensibility is the Newfoundland. They are such loving and docile creatures, so much so they are considered one of the best dog breeds for children. Even a little child tugging on their tail is unlikely to elicit a bark from this breed.

Newfoundlands are also known for enjoying the water and have been used extensively as water rescue dogs. When the Newfoundland wants to bark, it will be quite loud. But they are known for their sweetness, so much so only good-natured dogs are allowed to be officially bred.

The Akita Inu is a playful and often mischievous dog. They need a lot of attention and can be a handful for some people. However, they do not usually express themselves in barking, at least not excessively. They say that when an Akita Inu barks, it is because they have an important reason for doing so. They can be quite territorial and reserved with strangers, so if someone approaches their property, they may bark. With their family and when they are happy, this should not be the case.

Akita Inus are one of many dogs originating from Japan. To learn more, you can check out our article on Japanese dog breeds.

If you have seen even a few 80s action movies, it's likely you will witnessed a scene with a Rottweiler barking in some abandoned warehouse somewhere. Such movies feed a reputation for being aggressive and having a short temper, i.e. that they are dangerous dog. However, the nature of Rottweilers is far from such a cliché movie trope. They are actually one of the most loving and loyal breeds you can find.

Loyalty is the reason a Rottweiler might bark, especially if they have been trained to do so. They are very protective of their family and have been used as guard dogs to alert for intruders. However, when they are with their family, they are not prone to barking to otherwise express themselves.

Apart from being a very affectionate and loving dog, the Labrador Retriever is known for not barking excessively. What you should keep in mind when getting a Labrador Retriever is that it is a playful and very active dog. Although they are considered almost the epitome of man's best friend, the Labrador Retriever needs proper socialization and education as with any other breed.

If you don't engage any type of Labrador Retriever properly, they can become destructive. Ensure they have plenty of attention, love and education, and you will have a happy pup.

The Australian Shepherd is an extremely active dog. In fact, we could say that its main features are enthusiasm, vitality and energy. Such enthusiasm, doesn't mean they bark a lot.

Many people confuse the Australian Shepherd with the Border Collie. They do have a lot in common, such as their need for training. While all dogs need education, some will need training more than others to direct their energy properly. The Australian Shepherd is one such dog breed. Although they are known for not barking much, they will do so if they are not given enough stimulation.

It's a good thing that the Great Dane is a dog breed which doesn't bark very much. While there are some small dogs which are known for yapping a lot, if a Great Dane was to do so, we would never get any peace. As such a large dog, if they barked all the time, we would barely be able to hear ourselves think.

The Great Dane is a generally calm and relaxed dog which can make an amazing family pet. They will need both plenty of stimulation and opportunities to exercise. Despite their size, they are actually a pet which can live well in an apartment. This is as long as they have space to rest comfortably and plenty of outdoor access when they need it.

It will not be accurate to say that the Pug is one of the quietest dogs. As they are brachycephalic, they have difficulty breathing. Their shortened palate means they cannot inhale air well, resulting in a lot of grunting and labored breathing noises. However, this does not mean they are prone to barking.

While they can be rambunctious, they are loving and generally docile in character. It is why they were favorites of such historical figures as Marie Antoinette and Josephine Bonaparte. They are easy to fall in love with.

Whether they are a French, English or American Bulldogtype, all are considered dogs which don't bark much. Bulldogs don't usually need as much exercise as other dog breeds and live in a peaceful and calm state. They are perfect for people who do not have time to exercise, but want to have an affectionate dog at their side.

While the above dogs are not in any particular order, they are all considered the dog breeds which bark the least. However, there are other dog breeds which are known for not barking much. They include:

• Greyhound
• Shar Pei
• Afghan Hound
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Scottish Deerhound
• Rhodesian Ridgeback
• Japanese Chin
• Coton de Tuléar
• Whippet
• Wheaten Terrier
• Shiba Inu
• Irish Setter
• Saluki

It is important to note that, regardless of breed, a dog barking a lot is likely due to a problem. While it may seem your dog is barking at nothing, there will be a reason behind this behavior. They may be stressed, suffering from separation anxiety or even have a health problem. If your dog is barking a lot, don't ignore it.

You may have noticed the majority of the breeds on our list of dogs which don't bark much are large in size. This might imply that smaller dogs are known to bark more. While there may be some evidence that this is the case, there are other factors to consider. One is that many guardians of small dogs often ignore their education.

It is often thought that smaller dogs are simply lapdogs which do not need any training. This is not the case. Even if a dog breed is known to yap, it is more likely poor socialization and a lack of education which causes this behavior. For example, small dogs may be more likely to bark at strangers because they have been poorly socialized.

If your dog is being inappropriately vocal, you can take a look at our article on how to stop nuisance barking. You can also look at our video on 10 reasons why dogs bark to find out more:

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