It’s Oh, So Quiet: 25 Dog Breeds That Rarely Make Noise

For potential pet owners who live in apartments or just like peace and quiet, these quietest dog breeds may be for you.

It’s Oh, So Quiet: 25 Breeds That Rarely Make Noise

While all dogs bark, particularly if they sense a threat or see strangers, there are some breeds that make less noise while carrying out their day-to-day activities.

For potential pet owners who live in apartments or just like peace and quiet, the following quietest dog breeds may be for you.

Japanese Chin

Temperament: Intelligent, Alert, Independent

Height: 8-11 inches

Weight: 7-11 pounds

Life expectancy: 12-14 years

Bottom Line: Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin has been described as “cat-like.” While they are cautious and observant, they will not bark much. This mild-mannered pup loves silence and cherishes yours, too.

The Chin makes a great apartment dog and is a wonderful addition to any family but does better in a house with older children.

Bulldog

Temperament: Willful, Friendly, Funny

Height: Female: 12-16 inches, Male: 12-16 inches

Weight: Female: 40-51 pounds, Male: 51-55 pounds

Life expectancy: 8-10 years

Bottom Line: Bulldog

Because bulldogs are a brachycephalic (or short-headed) breed, you may not think of them as a quiet dog. To be fair, they do make their share of noises — their snoring is almost human in proportion — but they are actually low key when it comes to barking.

They spend most of their time sleeping and generally lazing about, and while this generally means they’re silent, it also means they’re prone to weight gain, so remember to keep your bully active.

Irish Setter

Temperament: Affectionate, Steadfast, Smart

Height: Female: 22-24 inches, Male: 23-26 inches

Weight: 60-70 pounds

Life expectancy: 12-15 years

Bottom Line: Irish Setter

Although the Irish Setter was bred for the hunt, it is less vocal than other dogs in its group. This pleasant family companion is happy to go along with just about any family activity.

It is a happy, amiable breed, but like most other working dogs, it needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

Pug

Temperament: Affectionate, Charming, Mischievous

Height: Male: 12-14 inches, Female: 10-12 inches

Weight: 14-18 pounds

Life expectancy: 12-15 years

Bottom Line: Pug

Like bulldogs, pugs make a lot of little noises — they “snarf,” snore and breath heavily, but they are not big barkers. You will hear a pug bark, but unlike other breeds, this is not a frequent occurrence. When they do bark, it sounds more like yip or yodel.

This friendly breed packs a lot in a little, which is why it’s often described as multum in parvo — it has a big dog attitude in a small body.

Shar Pei

Temperament: Affectionate, Reserved, Unconventional

Height: 17-20 inches

Weight: 35-64 pounds

Life expectancy: 9-11 years

Bottom Line: Shar Pei

This independent, intelligent dog is a quiet, well-mannered roommate that keeps clean and is easy to train. The Shar Pei is not overly vocal but can become so without the proper training and socialization.

They are protective with a high prey drive and can be stubborn so much so that they are not recommended for a first-time dog owner.

Whippet

Temperament: Intelligent, Lively, Gentle

Height: Female: 18-21 inches, Male: 19-22 inches

Weight: 15-42 pounds

Life expectancy: 12-15 years

Bottom Line: Whippet

Whippets are generally quiet, provided their needs for being active are met. While they are athletic, that does not mean they should live their lives outdoors.

Whippets are prone to separation anxiety; they need plenty of attention and are simply content to snuggle at the feet of their owners much of the time.

Borzoi

Temperament: Gentle, Respectful, Athletic

Height: Female: 30-33 inches, Male: 30-33 inches

Weight: Female: 55-90 pounds, Male 75-105 pounds

Life expectancy: 11-15 years

Bottom Line: Borzoi

Another dog that many describe as having cat-like characteristics, the borzoi has a quiet, regal quality. They are calm dogs that rarely bark and that always step gracefully.

These polite, reserved dogs require early socialization with people and other animals to overcome their inherent shyness.

Basenji

Temperament: Happy, Curious, Confident

Height: Male: 16-17 inches, Female: 15-16 inches

Weight: Male: 22-26 pounds, Female: 20-24 pounds

Life expectancy: 12-16 years

Bottom Line: Basenji

The Basenji is so quiet, it’s known as the “barkless dog.” When they need attention, they let you know with a cooing yodel. These fastidious pups are said to groom themselves like cats. They are highly intelligent, take well to training and can quickly adapt to apartment living.

However, they are high-energy dogs that need interaction, exercise and playtime daily.

Shiba Inu

Temperament: Fearless, Keen, Faithful

Height: Male: 14-17 inches, Female: 13-16 inches

Weight: Male: 18-24 pounds, Female: 15-20 pounds

Life expectancy: 12-15 years

Bottom Line: Shiba Inu

Shiba Inus are usually quiet and bark only under certain circumstances, for example, when they are excited or mad. This otherwise calm quality makes them good apartment dogs. They will also bark out of necessity — that is, when they hear something that triggers their watchdog instinct.

They do make other noises, however — grunts, grumbles and yodels are typical Shiba traits.

Akita

Temperament: Loyal, Affectionate, Aloof

Height: 22-27 inches

Weight: Male: 71-86 pounds, Female: 51- 64 pounds

Life expectancy: 10-12 years

Bottom Line: Akita

Dubbed the “Silent Hunter,” Akitas are known to be still. However, when it comes to guarding the family, they and their voices will rise to the occasion.

They are not timid dogs — they consider themselves pack leads, so early socialization and training are a must to keep the Akita from running your household.

Newfoundland

Temperament: Sweet-tempered, Trainable, Loving

Height: Male: 27-29 inches, Female: 25-27 inches

Weight: Male: 130-150 pounds, Female: 99-120 pounds

Life expectancy: 8-10 years

Bottom Line: Newfoundland

This gentle giant is known to be mostly quiet and docile but, because of their size, won’t do well in an apartment. The Newfoundland needs room to stretch their legs. They love water, and if you have a home by a lake, pond or creek, you’ll have a happy dog.

When the Newfoundland does bark, it’s loud and sounds menacing, but Newfies do not make particularly good watchdogs, even though they look imposing. Of course, they could always lick an intruder to death.

Scottish Deerhound

Temperament: Dignified, Docile, Amiable

Height: Male: 30 to 32 inches, Female: About 28 inches

Weight: Male: 85-110 pounds, Female: 75-95 pounds

Life expectancy: 8-11 years

Bottom Line: Scottish Deerhound

Unlike other breeds from his group, the Scottish Deerhound behaves with an aloof dignity and doesn’t make much noise. In fact, even for their size, they are not good watchdogs.

They are fiercely independent and don’t like to play much, but they are kind, gentle and always content to lie at the feet of their owner.

Afghan Hound

Temperament: Affectionate, Well-rounded, Trainable

Height: Male: 27-29 inches, Female: 24-27 inches

Weight: Male: 57-75 pounds, Female: 57-75 pounds

Life expectancy: 12-14 years

Bottom Line: Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is all about duality. They have quiet nobility as well as a clownish side; they love to play and also cherish their independence. This silent companion has a friendly, loving nature and is loyal to a fault.

Afghans are great for active families who love the outdoors. They are always up for a hike or similar adventure.

Chinook

Temperament: Dignified, Calm, Alert

Height: Male: 23-27 inches, Female: 21-25 inches

Weight: Male: 55-90 pounds, Female: 55-90 pounds

Life expectancy: 13-15 years

Bottom Line: Chinook

The Chinook may bark at the threat of strangers or alert owners when guests arrive, but they don’t bark much beyond that. While they are working dogs, they do not require much activity but will still participate in anything their owners do.

They are happy to play, walk or spend the day relaxing with their chosen companions.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Temperament: Loyal, Mischievous, Strong-willed

Height: Female: 24-26 inches, Male: 25-27 inches

Weight: Female: 64-75 pounds, Male: 79-90 pounds

Life expectancy: 10-12 years

Bottom Line: Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodies rarely bark, but despite their outward appearance as lazy hounds, they are protectors and hunters by nature. Because of this, they should be socialized and trained early on.

Athletic, curious dogs, they love to climb and dig and will take every chance to do both and get up to mischief if left unattended.

Blue Heeler

Temperament: Cautious, Loyal, Brave

Height: Male: 18-20 inches, Female: 17-19 inches

Weight: Male: 33-35 pounds, Female: 31-35 pounds

Life expectancy: 13-15 years

Bottom Line: Blue Heeler

Blue Heelers aren’t very noisy; regardless, they are very protective of their chosen family and make excellent watchdogs. While they are quiet, they are working dogs and need the freedom to exhaust their boundless energy, so apartment living is not the best environment for them.

They are uniquely independent and do not require as much attention as other breeds. However, they appreciate positive reinforcement and kindness.

Boston Terrier

Temperament: Smart, Funny, Friendly

Height: 16-17 inches

Weight: 10-25 pounds

Life expectancy: 13-15 years

Bottom Line: Boston Terrier

Every dog barks, but the Boston Terrier is not high on the list of prolific noisemakers. In fact, they have been described as “unusually quiet.” This could be due to the fact that, unlike other terriers, they were not bred only for working.

In fact, their character is so different from other terriers that the AKC has put them in the non-sporting group! They are not as energetic as most working dogs, but they still perform a variety of duties, including as companions to a loving family.

Boxer

Temperament: Devoted, Energetic, Cheerful

Height: Female: 55-64 pounds, Male: 60-71 pounds

Weight: Female: 21-24 inches, Male: 22-25 inches

Life expectancy: 10-12 years

Bottom Line: Boxer

Boxers are playful, intelligent dogs that love to interact with their chosen family and do make noise, but they are not big barkers. If they do bark, they usually have a good reason for doing so.

This breed, however, is vocal. It does growl but not out of aggression. That’s just how Boxers “talk.”

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Temperament: Gentle, Adaptable, Graceful

Height: 12-13 inches

Weight: 13-18 pounds

Life expectancy: 9-14 years

Bottom Line: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel loves people and other animals so much, they rarely show aggression or bark at all. Of course, they do speak up occasionally like other dogs, but the times they do are few and far between.

However, they can become more vocal if they begin to suffer separation anxiety, so be sure to give them plenty of love and attention.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Temperament: Happy, Protective, Energetic

Height: Female: 21-24 inches, Male: 23-26 inches

Weight: Female: 55-71 pounds, Male: 65-80 pounds

Life expectancy: 10-12 years

Bottom Line: Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The even-tempered Chesapeake Bay Retriever is generally friendly and quiet but will rise to the occasion if they sense a threat.

They are not dogs designed for small spaces, even though they are calm — this is an active breed that loves to play and run. Therefore, rural homes with plenty of land are their ideal living situation.

French Bulldog

Temperament: Easygoing, Sociable, Clownish

Height: 11-12 inches tall

Weight: Males 20-28 pounds, Females 16-24 pounds

Life expectancy: 10 -14 years

Bottom Line: French Bulldog

Another exceptional apartment dog is the very popular Frenchie. They are not known as barkers overall, but they can get loud, particularly if they’re bored. Noise problems are not inherent in the French bulldog, but like other brachycephalic breeds, they snore, snuffle and yip to get their point across.

If you don’t give them plenty of attention, they won’t fail to let you know it.

Saint Bernard

Temperament: Friendly, Gentle, Lively

Height: Male: 28-35 inches, Female: 26-31 inches

Weight: Male: 140-180 pounds, Female: 120-140 pounds

Life expectancy: 8-10 years

Bottom Line: Saint Bernard

Because they are so quiet, the Saint Bernard would make a wonderful apartment dog, but because of their size, they really need room to roam.

They are not overly aggressive — in fact, they are big love bugs — but if they sense a threat, their protective instincts will come through.

Saluki

Temperament: Zen, Gentle, Obedient

Height: Male: 27 inches, Female: 24 inches

Weight: Male: 45-65 pounds, Female: 35-45 pounds

Life expectancy: 12-14 years

Bottom Line: Saluki

The Saluki is known for its quiet dignity and independence. They are docile dogs that prefer to be indoors most of the time. However, they are not fragile; they are incredibly fast and high jumpers that have strong chasing instincts.

Saluki should remain on leash unless the area is enclosed, and it's fence should be at least 6-feet high.

Glen of Imaal Terrier

Temperament: Loyal, Strong, Agile

Height: 14 inches

Weight: Up to 40 pounds

Life expectancy: 10-14 years

Bottom Line: Glen of Imaal Terrier

Like most terriers, the rare Glen of Imaal was bred to hunt small prey as well as foxes and badgers. Unlike most terriers, however, they were also bred to be quiet so they could sneak up on other animals. That trait continues to carry through their bloodline.

These gentle dogs do well in apartments as well as in larger homes. While docile, they are stronger than they appear and may not be best for small children.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Temperament: Good-Natured, Sweet, Charming

Height: Female: 9 inches, Male: 10 inches

Weight: 18-24 pounds

Life expectancy: 11-13 years

Bottom Line: Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Dandies are playful, devoted and usually bond to one person in particular. They don’t make much noise, but they can be good guard dogs because of just how alert they are.

When they bark, which is rare, they can be very loud. However, they are the quietest breed in the terrier group.

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