41 breeds · updated Oct 2026
Best quiet dog breeds that bark less
Every dog barks sometimes, but some breeds do it far less than others. If you share walls with neighbors, work from home or simply prize a peaceful house, a breed with a low barking rating gives you a head start.
This list includes every breed in our database rated 1 or 2 for barking. A quiet breed is not a silent one, and the reason a dog barks matters more than the breed label: alarm, excitement, boredom, frustration and loneliness all produce noise. A dog with a low barking rating can still become a problem barker if it is left alone for long stretches or does not get enough exercise.
Because this ranking looks at barking alone, the order within each rating is alphabetical. It is a filter, not a verdict on which dog is best, so use the other traits on each profile to narrow your shortlist.
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1
Bulldog
Non-Sporting · Medium · 40–50 lb (18–23 kg)
The Bulldog, or English Bulldog, is a stocky, wrinkled companion that typically weighs 40 to 50 lb (18 to 23 kg). Gentle and dependable, it is low on energy and well suited to calm homes, but its flat face, he…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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2
Greyhound
Hound · Large · 60–70 lb (27–32 kg)
The Greyhound is a tall, lean sighthound famous for speed, yet most retired racers are quiet, gentle couch dogs at 60–70 lb (27–32 kg). They need short bursts of exercise rather than long ones, a securely fenc…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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3
Irish Wolfhound
Hound · Giant · 105–120 lb (48–54 kg)
The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest breed the AKC recognizes, with males at least 32 in (81 cm) tall and 120 lb (54 kg), and a gentle, dignified nature to match. It makes a calm, loving housemate, but its giant…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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4
Mastiff
Working · Giant · 120–230 lb (54–104 kg)
The Mastiff is a calm, dignified giant that typically weighs 120 to 230 lb (54 to 104 kg) and stands at least 27.5 in (70 cm) at the shoulder. Mastiffs are gentle, deeply loyal family dogs, but their size, dro…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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5
Whippet
Hound · Medium · 25–40 lb (11–18 kg)
The Whippet is a sleek, medium-sized sighthound that looks like a small Greyhound, standing 18 to 22 in (46 to 56 cm) and weighing 25 to 40 lb (11 to 18 kg). Whippets sprint at up to 35 mph (56 km/h) yet are c…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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6
Akita
Working · Large · 70–130 lb (32–59 kg)
The Akita is a large, dignified Japanese guardian breed that is loyal, quiet and devoted to its family. It is also strong-willed, reserved with strangers and often intolerant of other dogs, so it needs an expe…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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7
Alaskan Malamute
Working · Large · 75–85 lb (34–39 kg)
The Alaskan Malamute is a powerful, friendly Arctic sled dog built for strength and endurance rather than speed. It is affectionate and sociable, but also independent, strong-willed and very hard to keep indoo…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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8
American Pit Bull Terrier
Terrier · Medium · 30–60 lb (14–27 kg)
The American Pit Bull Terrier is an athletic, people-focused terrier recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC), not the American Kennel Club. It is strong, smart and eager to please, and needs experienced han…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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9
Basenji
Hound · Small · 22–24 lb (10–11 kg)
The Basenji is a small, athletic African hunting hound, about 16 to 17 in (41 to 43 cm) tall and 22 to 24 lb (10 to 11 kg), famous for not barking in the usual way. It is clean, clever and fiercely independent…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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10
Bernedoodle
Hybrid · Large · 10–90 lb (5–41 kg)
The Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, typically a gentle, loyal dog with a fluffy tricolor coat. With no breed standard, size ranges from small to large depending on the Poodl…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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11
Boston Terrier
Non-Sporting · Small · 12–25 lb (5–11 kg)
The Boston Terrier is a compact, tuxedo-marked companion weighing up to 25 lb (11 kg). It is friendly, funny and easy to groom, but its short face means it overheats easily and can have breathing and eye probl…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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12
Boxer
Working · Large · 50–80 lb (23–36 kg)
The Boxer is an exuberant, loyal and goofy working-group dog that stays playful well into adulthood. It is great with family and children, but it needs lots of exercise, copes badly with heat, and carries nota…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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13
Bull Terrier
Terrier · Medium · 50–70 lb (23–32 kg)
The Bull Terrier is a muscular, clownish, deeply affectionate dog with a unique egg-shaped head. It is playful and devoted to its people but also strong, stubborn and often dog-selective, so it needs an experi…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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14
Bullmastiff
Working · Giant · 100–130 lb (45–59 kg)
The Bullmastiff is a massive, calm English guardian, 24 to 27 in (61 to 69 cm) tall and 100 to 130 lb (45 to 59 kg), bred from Mastiffs and Bulldogs. It is loyal and gentle with its family, and needs early tra…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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15
Cane Corso
Working · Large · 88–110 lb (40–50 kg)
The Cane Corso is a muscular Italian guardian breed that bonds deeply with its family and is wary of outsiders. It is a rewarding dog for an experienced, consistent owner, but its size, strength and protective…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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16
Cavachon
Hybrid · Small · 12–25 lb (5–11 kg)
The Cavachon is a small, cuddly cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise, typically sweet-natured, sociable and happiest close to its family. With no breed standard, size, coat and heal…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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17
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Toy · Small · 13–18 lb (6–8 kg)
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a gentle, people-loving toy spaniel known for its soft expression and easygoing nature. It makes a wonderful companion, but it needs company, regular grooming and a breeder…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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18
Cavapoo
Hybrid · Small · 9–22 lb (4–10 kg)
The Cavapoo is a small, affectionate cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, usually a lap-loving companion with a soft wavy coat. With no breed standard, size, coat and health vary by Pood…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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19
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Sporting · Large · 55–80 lb (25–36 kg)
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a tough, waterproof-coated duck dog from Maryland that weighs 55 to 80 lb (25 to 36 kg). It is loyal and protective with its family, more independent than other retrievers, and…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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20
Chinese Shar-Pei
Non-Sporting · Medium · 45–60 lb (20–27 kg)
The Chinese Shar-Pei is a compact, wrinkled, scowling guardian that stands 18 to 20 in (46 to 51 cm) tall and weighs 45 to 60 lb (20 to 27 kg). It is loyal to its family and wary of everyone else, so it suits…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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21
Chow Chow
Non-Sporting · Medium · 45–70 lb (20–32 kg)
The Chow Chow is a dignified, lion-maned dog from China with a blue-black tongue, typically 17 to 20 in (43 to 51 cm) tall and 45 to 70 lb (20 to 32 kg). It is loyal and aloof, sheds heavily and struggles in h…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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22
Coton de Tulear
Non-Sporting · Small · 8–15 lb (4–7 kg)
The Coton de Tulear is a small, fluffy, white companion dog from Madagascar that stands 9 to 11 in (23 to 28 cm) tall and weighs 8 to 15 lb (3.6 to 6.8 kg). It is cheerful, people-loving and easy to train, and…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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23
Doberman Pinscher
Working · Large · 60–100 lb (27–45 kg)
The Doberman Pinscher is a sleek, intelligent and devoted guardian that bonds intensely with its family. It is highly trainable and surprisingly affectionate, but it needs firm, positive leadership, plenty of…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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24
Dogo Argentino
Working · Large · 80–100 lb (36–45 kg)
The Dogo Argentino is a muscular, all-white big-game hunting dog from Argentina that stands 24 to 26.5 in (61 to 67 cm) tall and weighs 80 to 100 lb (36 to 45 kg). It is courageous, loyal and very athletic, bu…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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25
French Bulldog
Non-Sporting · Small · 16–28 lb (7–13 kg)
The French Bulldog is a compact, bat-eared companion dog that weighs under 28 lb (13 kg). Frenchies are affectionate, easygoing and well suited to apartments, but their flat faces make breathing, heat and exer…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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26
Golden Retriever
Sporting · Large · 55–75 lb (25–34 kg)
The Golden Retriever is a warm, patient, highly trainable sporting dog that typically weighs 55 to 75 lb (25 to 34 kg). Goldens suit active families well, but they shed heavily, need daily exercise and company…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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27
Goldendoodle
Hybrid · Medium · 15–90 lb (7–41 kg)
The Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, known for a friendly, eager-to-please nature and a wavy or curly coat. With no breed standard, size, coat and health vary from litter to lit…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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28
Great Dane
Working · Giant · 110–175 lb (50–79 kg)
The Great Dane is one of the tallest dog breeds, standing at least 28 in (71 cm) at the shoulder and averaging 110–175 lb (50–79 kg). Despite the size, most are gentle, affectionate couch companions, but they…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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29
Labradoodle
Hybrid · Medium · 18–75 lb (8–34 kg)
The Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, bred originally in Australia as a potential assistance dog. It is usually energetic, friendly and trainable. With no breed standard, size,…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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30
Lagotto Romagnolo
Sporting · Medium · 24–35 lb (11–16 kg)
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a curly-coated Italian water retriever and truffle hunter that weighs about 24 to 35 lb (11 to 16 kg) and stands about 16 to 19 in (41 to 48 cm). It is affectionate, clever and energet…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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31
Leonberger
Working · Giant · 90–170 lb (41–77 kg)
The Leonberger is a giant, lion-maned working dog from Germany that stands 25.5 to 31.5 in (65 to 80 cm) tall and can weigh 90 to 170 lb (41 to 77 kg). It is gentle, confident and devoted, but it sheds heavily…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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32
Newfoundland
Working · Giant · 100–150 lb (45–68 kg)
The Newfoundland is a giant, gentle water-rescue dog with a famously sweet nature. It is patient with children and devoted to its family, but it drools, sheds heavily and needs a cool home with room to spread…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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33
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Sporting · Medium · 35–50 lb (16–23 kg)
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the smallest retriever, a red, fox-like gundog that weighs 35 to 50 lb (16 to 23 kg). Tollers are smart, affectionate and tireless, so they thrive with active owners w…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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34
Pekingese
Toy · Toy · 7–14 lb (3–6 kg)
The Pekingese is a small, lion-maned companion from the Chinese imperial court that weighs up to 14 lb (6.4 kg). Pekes are loyal, dignified and independent, and they suit calm homes, but the flat face makes th…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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35
Pug
Toy · Small · 14–18 lb (6–8 kg)
The Pug is a compact, flat-faced companion dog known for a clownish streak and a deep need to be near its people. It does well in small homes and with children, but its short muzzle means heat, exertion and we…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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36
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Hound · Large · 70–85 lb (32–39 kg)
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a powerful, athletic hound with a signature ridge of reverse-growing hair, typically weighing 70 to 85 lb (32 to 39 kg). Ridgebacks are devoted and protective with family, but their…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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37
Rottweiler
Working · Large · 80–135 lb (36–61 kg)
The Rottweiler is a powerful, confident guardian breed that typically weighs 80 to 135 lb (36 to 61 kg). Loyal and intelligent, it can be a calm, devoted family dog in experienced hands, but it needs early soc…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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38
Saint Bernard
Working · Giant · 120–180 lb (54–82 kg)
The Saint Bernard is a giant, gentle working breed from the Swiss Alps, famous for patient, calm companionship. It needs space, firm early training and a tolerance for drool, and its size means a shorter lifes…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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39
Shiba Inu
Non-Sporting · Small · 17–23 lb (8–10 kg)
The Shiba Inu is Japan's smallest native spitz breed, a fox-like 17–23 lb (8–10.5 kg) dog that is bold, clean and famously independent. It is a rewarding companion for patient owners, but it sheds heavily, has…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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40
Shih Tzu
Toy · Small · 9–16 lb (4–7 kg)
The Shih Tzu is a sturdy little lap dog, 9–16 lb (4–7 kg), bred for centuries to keep people company. It is cheerful, people-focused and happy in an apartment, but the long coat needs near-daily care and the s…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
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41
Vizsla
Sporting · Medium · 44–60 lb (20–27 kg)
The Vizsla is a lean, red-gold Hungarian gundog that bonds closely with its people and needs a great deal of exercise. It is affectionate and trainable, but it is a poor fit for homes that cannot offer daily a…
- Barking
- Watchdog instinct
How we ranked them
A breed qualifies with a barking rating of 1 or 2 out of 5, where 5 means barks a lot. The score is simply how low that rating is, so breeds rated 1 come before breeds rated 2, and breeds with the same rating are listed alphabetically. Ratings come from our breed profiles and describe the typical dog of each breed, and every dog is an individual with its own habits.
Before you choose
Treat the cause, not just the noise. Dogs bark when they are bored, under-exercised, alarmed or distressed. Enough daily exercise and mental activity prevents a lot of it, and our guide to how much exercise a dog needs is a good place to start.
Reward quiet. Praise and treat your dog when it settles, rather than scolding barking, which can add stress. Veterinary behaviorists recommend reward-based training over methods that rely on fear or pain.
Watch for barking, whining or howling that happens mainly when you are away. That can point to separation anxiety, which deserves a plan with your vet rather than punishment. If barking appears suddenly in an adult dog, ask your vet to rule out medical causes. For a peaceful home, also look at our calm dogs list.
Frequently asked questions
Which dogs bark the least?
The breeds on this list are rated 1 or 2 for barking, but individuals differ. Training, exercise and daily routine change a dog's habits a great deal.
Can you train a barky dog to be quiet?
Often you can reduce barking by meeting the dog's needs and rewarding calm behavior. Some breeds will always be more vocal than others, so aim for manageable rather than silent.
Are small dogs yappier than big dogs?
Not as a rule. Barking tendency varies by breed more than by size, which is why this list includes dogs of many sizes.
Do quiet dogs make good watchdogs?
Some do. Barking and watchdog instinct are rated separately, and several breeds here pair a low barking rating with a high watchdog rating, so they notice things without sounding off constantly. Compare the two ratings on each profile if you want an alert but not noisy dog.
Sources
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