7 Dog Breeds for a Quiet Home and Happy Neighbors

You must have heard this cliche adage, home is where the heart is. But as cliché as it might sound, it is still the truth. For all of us, our homes are the ultimate place for peace and comfort, a place sacred whose doors we only open to the people who mean the most to us.

Although built with lifeless cement or steel, this place of shelter holds so much importance in our lives, as when the days get cold and nights get chilly, our homes protect us from being exposed to the fate nature has chosen for us. Rather, it shields us from the unbecoming.

But wait, you must be thinking, why are we indulging ourselves so much on this subject? The reason is that everybody in this world wants their homes to remain their safe space, peaceful, quiet, and filled with joy.

Hey, we see you, and this particular piece is just for you. Now you won’t have to go through the trouble of background checks like a secret agent for evaluating if a new member, Ahem!! a new four-legged member is the right dog to add to your cozy cabin, condo, apartment, or row house down the lane, in Bronxville or Hartsdale.

Dog Breeds for a Quiet Home and Happy Neighbors

1. Newfoundland 

Newfoundland

As calm as Lake Tahoe and almost as big as Denali, this Canadian breed has an imposing presence but not a very loud or chatty personality. It is steady and grounded, not to mention sweet. Newfoundlands are notoriously known as gentle giants that rarely bark and remain typically quiet.

Hence, if you have your eyes set on getting a cute, docile, and loving dog with the added benefit of a calm and composed persona, get one of these ideally intelligent, quite resourceful, and versatile fellas who can also be called polymaths.

Newfoundland Profile

Hill’s Pet US says ideal retrievers and fishermen assistants, these tolerant and trustworthy Newfies were used for rescuing men overboard in the icy waters of the Atlantic, and now stand as the best dogs for young children and families due to their affinity towards kids.

Newfies are one of the quieter breeds that can work well for apartment residents and can also serve as effective watchdogs due to their alert nature and as nanny dogs due to their playful and kind temperament.

2. Great Pyrenees

Great Pyrenees

If your kids are constantly bugging you to get them a teddy bear, get them this calm, composed, and cuddly giant teddy bear of a dog instead. Yes, you heard that right, even despite their role as livestock guard dogs, these Pyrenean Mountain Dogs, or the Great Pyrenees, tend to have a watchful, vigilant yet self-assured, laid-back demeanor.

Not to mention these pups bark less than their other counterparts and prefer to protect their families and flocks in silence. Quite surprising for a dog that is originally bred to deter and deflect sheep-stealing wolves and grizzlies in the icy mountain peaks.

Great Pyrenees Profile

But these guard dogs walk with grace, purpose in a Zen-like manner, don’t use their precious energy or echoing voice unless it’s needed. And have this strong affinity and affection towards their people, especially kids.

You won’t believe it, but these silent champs are one of the most loyal and affectionate breeds out there. They lean on their owners to show love and are up and ready to protect their people way before danger strikes.

P.S. Make sure to take these mountain dogs on daily walks and train them with positive reinforcement to bring the best out of these pooches.

3. Pekingese

Pekingese

This prized dog of Chinese royalty is a small dog with a cuddly, fluffy marshmallow-like appearance. They are not star athletes, nor are they known for their work or long hours of activity. But they are generally quiet dogs with a long, flowing coat, shorter muzzle, and a sedentary lifestyle.

These Pekes don’t need a lot of exercise or a lot of grooming if you keep their long coats clipped into a shorter, more manageable look, which makes them an incredibly easy-going breed, ideal for small homeowners and apartment dwellers in the city.

Pekingese Profile

But beware, Orvis says these floofy yet slightly haughty Pekes are not particularly fond of young children. Hence, they won’t be a great choice for families.

Moreover, due to their low-to-the-ground build and flat faces, Pekes are prone to overheating and shouldn’t indulge in certain activities that are overexerting for them, like swimming or running, which can even cause them back injuries.

P.S. When the sun comes up in the warmer months and the temperature rises, make sure that you keep your Pekingese indoors in shade and don’t take them on a stroll when it’s too hot outside.

4. Basset Hound

Basset Hound

The patient, loyal and low-key investigator, will mostly be found with their nose almost buried in the ground, devoting their energy and time to the great adventure of discovery. But hey, these sniffer dogs are present on this list due to their low-energy aura.

If you are someone who loves slow mornings, gentle strolls in nature, and has the habit of stopping to smell the wildflowers and roses on your path. This droopy-eyed and floppy-eared pup is your soul mate.

Basset Hound Profile

It loves to follow a scent to its heart’s content and has these strong yet short stubby legs that give it a slow walking pace.

Bassets don’t necessarily express a lot of love for their humans and are reserved, strong-headed, and a tad bit stubborn. But fortunately, these alert doggies that are true-born hunting dogs are not loud or boisterous, they don’t bark a lot, and are more keenly interested in the chase rather than being noisy.

5. Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard

The superpowers of this mountain rescue dog are quickly turning strangers into friends, protecting and saving stranded alpine travelers, and being a relief and respite to sad and stressed folks all around the globe.

These pups, despite having an extremely challenging job, aren’t boisterous, overly energetic, or hyperactive. They are surprisingly patient, peaceful, and gentle, a perfect combination for a sorted, quiet home.

Just make sure you have proper air conditioning on in the summer months to keep this ideal winter breed comfortable. (or they’ll just melt and wither like Olaf, hence a high-power A.C. is a necessity for a home with a saint)

Saint Bernard Profile

This mellow, outgoing sidekick is built like a Hulk, humongous and powerful. But has the temperament of a sleek, stealthy vigilante. Saint Bernards are calm and collected dogs who love to relax indoors in silence.

And if they get their physical and emotional needs met, they make great, well-balanced companions, emotional support animals, and therapy dogs.

6. Pug

Pug

All that this smushed-faced pup wants is to love and be loved. Meet the most popular calm dog breed on the planet. Small yet sturdy and muscular yet extremely snuggly, this cute companion of Chinese emperors is a mysterious and intriguing fella.

With an easygoing yet mischievous side, a humble, down-to-earth soul, yet a quick-witted and clever, sneaky streak. This couch potato loves long naps, hugs, and cuddles, but also likes soaking up all the attention it gets by being in the limelight.

Pug Profile

Quite used to lavishness and luxury, these pups do demand panache and pampering like a detailed spa session in the salon and some adorable outfits for looking dapper. But hey, these pups have a proven track record of not being excessive, but rather mellow, well-adjusted, and easy-going.

P.S. The only noise you are ever going to hear from them is their snores and snorts rather than growls and barks. Hence, you could say that these wrinkled citizens are not a potential threat to your neighborhood or the environment because they ain’t gonna make some noise.

7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was born and bred to live among royalty, attending balls and accompanying their master’s on their important trips across kingdoms.

Hence, if you are looking for a sophisticated, graceful, and elegant puppy who has a unique taste for classical tunes just like you, an exclusive palette for the food the dog eats, and a great bedside manner, then look no further than this doe-eyed, sensitive, and emotionally intelligent companion.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Profile

Due to days spent hobnobbing with Kings and their subjects, this Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has learned every detail and intricacy of etiquette and manner. It is a gentle lap dog who loves to walk in the footsteps of its owner and is uniquely renowned for mirroring and adopting its owner’s lifestyle and routine.

PetMD notes that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the best quiet dog breed for apartment dwellers and small homeowners who need less mental stimulation, exercise, and grooming than other dogs. It is well-suited for a place where neighbors constantly complain about the noise coming out of your apartment.

Conclusion

So, this was all we had to say about the quiet dog breeds, but if you are interested in knowing more about these adorable dogs or are still on the search for a quieter, more laid-back breed, then you can research Basenjis and Shiba Inus, aka the barkless dogs.

Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Bernese Mountain Dogs, French Bulldog (Frenchies), Greyhounds, Scottish Deerhounds, and many other pooches known for their low energy, low maintenance, and low-key personalities.

Also, if you are thinking there is a dog on this planet that doesn’t make a sound, then you are wrong, because even the barkless dogs are known for howling or making a yodeling sound rather than the cliche gruff and woofs.

Even the most laid-back breeds sometimes show short bursts of high energy called the zoomies. Hence, these four-legged pets are still going to need a lot of exercise, play, and training to be on their best behavior.

Trevor Pine
Trevor is a devoted dog lover and experienced writer with a strong background in hands-on shelter work. Over the years, he has spent countless hours caring for rescue dogs, making sure they receive not just proper attention but the kindness and patience they deserve. Working closely with a dedicated team, Trevor focuses on helping each dog heal and adjust, giving them the best chance at a happy, healthy life. He’s a strong believer in ethical adoption and is passionate about connecting shelter dogs with families who will truly value them.