14 Best Quiet Dog Breeds for Introverts

So, you’re an introvert. You’d rather stay in with a good book, film, or game than go out to a crowded social event. You need plenty of alone time to recharge. But you still love dogs, and you want to find the best match for your lifestyle. With one-on-one companionship and affection, introverts thrive, and dogs are just perfect for that.

These breeds will be loyal friends. However, they won’t jump on every person you meet on a dog walk and will not force you to make small talk. Here are the 14 best dog breeds for introverts.

Quiet Toy Dog Breeds

Pug

If you’re an introvert-leaning-towards-ambivert (i.e., you have a social side), the Pug could be your dog. These hilarious charmers can be the life of the party, but they need to recharge at home at the end of the day. They’re even-tempered, loving, and cuddly at night… just get ready for some snores.

• Size: 25-33 centimetres (cm) tall (at shoulder, depending on sex), weighing 6-8 kilograms (kg)
• Personality: Affectionate, playful, and easy-going
• Grooming needs: Weekly
• Activity: 30-60 minutes per day
• Trainability ease: High

Maltese

Maltese are classic lap dogs (get ready to snuggle), but their clever, playful manner means they’ll be a lot of fun to play with and train. They’re notoriously difficult to house-train but easily take to doggy litter boxes or potty pads, making them a good match for extreme introverts who prefer to rarely leave the house.

• Size: 20-25 cm (at the shoulder), weighing up to 3 kg
• Personality: Playful, affectionate, and devoted
• Grooming needs: Every day
• Activity: Up to 30 minutes per day
• Trainability ease: Average

Chihuahua

The quintessential lapdog, Chihuahuas were practically made for introverts (particularly those who aren’t too concerned with making friends — Chihuahuas have a reputation for being sassy with new people). However, they can also be quite charming and are a good match for the introvert with a sense of humour.

• Size: 12.5-20 cm tall (at the shoulder), weighing up to 2.5 kg
• Personality: Alert, affectionate, and adaptable
• Grooming needs: Weekly
• Activity: Up to 30 minutes of exercise per day
• Trainability ease: Average

Small Quiet Dog Breeds

Norwegian Lundehund

These spritely, spitz-type dogs aren’t very well-known in the UK, but they’re cherished in their country of origin, where they were bred to hunt puffin on seaside cliffs. Lundehunds are agile and energetic, and while they don’t love strangers, they’re exceedingly loyal to their people. A Norwegian Lundehund would be the perfect match for an athletic introvert who loves long, solitary hikes.

• Size: 30-38 centimetres tall (at shoulder, depending on sex), weighing 5.5-7 kg (female) or 7-8 kg (male)
• Personality: Loyal, energetic, and alert
• Grooming needs: Weekly
• Activity: Up to one hour per day
• Trainability ease: Average

Cairn Terrier

Another match for an athletic introvert, the Cairn Terrier likes to go, go, go! These scruffy, rough-and-tumble little terriers are renowned for their sweet, funny, stubborn personalities and fearless natures. They require consistent training. However, for the right person, they’re the perfect balance of independent and affectionate.

• Size: 24-25 cm tall (at shoulder, depending on sex), weighing 6-7 kg
• Personality: Energetic, cheerful, and outgoing
• Grooming needs: Weekly
• Activity: One hour per day
• Trainability ease: Average to hard

Medium Quiet Dog Breeds

Basenji

Among the most independent dogs around, Basenjis don’t need a whole lot of affection from their people, making them a good fit for someone who wants a dog but values their personal space. The handsome Basenji is known as the “barkless dog,” but they make a distinctive yodelling noise. Their distinguished good looks and quiet, clean nature make them a great fit for apartment life as long as they have plenty of mental stimulation and exercise.

• Size: 40-44 cm tall (at shoulder, depending on sex), weighing 10-12 kg
• Personality: Smart, charismatic, and energetic
• Grooming needs: Weekly
• Activity: Up to two hours per day
• Trainability ease: Hard

Shiba Inu

Before they became one of the most popular memes, Shiba Inus were known as “the most cat-like dogs.” Loyal to their people but aloof with strangers, Shiba Inus are the perfect match for people who like to keep to themselves. They’re also incredibly smart, so a lot of training can help them reach their full potential.

• Size: 34-42 cm tall (at shoulder, depending on sex), weighing 7.5-10.5 kg
• Personality: Active, alert, and good-natured
• Grooming needs: Daily
• Activity: Up to an hour per day
• Trainability ease: Average to hard

Basset Hound

If you’re a homebody, the Basset Hound is your new best friend. These affectionate goofballs have a reputation for being low-key and lazy. The only downside of a Basset Hound for an introvert may be all the attention they get from strangers on walks. But remember the part about them being lazy? Walks needn’t be long, and then it’s back to lounging at home with your adorable hound.

• Size: Up to 38 cm tall (at the shoulder), weighing 20-29 kg
• Personality: Sociable, loyal, and a little stubborn at times
• Grooming needs: Weekly
• Activity: One hour per day
• Trainability ease: Average

Large Quiet Dog Breeds

Greyhound

Greyhounds are renowned for their elegant, powerful build. Despite their reputation as athletes, retired greyhounds prefer sprinting to sustained activity and love to lounge at home. They’re sweet, sensitive souls who enjoy nothing more than hanging out at home with their favourite introvert.

• Size: 68.5-76 cm tall (at shoulder, depending on sex), weighing 27-29 kg (female) or 29-31.5 kg (male)
• Personality: Gentle, sensitive, and calm
• Grooming needs: Weekly
• Activity: One hour per day
• Trainability ease: Average

Chinese Shar-Pei

The Chinese Shar-Pei is instantly recognisable, thanks to their wrinkled skin, blue-black tongue, and broad muzzle. This breed is quiet and reserved, but they’re also protective of their families. They need careful training and socialisation from a young age and are best suited to experienced pet parents with the quiet confidence to share their home with an observant, intelligent companion.

• Size: 45-51 cm tall (at shoulder, depending on sex), weighing 20-27 kg
• Personality: Loyal, calm, reserved
• Grooming needs: Weekly
• Activity: At least one hour per day
• Trainability ease: Hard

Saluki

The stunning Saluki is a gentle hound breed with a distinctive, elegant body. Despite their appearance, they’re rugged and adaptable. This breed loves to spend time with their humans, whether relaxing at home or going for a quiet walk in the forest. Their hunting background means they must be kept on the lead unless at home in a secure, well-fenced garden.

• Size: 45-72 cm tall (at shoulder, depending on sex), weighing 18-30 kg
• Personality: Gentle, dignified, intelligent
• Grooming needs: Daily
• Activity: Two hours per day
• Trainability ease: Average to hard

Giant Quiet Dog Breeds

Irish Wolfhound

These calm, dignified sighthounds are gentle but reserved and often prefer to lie at your feet rather than cuddle up (although some are more affectionate than others, and they make great family pets). Like some people, Irish Wolfhounds can be watchful and quiet and prefer to calmly look on rather than jump into the fray. Sound like any introverts you know?

• Size: 76 cm tall and over (at shoulder, depending on sex), weighing 48-55 kg
• Personality: Calm, brave, and dignified
• Grooming needs: Weekly
• Activity: One hour per day
• Trainability ease: Average

Newfoundland

A giant breed for the gigantically introverted, Newfies are sweet, patient dogs known for being excellent companions. They’re somewhat athletic and need a daily romp to burn off some energy. However, their size and thick coat mean the romp can be short, and the rest of the day can be spent at home. If you’re an introvert in need of loving companionship, your gentle, loving Newfie will gaze up at you with their droopy eyes and let you know that you’re perfect just the way you are.

• Size: 66-71 cm tall (at shoulder, depending on sex), weighing 45-54.5 kg (female) or 60-68 kg (male)
• Personality: Affectionate, loyal, and sociable
• Grooming needs: Daily
• Activity: One hour per day
• Trainability ease: Average

Last But Not Least: Mixed Breeds and Rescues

There are plenty of adoptable dogs in shelters looking for their forever home. No matter their breed mix, they’ll display a range of temperaments, just like all dogs. Ask shelter or rescue staff to meet available dogs who are mellow and easygoing. Your new best couch buddy could be among them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Quiet Dog Breeds

Do Some Dogs Not Bark?

While some dog breeds bark less than others, like the ones we’ve covered above, it’s unrealistic to expect any dog not to bark at all.

Barking is a natural behaviour for dogs, so it’s important to understand that all dogs bark sometimes. Whether they’re overexcited to see you when you collect them from the dog sitter or can’t help but let out a yelp of excitement when they see a friend at the dog park, hearing barks is part and parcel of being a dog parent!

However, by choosing a quieter breed and using strategies to reduce barking at certain times, you can combine canine companionship with a quiet home.

Are There Any Introverted Dogs?

Some dog breeds are definitely more introverted than others. While a Labrador Retriever might love to greet anyone and everyone, other breeds, like Salukis, Greyhounds, and Basset Hounds, are more reserved. While they might be confident and outgoing with their families, they will likely be less confident around strangers.

What Is The Calmest Dog To Have?

While some breeds are naturally energetic and enthusiastic, others are chilled out and relaxed—and often a little quieter as well! Irish Wolfhounds and Newfoundlands are both known for their chilled-out, calm temperaments. But calmness also comes down to training, so focusing on this can help teach any breed to stay relaxed in a range of scenarios.

Is It Normal To Have A Quiet Dog?

All dogs are individuals, which is why we love them so much! Most dog parents quickly work out what’s normal for their dog, which might be that they rarely bark. Others might bark occasionally and only for certain triggers, like when someone knocks on the door. Knowing what’s normal for your dog means it’s easier to ask for vet advice if you’re ever concerned about why your dog is acting quieter than normal.

Whatever kind of introvert you are, there’s a dog to suit your personality and lifestyle. Celebrate your shy side by curling up at home with all people’s best friend (introvert or otherwise): a dog.