Do you live in an apartment and want a small dog that won’t make too much noise? Or maybe you have young children and are looking for a calm breed that is good with kids. Whatever your reasons for wanting such a dog, there are plenty of quiet small dog breeds to choose from.
From the English Toy Spaniel to the Papillon, these breeds are known for their calm dispositions.
This article will provide an overview of the twelve most popular breeds, including their traits and features. With this information, you will be able to make an informed decision about which breed is right for you.
Contents
12 Quiet Small Dog Breeds
English Toy Spaniel
The English Toy Spaniel is a small breed of dog that is closely related to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. It is known for its calm and easygoing personality, and this makes great companion animals.
Despite its small size, the dog is a very active breed that loves to play and have fun. If you are looking for a small, quiet dog breed that is easy to train, then the English Toy Spaniel is the perfect breed for you.
Basenji
Basenji is known as the most silent dog breed, thanks to its lack of barking. But this African dog is far from passive – in fact, it’s quite the opposite. Basenjis are known for their courage and intelligence, which is why they were historically used for lion hunting.
Today, this unique breed makes an excellent companion for city-dwellers, thanks to its small size and quiet demeanor. If you’re looking for a four-legged friend within the range of twenty lbs, the Basenji may be the perfect breed for you.
Whippet
The Whippet is a highly disciplined breed that needs little attention and is very docile and calm. It is perfect for owners looking for silent dog breeds, especially for living in apartment complexes or condos where it’s best to keep the dog quiet.
Whippets are friendly but not the most lap-friendly dog out there. They enjoy relaxing on a pillow or dog bed and prancing around their living area without making a sound.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a beautiful breed of dog, but he is not known for being a great watchdog. While some individuals may bark to alert their owners of strangers or unusual activity, this is not a trait that is common in the breed as a whole.
However, it is well-suited for many different lifestyles. From city dwellers to country folk, this breed can easily adapt and make the most of any situation. Just like their spaniel ancestors, Cavaliers are born to be companions.
Nothing makes him happier than spending time with his family and following you around the house all day. Additionally, it enjoys playing fetch like its forefathers.
Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear is a sweet and cuddly dog breed with a clownish personality. This smart little dog with the cottony coat originated in Madagascar and is related to the Bichon Frise and the Maltese.
Coton is a loving, adaptable dog who gets along well with just about everybody. They can fit in with apartment dwellers or live in larger homes, so long as they aren’t left alone for long hours of the day.
This breed uses its unique vocalizations to communicate with its people. But it generally doesn’t bark just for the fun of it. However, the Coton de Tulear will usually bark when it’s exciting or wants something.
Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is a small but feisty dog, full of spunk and energy. It barks on occasion but is mostly content to stay quiet, especially if it’s well trained.
Although these dogs are small, they are loving, loyal, and protective of their owners. Affenpinschers are also known to be mischievous and clownish, which just adds to their charm.
This breed is usually between nine and eleven inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between seven and nine pounds.
Affenpinschers love their humans, but they prefer the company of adults. They don’t take well to rough play, chasing, or being held on a lap without the freedom to jump down on their own time.
If you’re looking for a small dog with a big personality, an Affenpinscher may be the perfect fit for you.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a very appealing breed whose looks are enhanced by a perky, good-natured disposition. It generally gets along well with other animals and people, but it will alert you when strangers come to the door.
Dogs of this breed stand at nine to eleven inches tall at the shoulder and weigh seven to fifteen pounds.
It is a super playful and intelligent breed of dog that makes a great pet for even novice pet parents and apartment dwellers. However, the Bichon does need plenty of playtime and exercise and does not care for being left home alone for long hours of the day.
If you can give your Bichon lots of attention and love, you will get it back tenfold from your adoring Bichon.
Havanese
Despite its hardiness, the Havanese is trainable and surprisingly energetic, and it has excelled in dog sports as well as in canine careers such as circus performers or helping the disabled.
The dog stands between eight and eleven inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between seven and thirteen pounds.
As much as it loves its humans, it doesn’t do well left alone at home for extended periods of time. If you provide your dog with constant companionship, you’ll have a happy, intelligent furry member of the family.
Additionally, he enjoys watching the world from high up and will sit on the backs of sofas and tables to observe the passing day. If they hear a strange noise or see someone passing by their house, they might bark. They don’t bark to hear their own voices, fortunately.
Lancashire Heeler
A Lancashire Heeler is a smart and intelligent dog who learns quickly, but he also has a mischievous imagination and is often stubborn. A secure yard and home are essential for him since he can find creative ways to escape.
While he’s generally friendly with other people, he can be sharp with other dogs. If not properly socialized, Lancashire Heelers can be aggressive towards other dogs. With early socialization, you’ll have a loving, quiet companion.
Puppies of this breed can reach a height of ten to twelve inches and weigh between six and thirteen pounds. Despite their relatively quiet nature, they make good companions with the right training.
Dandie Dinmont Terriers
Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a Scottish breed of short-legged terriers. The length of these dogs, from the top of their shoulder to the base of their tail, is almost twice their height.
Known for its quiet nature, this breed doesn’t bark excessively. Dinmont Terrier is very active, and it loves to run around and play. Furthermore, it is devoted to its owner and family members.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small, toy-size dog breed that is known for being playful and mischievous. It is a smart breed that is quick to learn tricks and commands.
Shih Tzus are also known for being very quiet, making them a great choice for those who prefer dogs that do not bark excessively.
This breed typically weighs more than nine pounds and is very athletic, able to jump and climb like a cat.
Papillon
A favorite of all who meet this breed, this breed is known for its sparkling personality. The Papillon might seem like a lap dog, but these pups are active and playful, and they don’t like to lie around all day.
Despite this, they do enjoy companionship and will always be near their humans. But don’t worry; they’ll still let you know if they sense something is wrong. You can’t expect them to yap all the time without reason.
You will have a loving companion who will never want to leave you if you don’t let the breed’s needs hinder your relationship!
Conclusion:
Though they might not be the most popular pups at the park, small quiet dog breeds have a lot of love to give. From Basenji to the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, these breeds are perfect for those looking for a calm companion.
And, because they typically don’t bark as much as their larger counterparts, quiet dogs are ideal for city living.
So, if you’re looking for a canine friend who will loyally follow you around without making too much noise, consider adopting one of these lovely breeds. You won’t be disappointed!
