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Dogs are known for barking, a trait that can stir a mix of emotions in us, especially when it’s the incessant barking of a neighbor’s dog. Many apartment dwellers know the frustration and annoyance of being unable to escape the constant noise, making them hesitant to get a dog themselves.
Barking is a natural part of a dog’s communication. They bark to alert us to strangers, to call for attention, or to express excitement at the sight of a squirrel or another dog. However, excessive barking can also stem from boredom or frustration, and this can become a significant issue in the close quarters of an apartment.
While no dog is completely silent, there is hope for apartment residents searching for a quieter canine companion. Whether you’re considering a small or large dog, research indicates that not all dogs are equally vocal. Some breeds tend to bark less, offering a more peaceful coexistence in apartment settings.
If you’re wondering about dog breeds that are known for being quieter, here are a few suggestions to help you find a suitable dog for apartment living.
Quiet Dog Breeds for Apartment Dwellers
1. Shih Tzu
| Personality | Affectionate, playful, outgoing |
| Energy Level | Regular Exercise |
| Shedding | No Shedding |
| Height | 9-10.5 inches |
| Weight | 9-16 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 10-18 years |
| Barking Level | Occasional |
Shih Tzu dogs are known for their charming personalities and, believe it or not, their quiet nature. Unlike some bark-happy breeds, Shih Tzus are relatively quiet, making them perfect for apartment living. Some owners even report that their Shih Tzus are barely barking at all!
Shih Tzus are also social butterflies who get along well with humans and other pets. They’re known for being affectionate companions who love to cuddle up with their humans. While they might surprise you with their intelligence and playful curiosity, their exercise needs are minimal.
Bred to be indoor companions, Shih Tzus is happy with short walks and playtime inside your apartment. According to WebMD, since Shih Tzus are sensitive to heat, it’s important to be mindful during warm weather.
Just remember, even a quiet breed needs some grooming love! Their beautiful double coat requires daily brushing to keep it tangle-free.
2. Glen of Imaal Terrier
| Personality | Spirited, gentle, bold |
| Energy Level | Regular Exercise |
| Shedding | Low |
| Height | 12.5-14 inches |
| Weight | 32-40 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 10-15 years |
| Barking Level | Low |
The Glen of Imaal Terrier, or Glen for short, might surprise you! These Irish pups are known for their sweet and docile temperament. Unlike many terriers, Glens are relatively quiet and don’t bark excessively. This makes them a great choice for apartment dwellers who crave a furry friend without noise complaints.
While Glens can adapt to apartment living, it’s important to remember their hunting dog roots. They still enjoy daily walks and playtime, but their exercise needs are moderate. Just avoid super strenuous activities, as their short legs can get tired easily. Make sure to only let them off-leash in a securely fenced yard.
Glens can become great companions to other pets, including dogs and cats, with proper training and socialization from a young age. However, their natural instincts to chase small, furry creatures can still emerge. On the plus side, Glens are low-shedders – as long as you brush them regularly! A quick brushing session once or twice a week will keep their coat tangle-free and looking its best.
3. Basenji
| Personality | Independent, smart, poised |
| Energy Level | Energetic |
| Shedding | Low |
| Height | 17 inches (male), 16 inches (female) |
| Weight | 24 pounds (male), 22 pounds (female) |
| Life Expectancy | 13-14 years |
| Barking Level | Only To Alert |
This unique pup, nicknamed Africa’s “Barkless Dog,” is perfect for apartment dwellers who crave a quiet companion. While they might not bark, Basenjis can communicate with a yodel-like sound.
These pups are known for their curious nature and confidence. They become very attached to their families, showering them with love. Think of them as furry little detectives – always wanting to explore and sniff out what’s new!
One interesting quirk: they’re quite cat-like! They keep themselves clean, especially their paws, just like a feline friend.
Don’t let their small size fool you; Basenjis are energetic and playful! According to AKC, they need daily walks and playtime to stay happy. But their short, easy-to-care-for coat means less mess in your apartment. They’re intelligent and can be trained, but remember, they can also be independent, so training takes patience!
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
| Personality | Affectionate, gentle, graceful |
| Energy Level | Calm |
| Shedding | Low |
| Height | 12-13 inches |
| Weight | 13-18 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years |
| Barking Level | Occasional |
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a toy breed, was a favorite among British aristocracy and continues to be famous today. Unlike some other toy breeds, these pups are known for their minimal barking, making them perfect for apartment living.
Don’t let their small size fool you; Cavaliers are full of personality! They’re playful, affectionate, and love spending time with their humans.
While Cavaliers are eager to please, training might take some patience. They can be a bit shy as they get older, so early socialization with other dogs and people is important.
These pups are moderately active and will need daily walks or playtime to burn off some energy. But the good news is, their walks can be split into shorter sessions throughout the day. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels love spending time outdoors. Remember, they have a single coat and prefer milder temperatures.
While Cavaliers have beautiful, flowing fur, don’t worry – a quick brush for 10 minutes a day will keep it tangle-free and shiny.
5. Borzoi
| Personality | Affectionate, loyal, regally dignified |
| Energy Level | Energetic |
| Shedding | Moderate |
| Height | 28 inches & up (male), 26 inches & up (female) |
| Weight | 75-105 pounds (male), 60-85 pounds (female) |
| Life Expectancy | 9-14 years |
| Barking Level | Low |
The Borzoi, with its regal appearance and graceful movements, might surprise you! Despite their size, these pups are known for being quiet and well-mannered. They rarely bark and even clean themselves like cats – talk about low maintenance!
Borzois are gentle souls who enjoy a relaxed lifestyle. Daily walks and playtime will keep them happy, but they’re also content to lounge around the house (especially on a cool floor!).
While Borzois are calm indoors, they do have a playful side that involves running and chasing. If you have a spacious apartment or access to a dog park, they can be a great fit.
According to Britannica, Borzois are generally good with older children and other pets, but supervision is recommended with very young kids due to their large size.
Just remember, brushing their luxurious coat weekly is a must.
6. Japanese Chin
| Personality | Charming, loving, noble |
| Energy Level | Regular Exercise |
| Shedding | Moderate |
| Height | 8-11 inches |
| Weight | 7-11 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years |
| Barking Level | Only to Alert |
Japanese Chin is a charming and quiet companion dog that is perfect for apartment living! Often called a “feline” breed, these pups are known for their elegance and graceful movements.
Unlike some noisy breeds, Chins are minimal barkers. They might alert you to something new with a small sound, but they won’t be setting off any barking alarms.
These intelligent and affectionate dogs love spending time with their families, but they can be a bit shy with new people. Think of them as loyal companions who are happy to cuddle on the couch or explore your local park with you. Happy Chins have a funny trick – they spin in circles, sometimes even on their hind legs!
The best part? HillsPet states that their beautiful, thick coat is surprisingly low-maintenance! A quick brush every now and then will keep it looking its best.
7. Whippet
| Personality | Affectionate, playful, calm |
| Energy Level | Regular Exercise |
| Shedding | Low-moderate |
| Height | 19-22 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female) |
| Weight | 25-40 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years |
| Barking Level | Only To Alert |
Whippets might look like miniature Greyhounds, but they’re known for their gentle nature! These quiet pups are minimal barkers, only making noise when truly bored or unhappy.
Think of them as cuddle champions who love to relax indoors – as long as they get their daily zoomies! Whippets need a good run (think secure park or doggy sprints) a couple of times a day to burn off energy. While they can adapt to apartments, their sighthound instincts might make them chase small animals.
Whippets’ medium size makes them a good choice for first-time dog owners. While training might take some extra patience, their charming personalities are worth it! They can be a bit shy around strangers, so early socialization is important to help them feel comfortable in new situations.
The good news? Their short fur requires minimal brushing.
8. French Bulldog
| Personality | Playful, smart, adaptable |
| Energy Level | Calm |
| Shedding | Moderate |
| Height | 11-13 inches |
| Weight | under 28 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years |
| Barking Level | Only To Alert |
French Bulldogs, or Frenchies for short, are small but bursting with personality! These pups are popular for a reason: they’re adaptable and relatively quiet. Frenchies don’t bark much unless bored or something’s wrong. As long as they get daily exercise and playtime, they’ll likely be quiet companions in your apartment.
Originally bred to be companions, Frenchies love people and prefer not to be left alone for long stretches. PDSA notes that while they’re not high-maintenance on exercise, they still need activity! Aim for up to an hour a day of walks or playtime.
The good news is that Frenchies are minimal shedders! A quick brush weekly and regular vacuuming will keep your pup and your apartment happy. Frenchies have wrinkles that can trap moisture, so keep them clean and dry to avoid irritation.
9. Greyhound
| Personality | Independent, gentle, noble |
| Energy Level | Energetic |
| Shedding | Low |
| Height | 28-30 inches (male), 27-28 inches (female) |
| Weight | 65-70 pounds (male), 60-65 pounds (female) |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years |
| Barking Level | Occasional |
Greyhounds might surprise you! Despite their lightning speed (they’re the fastest dogs!), these gentle giants are known for their quiet and mellow personalities. Greyhounds are minimal barkers and not territorial, so they likely won’t greet guests with a noisy welcome.
Here’s the thing to consider: Their strong prey drive might make them a poor fit for homes with small pets. Greyhounds are great with children and tend to avoid confrontation. They might surprise you again – despite their athleticism, they’re happy to spend most of their time lounging around.
While they need a safe space to run, Greyhounds don’t require extensive daily exercise. Their short coat also means minimal grooming!
10. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
| Personality | Friendly, happy, deeply devoted |
| Energy Level | Energetic |
| Shedding | No Shedding |
| Height | 18-19 inches (male), 17-18 inches (female) |
| Weight | 35-40 pounds (male), 30-35 pounds (female) |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years |
| Barking Level | Occasional |
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, or Wheatens for short, are friendly and affectionate pups known for their love of family. While their farm dog background might make them bark at unfamiliar sights or sounds, early training can help them become quieter companions. Wheatens are generally quieter than other terriers!
According to PetMD, these smart pups are known for their playful spirit and endless affection for their humans. They get along well with children and other dogs (with proper training and supervision), making them a great addition to families.
Wheatens are energetic and playful, needing daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy. Plus, they’re low-shedders – but their beautiful coat does require regular brushing to prevent matting.
Dog Crate Setup in Apartments:
Setting up a dog crate in an apartment? Choose the right size, find a quiet corner, make it cozy, and ensure good ventilation.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dog breed for apartment living doesn’t have to be a challenge. Quiet dog breeds, particularly small dog breeds, can be ideal companions in limited spaces. Whether you’re interested in the smallest dog breeds or just a small dog breed known for its calm demeanor, there are plenty of options that can enhance your experience of quiet apartment living.
Embracing a quiet dog breed not only ensures a more peaceful home environment but also fosters a harmonious community in your apartment complex. So, if tranquility is a priority in your pet search, consider these quieter breeds that are perfectly suited to living closely with their human friends.
