20 larger dog breeds that rarely bark

Dogs tend to bark, but some breeds across the spectrum are a little less vocal than you might think.

American Kennel Club AKC chief veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein explains that while some dogs may be calmer, no breed except the Basenji is “barkless.”

He said News week: “Barking is a dog’s primary means of communicating with those around him, just as humans speak to communicate.

“Some races (regardless of their size) are inherently quieter, but other races are naturally more vocal.

“It may also have something to do with what they were originally raised for, such as herding cattle and alerting their owners.

“Dogs may bark because they see animals outside, others bark out of boredom, or because they want attention, or because they are dealing with separation anxiety.

“The best way to deal with a dog that barks a lot (or any dog) is to give it lots of mental stimulation, physical activity, and human interaction.

“It will make the dog happy and reduce unnecessary barking.”

News week counts larger than average breeds of dogs that bark very rarely.

Please note that only the first seven of the following large dog breeds are recognized by the AKC as rarely barking.

1. Newfoundland

This majestic breed is tall, powerful, gentle, and luckily surprisingly quiet.

Dr Klein said News week: “They make great pets and are known as the ‘nanny dog’ for children.”

2. Greyhounds

Greyhounds are best known as the world’s fastest dog breed, which means these flexible pets need regular opportunities to run.

Dr Klein adds that this is a breed known to keep barking to a minimum, stating, “Greyhounds are friendly, outgoing dogs that are well behaved and calm in the home.”

3. Scottish Deerhounds

The Scottish Deerhound is a scent hound considered to be one of the larger dog breeds.

Dr Klein said: “They are well behaved and calm like older dogs and are loyal pets.”

4. Azawakh

This West African Greyhound is a lean and fast hunter often characterized as being particularly protective of his human family.

This breed of dog is prized by its owners – and their neighbors – for its low tendency to bark or howl.

5. Great Dane

Dr Klein describes the Great Dane as “a large breed that is eager to please, friendly and enjoys human contact”.

Potential owners of this pet, also known as the German Mastiff, may also be drawn to these dogs’ reluctance to bark most of the time.

6. Chow-Chow

With their stocky, sturdy frame and lion characteristics, the Chow Chow breed has one of the world’s most distinctive looks for a dog.

These purebred animals are highly sought after by those who want a dog that barks less than others.

7. Chinese Shar Pei

The Chinese Shar Pei are generally aloof and aloof with strangers, but remain devoted to their family.

These animals, described by Dr. Klein as “very intelligent”, bark only if they sense something is wrong.

8. Saint-Bernard

These large working dogs of the Western Alps are holy both in name and in behavior.

And these heroic dogs famous for their rescue work are appreciated for their patience and make calm and worthy family friends.

9. Irish Setter

Bred for hunting, the handsome Irish Setter needs plenty of exercise to maintain his health and good humor.

And because this intelligent breed can develop a strong bond with their owners, Irish Setters will only bark if they feel their family is under threat.

10. Rhodesian Ridgeback

These large dogs were bred in southern Africa for their hunting and herding ability.

And these beautiful dogs are also known to have a low tendency to bark and snore.

11. Afghan Hound

This most glamorous breed of dog is easily distinguished by its thick, fine and ultra-shiny coat.

And grooming aside, these large pets are also easy to get along with as they rarely bark and require relatively little exercise.

12. Chinook

These versatile hunting dogs are excellent in roles, from hiking, dog sports to simply entertaining children.

However, while these dogs are significantly less vocal than many other breeds, their propensity to dig can sometimes exasperate their owners.

13. Dalmatian

The Dalmatian is a dog at the broad end of the spectrum, known for its white coat marked with distinctive black spots.

This breed is also extremely quiet, which means it cannot bark even if a stranger comes into its territory.

14. Saluki

The ancient Saluki race are extremely light, fast, and considered very loyal to their human family.

Since these dogs are related to the Greyhound, it is not surprising how little these dogs bark.

15. Borzoi

Also known as the Russian Hunting Greyhound, the Borzoi was first bred as a hunting dog and became popular as a companion of kings and queens.

These royal dogs are known to be particularly calm and collected, which is reflected in their tendency not to bark.

16. Collie

These pure breeds are arguably best known for entertaining generations of children on television. Kid, and for their phenomenal ability to keep sheep.

These gentle dogs are the perfect companions for young families and usually bark very rarely.

17. Great Pyrenees

These intelligent dogs were once bred to protect flocks of sheep from predators, which means they are often ideal companions.

And while this breed may require a lot of attention during training, they are relaxed and fairly calm dogs.

18. Akita

This large breed from the mountains of Japan is attentive, intelligent and protective of its pack.

And while these beautiful creatures can take a lot of training, it’s their laid back nature to rarely disturb people with their bark.

19. Australian Cattle Dog

These hardy, intelligent and active dogs bred to herd cattle over long distances are considered fiercely loyal to their owners.

The calm demeanor of the Australian Cattle Dog is in keeping with their balanced temperament and tendency not to express themselves, even when very excited.

20. Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large and versatile breed with a friendly and calm personality.

And despite their size, this breed is never imposing and a Bernese would often prefer to keep his distance from strangers rather than bark at them.