Just as some dogs earn renown for their bellowing barks or yappy yips, there are also dog breeds that don’t bark. Some of these non-barking doggos rely on alternative vocalisations, while others are completely silent. And all have their own unique backstory as to why you won’t even hear a woof out of them.
In this article, we’re going to give a shout out to those non-barking furry friends. You might just fall in love with one of these dogs breeds that don’t bark!
#1: Basenji
Often called the “barkless dog,” Basenji are one of the most well-known dog breeds that don’t bark. In fact, back when they lived as hunting dogs in Central Africa, their handlers had to devise a clever way to keep track of them. By placing a pair of wooden balls around their neck, hunters would be able to follow these silent pups as they chased their prey.
But, this doggo isn’t completely silent. They have a distinctive, and sometimes loud, vocalisation that Dog Owners of this breed lovingly call the Basenji yodel. With such an expressive face, they can also easily communicate without so much as a whine or woof.
#2: Greyhounds
Unlike the Basenji, Greyhounds do have the ability to bark. Even so, they’re not big on it. Unless a Greyhound really has something to say—or, they’re around other Greyhounds— these lithe doggos are typically quiet and reserved.
This may be due to the fact that Greyhounds are part of the sighthound group. These dogs were bred for speed and agility—their primary job was to keep up with fast prey like hares, foxes, or even larger animals like gazelle or leopards. Barking, which of course requires oxygen, may not have been the best advantage for the sprinting sighthound.
When these doggos aren’t amazing everyone with their quick bursts of energy, Greyhounds are pretty mild, and thus quiet, doggos. They know how to rest and recover between sprinting sessions.
#3: Chow Chow
There are a few different reasons why this regal pup wouldn’t be very chatty. For starters, the distinguished Chow Chow spent centuries sitting at the entrances of wealthy family estates in China. Not only did they guard the property, but they also needed to look stern, stoic, and impressive to arriving guests.
At the same time, Chows were popular dogs for Buddhist monasteries. You can see why the monks might want a dog who wouldn’t bark throughout the day, and the Chow was the perfect breed to maintain a tranquil environment.
While Chows aren’t known to be vocal dogs, they do have heart-warming ways of communicating their affection. Namely, they lay on the feet of their favourite human to show that they care. But, these are loyal doggos—your houseguests and even trusted Pet Sitter aren’t likely to get the foot-warming honour.
#4: Newfoundland
Compared to the seriousness of the Chow Chow, this fluffy pup’s quiet disposition is more about teamwork than intimidation. That’s because Newfies were originally fishing boat dogs; they pursued a range of jobs, from pulling in fishing lines to saving crew members who had fallen overboard.
It’s probable, then, that Newfie breeders at the time were more interested in qualities that would make them an asset onboard, such as focus, determination, and, when the shift was over, friendliness. And in the chaotic scene of a 19th century fishing boat, barking might have been a good way to alert the crew that someone had gone overboard. Beyond that, though, excessive barking likely would have been a dangerous distraction.
Newfoundlands can bark—and it’s a big one!—but you might not hear it unless your pup is trying to tell you something specific.
#5: French Bulldog
The French Bulldog may have a big personality and an even bigger penchant for playfulness. But a big bark? Not this doggo.
These little pups may bark when they’re frustrated, excited, or startled, but it’s kind of a loose interpretation of a bark. What French Bulldogs do can more appropriately be called singing, squawking, or squealing, and the result is more amusing than intimidating. Everyone in a Frenchie’s life, from their groomer to their Dog Walker, will learn to understand the language of this quirky breed.
The reason for the French Bulldog’s unique doggy speech isn’t entirely clear. It’s possible that because these dogs were bred to be apartment-friendly versions of the English Bulldog, they were selected to have a less impactful woof.
And it’s probably for the best. Excessive barking can cause discomfort and respiratory issues for brachy breeds like the French Bulldog. So, perhaps it’s a good thing that French Bulldogs are among the dog breeds that don’t bark!
#6: Great Dane
We’ve already covered one gentle giant in this list, but the Great Dane is a clear tie for the role. If you didn’t know anything about this doggo, their size and distinguished air might lead you to fear this dog. But in reality, they’re incredibly mellow and calm.
Like many of the dogs on our list, the Great Dane does have the ability to bark. And with that powerful barrel chest, they have a bellowing bark that will wake the neighbourhood. Luckily, they save it for when it’s really necessary to protect their loved ones.
#7: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Among the small breeds, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel isn’t a big barker. And their silent ease is part of what makes them so gracefully fit for royalty.
This dog was originally bred as a popular dog for the European ruling class. And it’s easy to speculate that royal lords and ladies wouldn’t want their important meetings and social affairs interrupted by a yapping pooch. Exactly how much the wooflessness was bred for isn’t well-known, but it’s clear that potential Owners were looking for an even-tempered, quiet lap dog.
That’s not to say that they can’t develop a barking habit. Many small dogs can be prone to excessive barking as a result of separation anxiety or fear. But, when their Owners take special care to address the signs of Small Dog Syndrome, these dogs tend to settle into their laid-back, friendly selves. Leaving them in the care of a local Pet Sitter can also lower the risk of separation anxiety.
Does your dog fall into the category of dog breeds that don’t bark?
Does your dog comply with the non-barking tendency of their breed? Or are you wondering if your dog didn’t get the memo that they’re part of a quiet breed? Overall, every dog is unique and may bark more or less than the other dogs in their breed group. But, in general, the dogs on this list of dog breeds that don’t bark will fit the mould of non-woofing tail-wagger!
