Let me be honest with you — I’ve lived in apartments with dogs for almost a decade of my life, and the number one complaint I heard through the walls was barking. Not stomping, not whining. Barking. Your neighbor doesn’t care if your dog is 10 pounds or 100 pounds. They care about 3 AM alarm-barking at a plastic bag blowing across the parking lot.
So if you’re looking for quiet dog breeds for apartments, you’re already asking the right question. And I’m going to give you real answers — not just a recycled list of “small dogs” that half the internet copies from each other.
I’ve personally helped friends pick apartment-friendly dogs, fostered a Greyhound in a 750-square-foot one-bedroom (yes, really), and spent way too many hours researching breed noise tendencies. Here’s what I’ve learned.
What Makes a Dog Apartment-Friendly?
Before we get into specific breeds, let’s kill some myths. Because the “best apartment dog” isn’t what most people think it is.
Noise Level and Barking Tendencies
This is the big one. A quiet dog makes apartment living work. A loud dog makes it miserable — for you and everyone sharing your walls.
Some dogs bark at every sound. Delivery truck? Bark. Footsteps in the hallway? Bark. Squirrel on the balcony railing? Twenty minutes of barking. Breeds like Beagles, Miniature Schnauzers, and Chihuahuas are notorious for this. They’re small, sure. But they are loud.
Other dogs barely make a sound unless something genuinely alarming happens. That’s what you want. A dog that can hear your neighbor’s TV through the wall without losing its mind.
I rate breeds on a 1-5 noise scale throughout this article. A 1 means nearly silent. A 5 means your landlord will be getting letters.
Size vs Energy Level (Why Size Isn’t Everything)
Here’s the myth that drives me nuts: “Small dogs are better for apartments.” No. Wrong. A hyperactive Jack Russell in a studio apartment is a disaster. A calm 70-pound Greyhound on your couch? Perfection.
Energy level matters more than size. Period. A dog that needs three hours of intense exercise daily will destroy your apartment out of boredom, regardless of whether it weighs 15 or 50 pounds. What you need is a dog with moderate-to-low indoor energy that’s happy to lounge between walks.
Size only matters if your lease has weight limits. Many complexes cap at 25, 50, or 75 pounds. Check your lease before you fall in love with a breed.
12 Quiet Dog Breeds Perfect for Apartments
I’ve ranked these by noise level and overall apartment suitability. Every breed here genuinely works in an apartment — I’m not padding the list.
Basenji
Noise Level: 1/5 | Weight: 22-24 lbs | Energy: Moderate
The Basenji is literally called the “barkless dog.” They physically can’t bark like other breeds because of their unusually shaped larynx. But — and this is important — they’re not silent. They make a sound called a yodel or a “baroo” that’s honestly kind of hilarious. It’s low, brief, and your neighbors won’t hear it through the wall.
The catch? Basenjis are independent. Stubborn, even. They’re basically cats in dog form. Training takes patience, and they’ll chew anything they can reach if they’re bored. But if you want a quiet, compact, clean dog (they groom themselves like cats too), the Basenji is hard to beat.
Not commonly breed-restricted, which is a nice bonus.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Noise Level: 1.5/5 | Weight: 13-18 lbs | Energy: Low to Moderate
If I had to pick one breed for a first-time apartment dog owner, this would be it. Cavaliers are gentle, affectionate, adaptable, and almost absurdly quiet. They’ll bark if someone knocks on the door, but that’s about it.
They’re true lap dogs. A Cavalier’s idea of a perfect day is sitting next to you on the couch while you work from home. They need a moderate daily walk — 20 to 30 minutes — and they’re good. A friend of mine has one in a downtown condo and says she sometimes forgets the dog is there. That’s how quiet they are.
One thing to know: Cavaliers are prone to heart issues (mitral valve disease). Budget for vet care and buy from a health-tested breeder. Don’t skip this step.
Greyhound
Noise Level: 1.5/5 | Weight: 60-70 lbs | Energy: Low (yes, really)
This is the breed that surprises everyone. A retired racing Greyhound in an apartment is one of the best-kept secrets in the dog world.
I fostered a 65-pound ex-racer named Duke in my apartment for three months. He slept about 18 hours a day. He’d go for a 20-minute walk, sprint in the park for maybe five minutes, then come home and collapse on his bed like he’d run a marathon. Which, to be fair, he had — in a previous life.
Greyhounds are quiet, calm, gentle, and surprisingly low-maintenance. They don’t bark much. They don’t need a yard. They need a soft bed — their bony bodies don’t do well on hard floors — and one or two walks a day.
Heads up: Some apartment complexes restrict Greyhounds because of their size. Check your lease. Also, they have a strong prey drive, so keep them leashed outdoors.
Whippet
Noise Level: 1.5/5 | Weight: 25-40 lbs | Energy: Low to Moderate
Think of a Whippet as a smaller Greyhound with the same couch-potato tendencies. They’re sometimes called “the poor man’s racehorse,” but honestly they’re the smart person’s apartment dog.
Whippets are quiet, clean, and they barely shed. They’ll sprint like crazy at the dog park for 10 minutes, then sleep for the rest of the day. They’re sensitive dogs — harsh training doesn’t work. Positive reinforcement all the way.
They’re also small enough to avoid most weight restrictions, and they’re never on breed-restriction lists. That makes them one of the most practical quiet dog breeds for apartments.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Noise Level: 2/5 | Weight: 70-115 lbs | Energy: Moderate
Okay, hear me out. Yes, they’re huge. But Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle giants with calm dispositions and surprisingly low barking tendencies. They’ll alert you if something’s wrong, but they’re not nuisance barkers.
The issue with a Berner in an apartment isn’t noise — it’s space and hair. These dogs shed constantly, and they need room to stretch out. If you’ve got a larger apartment (say, 900+ square feet) and you’re committed to daily walks and regular grooming, a Berner can work. They just need more management than a smaller breed.
Reality check: They have a short lifespan (6-8 years) and are prone to cancer. And you’ll need a pet deposit that accounts for a 100-pound animal. But temperament-wise? Top tier.
English Bulldog
Noise Level: 2/5 | Weight: 40-50 lbs | Energy: Low
English Bulldogs are built for apartment living. They’re low-energy, they hate long walks, they’d rather nap than do anything else, and they rarely bark. They snore, though. Loudly.
I’m serious about the snoring. If you’re a light sleeper, keep the Bulldog out of your bedroom. But as far as neighbor-disturbing noise goes, Bulldogs are great. They’re also compact, friendly, and good with visitors — which matters when you live somewhere with shared hallways and elevators.
The downside: Health issues. Breathing problems, skin infections, joint problems, overheating. Vet bills can be steep. They’re wonderful dogs, but go in with your eyes open about the medical reality.
Shiba Inu
Noise Level: 2.5/5 | Weight: 17-23 lbs | Energy: Moderate
The Shiba Inu is an interesting case. They don’t bark much in the traditional sense. But they have this thing called the “Shiba scream” — a high-pitched shriek they let out when they’re excited, frustrated, or just feeling dramatic. It’s startling the first time you hear it. And the tenth time.
That said, most Shibas aren’t frequent screamers. Day to day, they’re actually quiet dogs. They’re independent, clean (almost obsessively so), and compact. They do well in apartments as long as they get proper exercise — a good 45-minute walk daily.
Fair warning: Shibas are escape artists and can be dog-aggressive. They’re not great for first-time owners. But for experienced dog people who want a quiet, low-maintenance apartment companion? They’re fantastic.
Chinese Shar-Pei
Noise Level: 1.5/5 | Weight: 45-60 lbs | Energy: Low to Moderate
The Shar-Pei is one of the quietest breeds I’ve ever encountered. They’re naturally reserved and dignified — barking is basically beneath them. They’ll alert bark at genuine threats, but idle yapping? Not their style.
They’re loyal to their family but aloof with strangers, which actually works well in apartments. They won’t rush the door every time a delivery person walks by. They need moderate exercise — a daily walk and some play time — and they’re content.
Watch out for: Skin fold infections (keep those wrinkles clean and dry), eye issues, and potential dog aggression. Early socialization is non-negotiable. Some insurance companies and apartments list them as restricted breeds, so check first.
Italian Greyhound
Noise Level: 2/5 | Weight: 7-14 lbs | Energy: Moderate
The Italian Greyhound — or “Iggy” — is the tiniest of the sighthound family and a genuinely excellent apartment dog. They’re quiet, elegant, and love nothing more than burrowing under a blanket on your lap.
At under 14 pounds, they fly under every weight restriction. They barely shed. They’re affectionate without being needy. And they rarely bark.
The tricky part: They’re fragile. Literally. Their legs are thin and can break from jumping off furniture. They’re also notoriously difficult to housebreak — some owners never fully get there and use indoor pee pads permanently. Cold weather is tough for them too. If you can handle these quirks, an Iggy is a gem.
Japanese Chin
Noise Level: 1/5 | Weight: 7-11 lbs | Energy: Low
I don’t know why more people don’t talk about the Japanese Chin. This might be the single best dogs that don’t bark much for apartment dwellers. They’re tiny, almost silent, low-energy, and have this cat-like personality where they’ll perch on the back of your couch and observe the world like tiny royals.
Japanese Chins don’t need much exercise. A short daily walk and some indoor play keeps them happy. They’re good with other pets, good with adults, and they clean themselves. Seriously — they wipe their faces with their paws.
Downsides are minimal. They can be sensitive to heat, and their flat faces mean you should watch for breathing issues in summer. But for pure apartment compatibility, I’d rate the Japanese Chin a 10/10.
Bullmastiff
Noise Level: 2/5 | Weight: 100-130 lbs | Energy: Low
Another giant-breed surprise. Bullmastiffs were originally bred to silently track down poachers on English estates. That “silently” part stuck. They’re one of the quietest large breeds you’ll find.
A Bullmastiff in an apartment requires some planning. They take up space — a lot of it. You need a ground-floor unit ideally (carrying a 120-pound dog up three flights during a leg injury isn’t fun). But their actual energy level is low. They’re happy with a moderate daily walk and plenty of couch time.
Important: Bullmastiffs are on many apartment breed-restriction lists due to their size and perceived aggression. Always check your lease. They also drool significantly. If those aren’t dealbreakers, their temperament is gold.
Clumber Spaniel
Noise Level: 1.5/5 | Weight: 55-85 lbs | Energy: Low to Moderate
The Clumber Spaniel is the chill introvert of the sporting group. Where other spaniels are bouncy and vocal, Clumbers are mellow, quiet, and perfectly content with a relaxed lifestyle. They look a bit like a stocky, white-and-lemon version of a Cocker Spaniel — but with none of the neurotic energy.
They’re rare, which means your neighbors will constantly ask what breed your dog is. But they’re worth seeking out. Steady temperament, minimal barking, great with people. They shed and drool more than you’d expect, but from a noise standpoint, they’re ideal.
Training Tips to Reduce Barking in Apartments
Even quiet breeds bark sometimes. Here’s how to minimize it.
Identify the trigger first. Most apartment barking falls into three categories: alert barking (responding to sounds), demand barking (wanting attention or food), and anxiety barking (separation distress). The fix depends on the cause.
For alert barking — which is the most common in apartments — try these:
- Desensitize to hallway sounds. Play recordings of footsteps, door slams, and elevator dings at low volume while treating your dog. Gradually increase volume over weeks.
- White noise machines work. I’m not kidding. A simple fan or white noise machine near the front door drowns out hallway sounds that trigger barking. It’s a $20 fix that actually works.
- Don’t yell “quiet.” Your dog thinks you’re barking along with them. Calmly redirect instead.
For demand barking:
- Never reward it. Not with eye contact, not with “shh,” not with anything. Wait for silence, then reward. This takes patience — it’ll get worse before it gets better.
- Give your dog a job. Puzzle feeders, Kongs stuffed with frozen peanut butter, snuffle mats. A mentally tired dog doesn’t bark for entertainment.
For separation anxiety barking:
- This is the hardest one. Start with short absences (literally 30 seconds) and build up. Consider a camera so you can see what happens when you leave.
- Calming supplements (L-theanine based) help some dogs. Talk to your vet.
- In severe cases, a certified behaviorist is worth every penny. Your lease might depend on it.
Apartment Dog Checklist Before You Adopt
Run through this before you bring a dog home to your apartment:
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Does your lease allow dogs? | Some say “pets allowed” but exclude dogs or certain breeds |
| Is there a weight limit? | Common limits: 25, 50, or 75 lbs |
| Is the breed on your complex’s restricted list? | Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and sometimes Mastiffs are often restricted |
| What’s the pet deposit/monthly pet rent? | Budget $200-500 deposit + $25-75/month |
| Is there outdoor space nearby? | Dog parks, grassy areas, walking paths within 5 minutes |
| Can you commit to daily walks? | Apartment dogs don’t have yards — walks are mandatory |
| Will the dog be alone 8+ hours daily? | Most breeds struggle with this. Doggy daycare or a walker helps. |
| Do you have a vet budget? | Minimum $500-1000/year for a healthy dog. More for brachycephalic breeds. |
Don’t skip the breed restriction check. I’ve seen people adopt a dog, pay the deposit, move in, and then get told their breed isn’t allowed. It’s heartbreaking. Call your property management and get it in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the quietest dog breed for an apartment?
The Japanese Chin and the Basenji are the two quietest breeds overall. The Japanese Chin barely makes a sound and has very low exercise needs, making it ideal for small apartments. The Basenji can’t physically bark but does make a distinctive yodeling sound that’s much quieter than barking.
Can large dogs live in apartments?
Absolutely. Greyhounds, Bullmastiffs, and Bernese Mountain Dogs all do well in apartments despite their size. The key is energy level, not size. A calm 70-pound Greyhound is a better apartment dog than a hyperactive 15-pound terrier. Just make sure your lease doesn’t have a weight restriction.
How do I stop my dog from barking at neighbors in the hallway?
Desensitization training works best. Play recordings of hallway sounds at low volume while rewarding your dog for staying calm. Gradually increase the volume over 2-3 weeks. A white noise machine near your front door also helps muffle sounds that trigger alert barking. Consistency matters more than any single technique.
Are Shiba Inus quiet dogs?
Mostly, yes. Shibas don’t bark much day to day. However, they have a distinctive “Shiba scream” — a loud, high-pitched noise they make when overly excited or frustrated. It’s not frequent for most Shibas, but it’s intense when it happens. They’re best suited for experienced dog owners who understand the breed’s independent nature.
What’s the best quiet dog breed for a first-time owner?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They’re quiet, gentle, easy to train, adaptable to any living situation, and genuinely eager to please. They’re the breed I recommend most to friends getting their first dog in an apartment. Just be prepared for potential heart health issues as they age and choose a reputable breeder who does cardiac testing.
Do low noise dog breeds still need exercise?
Every dog needs exercise — there’s no getting around it. But the breeds on this list generally need less than high-energy working dogs. Most do well with 20-45 minutes of daily walking plus some indoor play. The important thing is mental stimulation too. A bored quiet dog can become a noisy one fast.
Finding the right quiet dog breed for your apartment isn’t just about keeping the peace with your neighbors — though that matters a lot. It’s about setting your dog up for success in a space without a yard, with shared walls, and with all the stimulation that comes with apartment living. Pick a breed that matches your energy, your space, and your lifestyle. And if you’re on the fence between two breeds, go with the calmer one. You’ll thank yourself every time you walk past your neighbor in the hallway without an awkward apology.
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