Living in an apartment doesn’t mean sacrificing the joy of a canine companion. The key is choosing a calm, quiet breed that fits compact spaces and respects neighborly peace. This curated list spotlights dogs known for low barking and easygoing temperaments, with traits that thrive in urban living. If you want a loyal friend who won’t cause noise complaints, these apartment-ready breeds deliver comfort, companionship, and calm.
Basenji
Often called the “barkless dog,” the Basenji communicates with soft yodels and expressive looks, making it a discreet neighbor. Compact and catlike, they’re tidy, self-grooming, and surprisingly suited to apartments when given daily exercise. Intelligent and independent, they enjoy puzzle toys and brisk walks over excessive roughhousing. Early socialization and firm, positive training help curb stubborn streaks. Basenjis have moderate energy and thrive with routine mental stimulation. Their short coat sheds minimally, reducing upkeep. They’re affectionate with families but reserved with strangers. With consistent structure and adequate outlets, Basenjis remain quiet, clean, and wonderfully apartment-friendly.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a gentle companion known for its soft demeanor and people-pleasing nature. Typically low-barking, they prefer cuddles and calm companionship to sounding alarms. Their compact size and adaptable energy make them ideal for apartments, especially with daily walks and short play sessions. Cavaliers bond closely with owners and can be prone to separation anxiety, so considerate routines help. Their silky coat needs regular brushing but sheds moderately. They get along well with neighbors, children, and other pets. With patience and affection, Cavaliers thrive quietly and gracefully in close quarters.
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are famously quiet, charming, and content with moderate daily activity, making them excellent apartment dwellers. Their compact build and low exercise needs suit urban schedules. They prefer short walks and indoor play, avoiding excessive exertion due to brachycephalic tendencies. Generally low-barking, they communicate with snorts and snuffles rather than loud alerts. Social and affectionate, they bond closely with families and do well with neighbors when properly socialized. Regular vet care and temperature control are important. With structure, enrichment, and companionship, Frenchies remain peaceful and friendly in shared living environments.
Greyhound
Despite their racing reputation, Greyhounds are couch-loving, gentle giants who thrive in calm apartments. They’re surprisingly low-energy indoors and are known for being quiet, polite neighbors. A couple of brisk walks or a short sprint in a safe area usually satisfies them. Their sensitive, affectionate nature pairs well with consistent routines and soft bedding. Short coats require minimal grooming, and they tend to be clean and odorless. Socialization helps them navigate elevators and city noises. With considerate exercise and cozy rest, Greyhounds become serene, unobtrusive companions in compact homes.
Shiba Inu
Shiba Inus are compact, clean, and famously catlike, often quiet indoors when their needs are met. While they can be vocal in rare “Shiba scream” moments, day-to-day barking is typically minimal, especially with training. They thrive on structure, mental games, and daily walks. Independent yet loyal, they do best with positive reinforcement and clear boundaries. Their plush coat sheds seasonally, but routine grooming manages it. They’re wary of strangers and value personal space, promoting calm coexistence in apartments. Provide enrichment, secure harnesses, and patience, and Shibas reward you with dignified, quiet companionship.
Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are mellow, affectionate, and surprisingly apartment-suited thanks to their low-energy lifestyle. Known more for soulful gazes than constant barking, they prefer lounging and leisurely sniff-walks. Their deep voices exist, but routine exercise and companionship keep them calm and quiet. With short legs and sturdy frames, stairs can be challenging; use elevators when possible. They enjoy chew toys and scent games to satisfy their noses. Regular ear care and weight management are essential. With patience, structure, and gentle training, Bassets become peaceful, friendly neighbors who excel at relaxed living.
Havanese
Havanese are cheerful, adaptable companions that shine in small spaces with their affectionate, people-oriented nature. They’re typically moderate to low barkers when well-exercised and mentally engaged. Their small size and playful charm fit apartment routines, thriving on short walks and indoor games. With positive training, they learn to settle quietly between activities. The coat is low-shedding but needs regular grooming or trimming. Socialization keeps them confident around elevators, hallways, and new neighbors. With consistent attention and enrichment, Havanese deliver bright spirits without disturbing the peace.
Whippet
Whippets are gentle, sensitive dogs that excel in apartments due to their quiet, restful nature. Often called “45-mph couch potatoes,” they enjoy short bursts of speed followed by long naps. With minimal barking tendencies, they’re ideal for shared walls and calm households. Short coats require little grooming, and they prefer soft bedding and warm spots. Regular walks and occasional sprint sessions keep them balanced. Their polite demeanor and sweet temperament make them easy neighbors. With affection, structure, and mild exercise, Whippets offer graceful companionship without noise.
Bulldog (English)
English Bulldogs are placid, loyal companions who thrive on routine and low-key activity, making them apartment naturals. They’re typically low barkers, expressing themselves through grunts and snuffles rather than noisy alerts. Short, leisurely walks and climate control are essential due to brachycephalic sensitivity. They bond closely with owners and appreciate calm environments with soft places to rest. Grooming needs are modest, though skin folds need regular care. They’re polite with neighbors when socialized early. Given steady schedules and mindful health care, Bulldogs remain peaceful, steady friends in close quarters.
Chinese Crested (Hairless and Powderpuff)
The Chinese Crested, both Hairless and Powderpuff, is a loving, low-barking companion suited to small-space living. Their petite size and affectionate temperament fit apartment routines perfectly. Hairless varieties require skin care and temperature management, while Powderpuffs need regular brushing. Both enjoy short walks, interactive toys, and plenty of lap time. With positive training, they settle quietly and avoid nuisance barking. They connect closely to their people and prefer gentle handling. Given enrichment and a cozy wardrobe for cooler days, Cresteds remain discreet, delightful neighbors.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are calm, friendly lapdogs bred for companionship and serenity, making them well-suited to apartments. With proper training and daily walks, they’re typically moderate to low barkers. Their compact size and adaptable nature fit urban schedules, thriving on routine grooming and gentle play. Shih Tzus prefer indoor comfort and close contact with their people. Regular brushing or a practical puppy cut keeps coats manageable. Early socialization reduces reactivity to hallway noises. With affection and consistent boundaries, they maintain peaceful manners and a sweet, undemanding presence at home.
Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are compact, amiable dogs known for their easygoing nature and typically modest vocalization. They thrive in apartments with regular walks and playful bursts, then relax quietly indoors. Social and personable, they do well with neighbors when manners are reinforced. Short coats simplify grooming, though brachycephalic care and temperature awareness are important. With puzzle toys and positive training, they focus energy constructively, limiting nuisance barking. Their cheerful demeanor and adaptable size make them ideal urban companions who respect shared walls and routines.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a buoyant, affectionate companion that adapts gracefully to apartment life. With training and adequate exercise, they’re usually moderate barkers and quick to settle. Their hypoallergenic, curly coat requires routine grooming but sheds minimally, keeping homes cleaner. Bichons love people and enjoy short walks, indoor games, and cuddle time. Early socialization and enrichment reduce anxiety and hallway reactivity. They’re excellent for first-time owners who want a cheerful yet considerate neighbor. Balanced routines and positive reinforcement help them remain calm, well-mannered, and blissfully quiet indoors.
Great Dane
Surprisingly serene, Great Danes are gentle giants who often make remarkably quiet apartment companions. Despite their size, they’re typically low-energy indoors and prefer lounging near their people. Short daily walks and basic obedience maintain calm behavior. Their deep bark exists but is rarely overused when mentally satisfied and well-socialized. Provide supportive bedding and consider elevator logistics. Minimal grooming needs and affectionate temperaments make them easy to live with. With consistent routines and considerate training, Great Danes coexist peacefully in shared spaces without disturbing neighbors.