How loud a dog breed is depends on several factors. Calm dogs usually have the following 3 things in common:
- Genetics: The more similar the DNA is to wolves, the quieter dogs tend to be.
- History: Domestic dogs bark less often than specially bred guard dogs.
- Training: Barking is an instinct, but it can often be completely trained out.
It's easiest if you look for a breed that is naturally calm. You can also train loud four-legged friends accordingly, but this is rather time-consuming.
By the way, wolf-like dogs are ideal for this. For wolves, barking only makes up around 2% of all the sounds they make. So it's relatively rare. [1]
Below you will learn about 33 calm dog breeds that rarely or never bark.
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#1 Basenji
The Basenji is a calm dog breed from Central Africa. The four-legged friend is also known as the African Barkless Dog because he does not bark naturally. [2]
The short-haired dog was primarily bred as a hunting dog. It is controversial whether there is a small greyhound hidden inside it, as the Basenji uses its sense of smell when hunting.
Despite its size, the four-legged friend can live up to 16 years. He generally doesn't like rain and usually only attaches himself to one person. He can also be very stubborn.
Fun fact: The Basenji is the only breed in the world that is naturally unable to bark.
#2 Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog from Switzerland is a large, calm dog. It weighs up to 50 kg and has a life expectancy of only 8-9 years. [3]
The four-legged friend is loyal and lovable by nature. In the past, the large animals were used as working dogs to pull carts. Today they are primarily domestic dogs.
The friendly dogs get along well with strangers. They are also excellent guard and family dogs. They are among the top 25 most popular breeds worldwide.
Fun fact: Bitches of this breed are real miracle workers. They usually give birth to between 5 and 7 puppies. In exceptional cases, they also give birth to up to 15 puppies at once.
#3 Pug
The Pug is a heavy-shedding, calm dog from China. The little four-legged friend was bred specifically for the purpose of being a lap dog. He is therefore an ideal family dog. [4]
The sociable four-legged friend develops a close bond, especially with children. The wrinkled dog has difficulty coping with heat due to its dented muzzle. He snores a lot.
The pug is still one of the 30 most popular breeds worldwide. It is ideal for apartments and makes a great first dog for beginners. It requires a moderate amount of exercise.
Fun fact: There was once a pug who lived to be almost 28 years old. This made him the fourth oldest dog in the world.
#4 Borzoi
The Borzoi from Russia is a large sighthound with long fur. The four-legged friend has a strong hunting instinct and does not need much exercise. It is a quiet dog that rarely barks.
The sensitive animals were bred for endurance and speed. They need experienced owners and often show nervousness when strangers come too close to them. [5]
Borzoi come in all sorts of fur colors. Their fur protects them from both cold and heat. Their strong hunting instinct causes them to run after anything that moves.
Fun fact: These four-legged friends are known to especially like to howl after singing. There is even a song where a Borzoi “sings” along with Pink Floyd.
#5 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The sociable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel comes from England and was bred as a lap dog. It is a calm breed of dog that sheds little. [6]
In the last 20 years, the cute dog breed has increased in popularity. Families with children or other pets in particular choose this breed.
No wonder: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very loyal, affectionate animals. They are patient and gentle. This makes them ideal for first-time homeowners and apartments.
Fun fact: The four-legged friends look particularly funny while running because their long floppy ears take off like an airplane.
#6 Greyhound
The Greyhound is a calm breed of dog from England. The athletic four-legged friend has a gentle nature, sheds little and barks very rarely. He is easy to train. [7]
As befits a sighthound, the Greyhound has a strong hunting instinct. He holds the world record for high jump at 191.7 cm and is the fastest dog breed at 72 km/h.
The four-legged friend is well suited as a family dog. He loves company and gets along well with children and other pets. This dog is a sensitive, gentle companion.
Fun fact: A pregnant Greyhound is always good for a surprise. Because sometimes the animals only give birth to a single puppy and in other cases they give birth to up to 12 puppies at once.
#7 French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is an affable, calm dog. The small four-legged friend is a short-legged dog and was bred as a domestic dog. He is a beginner dog.
The little bulldog comes from France. She is very trusting and gets along well with children, dogs and strangers. It is ideal for apartment living. [8]
According to surveys, the dog with bat ears is one of the cutest, most popular dog breeds in the world. However, according to studies, they are not particularly intelligent.
Fun fact: Every French Bulldog should be given a life jacket when adopted, because the four-legged friends are among the worst swimmers among dogs.
#8 Deerhound
The Deerhound is a friendly, calm dog breed from Scotland. The four-legged friend was previously primarily used as a hunting dog for deer. This is where his name comes from. [9]
With its speed of 45 km/h, the greyhound is the third slowest greyhound breed in the world. The four-legged friend is closely related to the Irish wolfhound. Its weight is around 50 kg.
The Deerhound has a life expectancy of around 9 years. He has a strong hunting instinct and should therefore not be walked without a leash. He feels particularly comfortable in the country.
Fun fact: The fur of these four-legged friends is similar to the hair of the “Struwwelpeter”. It is naturally so disheveled that no dog brush can help it.
#9 Akita
The Akita is a gentle, calm dog from Japan. The former hunting dog is now primarily kept as a house or therapy dog. He barks little and sheds a lot. [10]
He also has a strong hunting instinct and can only be trained moderately well. The four-legged friend needs a lot of exercise and is reserved towards strangers.
In Japan, the four-legged friend is considered a symbol of good health and happiness. As a domestic dog, the Akita is considered easy to care for and clean. His character is more reminiscent of cats.
Fun fact: Did you know that Akitas can fight like bears? They stand on their hind paws and use their front paws to box.
#10 Shar Pei
The Shar-Pei from China is a calm dog with an independent nature. The four-legged friend has a lion-like appearance and is also known as the “Chinese fighting dog”. [11]
The four-legged friend sheds a moderate amount, needs little exercise and barks little. A special feature of this breed is the blue-black tongue, which is due to a genetic defect.
The dog can stay alone well, but is less suitable for beginners. He is not very trusting and usually doesn't like other people or animals. He needs a lot of socialization.
Fun fact: Shar-Pei look like wrinkled, old people. Even from a young age, they have so much excess skin that they have visible wrinkles all over their bodies.
#11 Alaskan Malamute
“Mally” is a large, calm dog from Alaska. The four-legged friend is known for his strength and endurance as a sled dog. Nowadays he is kept more as a domestic dog.
The dignified dog should be accustomed to pets or children early on. He tends to be stubborn and therefore belongs in experienced hands. It can hardly tolerate high temperatures.
The wolf-like, extroverted dog is used to low temperatures and loves being outside. However, he is not suitable as a guard dog because he is too friendly for that.
Fun fact: Many dog owners hide behind the couch when their Malamute first starts howling like a wolf. [12]
#12 Australian Cattle Dog
This four-legged friend comes from Australia and is also known as the “Blue Heeler”. The calm dog makes it into the top 10 most intelligent dog breeds worldwide. [13]
The nature of the Cattle Dog is protective, courageous and curious. He has a strong hunting instinct, sheds a moderate amount and barks very little. He needs a lot of exercise.
The persistent dog can easily drive livestock for hours without getting tired. The medium-sized dog lives up to 14 years. He loves being busy and learning.
Fun fact: These dogs are particularly often called “Flecki”. They often have two black patches of fur around one or both eyes, while the rest of the fur is predominantly gray.
#13 English Bulldog
The English Bulldog is a gentle, calm dog breed. The muscular dog sheds a moderate amount and has a weak hunting instinct. He only needs a little exercise. [14]
The nature of the small Great Dane is patient and stubborn. It is therefore less easy to train. Nevertheless, she builds a close relationship with children and family.
The dog usually has no problems with other dogs or pets. The life expectancy of these wrinkled, lazy four-legged friends is around 8 to 10 years.
Fun fact: Did you know that bulldogs can also skateboard? In any case, “Otto” holds the world record for having ridden through one of the longest tunnels on a skateboard.
#14 Saluki
The Saluki is an alert, reserved four-legged friend. The calm dog is a sight hunter, meaning it hunts by sight and not by smell. He has a strong hunting instinct.
This four-legged friend is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. Carvings from 7,000 BC show that Salukis were already around then. What is particularly striking is its appearance. [15]
The Saluki generally has short fur, but very long hair on the ears. The females are much smaller than the males. These fit dogs are unsuitable for the apartment.
Fun fact: Even flying animals are not safe from the Saluki's hunting instinct. The four-legged friend can jump up to two meters high if the stimulus is big enough.
#15 Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
This terrier comes from Ireland and was used there as a versatile farm dog. The calm dog sheds little, is very trainable and has a moderately strong hunting instinct. [16]
This four-legged friend is suitable as a guard dog. He is people-oriented and…