A dog is a wonderful member of the family. Of course, you have chosen the dog of your dreams. The one you’ve always wanted. But have you also considered that there might be neighbours who are bothered by the dog’s barking?
If you have a good relationship with your neighbours, you may have asked them in advance what they think about the dog in general and the noise in particular.
In order to avoid annoyance about the dog’s loudness later on, you can also look for dog breeds that are known for their inner and outer quietness. Perhaps you will find something suitable.
The definition of “calm
Well, a calm dog can be understood in such a way that it rarely turns to making sounds or does so at a comfortable volume. Some dogs do this naturally, because it is already impossible for this breed to be vocal for genetic reasons. They have an inner calm, a physical presence that they do not even need to raise their voice.
They are always listened to. Full stop! To other dogs, good socialisation and education will show them, already in puppyhood, that it is not absolutely necessary to demand everything loudly. It’s not for nothing that they say “there’s strength in silence”. A wisdom that dogs can also learn and put into practice.
But not all dogs are born to be quiet. Some simply have it in their blood to loudly announce the arrival of strangers. They can also be genetically predisposed. If you know about this predisposition and are in the middle of a rather quiet, elitist housing estate, these dog breeds should be crossed off the list.
No one wants to have to move because their dog is considered too noisy in the long run. And a dog breed that does not make a sound per se does not exist (fortunately)!
Which dog breed is quiet and family-friendly?
If children are to grow up with animals, this is always a good decision. But not every bright, lively dog fits into every family.
To avoid breaking up the family dynamic, it is important to look hard for the right, calm dog that is also ideally suited to families with children. Finding the right breed is not easy with so many dogs on offer. A calm, not hasty selection is therefore advisable.
Strictly speaking, we already know the list of popular family dogs, at least we have roughly skimmed it. But unfortunately, many of these dogs are very fond of movement.
In order to filter out the calm and leisurely family dogs, we need an indicator for the urge to move that the animals exhibit in order to arrive at the following result:
- Maltese
- French Mastiff
- Miniature Spitz
- Shar Pei (also wrinkle dog)
- Japan Chin
- Chihuahua
Certainly, there are also larger dog breeds that require less exercise. However, these in particular are not necessarily suitable for the family. It is essential to make sure that the calmness and cosiness do not indicate a certain introversion of the animal. For in this case, it would be important to give the dog an individual, possibly secluded place to which it can retreat all by itself.
What we interpret as cosiness is then rather the urge to be alone with himself. Not because he is not fond of his humans, but simply because being alone corresponds to his mentality, his nature. However, since the children of the family will be looking for a connection to the dog, tensions would be pre-programmed. This is a scenario that must be ruled out at all costs.
Especially if it is the first dog of the family, it can be advantageous to actually tend towards a small dog. This advice applies even more if it is a dog that is to be kept in a flat. All medium-sized and large dogs should at least be able to use a small garden for exercise.
As an alternative, dog runs should be considered where the animals can also maintain social contact with their conspecifics. If this can be visited several times a day, there is of course nothing to be said against keeping a medium-sized, calm dog in a flat.
Which dog breed is quiet and comfortable?
Of course the dog may bark from time to time. It just must not get out of hand. If the dog is one of those breeds that can get by with short walks and has a relatively low urge to move, many dog lovers will be happy. After all, there is not always time for long walks.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: He is very adaptable, so he will suit his owner’s lifestyle. He can also cope with short walks, so he is also a suitable companion for senior citizens.
- Bernese Mountain Dog: Who, if not he, is the centre of the family? He is a truly cosy representative, but he can also come out of his shell once in a while. If the garden is big enough and he finds enough opportunity to play with his family or other dogs, short walks are also fine with him.
- Great Dane: She rarely barks. Their urge to move is not as great as one might think. One thing, however, she needs – a good, dry place from which she can observe everything, but really everything in peace, almost unnoticed.
- Italian wind chimes: No, barking is actually not his thing. It is true that he can be very nimble. But his need for movement is only moderate. However, he is extremely attached to his owner and is very reluctant to be alone.
- Mastiff: His build already gives it away – his urge to move is not really great. He also rarely finds it necessary to make himself heard. However, he does not like being alone at all.
- Pug: No great urge to move, no urge to bark – this dog is best suited for city living. As long as his humans play with him, cuddle him and pamper him, all is well with his world.
- Newfoundland: He is large and very reserved. His obedience dictates that the demands made on him are carried out exactly. So he is quiet and even tries to make himself small in flats. It is better for him in spacious houses with a garden or in the countryside. He does not like barking. He looks at everything directly if he wants to know something.
- Shar-Pei: He has an amazing ability to adapt to the temperament of his people. If they are calm with little urge to move, he will be too. In noisy families where there is constant hustle and bustle, he too will come out of his shell more and may sound a loud alarm at times.
- Pekinese (also lion dog): He belongs to the truly lazy dog breeds and loves his own four walls.
- Chinese Crested Dog: Certainly he can be active and high-spirited, but there is no need to overdo it. Gentle restraint is more his metier.
- Shih Tzu: He is pure relaxation. With him, even rainy afternoons indoors are fun, because he too will prefer the sofa. Attention – if he is left alone too often, he can still remember his voice.
- Chow-Chow: The times when he was a hunting and sled dog are long gone. Today, every movement seems to be too much for him. So let him have his quiet life.
- English Bulldog: She’s quite lively, but she can’t jump around much because of her cultivated short nose region. She also gets out of breath quickly when barking, which is why she avoids it.
- Japan Chin: He shows every owner what a cosy life on the dog bed means. One or two short walks per day must be enough.
- Maltese: He is a true lap dog who would prefer his human to carry him. So he can be coaxed into a few short walks outside the door. Quietly, of course!
Of course, even the smallest “lap dog” can be taught that exercise is something fine. Education is everything.
Which dog is calm?
Certainly, there are some dog breeds that behave more calmly than others. However, one should not be tempted to buy a calmer dog too quickly. Always look at the whole picture. Who knows what other characteristics the quiet dog brings with it that cannot be dealt with?
- Basset: The basset’s bark is very deep and sonorous. However, he rarely sees any reason to actually raise his voice. No matter what the commotion may be around him, he is well-behaved, sits watching in a quiet spot, and otherwise waits for a call to act in any way.
- Wolfhound: He is a very calm, friendly, but also very reserved dog. You could almost call him introverted. What he has over other dogs in size, he lacks in vocalisation. He does not talk if possible.
- Retriever: As an original hunting dog, which sometimes had to spend hours in silence next to its master, the Retriever has probably become accustomed over the centuries to having to speak frequently. If there is no reason, there is no barking.
- St. Bernard: They rest in themselves, completely and utterly. Mostly they are as cosy as they seem. However, they can also be different and then frighten those around them with a loud, very deep voice. But as calm as they may be, they need a lot of space!
- Afghan Hound: As they dash off on the racecourse, you can’t imagine how introverted they are.
- Eurasiers: They love to lie in one spot and keep an eye on the whole environment from there. Being reserved and tolerant, they simply don’t feel the need to make themselves heard. After all, they are still present!
- Borzoi: Once he has found an owner who gives him sufficient exercise, he develops into a very calm fellow dog.
- Goldendoodle or Labradoodle: They are friendly, balanced and uncomplicated. However, due to the challenging crossbreeding, this can never be said exactly. Time will tell how much potential they have received from the Poodle.
- Great Dane: Why should she bark a lot? It cannot be overlooked and therefore has the right of the larger.
- Lhasa Apso: They are always cheerful and love to play for their lives. But they don’t even get loud when they briefly announce a visitor.
- Greyhound: Appearances are deceptive – they are really only such bundles of energy outside. Indoors, they love their dog bed and stay there extensively in a relaxed position.
- Akita Inu: A dog that truly rests in itself. No wonder, because he knows about his potential, while strangers do not. With this knowledge and his physical strength, he knows he has a complete advantage. And rightly so. So why should he also cause trouble?
With regard to the calm dog, it is also important to know that many dogs only become troublemakers and speak up when they are bored. So it makes sense not only to challenge the dog physically and psychologically or intellectually, but also to bring variety into the game. This applies to games at home as well as during walks.
If the same path is always taken, even the most modest dog will get bored at some point, which he will take as an opportunity to call for suitable playmates.
The state of health can also be indicated by vocalisation. Pain can also be signalled by whining, barking or growling. This point should also receive a lot of attention from the owner.
What dog doesn’t need a lot of exercise?
Certainly, one or the other reader may wonder why some dogs actually have a limited urge to exercise. In some breeds it is the size and the resulting increased strain on the musculoskeletal system. Others are bred to be lap dogs, so it is the exception rather than the rule for them to have a tendency towards increased exercise.
Some dog breeds have to struggle with shortened noses and the associated breathing problems. Yes, in fact, every breed has a valid reason for wanting to exercise only moderately. And this time it’s not the weather that’s causing a refusal to move.
- Pekinese
- Lhasa Apso
- Great Dane
- Jaan Chin
- Maltese
- Newfoundland
- Shih Tzu
- Chinese Crested Dog
- Pug
- Mastiff
- Chow-Chow
- Shar-Pei
- English Bulldog
If you are now wondering whether you can still go for longer walks with one or the other dog, you may have to adjust to a slightly different walk. Many of the small dogs can be carried in a dog backpack if necessary. This way, despite their moderate enthusiasm for long outings, they can still be with the whole family without having to be exhausted.
The larger breeds can be trained to have a tendency to go on longer walks if they are started early. For example, the Bernese Mountain Dog, like the Newfoundland, can go on quite long walks with his family. However, the pace is somewhat slower and not comparable to that of athletic dogs.
