Training and Behavior

5 dog breeds that don't bark much

admin • 05 Jun 2023

Anyone who has a puppy knows that barking is one of the ways he has to communicate. However, there are doggies that always seem to have a lot to say! Despite being completely natural behavior, excessive barking can be a problem for a tutor who is more sensitive to noise or who lives in an apartment, for example. Thus, the search for dog breeds that tend not to bark a lot has been increasing among families. 

Okay, but why do dogs bark?

Learning to communicate through imitation is not unique to humans. Just like us, dogs also learned to live with humans by imitating and reacting to the actions of their tutors. At least that's what the American anthropologist Brian Hare believes. According to him, there would be three broad categories of types of barks: alert, calling attention, and playing, from which dogs would have developed nuances in these barks – with changes in duration, volume, and frequency – to have even more effective communication with humans. Humans.

The dog needs constant stimuli to fully develop its ability to communicate. That is, he needs to test his barking in different situations and evaluate the feedback he received from his interlocutor in order to create a solid repertoire for his canine communication.

In the case of dogs that don't receive many stimuli to bark – because they live in apartments, for example – communication will develop better through body responses and gestures. Thus, the doggo will try to talk to the tutor in non-vocal ways. If he wants to play, for example, instead of barking, the dog will repeatedly look at his toy.

Are there dogs that never bark?

No. _ Unless your doggo has some physical condition that prevents him from barking, it's natural for all dogs to seek communication through barking. However, it has been observed over the years that some breeds tend to get used to a life of less barking better than others.

It is worth remembering that, even so, there are other factors that influence the tendency to communicate vocally, such as the age and sex of the animal. Current research points out that there is a greater complexity in the behavior of dogs than just the breed, that is, not all personality traits of dogs “come from the factory”.

Meet the breeds that tend to bark less

So let's go! Meet some dog breeds that are typically known for not having much to say… At least not through barking.

Basenji

Dog with hunting DNA, you will rarely hear a bark coming from him. High-energy, cheerful, and intelligent, Basenjis are dogs used to a quieter dynamic, possibly due to their hunter ancestry.

French bulldog

Sweetheart of many families, besides being great company, it is a silent breed that barks only in extraordinary situations. Because they are small and do not require much space, they are a great option for tutors who live in apartments.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The extremely elegant and owner of royal history, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, also has behaviors worthy of royalty, being a measured dog in his words. In addition, it is a very easy and quiet company, being perfect for families that live in smaller spaces.

Bernese or Bernese mountain dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are energetic dogs, like their entire family of herding dogs. Despite this, the breed tends to be a loyal and very silent company, expressing its wants and needs to the tutor through other dynamics. As a large energetic dog, he may not adapt well to apartments.

Pug

Despite the more spunky appearance and way, pugs are dogs that are not very vocal. Possibly due to brachycephaly (a syndrome of dogs with a flat muzzle), they seek their owner's attention through other resources. Even so, they are excellent companions for families, as they are very sociable and affectionate dogs.

So, when choosing the perfect dog for you, consider all aspects and personality traits that fit your routine and limitations. However, be aware that each dog has its own unique way and it is up to the tutor to offer them the best care and training so that they live a happy life in the environment in which they are inserted.