Top 10 Small Quiet Dog Breeds

Kate Barrington
by Kate Barrington
SHHHHHH! Be vary, vary quwiet! We’re hunting for small quiet dog breeds (insert Elmer Fudd laugh here).


We all know what it’s like to encounter a little dog with a big bark. It’s not good. In fact, it’s horrible. You might even say it’s one of of the worst atrocities that can ever be inflicted on the human ear. In fact, yappy dogs are so annoying that they’ve ruined the reputations of little dogs everywhere. Some people have even convinced themselves that all little dogs are yappy dogs. Thankfully, true dog lovers know that isn’t not the case. There are many types of small dogs out there and not just ones who are determined to rupture your eardrums.


While some dogs certainly do love to hear the sound of their own bark, others are more of the strong and silent type. Despite the interminably yappy reputation of small dogs, there are many quiet breeds of small dogs. There are little sweetheart pups out there who can get your attention and affection without alerting the neighbours. They are worth seeking out. That’s why we’ve delivered this handy=dandy guide to our Top Ten Small Quiet Dogs. These are the quiet little bundles of furry joy that you’ve been seeking all of your life. Perfect for people who have to worry about noise complaints, these pooches will keep their barks to themselves…unless they have something important to tell you! So what are you waiting for?! Keep your eyes glued to this page to find the tiny and quiet little pupper of your dreams.


10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Not only is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel one of the most people-loving breeds out there, but he is also quiet. These little dogs have plenty of love to give and they get along well with everyone. They are one of the most social dog breeds you will come across. These smart canines also respond best to training that uses positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior. Plus they only have moderate exercise needs, they don’t require a lot when it comes to grooming, and they are great with other dogs and strangers. Affectionate, adaptable, and apartment friendly: what more could one ask for? These little sweethearts are the perfect solution for anyone seeking a tiny dog without all of those unpleasant yaps. (Photo credit: funkmania/Bigstock)


9. Basenji



Though the Basenji may not be one of the most common dog breeds, they like to stay tight-lipped. This breed hails from Africa, and although he’s been known to make yodeling or screaming sounds on occasion, you won’t hear much from him. He likes to keep his voice to himself and expressive his affection and desires in other ways. Described as energetic, these dogs need to get in a lot of activity every day. They will show loads of affection to their family and be protective of those they love. However, Basenjis will be a little shy around strangers until they get to know them, so properly socializing them while they are young can be helpful. It is also worth noting that these clever dogs can be difficult to train, especially if you are new to training dogs. Thankfully, even though training and socialization may prove to be a bit challenging with the Basenji, when it comes to grooming, this is an easy breed. Small victories, right? (Photo credit: Grisha Bruev/Bigstock)


8. Italian Greyhound

Similar in activity level and appearance to the larger Greyhound, the Italian Greyhound is a small and mercifully quiet dog breed. These pups have minimal grooming needs and they can be a bit stubborn at times (you might even say that he’s the silent and stubborn type!), so routine training is required. Also, although these dogs are known for being high-energy canines, they also can make great lap dogs (tucker them out and they will crawl into your lap to recover!). Overall, the breed can be described as social and friendly (although they can be aloof when they are around people they don’t know well). Plus, they are gentle and sweet. They even get along well with other small dogs as well as cats (if you can believe it!), so they can make great family pets. However, they can act out if they do not get the attention that they crave, so be sure to have plenty of time to spend with your pet. The key to an Italian Greyhound is to smother them with attention, exercise, and affection. Do it right and they’ll bond with you for life, while also keeping quiet. (Photo credit: bonzodog/Bigstock)


7. Bolognese

Not only is the Bolognese a small-breed dog with a soft, fluffy white coat, but he’s even soft spoken! The Bolognese is a people-oriented pooch who will want to stick close to you. In fact, he’ll never want to be separated from you. So, it’s a good thing that he’s compact. You’ll be able to take him everywhere you go. Although, before introducing one to your family, it’s important to be aware that these dogs can be territorial. So early socialization is important. This breed is considered high maintenance when it comes to grooming needs (Look at that big furball! That mane of fluff won’t tame itself.). However, these affectionate and adaptable dogs are great with other pooches, and they are also social with people, including strangers. They can even make good watchdogs and they do not require high amounts of exercise either. These are eternally lovable pups and they know how to keep quiet too. (Photo credit: stieberszabolcs/Bigstock)


6. Japanese Chin



The Japanese Chin is similar in appearance to the equally quiet Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, even though it has a smaller frame and a shorter snout. This breed is playful and mischievous but it generally doesn’t bark to get your attention (his mischievous tendencies will reveal themselves in other ways). This breed is also surprisingly athletic and has some cat-like personality traits. Although these little dogs don’t need a lot of activity, they do love going on walks and playing in the backyard. Spending plenty of time with them can help keep them quiet, as they might become increasingly more talkative if they feel lonely. Lots of attention is key to ensuring the Japanese Chin doesn’t develop any yappy habbits. Nevertheless, this breed is a good choice if you live in an apartment, and these dogs are also extremely loving as a welcome bonus. (Photo credit: percent/Bigstock)


5. French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is a stocky small-breed dog known for its friendly and charming personality. These dogs are rapidly increasing in popularity, especially among apartment-dwellers because they require little exercise and they are fairly mute (an ideal apartment dog combo that doesn’t come along every day!). This breed does require plenty of human interaction, though. He doesn’t do well when left alone for long periods of time. So if you want to ensure that your French Bulldog stays quiet in your apartment, it’s important to never leave them alone for too long. Lots of love, attention, and affection is important to keep this pup as quiet as a lamb. (Photo credit: kadmy/Bigstock)


4. English Toy Spaniel

The English Toy Spaniel is another breed similar to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in a number of ways, including its quiet tendencies. This breed has long, soft fur and an affectionate personality. They love to spend time with people and make a good apartment dog. There’s a reason this pup ranks so highly. The English Toy Spaniels stay quiet under almost any circumstance and are almost offensively cute. (Photo credit: Lori Branham/Flickr)


3. Havanese



He’s so quiet, you won’t even know he’s around (well, until he demands attention by climbing into your lap, of course!). The Havanese is popular choice for apartment and condo dwellers for many reasons. He’s popular for his size, his lower energy needs, and because he won’t bother the neighbors with constant barking. He’ll let you know when someone comes to the door, as he’s a vigilant watchdog, but other than that, expect your Havanese to keep his barks to himself. A perfect little pup to bring into any small home with nosey neighbours. (Photo credit: mdorottya/Bigstock)


2. Chinese Crested



Not only is the Chinese Crested one of the quietest dog breeds out there, but he is also one of the most unique-looking dogs you’ll find. These dogs have mostly hairless bodies with long feathered fur on their ears, face, and feet. They look like they are ready to start a New Wave band at any moment! Meanwhile, the powder puff versions are covered with a downy-like coat. Either way, this pooch likes to keep his barks on the down-low. These little dogs are cute, loving, and alert. They often make wonderful lap pets. They adapt well when living in an apartment, and they’re affectionate even with other canines and strangers. Great family dogs, they will get along with kids. PLus they aren’t high-energy, so they don’t need a lot of exercise either. Playtime and walks are a great way to keep this pooch active and happy. However, these dogs are also sensitive, so care should be taken to maintain a calm, quiet, and low-stress environment. Provided you can provide that type of living space, your Chinese Crested will never even make a peep. (Photo credit: irontrybex/Bigstock)


1. Norwegian Lundehund



Still fairly rare in the U.S., the Norwegian Lundehund is a particularly quiet dog breed. Other than his tendency stay calm, cool, and collected, the Lundehund has six toes on his each foot and he can tip the top of his head to his backbone. These dogs can be described as curious, alert, watchful, and full of cheer. They are also playful and intelligent, curious little pups always up for adventure. They can be independent and stubborn, which means they might be a bit of a challenge when it comes to training them. However, once you make it through those tricky training years, Norwegian Lundehunds get along great with other animals and children, so they can make good family dogs. However, be prepared to make time to let this dog get plenty of activity in the great outdoors. Playtime and exercise are necessary for this active, energetic, and agile breed. But as long as you keep them happy and well exercised, they’ll never let out a single yip or yap. These quiet and friendly pups just might be the small and silent doggo that you’ve been seeking all of your life. So make sure to look into them immediately! (Photo credit: Imfoto/Bigstock)





Kate Barrington
Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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