Tired of neighbors complaining about barking? Or maybe you just want peaceful nights without being jolted awake by your dog’s loud bark. Many people who live in apartments, or have close neighbors, need calm and quiet dogs.

Loud breeds can bring stress to families, roomies, or anyone wanting a bit of calm after a busy day.

Did you know some small dog breeds are famous for being quiet? Not all tiny pups yap at every leaf that blows by. In fact, there are small quiet dog breeds that stay mellow indoors and rarely bark unless needed.

This guide will walk through the top 12 best small breeds for peaceful living. You’ll learn which breed suits your life, your family, and even your sleep! Ready to meet these gentle companions? Keep reading!

Key Takeaways

• Many small dog breeds, like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and French Bulldog, are calm and rarely bark.
• Some breeds, such as the Basenji (the “barkless dog”), may yodel or whine instead of barking.
• Quiet dogs like the Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise, and Havanese fit well in apartments because they do not disturb neighbors.
• Breeds including Italian Greyhound and Boston Terrier need only simple grooming and offer friendly company without noise.
• The article suggests checking sources like the American Kennel Club or a local vet for more tips on care and training.

The 12 Best Small Quiet Dog Breeds for Peaceful Living

1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Soft ears, big round eyes, total lap lovers. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel wins hearts fast with its gentle and affectionate nature. This small dog breed fits right in for apartment living because they stay calm and quiet indoors.

Many people say these spaniels are the best small dogs for peaceful homes.

My own spaniel rarely barked unless he really needed something—like dinner or a quick potty trip outside. Cavaliers want to stick close to their owners, offering cuddles and warmth instead of loud barks.

Easy-going energy makes them top picks for families with kids or even older adults looking for a steady, quiet companion. You get all the cute without any ear-splitting noise!

2. French Bulldog

Moving from the gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, now let’s talk about French Bulldogs. This small dog breed rules as a calm and quiet companion. People love their squishy faces and giant bat ears—nobody can resist that charm.

These dogs rarely bark without reason. So, you won’t hear them making noise just for fun.

French Bulldogs fit apartment living like a glove. They’re laid-back but still playful with kids or adults alike. A short coat means less grooming stress for any dog owner who isn’t keen on daily brushing sprees.

Many say this bulldog is one of the best quiet dog breeds around—great news if you share walls with neighbors or value peace at home! Small in size, big in affection: these little dogs cuddle up fast and become part of the family before you know it.

3. Basenji

Basenjis are called the “barkless dog” for good reason. They don’t bark like other breeds but may yodel or whine, which sounds funny and cute. This small dog breed stands about 16 inches tall and usually weighs under 25 pounds.

My neighbor owned a Basenji—quietest pup on the block, except for his odd humming when excited by squirrels.

Their short coat does not shed much, so less mess ends up on your couch. The Basenji is one of those calm dogs that seem almost cat-like in their habits; they groom themselves often and stay pretty clean.

If you’re looking for quiet companion dogs that rarely bark, this breed checks all the boxes for peaceful living in an apartment or condo. Their energy levels fit active families who like walks but need a calm and relaxed home life too.

4. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu dogs act like royalty, but they love to lounge in your lap as much as a king loves his throne. This small dog breed may look fancy with its flowing hair, but it’s one of the calmest and quietest companion dogs you’ll meet.

Shih tzus rarely bark without reason—you can trust them not to set off a loud bark every time someone walks past your door.

I’ve lived with a shih tzu for five years in my apartment, and let me tell you, these tiny dogs fit city life well. They are gentle and affectionate, perfect for families or anyone needing a quiet companion.

Grooming needs run high because of their long coat—be ready to brush almost every day if you want that signature soft fur! Most shih tzus enjoy short playtimes then nap beside you on the couch.

If you’re looking for breeds that rarely bark and stay pretty calm indoors, consider this little lion-hearted friend.

5. Bichon Frise

Soft, white fur makes the bichon frise look like a fluffy cloud you could hold in your hands. This small dog breed ranks high among companion dogs for peaceful homes. Bichons are gentle and affectionate.

They work well for families who want playful but quiet dogs that don’t bark much. Many people say their bichon acts more like a calm lapdog than an alarm bell.

This little dog stays happy indoors and fits apartment living with ease. Don’t expect loud bark outbursts; these dogs tend to bark only when something odd happens. Their curly coat does need regular brushing, so keep a trusty comb handy to groom them weekly or risk tangles galore.

For anyone looking for one of the best small breeds that rarely bark, the bichon frise is sure to bring smiles without noise.

6. Japanese Chin

Moving from the lively bichon frise, the Japanese chin brings a quiet grace to any space. This small dog breed weighs only 4 to 9 pounds and often feels more like a cat than a typical pup.

I once watched my neighbor’s Japanese chin sleep soundly through a thunderstorm—didn’t bark or flinch, just kept snoozing. These gentle dogs tend to bark less than other breeds, which makes them one of the best quiet dog breeds for apartment living.

A calm demeanor fits this breed perfectly; they act reserved but love sitting on laps or perching by windowsills like curious cats. Their long silky coat needs regular brushing to keep it neat, though you won’t find piles of fur everywhere since shedding is moderate at most.

Families who want little noise will enjoy how this companion rarely barks without good reason—it tends to be one of those dogs that don’t bark much unless something strange happens nearby.

7. Coton de Tulear

Soft, white fur makes the Coton de Tulear look like a walking cloud. This small dog breed is calm and gentle, and most people say they barely bark at all. With their playful spirit, Cotons win hearts fast but don’t fill your home with noise.

They come from Madagascar, where folks treasured them as quiet companion dogs.

People looking for quiet dog breeds that fit well in an apartment often choose this little dog. The Coton is friendly, affectionate, and sticks by your side like glue, making it a top pick for families or older adults wanting peace and company together.

Unlike some terriers or hunting dogs who may bark more often, Cotons tend to bark less and stay generally calm indoors. Their energy levels suit both active playtime and lazy afternoons on the couch—perfect for anyone after one of the best small dogs that don’t bark much.

8. Affenpinscher

Leaving fluffy Coton de Tulear behind, let’s peek at the Affenpinscher. This small dog breed is often called the “monkey terrier” because of its scruffy face and lively eyes.

Don’t let that serious stare fool you—Affenpinschers love to clown around at home but stay calm and quiet indoors. They stand just about 9-11 inches tall, making them one of the best small dogs for apartment living.

People think most terriers bark a lot, but this little dog proves them wrong. Affenpinschers tend to bark when necessary, not every time someone passes your front door. I once watched an older Affenpinscher sit by my feet through loud thunder without even a peep—true story! Their short coat doesn’t shed much, so grooming takes little time each week.

Looking for a companion that’s affectionate without being clingy? The Affenpinscher wants playtime but also enjoys peaceful naps in your lap. Families with other pets or children often find these gentle dogs fit right into their daily life.

9. Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhounds weigh about 7 to 14 pounds and usually stand just under 15 inches tall. These little dogs look like the Italian version of a greyhound, skinny legs and all, but in miniature.

They bark less than many other small breeds, making them one of the best quiet dog breeds for apartment living. Most days, they act calm and relaxed indoors—unless a squirrel shows up outside.

The breed loves gentle play but also spends hours curled up on soft blankets—a true couch potato at heart. Their short coat needs only light brushing, so grooming is quick work compared to fluffier small dog breeds like bichon frise or shih tzu.

Italian Greyhounds get along well with older kids and adults who respect their tiny size. If you’re looking for a companion that brings style without much noise, this gentle hound checks all the boxes for peaceful living.

10. Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers have a gentle and affectionate spirit. Small but sturdy, these terrier breeds fit well in families or for someone living in an apartment. They bark when necessary, but don’t bark much just to make noise.

Many dog owners love this breed because of their polite manners indoors.

These quiet companions often get called “the American Gentleman” for good reason—they can be pretty calm and relaxed inside the home. With their short coat and big round eyes, Boston Terriers need only simple grooming.

Their playful energy mixes with a laid-back mood, making them one of the best small dogs for those looking for quiet and calm company without the loud bark you get from other small dog breeds.

11. Pug

Small in size, pugs fit right into apartment living. This small dog breed makes a calm and quiet companion for people who want less barking. Pugs bark when necessary but usually stay pretty mellow indoors.

Their short coat is easy to groom—a swipe with a brush does the job most days.

Pugs are affectionate little dogs that love being around people, kids included. They’re playful without being wild or noisy like some terriers can be. Most owners find these gentle dogs more relaxed than other popular small breeds, such as shih tzus or bichon frise types.

Looking for a pet that won’t set off a chorus of barks every time someone sneezes? You might have just found your match in this quiet dog breed!

12. Havanese

Havanese are cheerful little dogs with a calm and gentle spirit. This small dog breed loves people and thrives on attention. You will not hear this breed bark much. Most Havanese use their voices only when they sense something odd, so you avoid most of the yappy moments some other breeds bring.

Their soft, wavy coat does need some grooming, but it’s worth every minute for their adorable look. Many families pick the Havanese as one of the best small quiet dog breeds for apartment living because they are affectionate but not loud.

My neighbor owns two Havanese, and those pups settle down on his lap quicker than you can say “treat.” They make fine companion dogs who enjoy playtime just as much as cozy cuddles.

My Final Remarks on Small Quite Dog Breeds

Finding the best small quiet dog breeds can change your life, especially if you want peace at home. These 12 calm and gentle buddies bring joy without a loud bark or wild energy. Most are easy to handle, great for apartment living, and fit well with families of all shapes and sizes.

You can look up more about each breed from groups like the American Kennel Club or talk to a local vet for tips on care, training, and health. A tiny dog might be waiting somewhere, ready to become your loyal friend—sometimes the smallest paws leave the biggest marks on our hearts!

FAQs

1. Which small dog breeds are known for being quiet indoors?

Many small breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, and Basenji have a reputation for staying calm and quiet inside. These dogs tend to bark less, making them ideal companion dogs if you want peaceful living.

2. Are there any tiny dogs that rarely bark at all?

Yes, the Basenji is often called the “barkless dog.” This breed doesn’t bark much but may make other sounds. Japanese Chin and Shih Tzu also don’t bark much compared to other terriers or hounds.

3. What makes some small dog breeds better for apartment living?

Small dog breeds such as French Bulldog or Greyhound are generally calm and less vocal than many others. They’re great choices if your neighbors dislike loud barking or you live in an apartment with thin walls.

4. Can playful little dogs still be gentle and affectionate family pets?

Absolutely, playful does not mean noisy! Breeds like Beagle or Cairn Terrier can be both energetic outside yet pretty calm indoors—ideal for families who want a gentle companion without constant barking.

5. How do I choose among 20 small dog breeds if I want a quiet companion?

Look for those labeled as best small quiet dogs: Shiba Inu, Basset Hound, Poodle (Miniature), even Bernese Mountain Dog in its smaller mixes—all these tend to bark only when necessary and stay relaxed most of the time.

6. Do terrier breeds always have high energy levels and excessive barking habits?

Not always; while some terriers love action, certain terrier types like Border Terrier are relatively quiet compared to others in their group—they make good choices if you need a calm dog that won’t drive everyone up the wall with endless noise.