You can still have a dog even if you live in an apartment; you just need to pick the right breed. Because of noise issues, limited room, and nearby neighbors, it is important to find a quiet, well-behaved dog that can do well in small homes. Luckily, some breeds are generally calm, don’t bark much, and are great for living in apartments.
Are you a busy worker, an older person, or a family living in an apartment in the city? These quiet dog types will bring you joy without making noise. We’ve put together this list of the 8 quietest dog types that are also good at living in small spaces. All of these dog types, from the calm Greyhound to the soft Shih Tzu, are great pets because they are both calm and friendly. Keep reading to find your perfect animal friend if you want a dog that won’t bother your neighbors.
1. Basenji
People often call the Basenji the “barkless dog” because it doesn’t bark like other types do. Instead, it sometimes makes a sound that sounds like a yodel and is called a “barroo.” If you live in an apartment building that limits noise, the Basenji is perfect for you. The Basenji is an African dog breed that is small to medium-sized and has a short, easy-to-care-for coat. They are clean and groom themselves in a way that is almost cat-like.
They also don’t have a strong dog smell. They are quiet, but they are also active and interested, so they need to be mentally and physically stimulated every day. They will be happy inside if they go for brisk walks and play. Basenjis are also known for being independent, which can be helpful for people who live in apartments and work. But because they are independent, they need regular education and training. Basenjis are loving, quiet, and stylish pets that do well in small spaces if they get the right care.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a friendly, gentle dog breed that’s great for living in an apartment. These dogs are calm, friendly, and generally quiet, especially when their social and activity needs are met. They are known for being friendly and not barking a lot. They are small enough to live in smaller homes without feeling crowded because they weigh between 13 and 18 pounds.
Cavaliers love to curl up on the couch with their owners and are usually fine with a little exercise every day, like a few short walks or a game of fetch inside. They are smart and easy to train, which makes it easier to control how they act in small spaces. They don’t do well when left alone for long periods of time because they like having people around, so they do best with owners who are home a lot. Cavaliers are great city pets because they are calm and loving.
3. French Bulldog
Because they are quiet, small, and don’t bark much, French Bulldogs, or “Frenchies,” are one of the most popular dog breeds for apartment living. They are strong, small dogs that don’t need a lot of room to be happy. They usually weigh less than 28 pounds. Frenchies are known for being calm and friendly, and they don’t bark a lot, which makes them great for people who value peace and quiet.
They don’t need a lot of exercise—a short walk every day and some time to play inside are usually enough. French Bulldogs are very loving and enjoy being with their owners, so they do best in homes where they get all the care they need. Also, their short hair makes it easy to clean them, but they don’t like it when it gets too hot or too cold. One thing to watch out for is that Frenchies can snore because their noses are so small. Other than that, they are friendly, quiet dogs that do well in apartments.
4. Shih Tzu
It is a small, quiet breed of dog that was first made to be a lapdog for Chinese royalty. They are calm and friendly, which makes them perfect for apartment life. It’s not common for Shih Tzus to be loud, so they only bark when they need to, like when they see a stranger and want to let their owners know. They are small—weighing only 9 to 16 pounds—so they can do well in small areas. These dogs are friendly and love to cuddle.
They usually get along well with people and other pets. Because of their long, thick hair, they need to be groomed often, but it can be cut shorter for ease of care. It doesn’t take much for Shih Tzus to stay healthy and happy: just a few short walks or some time to play inside. When living in an apartment or house, they are one of the best dog types because they are calm and quiet.
5. Greyhound
Greyhounds are surprisingly lazy and quiet, even though they are known for being race dogs. This makes them great city dogs. People often call these tall, beautiful dogs “couch potatoes” because they love to relax and sleep. They don’t need as much exercise as people think, even though they can run very fast. Most of the time, a few short walks and one good sprint exercise a week in a fenced area are enough.
They are quiet and gentle, and they don’t bark very often. Their short, smooth coats make them easy to clean and care for. Because these dogs are sensitive and like quiet places, they do well in apartments. Most of the time, they’re friendly with people and other dogs, and they make close bonds with their owners. An old greyhound that used to race could be a great, calm pet for your home if you have room for a big, easygoing pet.
6. Whippet
Whippets are like Greyhounds, but they are smaller and better suited to small homes. These dogs are smooth and gentle and weigh between 25 and 40 pounds. They don’t bark often and are known for being calm and quiet. Whippets are loving with their family and friendly with strangers, but they might be shy or quiet in new places. Because they have a short coat, they don’t need much cleaning and don’t smell like dogs very much.
Whippets like to run once in a while, but they’re happy with short walks every day and love to curl up on the couch for the rest of the day. Because they are calm and don’t bark much, they are great for flats, especially for people who want a quiet dog that won’t bother the neighbors. Whippets can live in any size home as long as they get enough exercise. They make great pets because they are friendly and playful without making a lot of noise or being hyperactive like some other breeds do.
7. Japanese Chin
This is the Japanese Chin. It is a cute, small dog that is usually shy and quiet. With weights between 4 and 9 pounds, they are one of the smallest and classiest toy breeds, which makes them great for flats. Chins don’t usually make a lot of noise, and they only bark to let their owners know when something is wrong. They are loving and like to be spoiled, and they do best in homes that are quiet.
Their calm but fun personalities mean they don’t need a lot of exercise. A short walk and some indoor play will keep them healthy and happy. The Japanese Chin is known for its graceful moves and elegant personality. These qualities make it a great pet for living in an apartment. Their modest grooming needs come from the fact that their soft coats need to be brushed often. Japanese chimes make any small living space feel calm and classy with their soft sounds and gentle ways.
8. Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a small, elegant dog breed that is known for being very quiet. They look like little Greyhounds and are calm and relaxed like their bigger cousins. Italian Greyhounds, which weigh about 7 to 14 pounds on average, do well in smaller homes. They are friendly and caring, and they tend to bond closely with one or two people. Because they are usually quiet and like calm places, these dogs do well in flats and condos.
Italian Greyhounds don’t need a lot of exercise. A few walks a day and some time to play inside will suffice. But they don’t like it when it’s cold, so they might need sweaters or blankets in the winter. Their fine, short coat doesn’t shed much and is easy to care for. Because they can be fragile, these dogs do best in quiet homes without young children. If you take good care of your Italian Greyhound, it will be a beautiful, loyal, and calm pet for city people.
Bottom Line
Not all dogs are loud, and many kinds do really well living in apartments. These eight dog types are the quietest on our list, making them great pets for people who live in small areas. These dogs show that peace and paws can go together because they are calm, don’t bark much, and can adapt to new situations.
You can find a quiet dog that fits your lifestyle, whether you want a small lap dog or a big, calm breed. When picking a pet, you should always think about how much time, room, and activity you can give it. This will help you and your dog be happy in your home.
FAQs
What kind of dog is best for living in an apartment?
People often say that the Basenji is the sweetest dog breed because it doesn’t bark and makes very little noise generally.
Does having a big dog make an apartment too loud?
Not all the time. Greyhounds and other big breeds are very calm and quiet, which makes them great for living in apartments.
Are quiet dogs still able to be nice and play?
Yes! Dogs that are quiet, like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Whippet, are friendly and playful without making a lot of noise.
Do calm dog types need less exercise?
A lot of quiet dogs need some light activity. Even though they aren’t energetic, they still need to go for walks and play every day.