The 14 Quietest Dog Breeds That Make Perfect Apartment Pets

If you’ve ever been jolted awake by a neighbor’s barking dog—or worse, had noise complaints filed against your own—then you know how important it is to choose a dog that fits your lifestyle and your space. For apartment dwellers, excessive barking can lead to tension with landlords, neighbors, and even other pets. But not all dogs are created equal when it comes to volume. Some breeds are naturally more reserved, independent, or simply not prone to voicing their opinions at every little noise.

The good news? There are plenty of dog breeds that are just as quiet as they are adorable. These pups are content with a cozy couch, a daily walk, and minimal drama. Whether you’re living in a bustling high-rise or a snug studio, these breeds are known for their calm temperaments and quiet companionship. From gentle giants who would rather nap than yap to pint-sized pups who rarely make a peep, there’s a peaceful pooch for every type of urban home.

This list of the 14 quietest dog breeds is designed with apartment living in mind. It’s not just about silence—it’s also about size, trainability, and overall vibe. These dogs are generally easygoing, polite around neighbors, and respectful of shared walls and ceilings. No dog is totally silent, of course—but these breeds come pretty close.

Ready to meet your mellow new roommate? Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or just looking to add a little tranquility to your home, these serene canines may be exactly what you’ve been searching for. Scroll on to discover the breeds that bring the love without the loud. Your ears—and your neighbors—will thank you.

1. Greyhound: The Silent Speedster

Lightning-fast on the track but couch potatoes at home! Greyhounds might zoom around the dog park, but inside they transform into lazy loungers who rarely make a peep.

Their gentle temperament matches their quiet nature perfectly. Most Greyhounds are content with a short daily walk followed by hours of napping.

Despite their athletic build, they require surprisingly little exercise to stay happy. Many retired racing Greyhounds adapt beautifully to apartment life, proving that sometimes the fastest dogs make the quietest roommates.

2. Great Dane: Gentle Giant of Silence

Don’t let their massive size fool you. Great Danes are the definition of gentle giants who prefer whispering to woofing. Standing nearly three feet tall at the shoulder, these majestic dogs carry themselves with dignified quietness that belies their imposing stature.

Apartment dwellers are often surprised by how well these giants adapt to smaller spaces. They’re naturally low-energy indoors and typically only bark when truly necessary.

Their patient disposition makes them wonderful companions who understand that good things come in quiet packages, even when those packages are enormous!

3. Bernese Mountain Dog: Mountain-Sized Mellow

Hailing from the Swiss Alps, these tri-colored beauties bring mountain tranquility to apartment living. Berners possess an innate calmness that makes them surprisingly suited for indoor life despite their substantial size.

They’re known for their sweet expressions that perfectly match their tender-hearted personalities. Family-oriented to their core, these dogs form deep bonds with their humans. Rather than barking, they often express themselves through gentle leaning or pawing for attention.

While they do enjoy outdoor adventures, Bernese Mountain Dogs are equally content to quietly lounge at your feet after a moderate walk, making them adaptable companions for apartment dwellers.

4. Basenji: Africa’s Barkless Wonder

Known as the “barkless dog” from Africa, Basenjis communicate through unique yodels and soft whines instead of traditional barking. Their distinctive sound resembles a chortling laugh that’s both endearing and quiet enough for shared walls.

These ancient hunting dogs have almond-shaped eyes that seem to hold centuries of wisdom. Cat-like in their cleanliness and independence, Basenjis groom themselves meticulously. Their short coat requires minimal maintenance, adding to their apartment-friendly appeal.

Though spirited and playful during activity time, they settle down quietly afterward, making them excellent companions for those seeking a unique, low-volume pet with loads of personality.

5. Shih Tzu: Imperial Silence

Once the treasured companions of Chinese royalty, Shih Tzus still carry themselves with regal quietness. Their name literally means “little lion,” but their roar is more of a gentle purr.

These devoted lap dogs prefer snuggling to sound-making. Those flowing locks aren’t just for show – they’re part of a breed developed solely for companionship rather than working roles that might require barking.

Shih Tzus adapt beautifully to any living situation, including the smallest apartments. Their affectionate nature means they’d rather be close to you than announce visitors or neighborhood happenings.

6. French Bulldog: The Hushed Heartbreaker

With their bat-like ears and smushed faces, Frenchies have charmed their way into becoming one of America’s most popular apartment dogs. Their signature look comes with a signature silence – they’re remarkably quiet compared to other small breeds.

When they do vocalize, it’s often through adorable grunts, snorts, and snuffles rather than barks. Born entertainers, French Bulldogs prefer making you laugh with their antics rather than their voice.

Their low exercise needs make them perfect for city living where outdoor space might be limited. Despite their stubborn streak, these affectionate companions are content to quietly follow you from room to room, serving as silent shadows with enormous personalities.

7. Newfoundland: The Whispering Waterdog

Massive yet mild-mannered, Newfoundlands embody tranquility in canine form. Originally bred as working dogs for Canadian fishermen, these gentle giants saved drowning victims without making a sound. Their naturally quiet demeanor persists today, making them surprisingly suitable for apartment living despite their impressive size.

A Newfie’s favorite activity? Simply being near their people. They’re known for their sweet temperament and patient nature with children.

Though they do drool considerably (keep towels handy!), they rarely disturb the peace with unnecessary barking. Their thick double coat requires regular grooming, but the trade-off is a loving, protective companion who communicates more through soulful gazes than noisy barks.

8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Royal Hush-Puppy

Named after King Charles II of England, these aristocratic pups bring courtly manners to apartment living. Their silky ears and soulful eyes aren’t just adorable features – they’re attached to one of the quietest small breeds around.

Cavaliers were bred specifically to be lap dogs for nobility, a role that required indoor-appropriate behavior. Adaptability is their middle name. Happy to match your energy level, these dogs are equally content with a brisk walk or a lazy day of Netflix.

Their moderate exercise needs make them perfect for apartment dwellers with varied schedules. Unlike many small breeds, Cavaliers rarely resort to yapping, preferring to communicate with gentle nudges and expressive eyes.

9. Bichon Frise: The Fluffy Mute Button

Resembling animated cotton balls, these cheerful little dogs bring joy without the noise. Bichons were once popular circus performers who learned to read human cues rather than bark for attention.

Their hypoallergenic coat makes them doubly apartment-friendly for those with sensitivities. Sociable by nature, Bichons thrive on human interaction but express their happiness through playful bouncing rather than barking.

They’re remarkably adaptable to different living situations and family dynamics. While they do enjoy regular walks, their exercise needs are modest, making them suitable for apartment dwellers who can’t commit to lengthy outdoor adventures.

10. Irish Wolfhound: The Towering Whisper

Standing nearly three feet at the shoulder, Irish Wolfhounds are the tallest of all dog breeds yet speak in hushed tones. These historic sighthounds once hunted wolves in Ireland but now prefer peaceful coexistence with humans and other pets.

Their calm, dignified presence fills a room without their voice needing to do the same. Despite their imposing size, Wolfhounds have modest exercise needs as adults. A daily walk satisfies their physical requirements, after which they’re content to lounge quietly.

Their rough coat requires regular brushing but sheds minimally. While their size means they need space to stretch out, their quiet nature makes them surprisingly suitable for apartment living with understanding landlords.

11. Whippet: The Soundless Sprinter

Meet the medium-sized cousin of the Greyhound with the same silent tendencies! Whippets are the quintessential 40-mph couch potatoes who save their energy for brief bursts at the dog park.

Their sleek, low-maintenance coats come in various colors and patterns, all wrapped around a frame designed for both speed and snuggling. Apartment living suits these dogs perfectly. They’re naturally clean, rarely bark, and spend most of their day in deep sleep.

Many Whippet owners report their dogs are almost cat-like in their quiet, independent moments. Though they need short periods of intense exercise, their indoor energy level is practically non-existent, making them ideal companions for those seeking tranquility with a dash of occasional zoomies.

12. Borzoi: Aristocratic Silence

Russian nobility once treasured these elegant sighthounds for their hunting prowess and dignified quiet. With their flowing coats and regal bearing, Borzois bring a touch of imperial elegance to apartment living. Their long, narrow heads house expressive eyes that communicate volumes without making a sound.

Like their Greyhound cousins, Borzois operate on a sprint-then-sleep cycle. Short bursts of activity are followed by hours of peaceful lounging.

Though their size is substantial, they move with graceful precision that works well even in smaller spaces. Their independent nature means they’re not clingy, but they form deep bonds with their families and express their affection through quiet presence rather than noisy displays.

13. Akita: The Stoic Guardian

Hailing from Japan, Akitas carry themselves with a dignified reserve that extends to their vocalizations. Made famous in America by the loyal Hachiko, these powerful dogs communicate primarily through body language rather than barking.

Their thick double coat comes in various colors, all worn with the same quiet pride. Naturally protective, Akitas keep watch over their homes with silent vigilance. They’re selective about when they speak, typically only barking when they perceive a genuine threat.

Though independent by nature, they form profound bonds with their families. Their cleanliness (many Akitas groom themselves like cats) and quiet demeanor make them excellent apartment companions for experienced dog owners who appreciate their noble Asian heritage.

14. Saluki: Desert-Born Silence

Ancient Egyptian pharaohs cherished these elegant sighthounds for their hunting abilities and quiet grace. Often called the Royal Dog of Egypt, Salukis bring thousands of years of dignified silence to modern apartment living.

Their slender build and flowing feathering on ears, tail, and legs give them a distinctive, aristocratic appearance. Sensitive and intelligent, Salukis form deep connections with their people while maintaining a respectful quiet. They’re naturally clean and odorless, adding to their apartment-friendly qualities.

Though they need regular exercise to satisfy their athletic heritage, they’re remarkably calm indoors. Their independent streak means they’re not constantly seeking attention, preferring to observe their surroundings with quiet contemplation rather than announcing every passing thought.