Many crave the companionship of a four-legged friend, but may not be up for the barking that comes with some breeds. Stacker curated a list of 16 dog breeds that generally keep the noise down.
Information from the American Kennel Club (AKC) helped to identify these hushful hounds including those with an official AKC Bark Level of "quiet." Stacker ranked these soft-spoken dogs by popularity rank among all breeds and included their predicted weight and life expectancy.
This research reveals that size is not an indicator of whether a dog is noisy or quiet. The tiny Japanese Chin is on the roster as is the robust Akita. Whether you are in the market for a loyal lap dog or on the hunt for a wily wolfhound, this list of low-noise dogs may help you find your new, respectfully quiet, best friend.
Read on to learn more about these 16 dogs and some fetching facts unique to each.
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Popularity rank (2017): #158
This gentle, but spirited dog is of medium size, weighs between 32 and 40 pounds, and will live for 10 to 15 years. Named for a remote spot in Ireland, the Glen of Imaal terrier is designed for hard work.
Popularity rank (2017): #140
The stocky and rare Clumber spaniel may be only 20 inches tall, but can weigh up to 85 pounds. When not shedding or drooling, the Clumber spaniel is a great hunting companion who lives between 10 to 15 years.
Popularity rank (2017): #134
The small English toy spaniel, weighing between 8 and 14 pounds, is a loving, playful, and loyal lapdog. Also known as the King Charles spaniel, this breed was named for King Charles I. The breed typically lives 10 to 12 years.
Popularity rank (2017): #121
The Tibetan spaniel, a spiritual species, held an important role in Tibet guarding its master and the monastery. These curious creatures weigh between 9 and 15 pounds, and live to be about 12 to 15 years old.
Popularity rank (2017): #108
This diminutive dog weighs between 7 and 11 pounds, and will live for about a decade to 12 years. The breed's royal hallmarks include grace and being particularly quiet.
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Popularity rank (2017): #102
Calm and compliant, this aristocratic canine lives to be between 9 and 14 years old. The Russian royal wolfhound can weigh up to 120 pounds. A fenced-in year is a must for this independent dog who may follow his nose—or a squirrel.
Popularity rank (2017): #88
This tiny toy breed will only grow to be up to 14 pounds The breed is most identified with the imperial family of China and lives for 12 to 14 years. The intelligent and independent breed can be challenging to train.
Popularity rank (2017): #84
Africa's barkless dog is expected to live between 13 and 14 years. The clever canine is not easy to train but is loving to its family. The Basenji weighs between 20 and 24 pounds, and is best suited for a family who likes to exercise.
Popularity rank (2017): #76
The chow chow is a muscular canine, weighing between 40 and 70 pounds, and living from 8 to 12 years. The primitive, territorial dog is thought to be one of the more dangerous breeds in America. Chow chows are incredibly protective of their family; they have been famously welcome in the homes of President Calvin Coolidge and Martha Stewart.
Popularity rank (2017): #61
The affectionate and playful whippet lives between 12 and 15 years. The whippet—also known as the Poor Man's Racehorse—is a graceful and fast friend weighing between 25 and 40 pounds. The whippet is a popular hunting dog due in part to its keen vision.
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Popularity rank (2017): #47
The robust Akita, weighing between 70 and 130 pounds, is loved for its loyalty and courage. Helen Keller brought the first Akita to the American in 1937. The Akita is a known as a great family protector and cherished as a symbol of good health, joy, and long life.
Popularity rank (2017): #45
The most popular dog in Japan, the Shiba Inu will live to be 13 to 16 years. The small (between 17 and 23 pounds) dog is muscular and happy in a city or rural setting.
Popularity rank (2017): #41
This independent and versatile hound weighs between 70 and 85 pounds. The Rhodesian ridgeback, which lives between 10 and 12 years, can chase down a lion, making it a great companion for athletes.
Popularity rank (2017): #21
The Boston terrier, or Great American Gentleman, is a fun and lively four-legged friend that will bring you joy for 11 to 13 years. The dapper dog weighs between 12 and 25 pounds, and is a devoted family pet who likes to play and may snore.
Popularity rank (2017): #5
Don't let the sourpuss of the bulldog fool you: This loyal pet will bring you a great deal of happiness. This hefty dog likes to nap, weighs between 40 and 50 pounds, and lives to be 8 to 10 years old.
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Popularity rank (2017): #4
The popular French bulldog weighs under 28 pounds and lives to be 10 to 12 years old. This sturdy pup loves to play and relax, but does not like the heat.
