Whether you live in an apartment building with a strict noise ordinance or simply prefer a quiet pet, some dogs tend to bark less than others. While training goes a long way in teaching all dogs appropriate behaviors, several breeds are naturally less inclined to vocalize. From the Cavalier King Charles to the Scottish Deerhound, these are the “lucky seven” quietest dog breeds.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Breed Characteristics
- Adult Height: 12-13 inches
- Adult Weight: 10-18 pounds
- Coat: medium, flat
- Life Expectancy: 9-14 years
- Temperament: affectionate, playful, quiet
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a sweet and devoted dog. They are affectionate and playful but don’t tend to bark very much. While toy breeds aren’t usually known to prefer children, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an exception. This breed gets along well with all and is ideal for apartment living.
6. French Bulldog
Breed Characteristics
- Adult Height: 12-13 inches
- Adult Weight: 16-28 pounds
- Coat: short, smooth, single layer
- Life Expectancy: 11-14 years
- Temperament: adaptable, playful, alert
Another excellent choice for apartment living is the French Bulldog. While many small dogs are known for being “yappy,” the Frenchie is not one of them. While these dogs will bark occasionally, they’ll only do it if they have something very important to say. This companion dog is one of the top breeds in the United States and makes an excellent family pet.
5. Irish Setter
Breed Characteristics
- Adult Height: 25 inches (female) to 27 inches (male)
- Adult Weight: 60 pounds (female) to 70 pounds (male)
- Coat: silky, medium length
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- Temperament: friendly, outgoing, eager to please
The Irish Setter is a surprisingly quiet canine. Although the exercise needs of this athletic breed are high, Irish Setters have a strong desire to please their owners and are very easily trained. They are also extremely friendly and rarely bark (even at strangers!) This fact makes Irish Setters terrible guard dogs—but quiet companions.
4. Newfoundland
Breed Characteristics
- Adult Height: 25-26 inches (female) to 27-28 inches (male)
- Adult Weight: 120-140 pounds (female) to 140-180 pounds (male)
- Coat: soft, dense, double-coated, moderately long
- Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
- Temperament: gentle, sweet, easily trained
The Newfoundland is famously gentle, and these sweet-tempered dogs are also very quiet. Because they are naturally calm, these dogs don’t tend to excitedly bark like other reactive breeds might. Like the Irish Setter, these dogs are also easily trainable and have a strong desire to please their people.
Despite their silent nature, these dogs need plenty of space to be genuinely content. Therefore, they aren’t usually considered ideal dogs for people who live in apartments.
3. Greyhound
Breed Characteristics
- Adult Height: 26-27 inches (female) to 28-29 inches (male)
- Adult Weight: 50-75 pounds (female), 60-80 pounds (male)
- Coat: short, smooth
- Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
- Temperament: gentle, shy, quiet
The Greyhound is one of the few hounds considered quiet, and they prefer to live in environments that are as quiet as they are. This breed does well with other dogs, perhaps because they were initially bred for racing and needed to be around many other dogs.
The greyhound may be built for speed, but they don’t have much endurance. Therefore, they have fewer activity needs than many other breeds. This “40 mile per hour couch potato” is content to spend most of their time snoozing away on the sofa.
2. Glen of Imaal Terrier
Breed Characteristics
- Adult Height: 12-14 inches
- Adult Weight: 30-42 pounds
- Coat: wiry, rough, double coated
- Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
- Temperament: stoic, quiet, bold
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is named for a remote valley in Ireland’s Wicklow Mountains, the origin of these working dogs. This breed is much less vocal than other terriers, perhaps because they were originally meant to be silent while on the hunt and working in homes. They are gentler in disposition than other terriers and love people but can be aggressive with other dogs. These small, spirited pups love to play while rarely making a peep.
1. Scottish Deerhound
Breed Characteristics
- Adult Height: 28-30 inches (female), 30-32 inches (male)
- Adult Weight: 75-95 pounds (female), 85-110 pounds (male)
- Coat: wiry, rough
- Life Expectancy: 8-11 years
- Temperament: gentle, quiet, sensitive
The Scottish Deerhound is the quietest dog breed on this list—and one of the largest. Even though the Deerhound is exceptionally quiet and loves to lounge, they still don’t make good dogs for those who live in apartments. This is because the Deerhound is a massive dog who needs space to stretch out and a yard to roam about. They are friendly to strangers but not overly outgoing, and their quiet natures make them hopeless guard dogs.
