Here are the top 10 dog breeds that bark the least, based on various sources and criteria. Of course, every dog is an individual, and their barking behavior may vary depending on their personality, environment, and training. However, these breeds are generally known for being quiet and calm, and they make great pets for anyone who values silence.
1. Basenji
The basenji is often called the “barkless dog”, because it has a unique vocal anatomy that prevents it from making the typical barking sound. Instead, it makes a yodeling or chortling noise, which is usually only heard when the dog is excited or happy. The basenji is a hunting dog that originated from Africa, and it has a strong prey drive, a curious personality, and a high intelligence. It needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, and it can be stubborn and independent. The basenji has a short, fine coat that comes in various colors, such as red, black, tricolor, or brindle.
2. Golden Retriever
The golden retriever is one of the most popular and beloved dog breeds in the world, and for good reason. It is a friendly, loyal, and gentle dog that gets along well with everyone, including children, other dogs, and even cats. It is also a smart and trainable dog that can excel in various activities, such as obedience, agility, therapy, or service. The golden retriever is not a very vocal dog, and it usually only barks to alert its owner of something important, or to express its joy or excitement. The golden retriever has a long, wavy coat that sheds moderately, and it comes in various shades of gold.
3. Pug
The pug is a small and adorable dog that has a wrinkled face, a curly tail, and a charming personality. It is a playful, affectionate, and loyal dog that loves to be around its owner and to make them laugh with its antics. It is also a low-maintenance dog that doesn’t need a lot of exercise or grooming, and it can adapt well to any living situation, including apartments. The pug is not a very noisy dog, and it usually only barks when it wants something, or when it is startled by something. The pug has a short, smooth coat that comes in various colors, such as black, fawn, or silver.
4. Shiba Inu
The shiba inu is a medium-sized dog that originated from Japan, and it has a fox-like appearance, a curled tail, and a confident attitude. It is a loyal, alert, and independent dog that can be reserved with strangers, but affectionate with its family. It is also a clean and quiet dog that doesn’t bark much, but it can make a distinctive sound called the “shiba scream”, which is a loud and high-pitched howl that expresses its excitement or displeasure. The shiba inu has a thick, double coat that comes in various colors, such as red, black and tan, or cream.
5. Japanese Chin
The Japanese chin is a small and elegant dog that has a silky coat, a flat face, and a plumed tail. It is a graceful, charming, and dignified dog that has a cat-like personality. It is a quiet and gentle dog that doesn’t bark much, but it can be vocal in other ways, such as snorting, wheezing, or chirping. It is also a devoted and affectionate dog that loves to be with its owner and to sit on their lap. The Japanese chin has a long, flowing coat that comes in various colors, such as black and white, red and white, or lemon and white.
6. Basset Hound
The basset hound is a large and low-slung dog that has long ears, droopy eyes, and a sad expression. It is a friendly, easygoing, and laid-back dog that gets along well with everyone, including children, other dogs, and other pets. It is also a lazy and quiet dog that doesn’t bark much, but it can make a deep and melodious sound called the “basset bay”, which is used to communicate with other hounds or to signal its location. The basset hound has a short, dense coat that comes in various colors, such as tricolor, lemon and white, or red and white.
7. Clumber Spaniel
The clumber spaniel is a large and heavy-boned dog that has a long body, a broad head, and a feathered coat. It is a calm, gentle, and affectionate dog that loves to be with its family and to cuddle on the couch. It is also a quiet and dignified dog that doesn’t bark much, but it can snore loudly when sleeping. The clumber spaniel has a thick, white coat that has lemon or orange markings, and it sheds moderately.
8. French Bulldog
The French bulldog is a small and muscular dog that has a flat face, a short tail, and bat-like ears. It is a lively, funny, and sweet dog that loves to entertain its owner and to make them smile. It is also a low-energy and quiet dog that doesn’t bark much, but it can make various noises, such as grunting, snorting, or snoring. The French bulldog has a short, smooth coat that comes in various colors, such as brindle, fawn, or white.
9. Bloodhound
The bloodhound is a large and powerful dog that has a long head, a wrinkled face, and long ears. It is a loyal, gentle, and noble dog that has a strong sense of smell and a remarkable tracking ability. It is also a quiet and reserved dog that doesn’t bark much, but it can make a loud and deep sound called the “bloodhound bellow”, which is used to announce its presence or to express its excitement. The bloodhound has a short, coarse coat that comes in various colors, such as black and tan, liver and tan, or red.
10. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador retriever is another popular and beloved dog breed in the world, and it is known for its friendly, loyal, and outgoing personality. It is a versatile and adaptable dog that can perform various tasks, such as hunting, retrieving, therapy, or service. The Labrador retriever is not a very vocal dog, and it usually only barks to greet.
