So there is a caveat here.

All dogs will bark from time to time, and even a breed known for being quieter may bark more than expected.

“There is no guarantee that a certain breed will not have nuisance barking concerns,” says US-based dog behavior consultant Megan Stanley, owner of Dogma Training and Pet Services, Inc.

“Barking is best prevented through positive training, adequate physical and mental exercise, and ensuring the dog’s overall well-being.”

That said, the following quiet dog breeds tend to bark less than others.

11. Chow Chow

11. Chow Chow
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“It is speculated that these breeds were selectively bred for characteristics including calm demeanor, independence, suspicious nature, and a generally quiet disposition,” says Lessenberry, a fitting description for dogs that once guarded monasteries and palaces.

Sigmund Freud was so taken with the Chow Chow chill factor that he had one sit in on his appointments.

But if a stranger confronts a Chow Chow, you’ll hear about it, Lessenberry says.

“It’s a loud, sustained alert, and defensive barking is to be expected.”

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12. Malamute

12. Malamute
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Malamute is another ancient breed or “basal” breed, meaning that their origins predate domestic dogs—and there’s a good reason why these types of dogs are often a quiet dog breed.

“Dogs that predated domestication would have been at a disadvantage had they been yappy barkers, in that the trait would have alerted the hunted, as well as the hunters.

They would be more likely to be eaten than eat!” says Lessenberry.

Malamutes are great family dogs, but maybe not with young children or other small animals.

“Those old genes can make them a predatory risk for small animals and young children,” warns Lessenberry.

13. Mastiff

13. Mastiff
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There are many breeds that fall under the mastiff category, such as the boxer, bull mastiff, English mastiff, Great Dane, Neapolitan mastiff, Rottweiler, and the Tibetan mastiff.

These giant and muscular breeds are serious by nature.

You can’t be a goof-off when you’re on guard duty or hunting large game, as these dogs were known for doing ages ago.

“Mastiffs tend to be on the quiet side, so barking is cause for attention on the owner’s part,” says Lessenberry.

“Mastiffs are not for everyone and generally not a breed for first-time dog owners.”

This article ariginally appeared on RD.com

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