While no dog is completely silent, breeds like the Basenji (known for yodeling instead of barking), Shiba Inu, French Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shar-Pei, and Greyhound/Whippet are famously quiet, often communicating with body language or other sounds rather than excessive barking, making them great for apartments or peaceful homes.
"Basenjis are often described as 'barkless' dogs. Due to the shape of their larynxes (voice boxes), they actually can't bark in the traditional sense like other breeds," says vet Shauna. "But that doesn't mean they're totally silent — Basenjis will happily make a yodelling noise when they're excited!"
No dog is truly silent, but several are much less vocal than others, and extensive training can go a long way in keeping any dog from barking unnecessarily.
The Basenji does not bark but does make yodeling noises. The Basenji is known as the "barkless dog". The first specimens of the Basenji were brought from the source of the Nile as presents to the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt. The Basenji is also known for being quite independent and aloof at times.
The 3-Bark Rule is a dog training technique that lets a dog bark up to three times to alert to a perceived threat (like someone at the door) and then teaches them to stop with a "quiet" or "done" cue, respecting their natural watchdog instinct while preventing excessive barking. It involves acknowledging their alert (sometimes with a "thank you"), letting them bark a few times, and then calmly asking them to stop, rewarding them when they do.
It will take some time to teach your dog to bark less. Unfortunately, it's just not realistic to expect a quick fix or to expect that your dog will stop barking altogether. (Would you expect a person to suddenly stop talking altogether?) Your goal should be to decrease, rather than eliminate, the amount of barking.
Reporting a barking dog
Speak to the owner. They may not be aware that there's an issue. If speaking to your neighbour hasn't worked or isn't an option, try contacting your local council about the noise complaint. If there is a welfare concern they will contact us.
This trait earns the Basenji its nickname of "barkless" dog, a similar feature seen and heard in the New Guinea singing dog. Basenjis are athletic small dogs that can run up to 30 to 35 miles per hour (48 to 56 km/h), and share many distinctive traits with the pye or pariah dog types of the Indian subcontinent.
Whippets, similar to Greyhounds, are quiet and calm. They are affectionate and gentle, perfect for families and individuals alike. Whippets enjoy running and playing but are content to relax indoors afterward. Their short coats are easy to groom, and they are not prone to excessive barking.
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The Border Collie is widely recognized as the dog breed with the highest "IQ," consistently ranking first in intelligence studies for their exceptional ability to learn commands quickly (under 5 repetitions) and obey them (95%+ of the time). Other top breeds include the Poodle, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Doberman Pinscher, all known for their trainability and problem-solving skills.
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Golden Retriever: The Loyal and Loving Friend
Golden Retrievers are one of the most affectionate and friendly breeds. They are known for their kind and patient temperament, making them an ideal choice for families, first-time dog owners, and anyone looking for a devoted companion.
There's no single "number 1" laziest dog, but the English Bulldog is consistently ranked at or near the top for its low energy, love of naps, and tendency to be a couch potato, followed closely by breeds like the Basset Hound, Great Dane, and Shih Tzu, all known for being relaxed companions. These breeds prefer lounging and short strolls over strenuous activity, making them ideal for laid-back owners.
A bark is a sound most often produced by dogs. Other animals that make this noise include, but are not limited to, wolves, coyotes, foxes, seals, frogs and owls.
Golden retrievers are the ultimate people lovers. They are always looking for a playmate or their next adventure. They are loving and gentle, but also know how to have fun when it's time. Golden Retrievers are great comfort dogs and are always looking to please their owners.
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#3: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
They're sweet, friendly...and another small dog breed that doesn't bark! The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has royal roots, so it's no wonder they have a poised demeanor.
The "heartbreak breed" refers primarily to the Great Dane, nicknamed this due to their affectionate nature combined with a relatively short lifespan (around 7-10 years) and susceptibility to serious heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), making losing them particularly difficult for their devoted owners. Other giant breeds like Irish Wolfhounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Saint Bernards also face significant health challenges, including cancer and heart disease, often earning them similar sentiments from owners.
The #1 smartest dog breed, consistently ranked by experts like Dr. Stanley Coren, is the Border Collie, known for its exceptional ability to learn commands quickly (sometimes in under five repetitions) and obey them consistently, excelling in problem-solving and demanding mental stimulation. Other top contenders for intelligence often include the Poodle, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Shetland Sheepdog, recognized for their trainability and eagerness to please.
He loves to cuddle, but he wants to do it on his own terms. He also doesn't mind being held, but sometimes gives a quiet growl when being picked up.
After 3-4 barks put a really yummy treat in your dog's face and when he stops barking to get the treat, you say “Quiet” (you do not have to shout, just use a normal tone of voice) – then say “YES” and give him the treat. 4. Repeat this 5-6 times per session and do a few sessions each day for a week.
Examples of excessive barking can include: frequent intermittent barking over lengthy periods; sustained barking over more than a minute or two; barking early in the morning or late at night.
Hound breeds, like the Beagle, Coonhound, and Bloodhound, were originally bred for hunting, with a particular focus on tracking scents. Many hound dogs are known for their distinctive howls and loud barks, which they use to communicate over long distances when tracking prey or alerting their owners.