Living in an apartment with a dog can be wonderful, but constant barking can quickly become a problem when you have neighbors close by. No dog is completely silent, yet some naturally tend to be quieter and less vocal than others, making them easier to live with in shared spaces.
The right breed can make a big difference, especially when combined with proper training, regular exercise, and plenty of mental stimulation. A quieter dog is not necessarily inactive or boring either.
Many low-barking dogs still have playful personalities and plenty of ways to communicate without making noise all day.
So, what should you look for when apartment living and peace and quiet both matter? We’ve rounded up seven low-barking dog breeds that can fit well into apartment life. Keep reading to discover which quiet companions might be worth considering for your home.
Low-Barking Dog Breeds Perfect for Apartment Life
1. Pekingese
With their lion-like mane and proud expression, Pekingese may look like tiny royal dogs. They were bred in ancient China to live with the royal classes and were known as “Lion Dogs.” The breed dates back around 2,000 years.
Omlet says some smaller Pekingese were called “sleeve dogs” because they could fit into the sleeves of emperors’ robes. In 1860, five Pekingese were brought to England, where the breed soon became popular.
Personality and Apartment Life
Pekingese are affectionate, loyal, and confident companions. They have an independent and stubborn side, but they also enjoy cuddles, play, and being around their people.
They can be reserved with strangers and will bark when someone comes to the door, making them good little watchdogs. However, they are not demanding when it comes to exercise and are happy playing indoors, making them well-suited to apartment living.
Care and Training
Pekingese enjoy walks and can have fun with toys at home, but they do not need strenuous activity. Their short noses make them sensitive to heat, so care is needed during warm weather.
Training takes patience because they can be strong-willed and stubborn. Early training and socialization can also help with possessiveness and interactions with children or other pets.
2. Bichon Frise
The cheerful Bichon Frise is a small companion known for its playful and affectionate nature. These friendly dogs enjoy meeting new people, spending time with their families, and getting along with children and other pets.
Their history is also quite lively. Originally a Spanish breed, Bichons have entertained royalty, travelled with sailors, appeared in paintings, and even delighted crowds at circuses.
Personality and Apartment Life
Bichons are energetic but can settle down happily after playtime. They enjoy toys, learning tricks, and showing off for their families. Once their energy is used up, they are often content to curl up on the couch or snuggle in a lap.
Their small size and adaptable nature make them well-suited to apartment living. They do bark when alerted by unfamiliar sounds, but their eagerness to please makes them easier to train to control excessive barking.
Training and Care
Bichons are intelligent, social, and generally easy to train. They enjoy being around people and may not do well when left alone for long periods. Their curly coat also needs regular care, including daily brushing, baths, and professional grooming.
Although often considered allergy-friendly because they shed less, Bichons are not completely hypoallergenic, as all dogs produce allergens.
3. Pug
With their wrinkled faces, curly tails, and big personalities, Pugs have been charming people for centuries. They originated in China around 2,000 years ago and were once favorites of Chinese emperors.
Later, they became associated with Holland’s royal House of Orange. Today, these cheerful companion dogs are loved for their playful and affectionate nature.
Personalities and Apartment Life
Pugs are friendly, loving, and happiest when they are close to their people. They enjoy cuddling, playing, and being part of everyday family life. They are usually accepting of children, strangers, and other pets.
Pugs are moderate barkers, although some can make good watchdogs, according to Britannica. Their calm side and modest exercise needs also make them well suited to apartment living.
Exercise and Care
Pugs enjoy several short walks and simple games, but they are not built for strenuous exercise. Their flat faces and narrow airways can make breathing harder, especially in hot weather, so outdoor activity should be carefully managed.
They also shed moderately and need regular brushing. Pugs can be stubborn and learn slowly, but patience and mental stimulation can help keep them engaged and prevent mischievous behavior.
4. Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is a charming companion with a distinctly cat-like personality. These ancient dogs were kept by Buddhist monks and gifted to nobility, eventually becoming familiar sights in Imperial palaces. Their exact origins remain unclear, despite the breed’s name.
Today, they are known as affectionate indoor companions with silky coats, playful personalities, and a strong love for their people.
Personalities and Apartment Life
Japanese Chins are relaxed, loving, and happiest when they are close to their families. They can be playful and friendly, but they also have an independent and sassy side.
Rather than barking constantly, some Chins are known for their unusual “singing.” Their clean habits, indoor nature, and adaptable personality make them well suited to apartment life.
Training and Care
These cat-like dogs enjoy climbing and may perch on sofas, chairs, shelves, or other high spots. They are intelligent but can be stubborn and easily bored, so short, fun training sessions work best. Praise, attention, games, and tricks can keep them interested, while harsh words may make them resist.
Japanese Chins also need regular company and may struggle without enough attention. Their silky coat is fairly easy to maintain with brushing once or twice a week and baths when needed.
5. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs, or “Frenchies,” are cheerful, affectionate companions with a playful personality. Their compact size and easygoing nature have helped make them one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S.
Despite their grumpy-looking faces, Frenchies are loving dogs that enjoy both playtime and relaxing with their families.
Personalities and Apartment Life
Frenchies are generally friendly with people, children, and other animals. They enjoy family life but do not need a lot of exercise, making them well suited to small apartments. They are also known to be generally quiet and are not big barkers, though they can still act as alert watchdogs.
Frenchies can be stubborn during training, so patience and early socialization are helpful. They also form strong bonds with their people and may suffer from separation anxiety if alone for long periods.
Care and Exercise
Their short, flat faces make Frenchies less tolerant of heat and humidity, so strenuous activity and hot weather should be avoided. Their facial folds also need regular cleaning.
French Bulldogs are poor swimmers and should never be left unattended around water. With proper care, they can enjoy a mix of gentle activity and plenty of time relaxing at home.
6. Boston Terrier
Known as the “American gentleman,” Boston Terriers originated in Boston and are easy to recognize by their smart tuxedo-style coats. These small dog breeds have big personalities.
They are lively, playful, affectionate, and love being part of whatever their families are doing. Despite their energy, they can be happy with regular, moderate exercise.
Personalities and Apartment Life
Boston Terriers are confident, social, and strongly attached to their people. They enjoy playing but are just as happy relaxing in a comfortable lap. They generally do well with children and other household pets when properly socialized.
They are also not demanding when it comes to exercise, making them suitable for apartment dwellers. Early socialization is useful, as some can be assertive with unfamiliar dogs.
Training and Care
These bright dogs are quick learners and respond well to treats, games, and encouragement. They can be stubborn and boisterous, so training should stay positive and consistent.
According to PetMD, Boston Terriers have flat faces and narrow airways, which can make breathing difficult, especially in hot weather or during long exercise sessions.
7. Bolognese
The Bolognese is a true companion dog with a long history of living closely with people. The breed dates back centuries and was treasured by Italian nobility.
These small, fluffy dogs also appeared in Renaissance-period art and are related to other Mediterranean breeds such as the Maltese, Havanese, and Bichon Frise.
Personalities and Apartment Life
Bolognese are calm, loyal, affectionate, and strongly attached to their families. They love cuddling, sitting on laps, and curling up in the softest spot they can find. They are playful with children without being overly energetic and usually get along well with cats and other dogs when introduced early.
Their easygoing nature and ability to adapt to different environments make them well suited to apartment living. However, they can bark at the door and alert their owners to anything unusual.
Training and Care
Bolognese are intelligent, quick learners, and enjoy praise and learning new tricks. Fair and consistent training is important because they can develop small dog syndrome and try to take charge.
They also dislike being separated from their loved ones and prefer having their people nearby. Their soft, wavy coat needs regular grooming to prevent mats and keep it looking its best.
Conclusion
Choosing a dog for apartment living is about more than size. The breeds mentioned above each bring their own personalities, exercise needs, and barking habits. With the right care, training, and attention, these breeds can fit comfortably into shared living spaces.
Before bringing one home, consider your daily routine, the dog’s needs, and how much time you can spend with them. A quieter apartment companion can make life easier for both you and your neighbors while still bringing plenty of affection, play, and companionship into your home.
