11 Quiet Dog Breeds That Are Low Effort

Basenji is famously known as the “barkless dog,” which already earns them a spot on any quiet breed list. While they may let out the occasional yodel or chortle, they don’t bark in the traditional sense—and they certainly don’t do it often. Basenjis are clean, independent, and require very little grooming thanks to their short coats. They’re not clingy, but they are affectionate and curious in their own polite, dignified way. If you like cats but want a dog that behaves like one, the Basenji fits the bill beautifully.

Whippet

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Whippets are sleek, elegant, and wonderfully silent. They’re known for being couch potatoes disguised as sprinters—able to hit race speeds in a burst, then spend the next 23 hours and 45 minutes sleeping it off. Whippets rarely bark, are gentle indoors, and don’t have high grooming or exercise needs. They get along well with other pets and love a good snuggle, preferably under a blanket. Their low-drama personalities make them ideal companions for people who like their pets sweet, soft, and low-maintenance.

French Bulldog

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French Bulldogs are quirky, affectionate, and surprisingly quiet for a breed that looks like they could host their own comedy show. While they make all kinds of silly sounds—snorts, snores, and sighs—they’re not known for excessive barking. Frenchies are low-energy, require minimal grooming, and are usually content with short walks and lots of couch time. Their compact size and chill attitude make them perfect for apartment living and busy people who want maximum personality with minimal upkeep. They’re like living cartoons that also happen to be incredibly chill.

Shiba Inu

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Shiba Inus are quiet, independent, and famously low-maintenance. While they do have the potential for a dramatic “Shiba scream” when upset, they’re generally quiet and keep to themselves. These fox-like dogs are incredibly clean, don’t bark often, and enjoy their own company just as much as yours. They’re a great match for people who appreciate a pet that won’t beg for attention every five minutes. Think of the Shiba as the strong, silent type who occasionally graces you with a glance of approval.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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Cavaliers are gentle, affectionate, and extremely easygoing. They’re friendly without being clingy, and while they may bark to say “hello,” they’re not the type to keep barking once the door closes. These small spaniels are known for being calm and well-mannered, and they adapt easily to their owners’ lifestyles. Low grooming needs and a sweet, quiet nature make them perfect for those who want a cuddly companion without constant chaos. They’re basically royalty that lets you share the couch.

Greyhound

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Despite their racing backgrounds, Greyhounds are famously lazy—and equally quiet. They’re often called “45-mph couch potatoes” because once they’ve done their daily zoomie, they’re ready to nap for hours. Greyhounds rarely bark, don’t need much grooming, and are content with short daily walks followed by long periods of lounging. Their gentle, low-maintenance nature makes them wonderful for quiet households.

Japanese Chin

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Japanese Chin is a dainty, cat-like breed that prefers lounging in your lap to making noise. They’re refined, soft-voiced, and rarely bark unless absolutely necessary (like when the treat jar is clearly being ignored). Their grooming needs are minimal with regular brushing, and they’re happy with short walks and indoor play. Japanese Chins enjoy affection but won’t demand constant attention, making them excellent for people who value calm companionship.

Italian Greyhound

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Italian Greyhounds are tiny, graceful, and wonderfully quiet companions. Like their larger Greyhound cousins, they’re not big on barking and prefer to express themselves through meaningful stares and gentle cuddles. They’re low-energy indoors, relatively easy to groom, and happiest when wrapped in a blanket next to their favorite human. These dogs are sensitive and sweet, thriving in peaceful environments. If your ideal dog is a living scarf that occasionally chases sunlight, the Italian Greyhound fits the vibe perfectly.

Scottish Deerhound

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Scottish Deerhound is a giant breed with a surprisingly quiet and calm temperament. They’re dignified, laid-back, and not particularly interested in barking—or in doing anything quickly. Despite their size, they are low-energy indoors and extremely gentle with their people. Grooming needs are moderate, but their overall demeanor is impressively low-key. If you want a quiet roommate with legs for days and a heart of gold, this elegant couch hog will deliver.

Lhasa Apso

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Lhasa Apsos are alert but not yappy, preferring to keep watch with quiet dignity rather than unnecessary noise. Originally bred to guard Tibetan monasteries, they’re independent thinkers who know how to relax. Lhasas require regular grooming, but their calm personality and minimal exercise needs balance things out. They’re affectionate with their people, politely reserved with strangers, and unlikely to startle at every little sound. For a compact, composed companion, the Lhasa delivers serenity in a small, fluffy package.

Chinese Crested

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Chinese Crested—both hairless and powderpuff varieties—is known for being quiet, low-energy, and surprisingly snuggly. These quirky dogs don’t bark much and are more interested in being under a blanket than announcing every leaf that moves. They’re low-maintenance when it comes to activity and thrive on close companionship. Grooming is easy for the hairless variety and manageable for the powderpuff. If you’re looking for a laid-back dog who would rather nap than yap, the Crested checks every box.

The Low-Noise, Low-Maintenance Legends

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These quiet dog breeds are true masters of mellow. They skip the endless barking, dodge the daily drama, and excel at lounging like it’s their calling. Whether you want a silent sidekick, a laid-back lap warmer, or just a dog that doesn’t treat every sound like an emergency, these pups are pure peace. Low effort, low noise, and high on comfort, they’re the perfect companions for anyone who values calm. Just grab a cozy blanket—they’ll handle the quiet company like pros.