The quietest dog breeds include the Golden Retriever, Newfoundland, Mastiff, Saint Bernard, Basenji, Bolognese, French Bulldog, and Pekingese. All eight earn the American Kennel Club's lowest barking score, meaning they usually bark only to alert you.¹ Quiet dogs come in every size, so you can find a calm, low-noise companion whether you want a lap dog or a gentle giant.
Quietest Dog Breeds at a Glance
Here's how 11 quiet breeds compare, based on their AKC breed profiles. A barking score of 1 means the dog barks mostly to alert you, and 5 means very vocal:¹
Breed | Barking | Weight | Life expectancy | Energy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Golden Retriever | 1 | 55–75 lb | 10–12 years | 3 |
Newfoundland | 1 | 100–150 lb | 9–10 years | 3 |
Mastiff | 1 | 120–230 lb | 6–10 years | 3 |
Saint Bernard | 1 | 120–180 lb | 8–10 years | 3 |
Basenji | 1 | 22–24 lb | 13–14 years | 4 |
French Bulldog | 1 | Under 28 lb | 10–12 years | 3 |
Pekingese | 1 | Up to 14 lb | 12–14 years | 3 |
Bolognese | 1 | 6–10 lb | 12–14 years | 1 |
Akita | 2 | 70–130 lb | 10–14 years | 4 |
Bulldog | 2 | 40–50 lb | 8–10 years | 3 |
Boston Terrier | 2 | 12–25 lb | 11–13 years | 4 |
Curious about the other end of the scale? See the dog breeds with the loudest bark.
Quiet Large Dog Breeds
Big dogs aren't always loud. Some of the quietest breeds are also the biggest:
Golden Retriever. Friendly and eager to please, Goldens are more likely to greet a visitor with a wagging tail than a bark.
Newfoundland. These gentle giants are calm, patient, and famously good with kids.
Mastiff. Mastiffs are one of the largest breeds, with a deep, protective nature, but they tend to save their bark for real alerts.
Saint Bernard. Mellow and good-natured, Saint Bernards are content to relax at home.
Akita. Akitas are dignified and reserved. They're quiet but strong-willed, so they're best with experienced pet parents.
Quiet Small Dog Breeds
If you want a smaller companion, these breeds are known for keeping the noise down:
Basenji. Often called the "barkless dog," the Basenji doesn't bark. Instead, the AKC says it makes an odd sound described as something between a chortle and a yodel.¹ Basenjis are energetic, though, so they need plenty of exercise.
French Bulldog. Frenchies are compact, laid-back, and rarely bark. Their short faces make them sensitive to heat.
Pekingese. This dignified toy breed is affectionate with its family and fairly quiet at home.
Bolognese. A rarer breed, the Bolognese is calm, gentle, and one of the lowest-energy dogs on the AKC's scale.¹
Boston Terrier. Lively and fun, Boston Terriers still aren't big barkers.
Bulldog. Easygoing and sturdy, Bulldogs prefer lounging to loud announcements.
Which "Quiet" Dog Breeds Aren't So Quiet?
You'll often see Great Danes, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Shiba Inus on quiet-dog lists. In their AKC profiles, though, all three score a 3 out of 5 for barking, putting them in the middle of the scale rather than at the quiet end.¹ They can still be wonderful companions. Just expect a bit more noise than from the breeds above.
Why Do Quiet Dog Breeds Still Bark?
Every dog barks sometimes. According to the AKC's guide to excessive barking, a bark or two is completely natural, and dogs bark for many reasons, including attention-seeking, boredom, fear, excitement, frustration, and territorial behavior.² Learn more about why dogs bark and when it's a problem.
Breed is only part of the picture. A bored or anxious dog of any breed may bark more, and a well-exercised, well-trained dog of a "barkier" breed may be fairly quiet.
How Can You Help Your Dog Bark Less?
There's no one-size-fits-all fix, since a bored dog needs something to do while an anxious dog needs to build confidence.² These habits can help:
Exercise every day. A tired dog is usually a quieter dog.
Ignore attention-seeking barks. The AKC suggests not rewarding barking for attention.²
Teach a "quiet" cue. Reward your dog the moment they stop barking.
Address anxiety. If your dog barks or howls when you leave, it may be separation anxiety. Talk to your vet or a trainer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dog breed barks the least?
The Basenji is often called the quietest dog because it doesn't bark at all, though it does make a yodel-like sound. Several other breeds, including the Golden Retriever, Newfoundland, Mastiff, Saint Bernard, French Bulldog, Pekingese, and Bolognese, earn the AKC's lowest barking score, meaning they mostly bark only to alert you.¹
Are big dogs quieter than small dogs?
Not always, but some of the quietest breeds are big ones. Golden Retrievers, Newfoundlands, Mastiffs, and Saint Bernards all score a 1 for barking in their AKC profiles.¹ Some small breeds, like the French Bulldog and Bolognese, are just as quiet. Training, exercise, and personality matter as much as size.
Are quiet dog breeds good for apartments?
Many are, especially smaller, calmer breeds like the French Bulldog, Bolognese, and Boston Terrier. Large quiet breeds like Newfoundlands and Mastiffs may be quiet, but they need more space and may run into building weight limits. For more ideas, see our guide to the best apartment dogs.
Can you train a dog to be quiet?
Yes. Most dogs can learn a "quiet" cue with patience and rewards. Start by rewarding your dog the moment they stop barking, and avoid rewarding barking with attention. Daily exercise and mental stimulation also help. If barking is sudden or excessive, check with your vet to rule out pain, anxiety, or other health causes.
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American Kennel Club. "Dog Breeds" breed profiles (Golden Retriever, Newfoundland, Mastiff, St. Bernard, Basenji, French Bulldog, Pekingese, Bolognese, Akita, Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Great Dane, Bernese Mountain Dog, Shiba Inu). AKC, updated 2024–2026. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/
Gibeault, Stephanie. "Understanding and Managing Excessive Barking in Dogs." American Kennel Club, updated September 16, 2026. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/curb-excessive-dog-barking/
