A dog is a man’s best friend, there’s no doubt about that! However, since you’re here, you probably already know that not every dog is suitable for living in an apartment, mostly due to their loud barking.
For this reason, quiet dog breeds are a great option as roommates for apartment dwellers.
Of course, you can train your dog to make as little noise as possible. But teach a dog as you may, it’ll never be the same as a breed that naturally adopts a silent behavior.
They require almost no attention to remain on the down-low, keeping those complaining neighbors off your back!
So without further ado, here are the most quiet dog breeds for apartments:
1. Basenji
Sporting a glistening coat of short hair, a wrinkled forehead, and a pair of expressive almond-shaped eyes, Basenjis surely are as cute as they are smart.
As a breed, they don’t bark, but no worries, they’re not mute either. When they want to, Basenjis express themselves with a distinct sound often described as a yodel.
Basenjis are highly adaptable, so apartment living won’t be a problem. However, they are super energetic and curious, so you’ll need to keep your valuables hidden from their reach.
Originally a hunting breed, Basenjis require regular exercise and playtime to keep their boredom at bay. Other than that, they’re rather independent creatures with a bit of a stubborn attitude, which is easily manageable through positive reinforcement techniques.
Basenjis are frequently referred to as cat-like, owing to their self-grooming habits which makes them great low-maintenance apartment pets. They aren’t picky eaters, enjoying a wide variety of high-quality dog food.
2. Bernese Mountain Dog
One of the sweetest dogs you can live with. They can be pretty friendly to familiar individuals, but will form one special bond with its owner.
Their majestic look is attributed to the thick soft coat colored black, white, and brown, along with the unique marking adorning their faces.
Bernese Mountain dogs are great affectionate roommates. Surely, they grow big and strong, but you’ll find them generally quiet and gentle. They only bark when they feel the need to intimidate intruders or strangers, to match their guardian tendencies.
These dogs are famous for their active side, which means you’re in for a ton of fun. You’ll need to provide them with a daily dose of exercise. The good news is that you can do it all inside your apartment as they love a cozy environment.
They’re obedient dogs, very cooperative when it comes to training. Perhaps the only aspect you’ll need to put effort into is handling them during shedding season.
3. Bolognese
Bolognese dogs are small endearing creatures. Best known for having an adorable appearance courtesy of their white coat of fluffy loose ringlets that gets shorter near the face.
They are rather calm dogs, considered to be on the quiet and less active side of dog breeds, so they can definitely enjoy kicking back next to you on your apartment couch.
They’re easy-going companions, requiring moderate exercise, a nice walk would be enough. This means they are true apartment dogs, with a non-shedding quality to make them that much more convenient.
Complementing their overall tranquil behavior, Bolognese dogs aren’t big on the barking scene. They do, however, tend to suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long, causing them to resort to barking.
If you work for extended periods, a Bolognese dog may not be the best choice for you.
A Bolognese dog isn’t exactly social when it comes to new introductions, but it’ll soon break out of the shy shell and warm up to others.
4. Bulldog
You can easily pick out a bulldog among a million breeds. The folding head skin, pushed-in nose, tiny ears, and undershot jaw with frowning flaps are unmistakable attributes of this breed.
They typically demonstrate a well-mannered, calm, and collected behavior, however, they can also be rather playful around their owners.
It’s no secret bulldogs come off as mean or aggressive beasts, mostly because of their large size, but they’re laid back softies. This 50-pounder will happily curl at your feet any time.
Bulldogs are a good choice for apartment living. You’ll rarely hear a bark out of them. Instead, these dogs make a series of snorting and snoring sounds. Unless threatened by a stranger, barking isn’t a concern.
Bulldogs are people pleasers, so training them should be a breeze. They do like an occasional walk or romp tour, but other than that, they’re satisfied with chilling indoors.
5. Bullmastiff
Another sizeable dog, the Bullmastiff can grow as tall as 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh well over 100 pounds. It’s a popular pet choice among dog lovers, resulting from crossing a Mastiff dog and a Bulldog.
Bullmastiff dogs are the disciplined type, they’re sharp, intelligent, and strong, all qualities of top-class protectors. Their high V-shaped ears coupled with a broad muzzle, serve to create an aura of authority that you can depend on.
These dogs are normally a quiet breed. They’re silent watchers who are always aware of their surroundings. When they sense danger, they utilize barking as a means to alert their master.
Bullmastiffs are social dogs. They often greet new friends with loud yet happy barks, but other than this, there should be no problems regarding too much noise.
Bullmastiffs are usually obedient, eager to show skill and wit as long as you start them early on. Some dogs are more active than others, but in general, moderate exercise sessions are encouraged.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The lustrous, shiny, and silky coat is a signature beauty mark of this dog, covering its entire body and extending to a pair of long droopy ears. The all-round elegance is associated exclusively with this regal breed.
It comes with a price that many people gladly pay: regular brushing, grooming, and frequent baths. Their ears should be inspected weekly for any signs of infection.
They’re very adaptable to their owner’s lifestyle, behaving anywhere between full-blown athletes and fluffy balls that intend to spend their whole lives nestled on a couch, making them perfect for apartments.
Cavaliers are quite docile in nature; they keep barking to a minimum and tend to never make a fuss when meeting new people. Moreover, they usually don’t show hostility as you introduce them to unknown dogs, not even a bark in most cases.
They are curious creatures, with scenting and hunting instincts. However, they’re strongly drawn to indoor life since they were bred to be precious lap dogs which makes it perfect for apartments. Still, going on walks and being active is recommended.
7. French Bulldog
If you expect this dog to look like a Bulldog, you’d be absolutely right! They’re sort of mini bulldogs, except for their trademark ‘bat ears’. The French part refers to the cross between English Bulldogs and Parisian ratters.
A French Bulldog is muscular with heavy bones and wrinkles. As a flat-faced breed, these dogs are very likely to suffer from breathing issues. This means you should keep their exercising schedule as light as possible.
Don’t risk overwhelming them with too much effort, particularly if the weather is hot and humid.
Frenchies like staying at home, bonding with family members. They’re a quiet dog breed, no unnecessary barking whatsoever which is ideal for apartments. They do make a unique sort of sound reserved for when a special occasion arises.
French Bulldogs are good for apartment living and are affectionate, intelligent, and easy to break. They excel at obedience, agility, as well as rally games.
8. Great Dane
Great Danes are indeed great all around, from their impressive size to their favorable traits. These dogs grow as tall as 32 inches at the shoulder, beating nearly every other dog breed out there.
Danes aren’t keen on barking. They typically tend to stay calm and reserved, just as expected from class A gentlemen with wisdom etched into their features.
However, they’re high-level guardians. They’ll bark in the event of intruders’ presence, giving a deep resounding announcement that you’ll most definitely fail to miss.
Great Danes sedate behavior does prove compatible with apartment living, but don’t let it fool you when it comes to exercising. Daily brisk walks can be sufficient to satisfy their exercising needs. They even make awesome jogging partners.
Danes are easy-going pets, they’re quite sociable and friendly, known for being patient with children. Additionally, they’re low maintenance, in the sense that they require weekly brushing with a medium bristle brush.
9. Greyhound
Greyhounds are the cheetahs of the dog world. They’re built for high-speed pursuit. Their bodies are shaped like the letter ‘S’, resulting in an outstanding aerodynamic physique.
The slender dog doesn’t only make a world-class racer, it’s also a one of a kind pet. Greyhounds are gentle, friendly, and overall laid back. They often surprise people with their sweet and loving nature, which is expected due to their long history interacting with humans.
While Greyhounds cherish the time spent relaxing at home, such speed and energy have to be relieved. You may need to walk your dog a couple of times a day to quench its thirst for action.
As for barking, Greyhounds are super quiet as a dog breed making them perfect for apartments. They don’t usually bark, however, they may not be able to help themselves during playtime or around other dogs.
These dogs are on the stubborn side, smart and independent. They require proper dog training from an early stage.
10. Japanese Chin
On the aristocratic side of the spectrum, there’s no way we won’t find the Japanese Chin. Bearing a coat of long silky hair, this small and charming lap dog is an ideal roommate, especially for apartment dwellers.
Japanese Chins have big heads with tiny muzzles that serve to accent their astonished looking dark orbs.
A Japanese Chin is a sensitive and loving companion, yet somewhat independent as well. Such a personality makes for a highly amusing pet to have around, as you’re guaranteed a good time no matter what.
This royal breed has a low tendency when it comes to being vocal, so barking won’t be a problem here. However, they’re little territorial balls of energy, and you better believe they’ll let you know if a stranger is nearby.
A Japanese Chin would be happy to join you for slow walks or some backyard exploration. But you should keep it on a leash just in case they get too curious, and consequently, too stubborn.
11. Newfoundland
The striking Newfoundland is a massive, heavily-coated dog, standing as high as 28 inches and weighing up to 150 pounds.
Despite the majestic build of this giant, a Newfoundland bears a soft gentle expression, with cheerful eyes that dare you to say no.
The sweet demeanor of this breed is highly prominent, manifesting itself in the amazing affinity for kids which earned Newfoundlands their famous ‘nanny’ reputation.
Fortunately, these dogs aren’t avid barkers. They’re silent watchers most of the time unless some kind of danger is close, in which case they turn on their alert mode to save lives.
Newfoundlands are meant to live indoors, making them excellent contenders for apartments. However, you shouldn’t deny them some outdoor activities, such as pulling carts and dock jumping, to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Newfoundland dogs require thorough brushing on a weekly basis, which will become daily once shedding season arrives.
12. Pug
A Pug is an embodiment of the phrase “Good things come in small packages”, this dog may be little, but it sure is full of joy and love.
The set of huge twinkling eyes coupled with furrowed eyebrows is a killer combination that grants Pugs quite a range of human-like emotions.
A Pug a good choice for apartment living and is generally a quiet dog; in fact, you’ll find this breed particularly quiet, the only sound being their heavy breath. Even if they do bark, Pugs do it rather quietly. They give out small repeated sounds of soft yodeling.
They’re emotional dogs, with strong needs to be with their families as pack animals. When left alone for extended periods, they’ll feel unhappy, lonely, and will eventually bark their hearts out.
Being both people pleasers and sensitive, Pugs are easy to train under the condition of no harsh methods will be used.
These dogs love snuggling so much, they’re very prone to obesity. Plan moderate exercising sessions, but keep in mind the breathing difficulties of such short-faced dog breeds.
13. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Living up to their name, Rhodesian Ridgebacks proudly carry their trademark on their backs; a stripe of backward growing hair with a color darker than the rest of their coats. They were once famous for tracking down and baying lions but never killing them.
Ridgebacks are dignified, strong-willed companies. They’re rather independent and borderline domineering at times, so firm yet fair guidance is the best way to train and raise such spirits.
If you’re new to the whole dog ownership scene, the formidable Ridgeback may be too much of a handful.
A Ridgeback is one faithful, devoted friend, and will shower you with heart-warming affection once he trusts you.
These dogs are fundamentally athletic. They enjoy outings with their owners to walk or play just as much as they like sitting at home. They’re not barkers but, as watchdog law dictates, they’ll alert you to anything suspicious.
14. Shar Pei
Shar-Pei directly translates into “sand skin” in Chinese, which honestly, couldn’t be more accurate to describe its harsh golden coat.
Physically, Shar-Pei dogs are real powerhouses. They’re large, muscular, and dominant. Additionally, they’re incredibly intelligent and independent, which can very well cause serious problems if they’re not trained early on.
Other than that, Shar-Pei dogs are kind-hearted souls, loyal, and devoted to protecting their families. They’re generally serene and silent, barking only during stressful situations or play sessions.
You’ll have little grooming to do when it comes to Shar-Pei dogs as they don’t shed all year round, only at certain seasons (Spring and Fall).
As a breed, apart from being very quiet dogs, they’re very adaptable, being able to adopt a super active lifestyle or hang out in an apartment with a few walks.
15. Whippet
Last but not least, the Whippet was originally bred to be lightning-fast on the racing tracks. The inverted ‘S’ body shape, sturdy legs, and sleek figure, all contributed to the sprinter nature of this agile dog.
Whippets may unintentionally give distant or aloof vibes, but in reality, they’re big cuddly bears. They like being close to their owners, quite literally at that! They’re intelligent and funny, with a naughty side that shines through when they’re puppies.
These dogs are overall a quiet dog breed, they rarely bark, making them perfect for apartments. Whippets will bark mainly if they learned that being noisy will get them whatever they want. This means it depends on how good you train your dog.
Whippets can surely do well in an apartment. However, you’ll need to take exercising rather seriously if you want to keep your home intact.
As athletes, Whippets especially enjoy vigorous fetching games where they can channel their bursts of pursuit. They’re one of the least-maintenance requiring breeds, requiring nothing more than regular grooming and occasional baths.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a list of the most quiet apartment dogs.
Remember, just because you live in a city apartment, doesn’t mean you have to give up on a puppy-eyes best friend.
Resources
- The 15 Quietest Dog Breeds by CheatSheet
- These Are the Dog Breeds That Never Bark by Best Life Online
