What Type of Dog Does Not Bark?

Even if you love dogs, constant barking and yapping can get annoying for you and the neighbors. Essentially, all dogs vocalize in some way, but certain breeds do not actually bark. And some breeds bark so rarely that you might never actually learn what your dog sounds like.

  1. Basenji

    • The most well-known "barkless" dog is the basenji, a compact hunting dog from Africa that originally was bred to hunt game. While the basenji does not bark, it makes a yodeling noise when it gets excited. Basenjis can be aloof, particularly among strangers, but their quiet demeanor, independence, playfulness and fastidious grooming habits -- which make them low-odor dogs, on top of low-volume ones -- make them popular pets, especially for apartment dwellers.

    Saluki

    • The graceful, sensitive Saluki can bark but rarely does. Bred to help hunt gazelle, Salukis bark only when danger is near or when left alone for long periods of time. In fact, they tend to like quiet so much that excitable or loud company can trigger nervous disorders in Salukis. Salukis aren't always quiet, though. Some can be quite chatty and will "talk" with their owners. Salukis are affectionate and clean, and make popular family pets.

    Shiba Inu

    • The Shiba Inu is the smallest native Japanese breed. It rarely barks, but does make a sound known as the "Shiba scream." This is a high-pitched, piercing shriek that Shiba Inus make when they are upset or get overly excited. Owners affectionately think of Shibas as "drama queens" because they will use this scream to protest not getting their way. Shibas are highly independent and extremely loyal, but only to those who earn their respect.

    New Guinea Singing Dog

    • Affectionately called "singers," New Guinea singing dogs are an endangered species often found in zoos. Singers are also sold as pets and, once domesticated, are extremely loyal companions. Singers do not bark, rather they howl. They can modulate their pitch, unlike wolves or coyotes, thereby giving their calls a sing-song quality. Singers often "talk" if they want you to know something, and the pitches and sounds change depending on what they are trying to tell you.