Apartment Dog Breeds: 6 Quiet Dog Breeds to Consider

Looking for dog breeds that won’t raise a ruckus in your apartment? Here are some of the breeds that owners report as being less “yippy” and less likely to become one of those annoying barking dogs in the distance—or in your front room. Choosing a quiet dog is a very practical way to make sure that your canine friend will fit into your apartment life. Of course, a lot of your dog’s behavior depends on training and individual temperament, but there are some breeds that tend to be silent types.

Basenji

This Egyptian dog breed actually doesn’t bark! Instead, the Basenji will sometimes make a kind of wailing noise. These dogs are a smaller breed, short-haired, and generally nice looking. They add a lot to the style of some sophisticated urban apartment spaces, and they often have a relatively good temperament.

Whippet

This smaller greyhound-type dog is often shy and quiet. The whippet is also a short-haired variety that can adapt to a range of environments, but some may not do well in crowds.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Owners of this breed report that the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is not one of your louder breeds, but this larger dog does need plenty of exercise and a bit of a larger space.

Bichon Frise

This toy dog variety is a common addition to an apartment space. In essence, the Bichon looks like a little ball of white fluff. As a smaller apartment dog, the Bichon Frise can be pretty quiet—in fact, some of these tiny dogs who are a little timid like to hide out for long periods of time, behind furniture or anywhere else that they can’t be found.

King Charles Spaniel

This specialized dog breed is also a common choice for apartment dwellers. Some experts contend that the King Charles Spaniel needs less company than your typical breed, that these dogs tend to get along well with cats, and that they don’t usually make a whole lot of noise. However, those who know spaniels know that the noise level will vary with each individual dog.

Yorkshire Terriers

Again, though some owners claim that these small dogs are one of the quieter terrier types, there’s no guarantee that your yorkie will be a contemplative zen master. Experts contrast yorkies to other terrier breeds like the energetic Jack Russell that are more likely to keep you up all night.

Think about some of these breeds if you are concerned about the level of noise that will be coming out of your living space. Those who want quiet dogs can also consider adult dog adoption from the local pound, where visitors can sometimes find dogs that are, for one reason or another, a bit more on the quiet side. Choose well, and you can be surer that you and your neighbors can stay well rested in a close-knit urban community or a large building.