Best dogs for quiet homes: 10 breeds with naturally low energy and low barking

Hound group · 20 to 29 kg · 10 to 12 years

Basset Hounds suit a genuinely quiet home well in terms of energy, a score of just 2 that means calm, settled indoor behavior is the norm rather than something that needs active management. Their gentle, easygoing nature around a household's daily rhythm also suits a quieter lifestyle. The honest caveat is barking: a score of 4 means this breed's baying voice, while not constant, can be genuinely loud and carrying when it does happen.

Hound group · 25 to 34 kg · 10 to 14 years

Greyhounds suit a quiet home remarkably well, a barking score of just 1 and energy score of 2 that reflect a breed that spends the overwhelming majority of the day resting quietly rather than seeking activity or attention. Their calm indoor presence rarely disrupts a household's routine. The honest caveat is that this same quiet nature can look like disinterest to an owner expecting a more demonstrative dog, and this breed's need for one proper daily sprint still needs to be met.

Non-sporting group · 18 to 25 kg · 8 to 10 years

English Bulldogs suit a quiet home well, a barking score of just 1 and low energy score of 2 that make this breed a genuinely undemanding, settled presence for most of the day. Their compact size also suits a smaller, quieter living space. The honest caveat is health related: this breed's flat face means audible snoring and heavy breathing are a normal, near constant part of daily life, worth knowing about for anyone specifically wanting silence.

Toy group · 6 to 8 kg · 9 to 14 years

Cavaliers suit a quiet home well, a barking score of just 2 and generally gentle, undemanding temperament that fits easily into a calm household routine. Their small size also means less physical disruption than a larger, more boisterous breed. The honest caveat is an aloneTolerance score of just 1: a quiet home is not the same as an empty one for long stretches, and this breed genuinely needs consistent company even if that company is simply quiet, calm time together.

Working group · 50 to 79 kg · 7 to 10 years

Great Danes suit a quiet home surprisingly well given their size, a barking score of just 2 and energy score of 3 that reflect a genuinely calm, low key indoor temperament once past an active puppyhood. Their short coat also means minimal grooming noise or mess disrupting a quiet routine. The honest caveat is drooling, a score of 4: a quiet home still means regular wiping down of furniture and walls, a different kind of daily task than noise management.

Working group · 45 to 70 kg · 8 to 10 years

Newfoundlands suit a quiet home well, a barking score of just 1 among the lowest of any breed, and a naturally calm, gentle temperament that rarely disrupts a household's peace. Their low energy, a score of 2, also means minimal demand for boisterous activity. The honest caveat is drooling, a full 5 out of 5: a quiet home still means real, regular cleanup, since this breed's calm quietness does not extend to tidiness.

Working group · 54 to 82 kg · 8 to 10 years

Saint Bernards suit a quiet home well, a barking score of just 2 and low energy score of 2 that reflect a genuinely calm, settled temperament once past puppyhood. Their gentle nature also means minimal disruption to a household's established routine. The honest caveat is drooling, a full 5 out of 5, and heat sensitivity, a score of just 1: a quiet home in a warm climate needs real air conditioning consideration for this breed's comfort.

Toy group · 4 to 7 kg · 10 to 16 years

Shih Tzus suit a quiet home well, a low energy score of 2 and generally calm, undemanding indoor temperament that fits easily into a settled household routine. Their small size also means minimal physical disruption. The honest caveat is a barking score of 3: while not among the loudest breeds, this breed can be genuinely vocal in specific situations, like an unfamiliar sound at the door, and consistent early training helps manage that instinct.

Non-sporting group · 8 to 14 kg · 10 to 12 years

French Bulldogs suit a quiet home well, a barking score of just 2 and low energy score of 2 that reflect a genuinely undemanding, settled indoor temperament. Their compact size also suits smaller, quieter living spaces well. The honest caveat is breathing noise: as a flat faced breed, snoring and audible breathing are a normal, near constant part of life with this breed, worth knowing about for anyone specifically wanting genuine silence.

Hound group · 34 to 50 kg · 8 to 11 years

Scottish Deerhounds suit a quiet home well, a barking score of just 1 and energy score of 3 that reflect a genuinely calm, dignified temperament that spends most of an indoor day resting quietly. Their moderate coat needs regular but manageable brushing, not a noisy or disruptive task. The honest caveat is a short 8 to 11 year lifespan and a real need for occasional securely fenced space to run at speed.