15 Quiet Dog Breeds for Apartments That Make Perfect Neighbors

1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These affectionate lap dogs are famous for their sweet, easygoing nature. While they enjoy walks and play, they’re perfectly content relaxing beside you on the couch. Most Cavaliers bark minimally, especially when provided structure and companionship.

Their compact size also makes them ideal for tight spaces. Just be mindful of separation anxiety—they do best with routines and lots of love. For solo time prep, see our tips on crate training in apartments.

2. Basenji

Often called the “barkless dog,” the Basenji is a uniquely quiet breed that communicates through soft yodel-like sounds rather than barking. They're clean, curious, and surprisingly cat-like in their habits.

While energetic, Basenjis do well in apartments if given daily walks and puzzle toys. Their independent nature makes them good for owners who want a low-vocal, low-drama roommate.

If you live in a noise-sensitive building, a Basenji can be a brilliant choice—quiet, tidy, and entertaining in their own unique way.

3. Greyhound

Despite their racing past, Greyhounds are couch potatoes at heart. They are gentle, quiet, and incredibly laid-back indoors—making them surprisingly well-suited for apartment life.

They need short bursts of daily exercise but spend most of their time lounging. Greyhounds rarely bark and are known for being polite housemates with very little doggy odor or mess.

Many retired racing Greyhounds adjust quickly to home life with the right care. For stress-free transitions, our guide on thunderstorm anxiety also applies to rehomed pups in new environments.

4. French Bulldog

Frenchies are incredibly popular in apartments for good reason—they’re low-energy, compact, and mostly quiet. They rarely bark unless truly necessary and tend to be calm when given moderate attention and short daily walks.

Just be aware that they can be prone to snorting or snoring due to their short noses, which isn’t ideal if you’re an extremely light sleeper. Still, they’re social, affectionate, and don’t need much space to thrive.

For apartment dwellers wanting a low-maintenance dog who doesn’t stir up drama, the French Bulldog is a classic choice.

5. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are apartment royalty—sweet, adaptable, and devoted to their humans. They enjoy lounging around the house and are generally quiet unless startled or left alone for long periods.

Daily brushing and grooming are essential, but when it comes to behavior and sound level, they’re among the easiest breeds to live with. Their small size and easygoing nature make them a great fit for first-time apartment dog owners.

Their tendency to bond closely also means they do well with gentle crate training and predictability. See our crate training guide to help them settle calmly at home.

6. Chinese Crested

Known for their unique appearance and loving personality, Chinese Cresteds are also impressively quiet. They form deep bonds with their humans and usually stay glued to your side—making them calm companions in small spaces.

These dogs are light eaters, light shedders, and light barkers. While they can be shy with strangers, their quiet demeanor and low exercise needs make them ideal apartment dwellers.

Bonus: they love to nap and will happily share your couch or sunbeam without making a peep.

7. Basset Hound

Basset Hounds are known for their slow-moving, sleepy demeanor. They love to lounge, nap, and quietly observe their world—making them a good match for apartment life. They generally only bark when truly motivated and are not prone to constant noise.

Their low activity level suits small spaces, though their nose may lead them on stubborn sniffing adventures. A consistent walk routine and cozy indoor bed will keep them calm and content.

Because they’re sensitive to loneliness, use tools like a crate or soothing sounds to reduce stress when you're away. The thunderstorm anxiety guide has overlap here.

8. Bulldog

English Bulldogs are built for low-energy living. They're famously quiet, calm, and a bit lazy—traits that translate perfectly to apartment life. Most Bulldogs rarely bark unless something is seriously wrong.

Their tolerance for inactivity and deep affection for lounging makes them great for seniors, solo dwellers, and anyone with a slower lifestyle. Be aware of breathing issues, especially in warmer apartments.

Bulldogs can thrive with short walks, mental enrichment, and a comfy sleeping area. They’ll be your quietest roommate yet.

9. Whippet

Whippets are sleek, quiet, and famously clean. Like Greyhounds, they enjoy short play bursts but then settle down for long, quiet naps. Their sensitive nature and dislike for chaos make them especially suited for peaceful apartment environments.

They rarely bark and are gentle with children, making them one of the best-kept secrets in low-noise dog ownership. Just ensure they get soft bedding and a few toys to stay comfortable indoors.

A Whippet is an elegant and calm choice if you want quiet companionship without sacrificing style or athletic grace.

10. Japanese Chin

Elegant and calm, the Japanese Chin is a toy breed known for its cat-like demeanor and quiet presence. They are graceful, low-shedding, and remarkably tidy—a perfect recipe for apartment harmony.

Chins thrive on human connection and can become anxious if left alone too long, but they’re incredibly adaptable when routines are in place. Their occasional vocalizations are soft and infrequent.

This is a good match for someone looking for a small, dignified companion that prefers tranquility over roughhousing.

11. Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear is a cheerful, affectionate breed that bonds deeply with its family—and does so without much barking. Though playful and energetic in short spurts, Cotons are overall mellow and well-behaved in indoor spaces.

Their fluffy white coats require regular brushing, but their personality makes up for the upkeep. They’re people-oriented but not loud, making them ideal for apartment living with proper attention.

With early socialization and consistent routines, Cotons are calm, quiet cohabitants—even in bustling buildings.

12. Maltese

While Maltese dogs can be alert, they’re also easy to train and surprisingly quiet when given gentle structure. They love laps, soft bedding, and a predictable routine—just right for apartment life.

With early training and enough companionship, most Maltese avoid nuisance barking and instead become calm, loyal companions. Their minimal exercise needs and small size are a bonus in tiny apartments.

Keep grooming consistent and offer interactive toys, and you’ll have a quiet, sweet housemate who barely takes up space.

13. Basenji

The Basenji is famously known as the “barkless dog.” While they can make other vocalizations like yodels or growls, their lack of traditional barking makes them highly desirable in noise-sensitive apartments.

Intelligent and independent, Basenjis do need exercise and mental engagement to stay content. But with proper outlets, they’re clean, quiet, and surprisingly cat-like in their habits.

For experienced dog owners seeking a truly unique and quiet companion, the Basenji checks every box.

14. Borzoi

Despite their large size, Borzois are calm, dignified, and wonderfully quiet. They enjoy relaxing indoors and are content with short bursts of outdoor exercise followed by long naps.

Borzois don’t bark often, and their reserved nature means they’re unlikely to draw attention in a multi-unit building. They are gentle giants, as long as your apartment offers them soft floors and no sharp turns.

If you have enough room to stretch out—and a vacuum to handle the fur—this breed offers peaceful companionship in a graceful package.

15. Great Dane

It may sound surprising, but many Great Dane owners swear by their apartment compatibility. These gentle giants are often called “couch potatoes in disguise”—they’re affectionate, quiet, and crave closeness.

Great Danes require some space to turn around, but they’re not high-energy or loud. A well-trained Dane is often more manageable in a small space than a hyper small breed.

With structure, crate training, and early socialization, this large but laid-back dog becomes a surprisingly serene apartment companion.