A dog’s bark can be an annoying sound to live with. It’s loud and persistent. For a home with a lot of foot traffic, such as one near a school or a busy street, it can often seem like there is no escape from the daily barking routine. Whether you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep or just spend a serene afternoon on your back patio, having a barking dog nearby can make it difficult. However, if you want to get the most peace and quiet for your home (without getting rid of your dog), there are some breeds that bark less than others. Dogs bark for a number of reasons, such as to express excitement or frustration (think about when you get home from work and your dog greets you with a long string of barks, or how he goes into a frenzy of barking whenever the doorbell rings).
What Is the Quietest Dog Breed?
The American Kennel Club does not rank dogs by the volume of their barks, but there are breeds that make good choices for homes with noise sensitivities. These breeds tend to bark less than others, and they may be more relaxed around visitors who come to the house versus barking incessantly or cowering in a corner when someone comes over.
The French Bulldog is considered by many to be the quietest dog breed. They’re small and sturdy and get along well with children, adults, and other pets. Because of their short snout, they tend not to bark as much as longer-snouted breeds.
When left alone, the French Bulldog tends to be calm and relaxed rather than anxious or destructive. They tend to do well with an owner who is at home frequently. Because they are very people-oriented dogs, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time without human contact.
Only you can decide if this breed is right for you, but perhaps the best thing about the French Bulldog is that they’re one of few recognized breeds that don’t bark much.
What Kind of Puppy Doesn’t Bark?
The puppy that does not bark is the English Bulldog.
The English Bulldog is a breed that’s naturally suited for city living. They are low to the ground, which makes it easier for them to get around in tight spaces. Because they have short hair coats, this breed does not do well when it’s cold outside.
They are naturally calm and relaxed, even as puppies. The Bulldog is loyal to its owner and gets along well with other pets. They are low-energy dogs, so they do not need a ton of outside exercise to keep them healthy.
They shed only moderately and never go “potty” inside the house if they are trained correctly. Training an English Bulldog requires a firm hand, but not an excessive amount of time or energy. They are naturally calm dogs and have a great reputation for being easy to train.
What Small Dog Is Quiet and Calm?
Of all the small dog breeds that do not bark much, there may be none quiet and calm as the Maltese. The Maltese are a toy breed that typically weighs only six to ten pounds, making it one of the smallest dog breeds around.
Maltese are gentle and sweet-tempered dogs with low energy levels. They do not need hours upon hours of exercise like larger, high-energy breeds may require, but they still need regular activity and playtime to keep them healthy.
Like other toy breeds, the Maltese can be prone to separation anxiety. They may bark or whine when left alone for long periods of time and take longer than average to get over their nervousness.
The Maltese are a breed that tends to do well in most households with children, adults, and even other pets. They are protective of their owners and alert, so they make great guard dogs in a non-barking sense.
Another good thing with Maltese is that they are considered one of the cleanest dogs, so you definitely get your money’s worth. They are not messy or smelly like some dogs can be.
See also: Small Dogs that Don’t Shed
And: Small Guard Dog Breeds to Protect You and Your Property
What Yappy Dogs to Avoid, Small Dogs That Do Bark!
Tiny breeds are generally less likely to bark than larger dogs, but all dogs have the capacity to bark no matter their size. While yappy dogs that never stop barking may be super annoying, small dogs that bark too much can be just as bad.
Small breeds of dogs are often more prone to barking, especially when they get excited or frightened. Here are some breeds to avoid if you don’t want a dog that barks too much:
Chihuahuas -The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog, but they’re hardly small when it comes to personality. They are feisty and fearless, which can lead them to bark more. They are protective of their owners and not afraid to speak up if they think something is wrong.
Pomeranians – Poms have a lot of energy in that little body, which can lead to excessive barking when left alone or when bored.
Miniature Schnauzers – These dogs are very intelligent and need a lot of mental stimulation to stay happy. When they’re bored, they’re going to bark and bark until someone thinks to give them something to do!
Poodles – Poodle bark for two reasons: defense and excitement. Poodles are very people-oriented dogs that love the attention of their owners. They will get excited when their owners come home and will bark to let them know. If a stranger comes over, a poodle may also bark to alert their family of the new presence.
No matter what size your dog is, if you’re not prepared to handle some barking then it’s best to avoid breeds that are known for being yappy. All dogs have the potential to bark, but some small breeds are more prone to it than others. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, calm and quiet dog that doesn’t require a lot of exercise, the French Bulldog or Maltese may be right for you. Little dogs that don’t bark make great pets for people with allergies and people who live in apartments. They don’t require a lot of space and need little-to-no exercise, but still like to play and get attention.
Featured image: French Bulldog
