Jean Marie Bauhaus
|October 01, 2018
Have you noticed that your dog doesn't bark like other dogs in the neighborhood? For some dog parents, having a dog that doesn't bark might be something they can only dream about. But for others, it might be cause for concern.
Dogs bark for a lot of different reasons. In addition to warning intruders to stay away or alerting you to a potential threat, a dog might also bark because he's frustrated or bored, or because he simply wants your attention. Dogs also sometimes bark to express emotions such as fear, anger or excitement.
There are almost as many reasons why some dogs don't bark as there are reasons for barking. Here are some of the most common possibilities why your dog doesn't bark.
Some breeds, such as the Basenji, possess quiet temperaments that aren't geared toward a lot of barking. This might not mean that they never bark, or that they don't express themselves in other ways, such as howling or whining. But in a general sense, these dogs simply don't bark much.
While breed temperament can play a role, dogs are individuals, each with a unique set of personality traits. Some dogs are simply too laid back or friendly to bother with barking, while others may not like the sound of their own barking.
If your quiet dog is newly adopted, it could be that he's too shy to bark. Often, dogs adopted from a shelter or rescue tend to be on their best behavior during the first days or even weeks following adoption, says Cuteness. If this is the case, your dog may begin to bark more as he becomes more comfortable in his new surroundings.
If you have a dog that has suddenly stopped barking or appears to be trying to bark without making any noise, it could be that too much barking has strained his voice. Recent surgery is another reason your dog might be more silent than normal, or he simply might not be feeling well. However, if your pooch suddenly goes silent, it could also be indicative of a health issue. You should contact your veterinarian to discuss possible causes.
If you're dealing with a shelter dog or one whose history is unknown, it's possible that his previous owners had him debarked, which is a surgical procedure that involves trimming the vocal chords to reduce the volume. Debarked dogs are still capable of barking, they simply can't do so loudly. This is a procedure that we would not normally recommend — training should be your best course of action for teaching a dog not to bark. Another possibility is that your dog was previously trained not to bark, or that he was forced to wear a bark collar that suppressed his barking and broke him of the habit. Sadly, it could also be that your pup suffered abuse that made him fearful of barking. In such cases, with love and time, your dog might eventually get over his fear and go back to barking normally.
Ultimately, you know your dog best, and you're in the best position to decide whether being able to say "my dog doesn't bark" is bragging rights or a cause for alarm. If you're concerned about your dog's silence, talk to your vet to rule out medical or psychological issues. But if it turns out your dog is simply the strong, silent type, relax and count your blessings!
Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger, and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of fur babies.
Supports energy level & luxurious coat in Small & Mini dogs. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy.
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Supports energy level & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up, specially designed for small & mini dogs
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & supporting development in growing puppies
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free dry dog food is gentle on stomachs. Nourishes skin & promotes a lustrous coat.
Supports lean muscle for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
A delicious complement to the superior nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Chicken & Vegetables recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Learn what to do if your dog gets sprayed by a skunk, including determining where they were sprayed and tips for getting the skunk smell off of your dog.
Learn to recognize the signs of congestive heart failure in dogs so you can give your dog the best chance of a longer, healthier life.
Learn more about sled dogs and their role in today's wilderness treks, as well as their rich history helping to settle the Alaskan frontier.
Learn how tetanus can affect dogs, including signs & symptoms they might experience, how serious it is and what to do if you suspect an infection.
Learn whether celery is bad for your dog, how much is a safe amount, and preparation tips if you think they'll enjoy it as a snack.
Learn the meanings behind quirky & strange dog behaviors, such as why he tilts his head, why he chases his tail and why he scoots across your carpet.
Learn how to recognize the signs of facial paralysis in dogs, understand its causes and how the condition can be managed with the help of your vet.
Discover why dead spots in your green lawn could be caused by dog urine, and learn steps you can take for getting your lawn (& dog) back into shape.
Learn how dogs with sensitive skin can have special dietary needs, how they can develop over time in a healthy dog, and how Hill's dog food can help.
Learn about dog eye boogers, goop, gunk & crustiness: when it's normal vs. when it could be a health concern and which breeds & sizes are most susceptible.
Learn why your dog can get overly excited about chasing his tail, including common reasons like boredom & parasites, and how you can help them stop.
Find out how to help your dog get over his fear of thunder by learning what to do and not do during thunderstorms.
Deciding the best crate size isn't always straightforward. Learn factors to consider when choosing the size & type to get, including your dog's age & size.
Learn the basics of acupuncture for dogs, including the conditions it can treat, what to expect during a session and potential side effects.
Learn whether cheese is a snack that's safe for your dog, including specific types of cheese, ingredients to watch for and how much is ideal.
Discover easy and effective methods for teaching your dog to play fetch, including commands to use and how rewards can help him learn the game.
Adopting a dog can be overwhelming if you simply don't know where to begin. Learn about ten things you should do to ensure a smooth, and fun, transition.
Ensure that you're meeting all of your new puppy's needs by learning typical puppy behaviors in the home.
Learn what's going on when dogs engage in outdoor "fence fighting", consistently barking & acting aggressive toward one another, and how to help stop it.
How to Keep Dogs Active in Winter
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2025 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool