Some dogs fill a room without filling it with noise. If you live in an apartment, you probably dream of that calm companion who naps by the window, takes short walks, and greets neighbors with a soft wag. This year, with more people working from home and buildings getting stricter on noise, choosing a quieter breed matters even more.
I have seen this play out again and again. A family brings home a sweet pup and hopes for peace. With the right match, they get it. With the wrong one, well, the hallway hears about it. At Dogtown in Gloucester, MA, our team sees how breed traits, routine, and training all shape a quiet home life.
Quiet starts with the right fit.
Before we get into the breeds, here is a quick apartment checklist:
- Low to moderate energy with short daily bursts.
- Lower vocal tendency or a soft voice.
- Comfort with alone time after training.
- Manageable grooming for your schedule.
- Good elevator and hallway manners through early socialization.
If you want help shaping that routine, Dogtown offers dog daycare in small, well-matched groups, plus daily feedback, which keeps apartment pups content and relaxed.
Basenji
The basenji is famous for being the “barkless” dog. They do make sounds, but it is usually a yodel rather than a sharp bark. In a quiet building, that makes a difference. Basenjis are small and tidy, with short coats and a cat-like love of self-grooming.
They need brisk walks and brain games. Without it, they may get inventive with your shoes. Early impulse control work helps a lot. A few short sessions with personalized training can teach calm greeting and hallway patience.
Greyhound
Greyhounds look like athletes, but at home they are sleepy roommates. Many live for soft beds and soft voices. Their bark is rare, and their stride is light. Daily walks and a safe sprint now and then keep them satisfied.
Coats are low-maintenance, though they do shed a bit. Thin skin needs cushioned resting spots. I think of them as quiet elegance that fits city life better than people expect.
Whippet
Whippets are smaller cousins of the greyhound. They are gentle, affectionate, and tend to be silent indoors. They like a warm blanket and a sunny patch. Short play sessions plus a couple of walks suit them well.
They can be shy in busy hallways. Kind exposure and calm handlers make all the difference. When you travel, gentle souls like whippets rest well in soothing spaces such as Dogtown’s boarding suites.
Cavalier king charles spaniel
Cavaliers are sweet, people-focused, and usually quiet indoors. They prefer to be close. A comfortable spot by your desk, a short walk, then more cuddles. That is their rhythm. With strangers in the hallway, they may give a soft alert, but it rarely carries on.
Their silky coats need steady care. If brushing is tough to keep up, a standing appointment from the grooming menu keeps shedding managed and ears clean.
French bulldog
Frenchies tend to be low-voice and quite content in small spaces. They do snore. But they are usually not nuisance barkers. Short walks fit them best, and they like structured indoor play. Keep an eye on heat and stairs.
They thrive with routine. Simple cues like place, settle, and wait make elevators and deliveries much easier. If you need a hand, Dogtown’s training team can set up a plan that fits your building’s quirks.
Shih tzu
Shih Tzus bring a calm, friendly vibe to small homes. They are happy with short walks and quiet play. Their bark is usually light and brief when well socialized. I like how they adapt to different schedules, which helps if you have unpredictable days.
Coats can be kept long and flowing or trimmed to a tidy pet cut. Regular baths and brushing prevent mats. If life gets busy, book a tidy-up and nail trim at Dogtown’s grooming salon to keep them comfy.
Japanese chin
Feather-light and polite, the japanese chin is a quiet companion with a playful spark. They are watchful without being loud. Short indoor games and brief strolls are enough for most days.
They love high perches and will pick a favorite chair fast. Because they bond closely, practice calm alone time in small steps. Daytime breaks at Dogtown’s dog daycare can help prevent separation stress.
How to keep any breed city-quiet
Even the calmest dog needs help staying quiet in a buzzing building. A few habits go a long way:
- Predictable routines for walks, meals, and rest.
- Enrichment like food puzzles and short training games.
- Social skills for elevators, doors, and guests.
- Comfortable rest with a cozy bed away from hallway sounds.
If you travel or your schedule gets tight, Dogtown’s boarding and daytime options keep dogs balanced. You can also use the Dogtown app to stay updated and book without fuss.
Quiet is a skill you can teach.
Bringing it all together
Quiet living in 2025 is part breed, part routine, and part training. Basenji, greyhound, whippet, cavalier, french bulldog, shih tzu, and japanese chin all tend to be low-noise roommates. They still need care, kindness, and a plan. That is where a local partner helps. Dogtown’s 10,000-square-foot facility in Gloucester works with small, well-matched playgroups and offers free pre-enrollment assessments. It is a simple way to see what your dog needs to stay calm at home.
If you want support with social skills, grooming, or a trial day, reach out to Dogtown. Schedule an assessment, try a day of care, and see how a steady routine can make your apartment life feel quiet, happy, and a little easier.
Frequently asked questions
What are the quietest dog breeds?
Basenji, greyhound, whippet, cavalier king charles spaniel, french bulldog, shih tzu, and japanese chin tend to be soft-voiced. Individual dogs vary, so meet a few and ask about temperament.
Which breeds are best for apartments?
Breeds with lower energy and low vocal habits do well. The seven above fit many apartments. Routine walks, indoor enrichment, and calm training matter as much as breed.
How much does a quiet breed cost?
Upfront costs range widely. Expect a few hundred in adoption fees or more from a breeder, plus ongoing care like food, vet visits, grooming, and training across the year.
Where can I adopt a quiet breed?
Check local shelters and breed-specific rescues. Meet adults when possible, since you can hear their voice and see their energy level. Dogtown can help with a pre-enrollment assessment.
How to keep a dog quiet indoors?
Give a steady routine, daily walks, and mental games. Teach place and settle, and reward quiet moments. Daytime breaks at services like Dogtown’s daycare can reduce pent-up energy.
