Dog owners living in tight-knit neighborhoods or just wishing to lead a quiet lifestyle may be searching for dogs who don’t bark much. While a completely bark-less dog has yet to be invented, there are some dog breeds that are less likely to sound the alarm at the minimal noises. These dogs have the potential to make quiet companions, yet, it’s important to keep in mind that any dog has the potential to bark when his needs for companionship, exercise and mental stimulation are not met.
The Top Six Quiet Dog Breeds
Which dogs should owners looking for silent companions search for? Well, for starters they should skip dogs who were selectively bred for their watch dog capabilities or dogs who utilized their powerful barks and howls for hunting. Truth is, many dogs bark because us humans have selectively bred them to do so, as in nature, wild canines were quite silent hunters. Barking soon became a much cherished quality because barking helped alert people about dangerous predators or was useful to alert hunters about nearby prey.
The Basenji
The Great Dane
Bulldog
Borzoi
Whippet
The Akita
At the top of the list is the Basenji, a breed that has become increasingly popular because of its reputation for not barking. Don’t expect this breed to be completely non-vocal though; Basenjis are still capable of occasionally vocalizing through yodels, whines and screams. If we look back into history, we can see that this breed is quite ancient, and it could be likely that back in time, a quiet hunter was needed. His non-barking capabilities come at a price though; this breed is not the easiest to train, is very active and can be quite stubborn.
This breed, with a history for being selectively bred to hunt boar, isn’t particularly vocal by nature, but when it barks, your walls will shake. Luckily, many owners report that their great Danes bark mostly when there is a good reason to. A good example would be to scare off a burglar trying to enter your house. However, while the great Dane ranks low as a nuisance barker, consider that any dog will bark if you allow it to become a bad habit.
For starters, this breed is for the most part inactive; indeed, you’ll more likely see a bulldog snoring on the sofa rather than pacing back and forth and patrolling the yard. Secondly, this breed makes a poor watchdog. However, his mere presence is often enough; indeed his block-built body, snorting sounds and shuffling gait may suffix to scare off any wrongdoers from your property. Be prepared to dole out lots of money with this breed though; bulldogs are not the healthiest dogs and vet bills tend to quickly sum up.
It’s quite uncommon to stumble on this breed of dog, but it’s worth to consider it if you’re looking for a quiet dog. Selectively bred for hunting, this breed barks seldom because he has poor guarding instincts. As a matter of fact, don’t get this dog is you are looking for a good watch dog: he may fail to alert you if intruders stop by your property. Being quiet isn’t the only positive trait of these dogs; indeed, Borzoi are also well-mannered dogs who love their families. Just make sure he gets a good amount of exercise and daily walks.
Like the borzoi, the whippet is a quiet dog that ranks low when it comes to territoriality. If you’re looking for a social butterfly, consider that generally well-socialized whippets are friendly towards anybody they meet. Another advantage of this breed is that they tend to make good apartment dogs as long as they are walked and have access to a securely fenced yard where they can happily romp freely.
Many owners report that their Akitas hardly bark and rather prefer to “speak” softly through grumbles and moans. This appealing breed often referred to as the “silent hunter” in Japan, indeed tends to bark only as needed. Make sure though that you keep your Akita happy, well-exercised and entertained, a bored Akita has the potential to become a barker, chewer and digger.
Bottom Line
While the above breeds are known for barking less than other dogs, it’s important to consider that even within a breed, each dog comes with its own personality and individual variances are possible. Training, a good exercise regimen and loads of socialization can considerably lower the chances for ending up with a problem barker. Also, keeping dogs in the home with their owners makes them happier and less likely to engage in annoying nuisance barking.
