Hypoallergenic Dogs That Don’t Bark: Quiet Canine Companions

Choosing the best dog for your family can be challenging, especially if you’re sensitive to pet allergies or live in an apartment where noise and mess are a concern. Do hypoallergenic dogs that don’t bark even exist?

The good news is YES!

Unfortunately, just as no dog is completely non-shedding or dander-free, no dog is 100% silent. That said, certain breeds do come close, making them the ideal pups for allergy sufferers who crave peace and quiet.

Whether you’re looking for a small, medium, or large dog, we’ve dug deep and found a few breeds that are not only hypoallergenic but aren’t likely to bark much either.

Benefits of Non-Shedding Non-Barking Dogs

In recent years, the demand for dogs that don’t shed or bark has been on the rise. Dog lovers are increasingly seeking a canine that’s both hypoallergenic and quiet, making these breeds highly sought after.

Owning dogs that are both allergy-friendly and noise-conscious can offer a surprising number of advantages to their owners:

• Less cleaning — no fur, dander, or flakes of skin that regularly need cleaning from your furniture or clothes.
• Allergy-friendly — fewer allergens in the home can make it easier for those with pet allergies to breathe and have fewer reactions.
• Noise control — for dog lovers who live in an apartment or a close-knit neighborhood, less barking means far fewer complaints.
• Stress reduction — it’s not just about the neighbors; a quiet and calmer dog can contribute to a more peaceful home atmosphere.

Nine Hypoallergenic Dogs That Don’t Shed or Bark

Known as the ‘barkless’ dog, simply because they physically can’t. That said, Basenjis aren’t completely silent. They make a yodel-like sound, which many owners find quite charming, but can be humorous to first-time acquaintances of the pup.

Often likened to a cat, the Basenji will fastidiously groom their glistening short coat, which barely, if ever, sheds. Using a soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt once a week will help distribute their skin’s natural oils to keep their coat at its best.

A perfect dog for owners living in smaller spaces or apartments, the Basenji won’t ‘yodel’ too much as long as they’re kept physically and mentally stimulated. With origins as a hunting dog, Basenjis need owners who can meet their exercise needs and the challenge of training such an independent-minded pooch.

Generally not a high-energy, vocal canine, the Bolognese is a witty and intelligent companion for the whole family. A serious pooch at times, this member of the Bichon family often comes across as rather serene.

The fluffy coat of the Bolognese is low shedding and low dander, although they will need regular brushing to keep that appearance. Any loose hairs that fall out collect in their curly coat rather than on your clothes or furniture.

Small dogs are known for being yappy, but the Bolognese breed is an exception — they don’t shed or bark, so they make ideal pups for families living in apartments. They may suffer from separation anxiety if you can bear to leave them. However, you can be assured they won’t be barking all day.

Wheatens are medium-sized, hypoallergenic quiet dogs with soft, silky coats that don’t shed much. You would be forgiven for thinking they’re relentlessly vocal, but this breed is more chilled than your average Terrier.

The unique wheaten-colored coat may be low shedding, but it will need diligent care to avoid matting. As playful, energetic dogs, they’re notorious for getting things stuck in their fur. Therefore, you will need to brush them several times a week, daily if you can, and bathe your pup regularly.

Rarely a big barker, the Wheaten Terrier will tend to communicate their feelings through their very expressive facial poses. They only bark when necessary, and are more likely to greet you with the ‘Wheaten greeting’ — a joyful hello with lots of jumping.

Known as an affectionate lap dog, the Shih Tzu is more generally into lounging on your lap than barking. This breed is more likely to make a cute giggle noise as they look up at you with those big, dark eyes.

The Shih Tzu may be low shedding and low dander, but with hair that’s pretty similar to human hair, they require regular, almost daily brushing. A bristle brush will take out any loose hairs, and reach down to the skin to stimulate the production of natural oils essential for a healthy coat.

One of the least barking small dogs, Shih Tzus are less energetic than many other breeds in this size category, so they don’t need too much exercise. Particularly loved by seniors for a quiet life, they can also get on well with children, but be careful of that stubborn streak!

Size: Small
Temperament: Affectionate, couch potato, sensitive
Great for: Apartment-dwelling dog lovers

A Greyhound in miniature, the Italian Greyhound would rather lounge than bark. While they share many of the characteristics of their larger cousins, the Iggy doesn’t shed.

Low-maintenance, they only require occasional bathing. And, because of that sleek, short-haired coat, an every-so-often gentle rub down with a grooming glove will suffice.

Italian Greyhounds are gentle, thrive on affection, and are known for not barking too much. You may associate the Greyhound breed with speed, but once they’re back home, they love nothing more than curling up on the sofa, normally without making a peep.

Size: Large
Temperament: Playful, energetic, loyal
Great for: Active families

The Irish Water Spaniel is a big dog that doesn’t bark, is intelligent, easy to train, and has a water-resistant, low-shedding coat. This breed isn’t an excessive barker and only does so when they have something to communicate. 

With a double-layered coat, the Irish has a water-repellent outer and a soft, downy underlayer. Regularly brushing your pup to remove any trapped hair or dander should be enough to help keep their coat looking its best and allergens at bay.

A pretty low-maintenance dog with less-than average barking, the Irish Water Spaniel isn’t suited to apartment living. They need space to run and exercise — as water dogs, they love swimming, so a nearby river or lake is always handy for family fun days out.

The unique look of the Chinese Crested can split dog owners’ opinions down the middle — you either love the look or hate it. With two varieties ‘Hairless’ and ‘Powderpuff,’ both are hypoallergenic and not very vocal.

Grooming is easy with little shedding for Powderpuff’s thin fur coat, and the Hairless has a smooth-skinned bald body. Admittedly, you may need to pass a comb through their socks and tiny mane every now and again, but having no hair has another huge benefit — no doggy smell.

Patient and friendly, the Chinese Crested has a low tendency to bark and makes a great family dog and companion. Be warned, however, if you have very young children, the roughhousing of toddlers may be too much for their dainty little frames. Even the most patient of pups may ‘talk more’ when anxious.

A happy, go-lucky companion dog, the Coton de Tulear is best known for their long, dense white coat, almost like cotton (Coton is French for cotton, by the way!). This breed just loves everyone they meet, especially children.

Their fluffy white coat may seem dense, but the fur is long and fine — easy to brush through to remove tangles or matting. Daily brushing is a breeze with the pooch happy to sit on your lap as you pamper them.

Cotons are people pleasers and love to perform — even walking on their hind legs, with training. They may make cute vocal sounds, but they’re by no means a yappy barking dog like some other small breeds. Most of the time, they’re just happy to flop down with you like a rag doll, making just as little noise.

Bred in Italy and famous for their truffle-hunting abilities, the Lagotto Romagnolo is a relatively quiet pup -— they would get on with the job without unnecessary barking. They’re known for their distinctive non-shedding curly coat and gentle temperament. 

The Lagotto’s wool-like coat traps dander and reduces shedding, which can help minimize allergic reactions. Grooming isn’t as demanding as some other breeds, with a good brush through normally only needed weekly to remove mats, tangles, and any loose hairs.

As an energetic breed, the Lagotto will thrive and be more content in a family home with outdoor space — much less likely to nuisance bark. They’re smart, highly trainable pups who get on great with kids and other pets, but they do need plenty of physical and mental stimulation.

Training Tips for Quiet Hypoallergenic Dogs

One thing to remember, dogs, like humans, are individuals, and this can influence their level of vocalization. Hence, quiet dogs can also benefit from training to prevent unnecessary barking. Here are a few tips to ensure your pooch stays that way.

1. Early Socialization

Introduce your pup to new people, environments, and other pets early. The younger a pup becomes accustomed to these new experiences, the more it builds confidence, reducing their anxiety and barking.

2. Positive Reinforcement Training

Reward your pooch with treats, praise, or toys for calm behavior and when they’re quiet. Just like the physiologist Ivan Pavlov, who trained his dogs to associate one thing with another (bells at feeding time), your pup will quickly associate periods of calm and quiet with treats.

3. Minimize the Triggers

If barking is triggered by a doorbell ringing or outdoor noises, try using sound masking tools or behavioral redirection. For some dogs who get separation anxiety and bark for long periods when alone, try leaving a radio with voices in the background or get another pet to keep them company.

4. Daily Exercise

Content dogs will bark less. If you own an active pup, ensure they get regular exercise, and for more intelligent pups, mental stimulation with toys can be just as important to keep them calmer.

5. Avoid Harsh Discipline

Shouting or punishment often increases anxiety, causing a dog to be confused and bark more. If your dog is barking, try to calm down the situation with a soothing yet consistent tone. Screaming at the pup isn’t going to help!

Conclusion

All dogs bark — it’s their way of communicating. However, some dogs bark a lot less than others. Some people may even argue that a bark is part of their dog’s charm, but if excessive it can quickly become tiresome.

Hypoallergenic dogs that don’t bark make ideal dogs, especially when you live in a built-up area or apartment. A bark-free, non-shedding dog can contribute to a calmer home, especially when you have neighbors who claim to be allergic to constant barking.

Hypoallergenic Dogs That Don’t Bark FAQs

What Dogs Bark Too Much? 

Breeds that are known for their vocal nature include many of the Terrier breeds. For example, the Yorkshire Terrier, which will bark incessantly, often reacting to the slightest movement. Many of the scent hounds, such as Basset Hounds and Beagles, can also be rather noisy with their melodious barking from hunt days.

Which Dog Barks the Most?

Perhaps the barkiest dog of them all is the Finnish Spitz, also referred to as the barking bird dog, which can bark up to 160 times a minute. A recipe for a headache if there ever was one!

Why Can’t Basenjis Bark?

The genetic makeup of the Basenji means they have a flatter larynx structure than other breeds. This makes it difficult for them to produce the sharp, barking sound characteristic of most dogs. Instead, they will make small talking sounds, howls, chirps, and even a yodel sound.

What Is the Calmest Hypoallergenic Dog?

A calm dog will tend to bark less. For allergy sufferers seeking a calm companion, one of the best choices is the Bolognese, known for their playful yet gentle nature. Other calm, hypoallergenic pooches include the Shih Tzu, or the Chinese Crested.

Do Hypoallergenic Dogs Still Require Grooming?

Yes, especially the dogs with hair-like coats. Regular grooming can reduce the dander and potential matting of the coat.