20 Quiet Dog Breeds Ranked By Noise Level

Living in an apartment with a dog can be a wonderful experience, but it's important to consider noise levels for both yourself and your neighbors. If you're a renter seeking a furry friend who won't trigger noise complaints, this guide is for you!

We'll explore a variety of breeds known for their calm temperaments and minimal barking, making them ideal apartment companions. From gentle giants to playful pups, we'll help you find the perfect quiet canine companion to share your cozy rental space.

20 Quiet Dog Breeds

How We Ranked Quiet Dog Breeds

We identified 20 breeds and ranked them as having 4, 4.5, or 5/5 stars for noise level. Below is a discussion of how we defined each category.

5/5 Stars: Exceptional Quiet Companions

These exceptional breeds are truly the quietest companions you could ask for. They rarely bark and are perfect for those seeking an incredibly peaceful home environment. The Basenji, for instance, is nicknamed the "barkless dog" due to its unique vocal limitations. While they may not bark in the traditional sense, they can communicate with yodeling and chortling sounds, adding to their unique charm.

4.5/5 Stars: Renowned for Calm Temperaments

Renowned for their gentle and calm personalities, these breeds are very unlikely to bark excessively. They may occasionally vocalize, but it's usually minimal and often in response to something specific. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, for example, are known for their sweet temperaments and quiet demeanor. These breeds are a great choice for those who enjoy a peaceful home but appreciate a furry friend who might let them know if something out of the ordinary occurs.

4/5 Stars: Alert But Not Alarmist

These breeds tend to only bark when necessary, making them ideal watchdogs. While they might not be completely silent, their barks serve a purpose - to alert their families to potential dangers or unusual sounds. Great Danes, for instance, are gentle giants who tend to only bark when something warrants their attention. These breeds are perfect for those who appreciate a watchful companion who won't raise a racket over every little thing.

Apartment Living Rating

In addition to noise, we also considered the breed’s overall suitability for apartment living. This included factors like size, shedding, and level of activity.

1. Basenji

• Quiet rating: 5/5
• Apartment living: 5/5

Nicknamed the "barkless dog" for a reason, the Basenji has a unique vocal structure that limits traditional barking. While they may surprise you with yodeling or chortling sounds, these vocalizations are much quieter than a bark and add to their distinct charm. Their independent spirit can make them a bit more challenging to train than some breeds, but their quiet nature is a huge perk for apartment living.

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

• Quiet rating: 5/5
• Apartment living: 5/5

Known for their sweetness and quiet demeanor, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are unlikely to disrupt your peace with excessive barking. These gentle souls are happy to cuddle on the couch or accompany you on a leisurely stroll, making them perfect companions for apartment dwellers who appreciate tranquility. Their small size is another plus for renters with limited space.

3. Borzoi

• Quiet rating: 5/5
• Apartment living: 4.5/5

With a dignified presence and a calm spirit, the Borzoi is a sighthound not known for unnecessary vocalizations. These graceful giants tend to reserve their barks for situations that truly warrant their attention, making them ideal watchdogs for renters who appreciate a watchful companion who won't raise a racket over every little thing. While their size might be a challenge for very small apartments, their calm temperament makes them well-suited to renters who have the space to accommodate them.

4. Japanese Chin

• Quiet rating: 5/5
• Apartment living: 5/5

Lapdogs bred for companionship, Japanese Chins are known for their peaceful and affectionate personalities. These quiet companions are unlikely to disrupt your serenity with excessive barking, making them perfect for cuddling on the couch or enjoying a quiet evening at home. Their small size and gentle nature make them ideal for renters in apartments or condos, ensuring a harmonious relationship with your neighbors.

5. Great Dane

• Quiet rating: 4.5/5
• Apartment living: 3/5

Despite their impressive size, Great Danes are gentle giants with a calm demeanor. These pups won't be barking all day and are more likely to lounge by your side than raise a ruckus. However, their size might not be ideal for very small apartments.

6. Newfoundland

• Quiet rating: 4.5/5
• Apartment living: 3/5

Loyal companions with a sweet nature, Newfoundlands are not known for excessive barking. These gentle giants tend to only vocalize when necessary, making them well-suited to apartment living. However, their thick double coat might require more frequent grooming to manage shedding, especially in smaller spaces.

7. Bernese Mountain Dog

• Quiet rating: 4.5/5
• Apartment living: 3/5

Bred as working dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their docile and even-tempered personalities. They're not prone to barking out of boredom and tend to only vocalize when something truly warrants their attention. Keep in mind that their thick fur requires regular brushing, and their larger size might be a consideration for some apartments.

8. Bullmastiff

• Quiet rating: 4.5/5
• Apartment living: 3.5/5

Guardian breeds by nature, Bullmastiffs are calm and composed companions. These gentle giants tend to only bark when needed for protection, making them ideal watchdogs for renters seeking a watchful companion who won't be a nuisance to neighbors. However, their large size and potential for drooling require a commitment to providing them with ample space and proper training.

9. Shiba Inu

• Quiet rating: 4.5/5
• Apartment living: 4/5

Independent and sometimes stubborn, Shibas can be vocal but not excessively so. They might express themselves with the occasional Shiba scream, but it's more of a unique vocalization than a continuous bark. However, their independent streak requires an experienced owner who can provide consistent training. Their smaller size makes them a good fit for many apartments.

10. Whippet

• Quiet rating: 4.5/5
• Apartment living: 4.5/5

Similar to Greyhounds, Whippets are sighthounds known for being quiet and reserved. These gentle athletes are more likely to curl up on the couch than raise their voice. Their sleek build and moderate size make them well-suited to apartment living, as long as they get opportunities to expend their energy with regular walks or playtime.

11. French Bulldog

• Quiet rating: 4.5/5
• Apartment living: 5/5

The beloved Frenchie may snort due to their short face, but they aren't known for being excessive barkers. These playful and adaptable pups are happy to cuddle on your lap or entertain you with their silly antics. Their compact size and low energy needs make them ideal companions for renters in apartments or condos.

12. Scottish Deerhound

• Quiet rating: 4.5/5
• Apartment living: 3/5

Gentle giants with a calm demeanor, Scottish Deerhounds are not prone to barking frequently. These majestic companions tend to only vocalize when something truly warrants their attention. However, their large size requires a spacious living environment and regular grooming to maintain their luxurious coat.

13. Greyhound

• Quiet rating: 4/5
• Apartment living: 4/5

Despite their impressive size, Greyhounds are gentle giants with a reserved temperament. These sighthounds are not known for excessive barking and are more likely to spend their days lounging by your side. Their sleek build and moderate energy requirements make them adaptable to apartment living, as long as they have opportunities to run and stretch their legs.

14. Pug

• Quiet rating: 4/5
• Apartment living: 5/5

These comical companions may snort and wheeze due to their short face, but they aren't known for being excessive barkers. Pugs are playful and affectionate lapdogs who are happy to cuddle on the couch or entertain you with their silly antics. Their compact size and low energy needs make them perfectly suited to apartment living.

15. Akita

• Quiet rating: 4/5
• Apartment living: 3/5

Loyal and protective companions, Akitas may bark when needed to alert their families to potential dangers or unusual sounds. Their barks serve a purpose and shouldn't be excessive, making them ideal watchdogs for renters seeking a security system with a furry friend. However, their large size and independent streak require experienced owners who can provide proper training and socialization.

16. Rhodesian Ridgeback

• Quiet rating: 4/5
• Apartment Living: 3/5

Bred to be independent hunters, Ridgebacks can be vocal if bored or feeling protective. While they aren't prone to constant barking, they will let you know if something out of the ordinary catches their attention. Their loyalty and trainability make them good watchdogs for renters, but their larger size and need for exercise require a commitment to providing them with ample space and activities.

17. English Bulldog

• Quiet rating: 4/5
• Apartment living: 5/5

The easygoing and friendly English Bulldog may snort and wheeze due to their short face, but they aren't known for excessive barking. These lovable companions are happy to relax by your side and are well-suited to apartment living with their moderate energy needs. However, their brachycephalic (short-faced) features require special attention in hot weather and during exercise.

18. Chow Chow

• Quiet rating: 4/5
• Apartment living: 3/5

Known for their aloof personalities, Chow Chows will usually only be vocal if they sense a threat. While this makes them good watchdogs for alert renters, their independent streak and high maintenance needs require experienced owners who can provide consistent training and socialization. Their thick double coat also demands regular grooming.

19. Saint Bernard

• Quiet rating: 4/5
• Apartment living: 3/5

Gentle giants with a protective streak, Saint Bernards may bark to alert their families to potential dangers or unusual sounds. Their barks serve a purpose and shouldn't be excessive, making them ideal watchdogs for renters seeking a security system with a furry friend. However, their large size requires a spacious living environment and regular grooming to maintain their thick fur.

20. Irish Setter

• Quiet rating: 4/5
• Apartment living: 3/5

Energetic and alert companions, Irish Setters can be vocal, especially when excited or bored. While their barks can serve an alert function, their higher energy needs might not be ideal for smaller apartments. Providing them with ample exercise and mental stimulation can help curb any excessive vocalizations.

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