Top 35 medium, small dog breeds that don’t bark

There are dogs that don’t bark, which is a sign of their intelligence. This article will discuss the top 35 non-barking dog breeds.

Dogs have been considered man’s best friend for centuries. They are not only companions but also watchdogs and protectors.

When it comes to dogs, there are plenty of breeds that don’t bark. There are also breeds that are more inclined to bark than others. So if you’re looking for a dog that doesn’t bark, then you should consider a Basenji or a French Bulldog. Otherwise, you can find a mutt or an Bernese Mountain Dog which has plenty of dogs that don’t bark in its gene pool.

Dogs don’t bark because they lack the vocal chords that humans have. Their vocal cords are just too small to produce the sound of a bark.

The dog’s bark is a vocalization that is used for communication, and it has evolved over time to be very similar to human speech in terms of syntax, tone, and meaning.

There are three main reasons why dogs don’t bark:

  • Dogs have very small lungs relative to their body size and can’t produce the volume of air needed for a bark.
  • Dogs are genetically pre-disposed not to make noise because they live in packs with other animals who constantly emit sounds at high volumes.
  • The sound produced by barking would attract predators and endanger the pack.

Some people are concerned that their dogs aren’t barking. This is not the case. Dogs bark at a variety of things, but they do not bark to be friendly or to keep you company. They only bark when they are in danger and need your help. If your dog has never barked, then it’s probably just fine!

Top 35dog breeds that don’t bark

1) Basenji

Basenjis are a type of dog that originated in Africa. They have a short, smooth coat and are known for their unique appearance. People love them because they don’t bark much and are very friendly.

The Basenji is also known for being extremely loyal to its family and will protect its family from any harm. They also have a very unique personality that makes them great with children.

Basenjis are an ideal pet for someone who wants to be close to their pet but doesn’t want to be too attached or has small children at home.

Basenji
Basenjis dog

2) Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are a type of large dog from Switzerland. They were originally bred to help herd and care for the dairy cows in the Swiss Alps.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are a very smart, gentle, and social breed of dog who typically weigh between 50-70 pounds. They have a deep brown coat with black markings throughout their body – typically on their face, legs, tail, and chest. 

With their medium-small size they make an excellent family pet for someone looking for a companion animal that won’t take up too much space in their home.

Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dog

3) Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, also known as the English Toy Spaniel, is a small breed of dog. It is one of the most popular breeds in the United Kingdom and was originally bred to hunt small game.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a quiet temperament and doesn’t bark much. They are gentle with children and make good family pets. The breed is also suitable for apartment living because they are medium-sized dogs that don’t need a lot of exercise to be happy.

cavalier king charles spaniel names

4) French Bulldog

The first recorded French Bulldog was born in 1811 in England, and was named “King” by its owner. The breed has made its way to France, where it was bred with local mastiffs. Its popularity has grown over the years and it is now considered one of the most popular breeds in France.

The French bulldog’s personality can be described as gentle, calm, and easy-going. It’s not a barker but rather a quiet dog that doesn’t make much noise at all.

French Bulldog
French Bulldog

5) Bulldog

The Bulldog is a medium, powerful dog. It is a descendant of the Molossian hound and has been bred for centuries to hunt and guard.

Bulldogs are known for their protective nature and their sharp sense of hearing. They are generally very docile and calm dogs but can be aggressive if provoked.

Bulldogs are often found in families with children because they have a quiet temperament, don’t bark, and are not territorial like some other breeds.

Bulldog
Bulldog

6) Borzoi

The Borzoi is a breed of dog which originates from Central Asia. The breed has a long history and has been popular in Russia and the Soviet Union for centuries.

The Borzoi is a small, compact, elegant hunting dog that was used to hunt foxes and other small game. It was also used to hunt wolves and bears in the mountains of Russia. The breed is also known for its intelligence, courage, and its ability to lead hunters on difficult hunts because it would stay close to their human companion throughout the journey.

Borzois are usually described as a quiet breed of dog which don’t bark often. 

Borzoi
White Borzoi dog breeds large

7) Scottish Deerhound

The Scottish Deerhound is a medium-sized dog that has a personality that is described as quiet, gentle, and obedient. The Scottish Deerhound’s coat is of two colors – red and white.

The Scottish Deerhound originated in Scotland. They are popular as family pets because they are not aggressive or dangerous like other breeds of dogs.

Scottish Deerhound
Scottish Deerhound

8) Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a breed of dog that originates from England. It has a very quiet temperament and doesn’t bark much. It’s also very friendly and loving, making it the perfect family pet.

The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium sized dog with a coat that can be either soft or hard. The hair on the body is soft but the hair on the head is hard and forms a “ruff”. This breed can come in any color except for white, which makes it an attractive breed for many people.

The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is easy to care for because they are not high maintenance and don’t require much grooming. They are also suitable for families due to their friendly nature, which makes them great pets.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dog

9) Chinese Shar Pei

The Chinese Shar Pei is a dog that has been around for centuries. It is a medium-sized and muscular dog with a distinctive appearance. It has a thick, wrinkly coat, broad head with large eyes and small ears.

The Chinese Shar Pei is known as the “gentle giant” because it’s gentle disposition makes it easy to care for. It’s not aggressive or territorial, but does have the potential to become stubborn if not properly trained.

Chinese Shar Pei
Chinese Shar-Pei

10) Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin is a medium-sized, short-haired breed of dog with a broad, square head. They have a quiet and gentle personality that makes them suitable for families.

The Japanese Chin is a breed of dog that originated in Japan. It has an appearance similar to the Shih Tzu but is smaller and shorter haired. The Japanese Chin is generally quiet and gentle with an affectionate personality.

Japanese Chin
Japanese Chin

11) Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is a breed of dog that originated in Italy. They have a silky coat, a small, compact body, and are easy to groom.

Italian Greyhounds are said to be quite the characters and often live in packs with their owners. They do not bark much but will let out an excited yelp when they see their owner coming home. They are considered to be family-friendly dogs due to their calm nature and small size.

Italian Greyhounds are also one of the smallest breeds of dog, standing between 12-14 inches tall at the withers and weighing between 11-25 lbs at maturity.

 Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhound

12) Whippet

A whippet is a medium-sized dog with a slender build and long, smooth coat. It has a unique appearance, with its long body and legs, small head, and short tail.

They are also known as “the world’s fastest dog.” In the 1800s they were used as hunting dogs but now they have different uses in society.

Whippet
Whippets dog

13) Akita

The Akita is a medium-sized, white dog with a large, black muzzle. It has an appearance similar to that of a wolf and is often mistaken for one.

The Akita is the original Japanese breed of dog. It was developed in Japan in the early 1800s by crossing native spitz breeds with European dogs such as the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky. The breed was named after the Akita prefecture where it was originally bred.

Akita
Akita Inu

14) Newfoundland 

Newfoundland is a medium-sized dog that has a small, stocky build. They are quite active and don’t bark much.

They have an old-fashioned appearance with their long ears and droopy jowls. They are very friendly towards humans and other dogs but can be rather shy around strangers.

Newfoundland
Newfoundland

15) Greyhound 

Greyhounds are a breed of dog that originated in England. They were first bred for hunting and coursing, and their speed and agility make them perfect for this type of work.

Greyhounds have a very quiet nature and do not bark even when they are frightened or angry. This makes them suitable to be kept as pets in homes with children.

Greyhounds are also known to be good with other animals, making them a good choice for families who want to keep pets but don’t have the room for large animals like horses or dogs.

Greyhounds are small, weighing between 20-30 pounds at maturity, so it is easy for them to live indoors if necessary.

Greyhound
Greyhound 

16) Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear is a breed of dog originating from the French island of La Réunion. It is the smallest breed in the world and weighs about 2-4 kg. The Coton de Tulear is a very quiet and gentle dog that doesn’t bark often, but it can be quite stubborn.

The Coton de Tulear was originally bred as a pet for plantation owners in Madagascar to keep rodents at bay on their sugarcane plantations. They are a family-friendly breed that can live with children and other pets, but they do not like being left alone for long periods of time.

Coton de Tulear
Coton de Tulear

17) Chinook

Chinook is a very popular breed of dog that is typically found in North America. They are usually small and have a short coat. Their personality is also quiet, which makes them suitable for families with children or people who need a companion dog.

Chinook dogs are not only popular in North America but also in other countries like Australia and the United Kingdom where they are known as the Australian Shepherd or the Australian Cattle Dog.

Chinook dog
Chinook

18) Shar Pei

The Shar Pei is a very popular breed of dog that originated from China. They are known for their unique appearance, personality and temperament. They are also known for being a very loyal and protective dog that doesn’t bark often.

The Shar Pei is a medium sized dog with a short coat and a square head with distinct markings on it. They have almond-shaped eyes, round ears and their legs are straight. Their weight can range between 20-60 pounds depending on the sex of the animal.

Shar Pei’s personality is similar to that of Golden Retriever which is gentle, calm, playful and energetic at times. These dogs are also good with children who they can play with without being aggressive or dominant towards them like some other breeds of dogs.

Shar Pei
Shar pei

19) Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff is a large, powerful dog that can be found in the United Kingdom and United States. It is known for its strength and courage.

The Bullmastiff was bred from the English mastiff and the Old English bulldog breeds. The breed’s name comes from its resemblance to a mastiff, with a more rounded head and shorter muzzle.

Bullmastiff
Bullmastiff

20) Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is a Japanese breed of dog. They are small, and they don’t bark. They are one of the oldest breeds that have been around for more than 2,000 years. The Shiba Inu is a very intelligent and active dog who loves to play with children and other dogs.

Shiba Inus are great pets for people who want a small dog with a lot of personality and energy to keep them company.

Shiba Inu dog
Shiba Inu

21) Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is a medium-sized, stocky dog with a square head and a distinctive muzzle. It has short hair on its body, but the tail and ears are long. The Chow Chow is an ancient breed that originated in China. Its name means “foreign dog” or “barbarian dog”.

The history of the breed dates back to at least 400 BC when dogs were kept by nomadic tribes in northern China. Ancient paintings show that they were used as watchdogs and hunting companions by nomadic tribes in northern China during the Zhou Dynasty (1046 BC to 256 BC).

Chow Chow
Chow chow dog

22) Bernese Mountain Dogs

Bernese Mountain Dogs were originally bred in the Swiss Alps. They are a medium dog that is well-suited to a family environment.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are one of the most popular breeds in America, but they have to be trained from an early age to be well-behaved. They are quiet, don’t bark and can make good family pets.

The Bernese Mountain Dog’s temperament is calm and gentle, making them excellent companions for children and for people with health issues like arthritis or diabetes.

Bernese Mountain Dogs
Bernese Mountain

23) Great Danes

Great Danes are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. They are known for their friendly, gentle and playful personality.

Great Danes are a medium-sized breed of dog with a heavy, squarely built body. They have a smooth coat that is either yellow or fawn in color and is often trimmed into various shapes such as rings, curls, or waves. Their ears are long and hang down over the head and they have large expressive eyes that can be any color from blue to brown to amber or green.

Great Danes
White Great Dane dog breeds large

24) Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a breed of dog that is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and agility.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback was originally bred in the 1890s by Captain W.H.D. Scott and his wife, Florence, who were the first to introduce this breed to Britain. The breed was named after the country of Rhodesia, which no longer exists today.

Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgeback

25) Australian Cattle Dog

They are a small to medium-sized dog with a smooth coat that comes in black, red and blue colors. They have a calm personality and don’t bark much.

Australian Cattle Dogs originated from Australia, but they have also been seen in Europe, North America, and South America. 

The Australian Cattle Dog is not suitable for families with children because they can be aggressive towards kids.

Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dog

26) Bouvier des Flandres

They are often referred to as the world’s most intelligent dog. They have a calm personality, they don’t bark and they are very loyal to their family.

Bouvier des Flandres is a breed of dog that originated in Belgium. The name means “flooded meadows” in French and refers to the region where they were originally bred.

The dogs are small, weighing between 20 and 30 pounds, with a square body and broad head that tapers at the muzzle. Their coat is short, dense, straight and smooth on the body with longer hair on the ears, tail and back legs.

Bouvier des Flandres
Bouvier des Flandres

27) Greyhound

Greyhounds are not considered a purebred dog and they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. They were bred in England to hunt hares and rabbits.

Greyhounds are very popular as pets because of their gentle personality, small size, and their ability to mingle with other dogs and people. They have a reputation for being calm and quiet.

Greyhounds have been used as family dogs because of their low maintenance needs, which makes them great for households with children or elderly people who need assistance with daily tasks.

Male-Greyhound-Names
Greyhound

28) Irish Setter

The Irish Setter is an intelligent, alert, and spirited dog that is usually black or liver in color. The Irish Setter is a medium-sized dog with a broad head and a muscular body.

The Irish Setter has an appearance that is often compared to that of the Greyhound. It has a square muzzle, large eyes, and ears which are set high on the head. It has a short tail that tapers to a point and moves from side to side when it runs. The Irish Setter also has webbed feet which allow it to swim quickly through water.

Irish Setter
Irish Setter

29) Bolognese

Bolognese is a breed of dog that has a medium-sized body, short coat, and a soft, gentle temperament.

Bolognese dogs are known for their calm personality and gentle temperament. They are also very sociable and friendly with other animals and children.

The Bolognese is an Italian breed of dog that originated in the city of Bologna.

Bolognese
Bolognese

30) Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested is a breed of dog that is well-known for its distinctive appearance. The breed was first recognized in England in 1892 by the Kennel Club.

The Chinese Crested is a medium-sized dog that weighs around 6 pounds and has a short, smooth coat. They are known to be quite quiet and do not bark often. They are also very intelligent, playful, and protective animals.

The Chinese Crested is suitable for families because they are gentle with children but also have a strong personality that can protect them from other animals or people who might threaten them.

Chinese Crested
Chinese Crested Dog

31) English Toy Spaniel

The English Toy Spaniel is a small breed of dog that is considered a toy dog. They have an appearance of a spaniel, but they are not related to the English Springer Spaniel.

The English Toy Spaniel was developed in England in the 19th century. The breed was originally called the English Poodle because it was believed to be descended from the Poodle, which had been bred in France. This breed became popular as a pet because they were small enough to fit into most family homes and they were also easy to care for and quiet.

The English Toy Spaniel is generally friendly with other dogs and children and can be trained easily due to their sweet temperament. They are also very smart, so training them can be easy too!

English Toy Spaniel
English Toy Spaniel

32) Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher is a small, medium-sized dog that originated in Germany. It is a very quiet, intelligent and playful breed. They are not recommended for children and have a personality that likes to be the center of attention.

affenpinscher dog breeds
Affenpinscher

33) Basset Fauve de Bretagne

Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a breed of dog that is not very popular in North America. This breed was originally bred in Brittany, France. They are medium-sized and have a short coat. They are known for their bushy tails, which they can curl up when they want to sleep.

Basset Fauve de Bretagne has a calm temperament and doesn’t bark often. This means that they make good pets for people who live in apartments or who don’t like dogs that bark a lot. They are also excellent family dogs because they have the patience and calm temperament to be gentle with children and other pets.

Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Basset Fauve de Bretagne

34) Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a small, white, fluffy dog with a curly tail. The breed has been around for over four centuries and is thought to have originated from the Barbary coast of North Africa.

The Bichon Frise is an intelligent and gentle breed that doesn’t bark much. They are also quite good with children and other pets.

Bichon Frise
Bichons Frises dog

35) Dandie Dinmont Terrier

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier was originated in Scotland, but they are now found all over the world. They have a medium size and are very quiet dogs. They are gentle and loyal and make good family pets.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a popular breed of dog that has been around since 1868. They have a long history of being used as hunting dogs, but they were also used for ratting, retrieving game birds, and even hare coursing!

Dandies are very friendly and lovable dogs who love to be with their family members. They make great companions for people with children because they’re gentle with kids and don’t bark too much!

Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Published by

Henry Mark

Mark is Editor at dognamesbest.com covering Information about breeds, naming dogs. He's a graduate in veterinary medicine at the agricultural academy.