15 Quietest Dog Breeds for Peaceful Apartment Living

Finding a quiet dog can make apartment living much easier, especially if you value peace and want to avoid noise complaints. Loud dogs are not always the best match for close neighbors or frequent moves.

Choosing one of the quietest dog breeds helps create a calm, happy home where you and your pet can relax together. With so many breeds out there, knowing which ones tend to be less noisy can save you stress and make life more enjoyable for everyone nearby.

1. Basenji

If you want a dog that is quiet, the Basenji is a strong option. This breed is often called the “barkless dog” because it does not bark like most dogs. Instead, the Basenji makes unique sounds such as yodels or howls. Many people choose the Basenji for apartment living because it is naturally low-noise and small in size. The breed does not bark much, which helps keep the peace in shared spaces.

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

If you want a calm and gentle dog, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a great choice for apartment living. This breed is known for its friendly personality and quiet nature. You will notice that Cavaliers usually do not bark much. They tend to welcome strangers and are not aggressive. Because of this, they rarely bark without a reason.

3. Borzoi

If you want a calm and quiet dog, the Borzoi is a good choice. This breed is known for its gentle and peaceful nature. Borzoi dogs rarely bark, which is helpful if you have close neighbors or live in an apartment. They do not make much noise, even when excited, according to breed guides and lists of quiet dog breeds.

4. Japanese Chin

If you want a small, peaceful dog for your apartment, the Japanese Chin could be a good match. This breed is known for being quiet and gentle. Their calm personalities help them fit into homes where less noise is important. These dogs do not bark much and are less likely to disturb your neighbors compared to other breeds.

5. Great Dane

If you want a calm and quiet dog, the Great Dane is a good choice. Even though they are very large, these dogs usually don’t bark much. They often prefer relaxing near you instead of being loud. Great Danes are sometimes called gentle giants and their calm nature makes them suitable for apartment living if you have enough space. They do not have high energy levels and are usually happy with a few walks each day.

You may notice that Great Danes enjoy people and want to please them. Because of this, they try not to cause problems at home or in shared spaces. Their quiet nature is mentioned by many experts and is listed among the quietest dog breeds. Some Great Danes may still bark to alert you, but this does not happen often.

6. Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are large, gentle dogs that are usually calm and quiet. Their laid-back nature makes them good pets for apartments, even though they need plenty of space to move around. You will notice that Newfoundlands rarely bark without a reason. They are known for their easygoing temperament and patience with children and adults alike.

7. Bernese Mountain Dog

If you want a dog that rarely barks, consider the Bernese Mountain Dog. This breed is known for being calm and gentle. It is a good choice if you live in an apartment and want a peaceful home. You do not have to worry much about loud or frequent barking with this breed. The Bernese Mountain Dog usually stays quiet and relaxed, even when there is activity outside.

8. French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are known for being quiet and low-key. They usually do not bark much, which makes them a popular choice for apartment living. If you value peace and don’t want to deal with a lot of noise, a French Bulldog may be a good fit. Many city dwellers like French Bulldogs because they are compact and friendly. They are especially favored for apartment living and peaceful moves. Their minimal barking and easygoing nature mean you and your neighbors can enjoy a quiet environment.

9. Bulldog

Bulldogs are known for being calm and easygoing. You will notice that they rarely bark unless there is a real reason. This makes them a good fit for apartments where noise can be a problem. If you want a peaceful atmosphere, a Bulldog might suit your lifestyle. They are often listed among the quietest dog breeds and are not likely to disturb your neighbors.

10. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a small, friendly dog that is easy to recognize by its curly white coat. This breed is known for being one of the quieter choices, making it a strong option if you want a peaceful apartment companion. You will likely notice that Bichons are cheerful and gentle. They enjoy spending time with people and get along well with children. Because of their calm nature, they usually do not bark much unless something unusual happens.

11. Scottish Deerhound

If you want a large but quiet dog, the Scottish Deerhound might be a good fit. This breed is known for being gentle and calm. It almost never barks unless there is a real reason to do so. If you want a peaceful and friendly companion, the Scottish Deerhound is worth considering. Their size might surprise visitors but their behavior will not. They bring calm and comfort to your living space.

12. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

If you want a cheerful dog that stays on the quieter side, the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a good choice. This breed is friendly and playful but does not bark much, making it a great option for apartment living. While they can alert you if someone comes to the door, you will find that Wheatens usually keep things peaceful. Instead of loud barking, these dogs are more likely to greet you with their unique “Wheaten greetin’,” which is just a happy, waggly welcome.

13. Greyhound

If you are looking for a calm and quiet dog, the Greyhound is a strong choice. These dogs are known for being gentle and quiet around the home. Many people are surprised by how little they bark. Greyhounds are very relaxed, even though they are famous for speed. They like to lounge and nap most of the day. This makes them a good match for apartments or smaller spaces. Greyhounds are also independent and easy-going. In most cases, you do not need to worry about them disturbing your neighbors.

14. Maltese

The Maltese is a small dog known for its gentle behavior and quiet nature. If you prefer a calm home, this breed is a good choice. Maltese dogs do not bark often unless they feel startled or excited. Many people pick a Maltese for apartment life due to their small size and quiet manners. They appreciate being close to you and tend to form close bonds with their owners.

15. Affenpinscher

If you want a dog that does not bark much, the Affenpinscher is a strong choice. This breed is known for its generally quiet nature and tends to make little noise with the right training. Affenpinschers are small and easy to manage in apartments. Their size makes them a good fit for living in close spaces. They are loyal and enjoy spending time with their people. You can expect them to be affectionate but not clingy.