Did you know that noise is one of the top reasons neighbors complain about dogs in their building? When you live in an apartment or on a narrow street, constant barking can turn a sweet pet into a real headache for everyone around you.
The good news is that some dogs are naturally calmer and less likely to bark for no reason. AKC studies show that unwanted barking is a major cause of stress between neighbors and a common reason pets are taken to shelters.
So, choosing a peaceful companion from the start can save you stress, awkward talks at the gate, and even landlord warnings.
In this blog, we will walk through dog types that tend to be gentle on the ears, plus simple habits that keep them relaxed, so you can enjoy a loving best friend without disturbing the people next door.
Dog Breeds That Won’t Annoy Your Neighbors
1. Basenji
If you want one of the dogs that won’t annoy your neighbors, the Basenji is hard to beat. Among quiet dog breeds, this little hound is famous as the barkless dog that makes funny yodel-like sounds instead of nonstop barking.
So, your neighbors hear the lift and the street traffic, not a loud alarm every time someone walks past your door.
Basenjis have a playful personality and sharp mind, but a calm temperament indoors when their energy needs are met. Think long walks, games, and sniffing sessions, not zoomies up and down the apartment hallway.
People living in small spaces or a busy house love that this breed tends to curl up on the couch instead of barking at other dogs all day. Of course, this dog is not a robot. Basenjis are independent hunters at heart, so they need patient owners, early socialization with other pets, and kind training.
But here’s the best part: when you keep them busy and satisfied, they rarely bark and are much more likely to watch the world in silence, like a cute little hunter on your sofa.
Quick Quiet-Living Notes
- A good choice for people living close to neighbors who still want a smart, active companion in the house.
- Suit owners and families who enjoy an active routine outside and can give this breed space to stretch those long legs.
- Better for confident owners than total beginners, because this dog likes to make its own decisions about training.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If you want a dog that won’t annoy anyone and still melt your heart, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a strong contender.
This small dog is usually calm, soft, and happy to stay close to you instead of barking at every sound in the house. They tend to save their voice for real needs, so they rarely bark just for fun.
Their playful personality comes out on walks and during games, but they are also famous couch companions. They require daily exercise and short, gentle walks, then they are ready to nap beside you while the neighbors enjoy their quiet and peaceful time.
And here’s the best part, they live for companionship, which means they watch you more than they watch other dogs or people outside.
Of course, if they feel lonely or bored, barking can show up as an attention call. Good socialization, simple training, and clear routines help this breed stay relaxed and quiet.
For families, children, and people living in an apartment, this can easily be the right dog when noise complaints are your big fear.
Cavalier Quiet-Living Notes
- Great companion for owners and families who are home often and love dogs that follow them from room to room.
- A good choice for small spaces where neighbors are close, as long as you avoid leaving this pup alone for long hours.
- Works well with other pets when socialized early, thanks to their gentle temperament and affectionate nature.
3. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is another dog that won’t annoy your neighbors when you give them what they need. This adorable little dog loves being a house companion and is happiest near the people it loves.
Most of the time, they prefer to watch the world from their lap instead of shouting at it.
They do have a playful personality, especially as puppies, and like small games and short walks. With enough attention, exercise, and mental play, this breed tends to stay calm and rarely bark. Sounds crazy, right? A small dog that is not constantly loud at the window.
They were once used as watchdogs in palaces, so they may still bark to warn you when they hear a strange sound at the door. But with patient training and good socialization, they learn when to speak and when to relax.
According to PetMD, no dog is a perfect hypoallergenic dog, yet many people say this breed feels easier to live with in a tidy apartment or small house.
Shih Tzu: Peaceful Apartment Partner
- Best dog breed for owners who want a cute lap companion more than a running partner with huge energy needs.
- Works well for people living in apartments who can offer grooming, gentle walks, and daily one-on-one time.
- Often a good match with other pets when introduced slowly, because their instinct leans more toward companionship than guarding.
4. Greyhound
If you think large dogs always mean loud dogs, the Greyhound will prove you wrong. This elegant hound is one of the quiet dog breeds, even in a shared building. Most of their time is spent resting, stretched out like a long, sleepy noodle on the couch.
They do enjoy a good sprint or walk, since they come from a strong hunting background. But after that burst of exercise, they settle down and move through the house with a calm temperament.
Here’s the good part: they generally prefer to walk away from problems instead of barking at them.
Some Greyhounds may whine or make soft sounds if left alone too long, because they form deep bonds with their owners. Good routines, gentle training, and a bit of company can keep that to a minimum.
For people living in smaller homes who still want a large breed with low barking, this dog can be the best dog you did not expect.
Greyhound: Quiet Gentle Giant Vibes
- Ideal for owners who can offer daily exercise outside but want a very quiet companion inside the house.
- A good choice for shared spaces where you need a large breed that does not have a strong herd instinct or terrier-style energy.
- Often kind with children and other dogs when properly socialized, thanks to their soft and sensitive temperament.
5. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is the funny little roommate who keeps things light without annoying the neighbors. This small dog is smart, loving, and often happy to just hang out, making it a great companion in tight spaces.
Unlike some other breeds, they tend to bark mainly when someone is at the door or really worth a warning.
They do not need long walks or a huge space, but they still require daily exercise to stay healthy. Most of the time, they prefer a chill stroll and then a nap on the couch with their favorite person, says Britannica.
And here’s the best part: not all dogs can make you laugh this much with simple faces and little sounds. You should know that French Bulldogs can snore, snort, and make odd little noises because of their face shape.
The good news is that these sounds stay inside your house and rarely bother neighbors. With kind training and steady routines, this dog breed tends to stay calm, close, and easy to manage for busy owners and families.
French Bulldog: Low-Bark, High-Charm
- Great for apartments and small rooms where there is not much room but lots of love to share.
- A good choice for people living close to others who prefer soft indoor sounds over sharp barking.
- Best with owners who can watch their health, give regular checkups, and keep up with light exercise.
6. Bulldog
The Bulldog is a classic example of a dog that won’t annoy your neighbors with endless barking. This breed is generally calm, patient, and far more interested in naps than in arguing with other dogs outside.
If anything, you will hear more snoring than barking, which your neighbors will probably never notice.
They enjoy short walks and simple exercise but are not chasing huge energy goals like some working breeds. Once they have had their little bit of movement, the couch becomes their favorite spot in the house. Exactly, they are like a living, breathing cushion with a very sweet personality.
Bulldogs can be a bit stubborn, so gentle, consistent training helps them understand basic rules. They can be very affectionate with children and families, making them a great companion when space is shared.
The main advice here is to care for their health and skin, because a comfortable Bulldog is usually a quiet Bulldog.
Bulldog: Calm Block Companion
- Ideal for owners who want companionship and calm more than big adventure walks every day.
- Works well in homes where neighbors are close and loud barking would be a big problem.
- Better for people who are ready to handle regular vet care and cleaning to keep this cute, stocky dog comfortable.
7. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a gentle giant and one of the large dogs that still fits the idea of quiet dog breeds that won’t annoy anyone. They have a very calm temperament and often move slowly and thoughtfully around the house.
When a Newfie barks, it usually means something important is happening, so they do not make noise without a reason.
This large breed needs space and steady exercise, so they often suit a house with a yard more than a tiny apartment. But even with that size, they tend to stay soft, kind, and focused on their owners and families. But wait, there’s more; their instinct is often to protect rather than to shout.
They are usually good with children and other pets when trained and socialized from a young age. Because they are so loyal, they watch, think, and then act, instead of barking at every small sound.
For people living in close communities who still dream of a big, fluffy companion, this can be the best dog breed when you respect their space and care needs.
Newfoundland: Gentle Neighbor Guardian
- Best for families who have enough room and can handle a large breed with a calm soul and steady energy.
- A good choice when you want a dog who will protect and watch without constant barking at every shadow.
- Works well in quiet neighborhoods where owners can commit to training, grooming, and regular outdoor time.
Conclusion
When you live close to others, it helps to remember that certain breeds are simply easier on the ears.
A Chihuahua, Irish Setter, or Shiba Inu might be full of charm, but they can also be more vocal or intense than the quiet dog breeds on this list.
The goal is not to avoid noise at all costs, but to choose a dog whose natural style matches your home, your neighbors, and your own peace of mind.
In the end, the “right” dog is the one whose energy, temperament, and needs you can truly support. Meet different dogs, talk honestly about barking and habits, and think about training from day one.
Do that, and you can enjoy a loving companion while keeping your house and your neighbors calm and happy.
