Great Apartment Dogs That Bark The Least

These squishy-faced dogs are beloved the world over, thanks to their affable nature and love of naps. If you're looking for a non-barking dog that's happy to sit around an apartment, this is the breed for you.

In fact, pugs typically only bark if they're feeling threatened or starving. Instead of barking in play, the pug will snort and snuffle encouragingly. Be careful not to overfeed these little couch potatoes, however, as this can cause problems with their joints and breathing.

For the gentle and excitable Pug, perfect for apartment living, the PetSafe Gentle Leader No-Pull Dog Headcollar ensures stress-free walks, preventing pulling and enhancing your training sessions with comfort and control.

On the opposite end of the spectrum to the pug is the gentle giant known as a Great Dane. As you can imagine, at their size they very rarely feel the need to prove their dominance, which means that they are seldom disposed to bark.

In spite of their enormous size, Danes don't require a considerable amount of exercise and are quite low-maintenance and loving dogs.

For the powerful yet quiet Great Dane, the ShawnCo Essential Dog Harness offers the perfect combination of support and comfort.

Originally used for hunting lions, Basenjis are athletic, intelligent dogs. Due to it's uniquely shaped larynx, the Basenji is physically incapable of barking. Instead, when they need to raise an alarm, they make a distinctive 'barooo' sound.

These dogs are great if you have the time and energy to exercise them. They're little athletic dogs who love to learn and are very loyal to their owners.

Equip your Basenji, known for its quiet nature, with a Heavy Duty Dog Leash that provides durability and control for all your urban adventures.

Italian Greyhounds are the smallest sight-hounds in the world and enjoy a calm and docile living arrangement. They are naturally very quiet dogs, and with their delicate features and sensitive nature, prefer to be in a quiet space.

Naturally disinterested in barking, you'll find that these beautiful dogs much prefer to keep calm, and are becoming a rapidly more popular breed of pet.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are small and loyal, playful little dogs. They tend to bond very strongly with their owners, and can sometimes suffer from separation anxiety. They're quite low-key when it comes to their exercise needs, although they are quick to learn tricks if plenty of treats are employed.

It's important to keep up with a Cavalier King Charles' grooming, and like pugs, if you're not careful with feeding, they tend to get a little chunky.

Like Great Danes, the Scottish Deerhound was bred to be hunting dogs which means they're inclined to run silently. Friendly and loyal, these big dogs bond very strongly with their owners and will do almost anything to please them.

When it comes to exercise, a deerhound does require quite a large amount of space to run, so if you live in an apartment, it would be best to take them to a large park or into the countryside. Due to their hunting instincts, they're not the best in houses where there might be cats or smaller animals.

With their chunky bodies and easygoing demeanor, the English Bulldog is a quintessential couch potato. Barking is typically just too much work for these dogs, who in general would like to lounge around, cuddle, and enjoy some treats.

Steady going, and even-tempered, these lovely dogs don't care to spend too long engaging in exercise, and would much rather relax at home.

More high energy than some dogs, the Miniature Pinscher is a quiet, bouncy dog who is happy to exercise out of the house and then spend their time napping. This means that they're much less inclined to spend their time shouting at shadows.

They also have a reputation for being excellent with children, as well as bonding very closely with their family.

These playful dogs are often mistaken for French bulldogs but are a little less chunky. With a mischievous nature, they can be a little stubborn, but in general, don't care to shout very much.

They enjoy short walks, but inside are happy to dedicate their time to napping, sleeping, and resting themselves, making them ideal indoor companions.

While Shih Tzu's have a misplaced reputation for being 'yappy' dogs, the truth is that they're quite mellow little dogs that just require a steady hand in training.

These are decidedly indoor dogs, and will pretty much get all the exercise they need following you around and licking up scraps. They do take some maintenance, as their lovely long hair takes daily grooming.

With their white furry coats and cheerful dispositions, your average Bichon Frise is a joy to own. These petite dogs are perfect for apartment living—they don’t take up too much space, yet they have plenty of character. They come with hypoallergenic coats, so you don’t need to worry about startling your guests who can’t tolerate dog fur.

If you own a Bichon Frise, you’ll also find they’re highly intelligent and easy to train. While they’re not barkers by nature, they might make their presence known if you try to take their food.

When you’re searching for an energetic apartment dog, a Basque shepherd dog is perfect for you. These beauties stem from the Basque region of France and Spain, where they were lauded as highly intelligent herding experts. Although they have a herding past, they still make excellent apartment dogs.

The Basque's love for training means they’re less likely to bark for attention. However, remember they’ll require plenty of walking to remain happy in an apartment.

With a need for speed and an ability to reach 35 miles per hour, whippets don’t sound like apartment dogs at first. However, despite their ability to move quickly, they have a calm and even temperament that allows them to segue nicely into apartment living.

As dogs that are easy to care for, they’ll work well if you’ve never owned a dog before. Whippets aren’t usually vocal dogs, but they do bark when they want attention.

Searching for an apartment dog that’s a little different? Consider a Chinese crested. In their hairless form, Chinese cresteds have smooth bodies with tufts of hair on their head, feet, and tail. Alternatively, you can opt for their hairier variety, which has long and silky hair.

Regardless of which one you choose, this breed is known to be low-maintenance. They don’t bark often and are ideal entry-level dogs if you have a small living space.

Also known as the Japanese spaniel, Japanese chins are equal parts elegant and quirky in their appearance. Their long and lustrous coats come in a variety of colors, including red and white. Japanese chins are fairly flexible when it comes to their activity levels. Although they love to play, they’re also content to lounge with their owners.

Thanks to their malleable nature, they suit most apartment living arrangements. Japanese chins may bark more when anxious but generally don't make much noise.

Brussels griffons are perfectly petite. They weigh between eight and 10 lbs, making them ideal lap dogs when you need an affectionate companion. Their bark is more of a yap, less shocking than a larger dog’s. One of their cutest features is their short and wiry hair—it has a distinctive appearance but requires a lot of brushing to prevent knots.

French bulldogs—also known as Frenchies—have a distinctively squashed face. As one of their most attractive characteristics, it also makes them perfect for apartment living, as a Frenchie’s short skull means it’s prone to breathing problems in hot conditions, so you won’t want it running around outside a lot.

French bulldogs tend to bark at their owner when they want attention rather than barking for the sake of it. As such, they’re unlikely to yap continuously throughout the day.

Havanese shivas can thrive even in super small apartments as the ultimate compact dogs. They don’t shed excessively, which means you won’t need to buy lint rollers to keep your home clean continuously. As far as barking goes, they keep their noise to a minimum but may need some training.

Fortunately, Havanese shivas tend to still bark when something is amiss, making them excellent alert dogs.

West Highland white terriers originate from Scotland, where they first entered the breeding world in the 19th century. Today, they're a great pick for apartment dwellers seeking a content and delightful canine companion.

West Highland terriers typically bark when they want something, but they’ll usually avoid doing so needlessly. They’re also wonderfully energetic, so you’ll have a playful companion to spend time with.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback, with its hallmark ridge of hair along its back, is a paragon of quiet strength. Originally bred to track lions, this breed's reserved barking is reflective of its confident nature. They are selective communicators, making them ideal for those who prefer a less vocal canine companion. Their dignified presence is matched by a calm demeanor, perfect for a peaceful home environment.

With a luxurious red coat and an amiable personality, the Irish Setter is a breed that combines good looks with a quiet nature. They are sociable dogs that bark sparingly, preferring to express their friendly nature through playful antics. Ideal for families, they bring joy and vivacity to any home without the disruption of frequent barking.

The Shar Pei is an ancient breed known for its deep wrinkles and unique appearance. Valuing silence, they rarely bark without cause, embodying an independent spirit. This breed's calm and observant nature makes it a suitable pet for apartment dwellers seeking a low-key companion.

The Newfoundland is a true gentle giant, known for its massive size and equally large heart. They rarely feel the need to bark, instead exuding a quiet and sweet nature. Their benevolent presence makes them a beloved addition to families, especially those with children.

The Afghan Hound is the epitome of canine elegance, boasting a distinctive silky coat and a noble stance. This breed is not just a visual delight but also a bastion of serenity, seldom resorting to barking. They are the perfect choice for those seeking a dignified and peaceful dog.

The Coton de Tulear, with its soft, cotton-like coat, is a small breed with a big heart. They may alert their owners with a bark when necessary but are generally quiet companions. Their cheerful disposition and quietude make them ideal for serene living spaces.

Dalmatians are renowned for their spotted coats and historical role as carriage dogs. They are alert and active yet surprisingly quiet, rarely using their bark. This breed is well-suited to families who can provide ample exercise and enjoy a peaceful home.

Bulldogs are beloved for their gentle disposition and characteristic facial expressions. They embody a relaxed lifestyle and are not inclined to bark, making them perfect for laid-back owners. Their calm presence is a comforting addition to any home.

The Australian Shepherd is a smart, vivacious breed with a penchant for quietness. They are energetic and require engagement but are not prone to needless barking. With the right balance of activity and training, they make for an ideal, low-noise pet.

The Shih Tzu is a royal breed, historically favored by Chinese nobility. These dogs are quiet and affectionate, preferring to cuddle in silence rather than bark. Their calm and loving nature makes them excellent pets for those seeking a tranquil companion.