If youâve been thinking about getting a puppy then youâre not alone â the Kennel Club says the number of people welcoming new dogs into their homes has soared over the global pandemic.
There are a whopping 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so thereâs plenty of thinking to do before you select your familyâs latest addition.
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) you canât be absolutely certain that a dog wonât bark, these are the breeds far less likely to, having what the Kennel Club call a âquietâ barking level.
If you are looking for a furry new addition to your home then choosing the right breed is absolutely essential â for example opting for a small dog if you donât have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.
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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.
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2. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is the second most popular dog in the UK (behind the significantly noisier Labrador Retriever). It is a particularly good choice for those living in flats, since they rarely bark and don't need a huge amount of room.
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3. Bulldog
Bulldogs are one of the quietest breeds out there, spending a good deal of their time napping. They are also very loving and are content in smaller homes.
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4. Whippet
Whippets may be super-fast and incredibly loving but they are also surprisingly lazy and make very bad guard dogs - they'd be unlikely to make a peep even if your house was being broken into.
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