Discover Small Quiet Dog Breeds

When talking about dog breeds that don’t bark, how can we ignore the Basenji? After all, they’re referred to as “barkless dogs.” Admittedly, with a height of 17 inches and a top weight of 24 pounds, they may be a touch over your typical small breed. But the Basenji certainly isn’t a big dog — either in stature or bark!

Originating from Central Africa, Basenjis have been treasured for centuries by indigenous tribes for their hunting skills and their unusual vocalizations — which include yodels and howls rather than typical barking.

One of the most distinctive traits of the Basenji is their remarkable ability to remain virtually silent. While they aren’t entirely mute, they produce fewer vocalizations compared to other breeds, making them an appealing choice for those seeking a quiet companion. This attribute is due to the unique structure of their larynx, which differs from most other canines.

2. Japanese Chin

Known for their grace and regal demeanor, the Japanese Chin is a small and elegant breed that brings tranquility to any home. With their well-mannered and quiet nature, the Chin is a perfect choice for those seeking small dogs that don’t bark much.

This breed is characterized by their silky, luxurious coat and expressive eyes. Despite their small size, they exude a dignified presence that commands attention. Japanese Chins are generally less vocal compared to many other small breeds, contributing to a peaceful environment.

Affectionate and loving, Japanese Chins form deep bonds with their owners and thrive on companionship. Their adaptability to apartment living and their generally calm disposition makes them an excellent choice for individuals or families looking for lap dogs that don’t bark.

Chins are not only peaceful but also low-maintenance in terms of grooming. Their coat requires a weekly brush-through to maintain its beauty and prevent matting.

3. Pug

The Pug, a small breed with a big personality, is often cherished for their adorable and expressive face. They have a friendly and easygoing nature, making them a popular choice for individuals seeking a small dog that doesn't bark incessantly.

Pugs are known for their affectionate and sociable temperament, thriving on human companionship. They’re often described as "clowns" due to their playful antics and ability to bring laughter to any household, including smaller apartments.

As for grooming, Pugs have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal maintenance. Their wrinkled face, however, needs regular cleaning to prevent any skin issues.

While Pugs may occasionally vocalize to communicate their needs, they aren’t yappy dogs.

4. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are charming little dogs that don’t bark with an elegant appearance. While they may occasionally bark, they can be trained to control their chatter and are generally not overly vocal compared to many other toy breeds.

The Shih Tzu is a quiet lap dog with an affectionate and loving personality, ideal for individuals or families seeking a serene canine companion. They just love people, are eager to please, and are highly trainable.

These dogs have a luxurious double coat that requires regular grooming to maintain their beauty. Despite their long hair, Shih Tzus are generally low-shedding. Hence, they’re one of the best small quiet hypoallergenic dog breeds.

Shih Tzus also adapt well to various living situations, including the high-rise lifestyle, as they enjoy spending time indoors and being content with only moderate exercise. 

With their charming and gentle demeanor, Shih Tzus bring a sense of tranquility to any home.

5. Coton de Tulear

Another popular quiet hypoallergenic small dog breed is the fluffy little ball of fur better known as a Coton de Tulear. These dogs want to be best buddies with everyone — strangers, passers-by in the street, and even other canines. Hence, they seldom bark to alert or for any other reason.

With a cotton-like texture, the coat of this cute little pooch is made up of hair rather than fur, which means it’s low shedding. However, it will demand plenty of TLC to avoid matting and keep it looking its best.

The Tulear’s primary job is to provide amusement, comfort, and companionship for their owners. Although a small and quiet dog breed, the Coton has a witty, easygoing, and often clownish nature. If you’ve ever seen a small white dog walking upright on their hind legs, you can almost guarantee it’s one of these jokers.

6. Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is a lively little companion. That said, with their distinctive tuxedo-like markings and quiet nature, they’ve earned themselves the nickname, “The American Gentleman.” Standing at 15-17 inches, they may be slightly taller than some of the other small dogs, but their sporty body only weighs in at 12-25 pounds.

A dapper little dog with a white forechest, the Boston is either black, brindle, or dark brown. They’re square-headed and flat-faced with big pointy ears and large round eyes that just shine with curiosity or mischief.

That sleek fur coat does shed somewhat though, and will need weekly brushing with a soft-bristled brush or a grooming mitt to remove the loose hair. Regular thorough brushing will also promote the growth of new hair and distribute the skin oils through the Boston’s coat to keep it healthy.

And, as you would expect from a gentleman in a tux, the Boston Terrier’s manners are impeccable — they only tend to bark to alert if there is danger approaching. The Boston makes for a perfect urban pet who won’t keep the neighbors up barking all night.

7. Bolognese

Another cute little white fluffy dog, which is also one of the small dog breeds that don’t bark — the Italian Bolognese. Their quiet nature and size make this playful little pooch an ideal small dog for families living in apartments.

With an all-white soft coat, the Bolognese is another of the small dog breeds with a quiet temperament that’s suitable for people who suffer from low to mild allergies. Normally their coats would be unshaped and untrimmed apart from around the eyes for sanitary reasons.

Bolos don’t cope well with being left alone, they’re prone to separation anxiety. But anyone would find it tough to leave them when they stare at you with those ever-so-sad eyes. This isn’t a dog for those working a regular 9-5 job. However, you can rest assured they won’t be barking all day if you should leave them, just don’t stay away for too long!

8. Maltese

From the same Bichon family as the Bolognese, Maltese dogs are also known as small dogs that don’t bark a lot. Toy-sized, they don’t grow much taller than 9 inches and weigh less than 7 pounds. The Maltese is a playful dog with a small stature and an almost non-existent bark.

A more reserved dog, the Maltese prefers to observe their surroundings and can be cautious around strangers. While these canines may occasionally bark to alert their owners, they generally don’t without a purpose.

With their long, silky white coat and expressive dark eyes, Maltese dogs are both beautiful and charming. In terms of grooming, their coat requires regular maintenance to keep it free from matting and to preserve its pristine appearance. They’re one of those small quiet dogs that don’t shed, making them perfect for people with allergies.

9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a small and affectionate breed, is known for its friendly and calm disposition. While Cavs may bark occasionally, they’re quiet for the majority of the time.

These dogs have a sweet and gentle nature, making them ideal companions for individuals or families seeking a small dog that doesn't constantly bark. As a highly sociable breed, King Charles Spaniels crave human companionship and form strong bonds with their owners. 

Despite their name, this is one King Charles who doesn’t need a palace to live in — their small size makes them highly adaptable to many living environments. Ensuring they receive regular exercise and mental stimulation should quell the desire to boredom bark. They enjoy walkies, playing, and spending quality time with their loved ones.

In terms of grooming, their silky, medium-length coat requires regular brushing to keep it looking its best. They shed moderately, but their coat maintenance is generally manageable.

10. Pekingese

If you’re looking for one of the best lap dogs that don’t bark, rumor says the Pekingese were so quiet they used to reside inside the sleeves of their Chinese Emperor owners.

Although the Peke may have a lion-like mane around their neck and shoulders, they certainly don't have a lion’s roar — the average Pekingese can barely muster a whimper let alone a bark. Bred to live in palaces and be treated like royalty, they’re never happier than when curled up on a lap — or down a sleeve.

Owners can maximize their lap time with the Pekingese by brushing for at least one hour a week to help remove any loose hairs and prevent matting. This breed has a thick double coat that sheds seasonally, so they may not be the best choice for dog lovers with allergies.

An independent, placid little dog, Pekes will tolerate children, but any roughhousing may cause him to let out a little yelp rather than a bark.