15 Quiet Dog Breeds That Won't Bark at Everything

These gentle giants aren’t just friendly, they’re quiet, too. They were originally bred to be a working dog on Swiss farms, helping herd and protect livestock and even pulling heavy carts. Today, they make great family dogs.

RELATED: 40 of the Largest Dog Breeds

These noble dogs were named after British monarch Charles King Charles II, who famously loved the dogs. Their big eyes, soft coat and sweet expression are hard to resist! They are great dogs for apartment dwellers and first time owners, especially because they are a quieter breed.

Frenchies love to lounge around the house and need less exercise than other breeds. In fact, because of their shortened face, they are sensitive to overexertion and overheating. A popular choice for an apartment dog, they are playful and alert but not prone to a lot of barking.

RELATED: 43 Best Small Dog Breeds

The same goes for the English version. The beefier pups won't pipe up too often, since they're perfectly content to keep snoozing on the sofa. Good luck getting them to rouse themselves for, well, just about any reason!

The basenji is actually known as the "barkless dog," according to the American Kennel Club. The sound they make is often described as a cross between a chortle and a yodel. They make this unique sound because their larynx is actually differently shaped than other dogs'!

These elegant dogs are described as "quiet and catlike" by the American Kennel Club. But they don't just have distinctive looks and a quiet personality: They are also incredibly fast! Borzois can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.

Standing nearly 3 feet high at the shoulder, a Scottish Deerhound probably won't fit in your lap, but the tall hound makes up for it with a dignified and gentle personality. Their middle-of-the-road energy levels mean they can appreciate a good gallop outdoors, followed by a long nap.

Wheatens will bark when necessary, but usually make their presence known with what's called the "Wheaten greetin'," an enthusiastic hello with lots of jumping. Outside of making guests feel welcome, they're pretty chill.

RELATED: 20 Best Dog Breeds for Families to Adopt

These loyal dogs look like foxes, and are about as quiet as their woodland counterparts, too. However, when they are distressed (such as during nail clipping or taking a bath), they may engage in the occasional "Shiba scream."

Active and sharp as a tack, Aussies as a breed actually developed mostly in the U.S., despite their name. The herders will alert their owners when they think something requires their attention (or someone's getting out of line), but they're unlikely to start barking up a storm at nothing in particular.

These beautiful red-coated setters are hunting dogs, not guard dogs, so their vocalizations tend to be limited to tracking down their prey if you adopt one for their intended purpose. Because they're bred to work, they do have lots of energy, but sweet natures to go along with it.

While small breeds tend to have a reputation for yappiness, that's not universally true. The mostly-silent Shih Tzu historically lived with royalty, but they're more than happy to become the kings or queens of your humble abode. The joyful pups have over a thousand years experience serving as companions, so they're expert roommates.

If you love terriers' spunk but could do with a little less, um, excitability, this gentler breed is for you. Glens still have that strong spirit you love from the category, but play it a bit cooler (and quieter) than many of their more frenetic brethren.

They can be a bit independent (i.e. will need lots of training), but one word that does not describe salukis is loud. Give them lots of direction and plenty of exercise, and they'll give you their all.

These pups get top marks for their even tempers, athleticism and affectionate natures. You'll know them from a line of hair growing in the opposite direction as the rest of their fur that forms the trademark ridge along the spine.