These Are the Dog Breeds That Never Bark

Or you could just get a cat.

Like humans, dogs all have their own distinct personalities, and some are simply more relaxed than others. But a dog's breed can also tell you a lot about what problems you might face before you take on the joyous task of bringing them to their new forever home. Corgis, for example, were bred to her sheep and cattle, and they're excellent guard dogs, so barking is in their blood (as is, apparently, chasing down people who are jogging and barking around them in circles). Frenchies, however, were bred as companion dogs, and are therefore much more content to simply sit on your lap and provide you with quiet affection.

While barking can certainly be managed through proper training, if you live in an apartment and are worried about getting complaints from the neighbors, it might be worth considering a dog breed that doesn't feel a primal urge to make his or her presence known. So read on to learn about dog breeds that are known for keeping the barking to a minimum.

1
Basenji

Basenji Kongo Terrier Dog. The Basenji Is A Breed Of Hunting Dog. It Was Bred From Stock That Originated In Central Africa. Smiling Dog. - Image

The breed, which originated as a hunting dog in Central Africa, is also known as "the barkless" dog, as they emit a yodel-like sound (commonly called a "baroo") instead of a traditional bark.

2
Newfoundland

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Originally bred as working dogs for fisherman in Newfoundland, Newfies are not only quiet but also excellent at rescuing people from the water due to their swimming abilities, muscular build, and thick webbed feet.

3
Greyhound

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Greyhounds are believed to go as far back as ancient Egypt, and their quiet, aloof demeanor made them a favorite among the aristocracy throughout history. While their unique build make them great at racing, they also don't actually need more than a moderate amount of exercise, as they were bred for sprinting rather than endurance.

4
Coton de Tulear

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Named for the city of Tuléar, Madagascar, as well as the cotton-like coats that make them resemble stuffed animals, these playful lap dogs are known for being very quiet.

5
Chinook

This rare breed of sled dog was developed in New Hampshire in the early 20th century, and continues to be the state's official dog.

6
Shar Pei

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The Shar Pei originated as a guard dog in China, and is therefore very devoted to its human but apprehensive of strangers. Due to its noble lineage, the Shar Pei will typically only bark to alert the presence of real, immediate danger.

7
Bullmastiff

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Bullmastiffs were bred in the mid-1800s with the express purpose of guarding estates in Britain, and they have not forgotten that a good watchdog is a silent one.

8
Bulldog

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Bulldogs are essentially a national symbol of Britain, and were frequently compared to Winston Churchill back in World War II thanks to their pluck and determination.

9
Borzoi

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You only need to take one look at this dog—which originated in Russia and resembles a greyhound—to know they are way too aristocratic to bark unless it's absolutely necessary.

10
Bernese Mountain Dog

Adorable Cute Female Of Bernese Mountain Dog Standing In The Park - Image

Having been bred as working dogs on farms in the Swiss Alps, these gentle giants prefer curling up at your feet by the fire to causing a ruckus at the dog run. That being said, they're not very well-suited to apartments, as they're outdoor dogs at heart.

11
Saint Bernard

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While they resemble Bernese Mountain Dogs in appearance and temperament, Saint Bernards were bred to rescue people in the Great St. Bernard Pass located in the Swiss Alps, and lived in a hospice for travelers named after Italian monk Bernard of Menthon.  There's at least one recorded instance of one of these dogs carrying a small barrel of brandy around their necks to give to avalanche victims to help them stay warm as they waited to be rescued, and this adorable image has often appeared in portrayals of them on television and in movies.

12
French Bulldog

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Frenchies came around in 1800s France as a mix between an English bulldog and small dogs that were used for hunting vermin in Paris. They quickly became very popular in high society as loyal companions who didn't make much of a fuss.

13
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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In the early 18th century, John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough, kept these dogs on his estate for hunting purposes, and they have not shed (no pun intended) their regal demeanor.

14
Scottish Deerhound

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As the name suggests, these dogs were bred in Scotland in order to hunt deer, and, like most sighthounds, are fairly quiet by nature.

15
Shiba Inu

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Shiba Inus were originally bred for hunting in Japan, and they have a dignified, aloof demeanor. While they are not known for barking, they can emit a high-pitched noise known as the "Shiba scream" when they are handled in a way they deem unacceptable.

16
Irish Setter

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Irish Setters were bred to help hunt game-birds in Ireland, and are therefore more likely to stop and point at their prey than bark them away.

17
Glen of Imaal Terrier

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They were originally used as family dogs on the farms of  Glen of Imaal in County Wicklow, Ireland, and are more than happy to simply relax by your side as your nurse a glass of whiskey after a long day.

18
Rhodesian Ridgeback

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Originally from the South Africa region, these dogs are also known as the African Lion Hound for their unique ability to keep a lion at bay while awaiting the arrival of their master.

19
Great Dane

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These enormous dogs were often used to hunt bear, boar, and deer at princely courts, before retiring to the bedchambers of their lord and master.

20
Golden Retriever

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There's a reason these dogs are so often used as therapy animals. Having originally been bred to retrieve shot waterfowl, they have a natural need to please and are very easy to train. And to learn more about man's best friend, check out the 20 Amazing Facts You Never Knew About Your Dog.

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Diana Bruk
Diana is a senior editor who writes about sex and relationships, modern dating trends, and health and wellness. Read more
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