Dogs have a special place in the hearts and homes of many American families. Dogs are friends, companions, co-workers, sight guides, and even emotional support. Some dog lovers need a quiet pup that will stay calm, cool, and collected. Our list of the top five quietest dog breeds could lead readers to discover a new chill pup to call their own.

Instead of calling people “copycats,” you might want to think about saying “copy-dogs,” according to a study. New research out of Hungary finds that puppies (not kittens or wolf pups) instinctively imitate human actions, even without any training or a food reward. Puppies could copy someone’s behavior for a number of reasons. They may imitate what people do as a way of navigating new situations. They could also mimic others to learn new skills or information. An alternative explanation is that imitation breeds flattery. Impersonating another creature could be an evolutionary tactic to get into someone’s good graces and up their social standing.

Raising an upstanding doggo depends largely on the owner. Want to be a great dog parent? Researchers from Oregon State University have a few suggestions. Their study found that dogs tend to be more social when away from their owners, and more persistent problem solvers if their owners “have high expectations” and are highly responsive to the pup’s behaviors and needs.

For folks that want to enrich their lives with the addition of a furry friend who doesn’t bark too often, our list of the top five quietest dog breeds has you covered. Our sources introduced us to some of the most relaxed and calm canines. Let us know your opinion in the comments below!

The List: Most Quiet Dog Breeds, Per Canine Experts

1. Pug
Pugs are popular with internet memes, but they are also amazing dogs in real life. These stout dogs live to love on their human. Top Dog Tips heaps praise on this breed, “The first on the list is the very famous and lovely pet dog, the Pug. Who wouldn’t want one? You’ll get a couch potato, a power napper, and a peacemaker all wrapped into one adorable pooch. And yup, Pugs only bark when they feel extremely threatened or are, of course, starving. Though you may notice heavy breathing in your Pugs, this is due to their shorter snouts.”

“Pugs were originally the curious companions to Chinese emperors and once a treasure that only a select few could acquire. Today pugs make for the ideal house dog due to their quiet nature and have admirers from around the world,” posits Cuddle Clones.

Stacker says, “pugs started out in the imperial palaces of China and spread to Europe with sea traders in the 1500s. Pugs may bark, as they are territorial, but are more likely to make noises such as snoring, panting, and gulping.”

2. French Bulldog
French bulldogs are a photogenic breed that many people absolutely adore. These bright doggies respond well to training and can make great companions. “Frenchies are some of the cuddliest, laziest, and quietest dogs there are. Despite being tiny, they’re not particularly prone to barking, so while they won’t make great guard dogs per se, these little cuties make excellent companions,” remarks Parade Pets.

“The companionable French bulldogs descend from bulldogs in England‘s lace-making regions who moved with their owners to France during the Industrial Revolution. The French bulldogs became popular in Parisian cafe society and can be spotted in paintings by Edgar Degas and Toulouse-Lautrec. They don’t bark much but do like to snuffle and make other noises when excited,” offers Stacker.

Woman’s Day adds, “You will, however, get similar snuffling and snoring noises as the pug with this breed.”

3. Newfoundland
Another calm and gentle dog, the Newfoundland is a beloved breed. Part of their appeal is that these smart pups can differentiate between everyday occurrences and danger, that will often prompt them to warn their family. In other words, these dogs often only bark when it’s appropriate. Wag! details further, “Newfies are furbulous family dogs, and while they’ll alert and defend their humans if there’s a threat, they’re not prone to barking from boredom or random sounds in the house. These are self-contained cuddle-pups whose docile, taciturn personalities make them ideal for homes where frequent barking would be disruptive.”

“Giant Newfoundlands, known for having sweet dispositions, long worked onboard ships in the North Atlantic, adept at water rescues and hauling heavy fishing nets. Lewis and Clark took a Newfoundland on their 8,000-mile journey across America, and Robert Kennedy often was accompanied to his office as U.S. attorney general by his Newfoundland Brumus. Newfoundlands rarely bark unless provoked,” writes Stacker.

Daily Paws offers, “If you hoped for more big gentle dogs on this list, then you’ll love the Newfoundland! Newfs, as they’re called, are shaggy and enormous, sometimes standing 3 feet tall and weighing 200 pounds! Far from lazy, these dedicated but laid-back working dogs are fond of the great outdoors. Caring and even-tempered, Newfs tolerate the hubbub of family life well.”

4. Basenji
Basenji are an interesting breed because they are purported to lack the ability to bark. The details of this odd adaptation are outlined by our sources. Reader’s Digest claims, “The basenji is known as the ‘barkless dog,’ probably due to the unusual shape of their larynx that may make it virtually impossible to bark. But they communicate in other ways—namely, by yodeling… this quiet dog breed is smart and energetic and will need positive training and adequate exercise to be a happy companion.”

“The Basenji or Africa’s ‘Barkless Dog’ is a unique breed and contender for the title of oldest AKC [American Kennel Club] breed. While it’s true the Basenji doesn’t bark, when they express themselves they make a unique sound that is something between a chortle and a yodel,” posits Cuddle Clones

“The basenji doesn’t bark. Instead, the breed makes a yodeling sound when vocalizing. These dogs are not especially noisy, but they are also not silent. When excited, expect the occasional yodel, squeal, or whine out of these energetic dogs,” writes The Spruce Pets.

5. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a reputation for being calm and gentle giants. As a large working dog, it may surprise some that they are reputed to be one of the most even-tempered breeds. Good Housekeeping explains, “Originally a working breed designed to help out on Swiss farms, these gentle giants now do well with young families thanks to their even-keeled nature. They will play favorites though, often becoming attached to one person in particular.”

Parade Pets exclaims, “Most Bernese Mountain Dogs aren’t very vocal, but every once and a while you’ll find one that has a lot to say. Luckily, this can be ‘fixed’ with some training. After all, if your Bernese Mountain Dog is barking non-stop, it’s most likely a sign of being underexercised!”

“Bernese Mountain Dogs are calm, good-natured, and strong. They’re known for being among the dogs that don’t bark and are very placid. However, they’re always ready to play or go on a long walk with their owner. They love to please people. If you live a busy life, these are the dog breeds that can be left alone,” states Reader’s Digest.