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If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a new dog into your home then you’re in good company – Royal Kennel Club (the new name for the UK Kennel Club) stats show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.
Dogs come in all shapes, colours and sizes - there are 221 different pedigree dogs recognised by breeders in the UK, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).
So there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or an easy to train dog.
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There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.
One thing to take into account is that certain breeds tend to be noisier than others, particularly if you have close neighbours that may a dim view of continual yapping, barking and howling.
While (with one notable exception, which we’ll come to shortly) you can’t be absolutely certain that a dog won’t bark, these are the 15 breeds least likely to, having what the Kennel Club call a ‘quiet’ barking level.
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1. Basenji
If you want to be certain of a non-barking dog then the utterly unique Basenji is the puppy you want. Its name literally translates as 'barkless dog', although it does make some slightly strange low-level noises that sound a bit like yodelling. | AFP via Getty Images
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2. Shiba Inu
The highly intelligent Shiba Inu, originally from Japan, is another dog that usually only barks when there is a very good reason for it to do so. | AFP via Getty Images
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3. Borzoi
Elegant and catlike, Borzois are sensitive and reserved. They aren’t known for excessive barking and usually remain quiet indoors, preferring peaceful surroundings and gentle companionship. | AFP via Getty Images
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4. Great Dane
Despite their enormous size, Great Danes are often gentle and fairly quiet dogs. Their deep bark can be imposing, but they generally don’t vocalise constantly when appropriately exercised and settled. | AFP via Getty Images