Apartment living comes with plenty of perks, but shared walls and close neighbors sometimes raise little issues like NOISE.
So you can’t really keep a dog that barks A LOT unless you have a soundproof apartment or don’t really mind neighbors complaining. And if this is not the case, then you should go for low-barking dogs.
They don’t bark at every hallway sound or strain your relationship with neighbors. They are just quiet dog breeds and let you enjoy all the love, warmth, and fun of pet ownership so you won’t be compromising on ANYTHING.
We have shared the ten quietest dog breeds that you can keep in your apartment without worrying about noise. We will also discuss their temperament, exercise, and training needs because you probably want to know before making a choice.
Top Low‑Barking Dog Breeds for Peaceful Apartment Life
1. Basenji
Basenjis are barkless dogs and do not produce a typical canine bark due to their shallow shape of larynx. But these smart dogs have a unique barking style. They make a quiet sound, which is often called the ‘Basenji Yodel’ as per PetMD.
So these small to medium-sized dogs are not likely to disturb your neighbors with their bark. They are independent, poised, and cat-like in demeanor. They are affectionate and loyal with their inner circle and observe the people they don’t know.
These are energetic breeds and require 45-60 minutes of activity. They possess a strong and stubborn nature, so they do best with people having some experience. Plus, Basenjis have a low-maintenance short coat.
2. Chinese Crested
Chinese Cresteds are naturally peaceful and quiet dog breeds. They are soft-spoken apartment companions that rarely bark at thin walls or street sounds. These small dogs are affectionate, gentle, and deeply devoted.
They possess an easygoing and sensitive nature. Chinese Cresteds were originally bred to be companions for royalty, so that’s why they are well suited for apartment life. These little dogs demand 20-30 minutes of daily activity.
They are highly trainable and do well with first-time owners. Cresteds have hairless and powderpuff varieties. The hairless one requires moisturizing and sun protection, while the powderpuff pups need regular brushing, though they both don’t shed.
3. Pug
Pugs are quiet dogs and only bark to alert you if something serious comes up. They are happy to snore and lounge all day, which makes them best for apartment dwellers and busy people.
However, they are charming, affectionate, and famously easygoing. Pugs have a gentle, patient, and cheerful nature as they were also bred to be lap dogs. These compact dogs have low energy levels and enjoy 20-30 minutes of walks.
These are lazy pups and learn slowly. But they are highly trainable if you are patient, and that’s the reason they do well with first-time owners. Pugs have a short coat that sheds heavily throughout the year and require brushing 2-3 times a week.
4. Japanese Chin
Japanese Chins are graceful, calm, and charming companions with a cat-like nature. They carry a sweet nature and rarely bark, which makes them perfect for apartment living. These small dogs express themselves in a melodic sound called ‘Chin chatter’.
However, they were bred as pampered lapdogs and require minimal exercise of around 20 minutes. They enjoy light walking and some indoor playtime for mental stimulation. Japanese Chins are highly trainable and intelligent.
They respond well to positive reinforcement and gentle corrections. These dogs also have a single silky coat with light feathering that does not mat easily but requires quick weekly brushing to keep their fur clean, though they shed moderately.
5. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are nicknamed ‘American Gentlemen’ as per the AKC and are known for their polite and quiet nature. They rarely bark at people passing in hallways and prefer to watch their surroundings with mild curiosity rather than voicing alarms.
These little dogs are friendly, intelligent, and highly adaptable. They form deep bonds with their families and were bred for pit fighting first. Boston Terriers have moderate energy levels and require 30-45 minutes of daily exercise.
These Terriers are naturally eager to please and highly intelligent. They respond well to praise, treats, and positive training sessions. In addition, they have a short coat that sheds moderately and require weekly brushing.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle, quiet, and soft-spoken dogs that rarely bark and greet people with a wagging tail rather than vocal alarm. These are the largest among all toy breeds, as Hill’s Pet shared, and carry a happy personality.
These small dogs were originally bred as lap dogs and don’t have herding or hunting instincts. They adjust well to smaller spaces and make perfect pets for apartment dwellers. Cavaliers are eager to please and intelligent.
So they do well with first-time owners and seniors. These little dogs have a medium-length coat with beautiful feathering that does shed. They require brushing 3-4 times a week to prevent mats and tangles, along with regular ear cleanings.
7. English Toy Spaniel
English Toy Spaniels are quiet, gentle, and soft-spoken dogs. They are reserved around people they don’t know about and instantly affectionate with their owners. These toy breeds were bred as lapdogs for companionship and comfort.
However, they have a moderately active lifestyle and require roughly 20-30 minutes of casual walks or light indoor activity for mental stimulation. These Spaniels are ideal for first-time owners and seniors due to their calm demeanor.
These toy breeds have long feathering on the ears, chest, and legs. They need regular brushing to prevent tangles as their coat sheds moderately. They have a flat face, so regular cleaning of folds is also important.
8. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are among the most popular small dog breeds in the U.S. and are famously quiet indoor companions that rarely bark without reason. They express themselves with soft snorts, grunts, and happy snores.
However, they are playful, affectionate and irresistibly charming breeds. They possess an easygoing, patient, and sweet nature that makes them wonderful family pets. French Bulldogs were bred for companionship and require 20-30 minutes of exercise.
In addition, these are flat-faced dogs, so they are prone to overheating. Therefore, workouts should be kept brief and indoors during warm weather. They have average shedding short coat and well suited for apartment dwellers.
9. Pekingese
Pekingese are calm, self-contained dogs that rarely bark without reason. They are generally indifferent to everyday apartment sounds and prefer to observe surroundings in peace. Pekes are loyal and affectionate pups.
They love people of all ages equally, as Pedigree mentioned, and form deep loving bonds with their owners. They were bred to be lap dogs and have a laid-back personality. These small dogs require around 30 minutes of casual, low-key walks or short indoor strolls.
They are proud, strong-willed, and respond best to gentle, treat-rewarded, and positive reinforcement rather than strict commands. Pekes are best for patient first- time owners and experienced pet parents.
10. Bolognese
Bolognese are serene, affectionate, and deeply loyal dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. They possess an easygoing and sweet disposition. However, these are alert watchdogs and only bark when necessary.
They are also calm, gentle, and quiet, so they are not prone to excessive barking. Bolognese are famous for their pure white fluffy coat. They have very modest exercise needs and require around 20-30 minutes of light activity for mental stimulation.
These white dogs are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes training a lot easier. Make sure to focus on early socialization and proper training also. Their coat does not shed hair but requires frequent brushing with a slicker brush to prevent mats and keep the coat clean.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned ten dog breeds are all low-barking. Some of them barely bark like Basenjis while there are also the ones that bark only to alert you. All of these dogs make good companions for apartment life due to their low barking and low to moderate energy levels.
In addition, they differ a lot in their personality, exercise, and the type of owner they need, so read the details.
