Even if your dog is your best friend, constant barking is a quick way to set anybody on edge and upset the peace of the neighborhood. Luckily, there are several breeds of dogs that have a talent for silence. Choose any of these dog breeds to decrease the need to curb bad barking habits and restore peace and quiet to your home.
Basenji
The Basenji was bred as a hunting dog in Africa and is well known for his inability to bark. Instead of barking, they make a sort of yodeling noise when they feel it’s necessary. But that isn’t often, and they are one of the quietest dog breeds available today.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Although it’s large size is often a deterrent to strangers, the Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the most docile breeds. They are very social and easygoing dogs. This easygoing nature also makes them one of the quietest breeds and makes them wonderful family pets.
Borzoi
The Borzoi is an ancient breed of sighthound bred in Russia. They are notoriously poor guard dogs, knowing for being complacent around their home. However, this complacency also means they are a fairly silent breed and are not known for nuisance barking.
Chinese Shar Pei
These wrinkly and endearing dogs were originally bred as guard dogs in China. Although you may think this would make them barkers, the Shar Pei only barks when worried or alerted to strangers and otherwise is an intelligent, easy going and quiet companion.
Collie
Although this herding breed does have a lot of energy, they rarely make themselves into nuisance barkers and only speak up when they have something to alert you to. Given plenty of exercise, they can make a wonderfully quiet addition to any home.
Newfoundland
Similar in size to the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Newfoundland is known for his calm temperament. This laid-back style makes for a quiet dog that only barks with good reason. His size is often a deterrent to strangers, but the Newfoundland loves to meet new people.
Whippet
This sighthound was bred mainly for hunting and racing, but they are also well-known couch potatoes. They see little reason to expend unnecessary energy, which includes barking incessantly. They are extremely intelligent and may be skeptical of strangers, but love to be around their people.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These adorable dogs are becoming quite popular as household pets and are known for their playful antics. They adore people and don’t do well alone, but typically have a sweet, placid temperament.
Great Dane
One of the largest dogs is also one of the quietest. The Great Dane is an extremely large dog known for their loving and calm temperaments. Although they rarely bark, when they do it is one of the deepest and loudest barks of any of the breeds.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Although quite protective, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has a very sensitive spirit and will always put themselves between their family and potential danger before raising a ruckus. They are a large breed, and do well with consistent training and a strong family group.
No matter what breed you choose, it’s important to socialize your dog to keep barking to a minimum. Well-socialized dogs interact much more calmly with new people and new dogs, and will be a happier, quieter addition to your home. Many nuisance barkers can be curbed with consistent training, but these breeds are a good start if you would prefer to have a dog that doesn’t need much discouragement.