What Dog Breeds Don't Bark?

Most dogs bark as a form of communication, but some dogs are physically unable to bark, while others bark very rarely. When choosing a non-barking or seldom-barking dog, keep in mind that although they may not be able to or chose to bark very much, they are not silent dogs and still make other noises and vocalizations in order to communicate.

  1. The Basenji

    • Originally from Africa, the Basenji is a medium-sized dog, weighing approximately 20-25 pounds, with a reddish, black or brindle coat, fox-like face and ears. Basenjis do not bark, instead they make baying, humming and whining vocalizations to communicate with other dogs and with their human owners.

    New Guinea Singing Dog

    • The New Guinea Singing Dog is an endangered species that is found almost exclusively in zoos, although they are also kept and sold as pets. Similar in appearance to a dingo or a fox, the NGSD—like the Basenji—does not bark but instead makes vocalizations that resemble singing or humming.

    Shiba Inu

    • The Shiba Inu, although able to bark, does so very rarely. A type of Spitz originating from Japan, they were originally bred as dogs for the royal family and for nobles. Shibas are very calm, loving dogs, but can be prone to separation anxiety. Instead of barking, they prefer to vocalize through whining and by making other high-pitched noises.

    Saluki

    • The Saluki is another breed of dog that seldom barks and prefers to vocalize through whining, humming and singing sounds. One of the oldest-known breeds of domesticated dogs, they are active and like their close relatives the Afghan, are classified as sight hounds—meaning they are hunting dogs who rely on their sight rather than their smell to track prey. Like Afghans and Greyhounds, they are also very fast, and require a warm climate to live comfortably.