Looking for those extraordinarily quiet dog breeds for apartments that will set you on the right path with your new landlord? Well, look no further! We’ve put together a list of the top apartment dogs so that your perfect pooch doesn’t get you kicked out of your new digs!
Pug, Greyhound, Dachshund, Shih Tzu, Coton de Tulear, Japanese Chin, and the Bernese Mountain Dog
Finally, your long-awaited journey to independence is here! You’ve finally found your new apartment home and now it’s time to find your new furry roomie.
Thankfully, more and more apartment complexes and condos are becoming pet-friendly.
Landlords are finally realizing that people love their pets, and in many cases, need their pets to help them through emotional issues. Or maybe just to help us feel a little less lonely or anxious.
But, what is the best breed of dog for apartment living?
There are so many things to consider when looking for that precious peaceful pooch that will fit perfectly into your pet-friendly apartment community.
How much exercise do they require? Do they bark too much? Are they easy to house-train?
In this post, you are going to learn all about the best apartment dogs so that you and your new furry bestie are sure to have happy neighbors and a happy landlord!
After learning all about these quiet dog breeds for apartments, you will be ready to sit back and settle into your new pad with your new cozy canine.
This post is all about finding the best quiet dog breeds for apartments so that you, your new pooch, and your neighbors can all live in harmony in your comfy apartment paradise.
1. The Pug // Quiet Small Dog Breeds
Just take a look at the adorable little physique on this entertaining, loyal chunky monkey! There’s just something about the Pug. This little comedic creature always seems to make our lists.
From the most affectionate small dog breeds to the best emotional support dogs for anxiety, these little clown hounds check all the boxes when it comes to the best dog breeds for apartment living.
The self-assured Pug weighs in around 14-18 pounds and stands about a foot tall. He has a life expectancy of 12-15 years.
Here are a few reasons that you may want to choose this precious-faced pooch for your new forever apartment bestie:
- These stocky, sturdy, bundles of cuteness only require short daily walks to keep their hot little bodies in tip-top shape. But you’ll need to monitor their food intake and keep snacks to a minimum in order to keep this baby healthy and at a good weight.
- These child-like creatures seldom get into mischief, making them great apartment dogs.
- Pugs are not thrilled with barking and typically will only bark when they’re starving or feeling threatened. This is great for apartment neighbors because they won’t be annoyed by your little bundle of wrinkles. Plus, their alert nature makes them excellent watchdogs – which is great for you!
- When they’re not entertaining you, you’ll usually find these handsome hounds snoring on the couch while you’re working from home.
- These animated characters not only make great apartment roomies for the younger folks, but they’re also one of the top dog breeds for seniors and retirees. You get a lot of bang for your buck in this little body.
- Pugs are known as the original lapdogs and they thrive on human companionship. They are non-aggressive, sweet-natured, extremely gentle, and easy to train.
Don’t Let A Little Gas Turn You Off
Something to consider about these kicked-back canines is that they are a little on the gassy side. Maybe a lot on the gassy side. Pugs are definitely gassy!
But don’t let this be the deciding factor in your farting little friend. Just grab a can of pet-safe smell-good spray and give your flatulent fur buddy a quick little spritz when he needs it.
Pugs are not without their share of health issues. If this adorable entertainer sounds like the perfect pooch match for you, please make sure you talk with a veterinarian regarding the medical issues that can be associated with this adorable pup.
These goofy, hilarious hounds can be a little bit stubborn at times, definite shedders, and a little slobbery.
But, if you’re up for the task, these loyal, lovable, and faithful pups will love you dearly and want nothing more than to make you happy. This makes them a top contestant in the best quiet dog breeds for apartments.
{RELATED POST: 9 Best Emotional Support Dogs For Anxiety That May Surprise You}
2. Greyhounds – Large Quiet Dog Breeds
It’s hard to believe that the fastest dog in the world would make our best apartment dogs list. But there’s a reason. There’s no denying that there’s no catching these amazingly fast creatures when they’re allowed to run wild and free.
But, when cuddled up safe and sound in your apartment, they want nothing more than a life of leisure.
Here are a few reasons you may want the Greyhound to be your new apartment buddy:
- Greyhounds are disinterested in barking — the sound can actually annoy them. This is certainly a great qualification for apartment dogs.
- These gentle, laid back, handsome hounds will get along with other dogs or cats that you may have in your apartment. And even though they can top out at around 70 pounds, these good-natured dogs are relatively light on their feet. They won’t wake the neighbors and will keep the playful noise to a minimum.
- Greyhounds have a calm temperament and, although they are big, they don’t require a lot of space to live. They make a great apartment pal because they are easy to train, highly intelligent, and adapt easily to their environment.
- Actually considered a “lazy breed”, your new kind-hearted canine will need daily exercise to stay healthy. One good brisk walk per day will probably do the trick. And after that, this sweet, loving pup is ready for an evening of snuggle time.
- Naturally quiet dogs, Greyhounds enjoy a calm and docile living arrangement. They have a sensitive nature and prefer to be in a quiet space.
- Greyhounds can sleep up to 18 hours a day. This makes them a great choice in your hunt for quiet dog breeds for apartments, especially if you work from home.
Could A Greyhound Be Your New Apartment Bestie?
Greyhounds are hot and cold. These babies are either running full speed or snoozing the day away. They weigh in around 60-70 pounds, depending on male or female, and have a life expectancy of 10-13 years. They stand between 27-30 inches tall.
I know it’s hard to think that a Greyhound would be considered one of the best apartment dogs, but I do know this first-hand. Our neighbors have two of them, definitely inside dogs, and both undoubtedly love to cuddle.
They do enjoy a little outside run from time to time and playing with their enormous blue ball. But after a few minutes of sunny playtime, they’re ready to head back into the house for another round of napping.
These heart-warming hounds are a very clean breed, love their humans, but also have an independent spirit. Once matured, they are ok with being left home alone for a little while and generally do not suffer from separation anxiety.
Greyhounds are couch potatoes at heart. They are easy-going, calm, and have an extremely gentle disposition. They are a very loving companion and overall healthy dogs.
If you are looking for a larger dog to fit in your space, this affectionate, quiet, gentle breed may be just what you’ve been looking for in your search for the best apartment dogs.
3. The Dachshund – Dog Breeds For Apartments
Who can resist the face of a good old-fashioned wiener dog? These loyal companions tip the scales when it comes to the affection they give to their humans.
Weighing in just under 11 pounds for miniatures and 16-32 for the standard Dachshund, these handsome hounds have a life span of about 12-16 years.
Let’s talk about all the benefits to making this easy-going, loyal canine your apartment bestie:
- Dachshunds are perfect for the less active apartment peeps and seniors and retirees. For these short-legged beauties, even one long walk per day is a big adventure for them. But if you can try to squeeze in 30 minutes a day of exercise for them, it will keep them in tip-top shape.
- Their small size and ease of care make them a top contender for best apartment dogs.
- These clever, playful, devoted pups don’t take up much space and just require a compact area of their own to eat sleep and play.
A Few Things To Consider In These Calm Dog Breeds
Although Dachshunds are one of the best calm dog breeds, there are a few things to consider when deciding if this small dog breed is right for you.
- Dachshunds are great with children if they are treated well. So older children may work out best with this breed – especially in the beginning.
- If you leave this sweet, good-natured pooch alone longer than four hours, he will stress himself out and experience severe separation anxiety. This can lead to barking out of lonliness, which can lead to unhappy neighbors.
- Dachshunds are extremely sensitive and will bark if there are too many changes in their environment.
These charming canines have such a sweet disposition and gentle nature, that they would make anyone proud to be their pet parent. Their ideal roomie will be one that is either retired or works from home.
Dachshunds do make great apartment dogs. Just make sure you keep to a routine (they love a structured routine), and give them time to adjust to your new digs.
{RELATED POST: 11 Extremely Helpful Puppy Care Tips For Bringing Your New Pup Home}
4. Shih Tzu – Best Dog Breeds For Apartments
Bred as lapdogs for Chinese royalty, these calm, friendly, graceful pups are the perfect quiet dog breeds for apartments. These devoted canines love to join you on the couch for cuddles.
Another great dog breed for seniors and retirees, the Shih Tzu weighs in between 9-16 pounds and stands 9-10.5 inches tall. They thrive in apartments, condos, and home environments alike.
It will be hard for your apartment neighbors to resist the face of your new Shih Tzu roomie. Here are a few things to know:
- The Shih Tzu doesn’t need a backyard to be happy. They were bred to be house companions and live up to that name with enthusiasm. A jaunt around the apartment complex and some play time with you should do the trick to reach the exercise requirements for this peaceful pooch.
- Most Shih Tzu are generally healthy. Their idea of a perfect evening is chilling in your lap while watching a movie.
- Beautiful, graceful, and elegant, the Shih Tzu pup is a hypoallergenic dog breed.
- These awesome, caring canines would be as happy in an apartment as they would be in a palace — as long as they are with their humans. They have an undeniable devotion to their families.
- Highly intelligent and easy to train.
- Although considered a toy breed, you will not witness the normal “yappy” barking from this new bestie.
Take Your Adventurous Shih Tzu With You
If there were any negatives about this beautiful, faithful canine, it would be that they do suffer from separation anxiety. These pups will tug at your heartstrings. It’s almost impossible to look into those large, round, sad eyes if you need to step out.
But, luckily for you, your new furry bestie is a great traveler, loves puppuccinos, and will be perfectly content running errands with you!
The adorable Shih Tzu is sure to make the top of your list in your search for quiet dog breeds for apartments.
{RELATED POST: 19 Surprising Signs Of Anxiety In Dogs And What You Can Do To Help}
5. The Rare Coton de Tulear
Not only did this adorable, soft, cotton-like hypoallergenic dog breed make it to our rare small dog breeds list, the Coton de Tulear is also the “top dog” on our list of quiet dog breeds for apartments.
These cuddly charmers weigh between 7.5-13 pounds and stand 9-12 inches tall. They have a life expectancy of 14-16 years.
Because of their compact size, Coton de Tulear is an ideal choice when hunting for apartment dogs. And like many of the above quiet dog breeds for apartments, these snow-white babies were bred to be human companions.
They’re best suited for retirees, empty-nesters, or workers from home.
Coton de Tulear is happy exercising inside your apartment for 30 minutes a day or going outside for a nice stroll in the sun for an adventure.
While these affectionate, caring canines enjoy outside activities, they are a highly intelligent breed that will adjust their activity levels to that of their families.
More On These Happy, Clownish Pups
Both boisterous and calm, Cotons are very people-oriented and crave your attention. They form strong bonds with their humans and do not like being left home alone. This can cause separation anxiety, boredom, and a bit more barking than your neighbors may like.
If you’re a stay-at-home worker or retired, the witty little Coton de Tulear may be the perfect, social butterfly that you’ve been looking for.
And as a bonus along with waking up next to this adorable, kind, sweet face every morning, you will own your own little piece of Madagascar history in this rare small dog breed!
[RELATED POST: 5 Adorable Dog Behaviors That Prove Your Pooch Loves You}
6. The Japanese Chin // Toy Dog Breeds
The devoted, shy Japanese Chin is a quiet, noble “cat-like” little pup that will leap into your lap with ease and grace. They are energetic little climbers whose favorite place will be perched on top of the back of the couch, guarding the castle.
Don’t be alarmed when this cheerful little pooch shows his unusual trait of, well, snorting. Chin enthusiasts call this a “snizzle”. According to the American Kennel Club, “The dog will blow hard out of his nose, resulting in a fine mist of exhalation.” Hmmm …
The AKC (American Kennel Club) also states that this is primarily due to their flat face, and not a sign of respiratory issues.
The mighty Japanese Chin weighs in at a staggering 4-12 pounds, stands 9-11 inches tall, and has a life expectancy of 10-14 years.
Here are a few reasons that a Japanese Chin may make the top of your list for quiet dog breeds for apartments:
- Japanese Chins are naturally clean, highly intelligent and easy to train. They can easily thrive in any environment.
- These fun-loving, playful canines are elegant yet comical. They will keep you entertained with their silly little mannerisms.
- Chins only need about 20 minutes a day of exercise, which makes them an ideal apartment dog. Most times, just following you around the apartment is all the exercise their little legs need.
- Although these adorable babies love to cuddle in your lap all day, they are also an independent breed. Leaving this precious pooch for a short time to run errands will usually not result in your new apartment being in disarray when you return.
- You’ll never be alone with this little companion around. They are quiet dogs (not barkers), good watchdogs, and require very little fuss from their owners.
How Much Do Japanese Chin Dogs Cost?
Japanese Chins are toy breeds and bred to be your companion buddy. They are bright, intelligent, and sensitive pooch who is loyal to a fault.
This adorable breed will thrive with an owner or family that is not highly active because these lazy, laid-back babies are not particularly active. Catching up on his beauty sleep and cuddling up with you in your favorite chair are the two preferred activities of this beloved breed.
One of the amazing traits of the Japanese Chin dogs is that they are very empathetic and will immediately tune in to their owners’ moods. If you’re happy, they’re happy. If you’ve had a rough day, your adorable Chin will stay by your side giving you kisses and comforting you.
These social butterflies are calm and quiet but loved to be pampered — so bring on the spa day!
Because of the demand for this breed, these pint-sized pooches will set you back between $1,500-$2,500.
But just take a look at that squashed-in, lovable, animated little face. Couple that with the fact that there just aren’t really any negatives to owning this comedic, clown-like canine — and you just may have found your perfect furry apartment bestie!
Japanese Chins are sure to top your list of quiet dog breeds for apartments. These dogs love their life as lapdogs and take their role as loyal pals very seriously.
Once you get past the price of these hugable, heart-warming hounds and the little mists of “snizzle” that you may see floating in the air, we think you’ll find the charming Japanese Chin to be your perfect pooch match.
{RELATED POST: 9 Stunning Rare Small Dog Breeds: Can You Afford #7?}
7. Bernese Mountain Dogs As Apartment Dogs?
If you’re looking for an affectionate large dog breed, then look no further than this gentle giant.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are big and strong, but quiet and gentle. These heart-warming hounds also made our list of best emotional support dogs for anxiety because they are devoted and loyal to their core.
These calm, easy-going, beautiful creatures weigh between 79-110 pounds and stand 23-28 inches tall. Sadly, they have a life expectancy of only 6-8 years.
There are conflicting feelings about larger dogs living in smaller spaces, like apartments or condos. But in reality, physical activity is what is important more so than the living space.
Here are a few traits to make you fall in love with this generous breed.
- Bernese Mountain Dogs are a massive, gentle and sweet breed. For some of us, having a larger dog for an apartment pal gives us a sense of security and comfort, making us feel safe and protected.
- These handsome hounds make great apartment dogs because they are very inactive, highly intelligent, and easy to train.
- Known to their pet parents as “Berners”, they love snuggling and cuddling up next to you. Lazing on the couch is their idea of a perfect afternoon. They are content just being near you.
- Berners are generally quiet dogs and bark only when needed to alert you or to protect their castle.
- These gentle-spirited, warm dogs are well-behaved and courteous to friends and neighbors. Just another reason these massive beauties can climb to the top of your list when looking for larger quiet dog breeds for apartments.
Berners // More On These Large Dog Breeds
Berners are eager to please and extremely faithful. Their calm, quiet, warm mannerisms make them a top contender in the larger quiet dog breeds for apartments.
If you are choosing a larger dog breed for your new apartment bestie, make sure you are giving him the exercise he needs with plenty of brisk walks. Berners require moderate exercise and make great walking partners.
As with any size breed, exercise not only keeps him healthy and in tip-top shape, but it minimizes behavior issues related to boredom.
Bernese Mountain Dogs love a cozy environment. They thrive on human companionship and will be most happy at being your larger apartment dog that you can cuddle up next to for hours!
{RELATED POST: 6 Most Affectionate Small Dog Breeds That Love To Cuddle}
Keep in mind that any dog, regardless of the breed, can deviate from its normal breed standards. While the characteristics mentioned in this post may frequently represent these quiet dog breeds for apartments, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary.
Summing It All Up For Best Apartment Dogs
Owning your very own apartment and finding the perfect pooch to be your new furry bestie is such an exciting time. But there are also a lot of responsibilities involved.
Make sure you read the pet policies for your apartment, condo, or retirement community and be aware of all the restrictions. This is especially important if you are looking for larger quiet dog breeds for apartments because sometimes there will be weight restrictions for your pup.
Too many times, pets find themselves having to be brought back to the breeder or end up in a shelter because of violations.
The last thing in the world you want is to have to make that impossible choice to leave your apartment … or your loving pooch.
Apartment balconies are another important thing to take into consideration during your hunt for the perfect furry housemate. Along with puppy proofing your apartment, you want to make sure your patio railings are close enough together so that your new pup doesn’t injure himself by falling through or getting stuck.
Other things to consider may be are there dog walking areas, is there a deck or patio, stairs, or elevators? Is your new pup prone to arthritis that may make it difficult to walk up and down the stairs to get to your apartment? Maybe his little legs are too short to make the climb?
All of these things need to be investigated when choosing your new pooch for your new pad!
This post was all about finding the best quiet dog breeds for apartments to keep your landlord – and neighbors – at bay!
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