Many people living in Flats, Apartments or Condos would love to have a furry little friend but are concerned about how much noise their little pooch might make, but as many people simply don’t want the hassle of training a dog to remain quiet, then the easy option is to choose a breed of dog that is generally quiet due to its nature and breeding. So here at Top Lap Dogs we have come up with a list of Lap Dogs that are innately quiet, there are some large breeds that are quiet but as we consider most of them too large for most Condos or Flats we will remain as ever with information about Lap Dogs.
What Are Some Quiet Breeds Perfect for Apartments or Condos?
Top 10 Quiet Small Breeds for Apartments
- Basenji
- Whippet
- Chinese Shar Peis
- English Bulldog
- English Toy Spaniel
- Bolognese
- Bedlington Terrier
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Japanese Chin
- Swedish Vallhund
10 Small Breeds Perfect for Apartments
Basenji
One of the largest Lap Dogs is a Basenji, very light for their size and are well known within breeding circles as a dog that ‘DOES NOT BARK’. They do make what some describe as a low yodelling sound, I would describe it as a low level howl which can sound very cute but it really is very quiet and not all of these dogs will do this. Most don’t make any sound unless they are in distress.
Even though the largest of them can be 16” high at the shoulder they tread very lightly so people underneath your flat would not even be aware that there is a dog in the flat.
Whippet
On a very similar likeness to the Basenji is a Whippet, another tall Lap Dog with a very docile nature this breed rarely barks and if they do it is usually a very short sharp bark at a low volume.
This breed will need your attention as they like to be fussed and are not to be trusted easily with other small pets such as rabbits or gerbils. They were bred for coursing (hunting) with game in the fields, fast enough on foot to catch wild rabbits and stoats.
Chinese Shar Peis
A cute breed with a rumpled skin, generally they only bark when feeling threatened or stressed. A very loyal breed that need a firm hand or they will attempt to be the dominant party within your household.
Despite the fact they look docile they do need regular exercise and can get aggravated without it which can lead to them destroying furniture unless they are given something like toys or chews to gnaw on.
English Bulldog
A chunky lazy breed that probably can’t be bothered to bark. Very happy to laze about the Condo and eat anything you happen to put in front of it. They are excellent with children and other household pets, love the attention when given to them and happy just to sit on their own playing with their toys.
Can grow to a maximum height of about 16” although most only get to about 14” high at the withers. They are a heavy dog though, so not easily lifted if you are frail and not necessarily energetic enough to jump up on your lap. they are also easy to gain weight if their diet is not restricted.
English Toy Spaniel
A happy playful and intelligent breed, great with children and the elderly alike and will often attach themselves to one person in the household. Unlike their Cavalier cousins they are NOT Yappy, they do bark but generally it is short lived and with firm control and plenty of attention they do not turn aggressive.
You will need to groom with a comb or brush on a regular basis and will likely need their hair cutting at the grooming parlour every 6 to 8 weeks.
Bolognese
Definitely a quiet breed ideal for those in apartments. A very fun loving breed that will enjoy playing or solving puzzles.
They may need a firm hand for training but will very quickly learn tricks making them ideal for children as well as the older generation. If you want a quiet but clever dog to entertain you then this breed will provide you with great joy.
Bedlington Terrier
This may be the surprise choice of the bunch. When left outside on their own they will often bark, yet when indoors these affectionate Terriers remain quiet and only bark when provoked.
They can be stubborn when it comes to training so they need a firm or experienced hand and will constantly need to be reminded who is in charge, however they are extremely loyal and are often quite timid.
Be careful though with other small household pets as just like whippets they will happily chase anything small that crosses their path.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Very affectionate dogs who are extremely happy to sit on your lap and either snooze or play games with you.They are more likely to lick any strangers whilst wagging their tales than they are to bite any ankles.
They are a great choice for first time dog owners or families with children, happy to please anyone who will give them attention.
Japanes Chin
This dog likes calm and peace or it can get a little nervous, so very good for the elderly but will need reassurance when the grandchildren come by. They rarely become aggressive but will more likely take themselves away to hide under the bookcase if there is a lot of movement or excitement around them.
A perfect Lap Dog in many ways, happily lapping up attention whilst sitting on your lap, paying sharp attention to your every move even when they appear to be sleeping. More likely to hide than bark at the knock on the door and great with any other small pets in the Condo.
Swedish Vallhund
An interesting choice, this breed is a very intelligent and active dog for a Lap Dog but if exercised on a regular basis it will then happily sit at your feet or on your lap. Great with kids they love to learn tricks and undergo obedience training which helps to occupy their seemingly active minds.
They look very similar to the Pembroke Corgi but are slimmer in build, Originally used for herding cows they are extremely nimble and athletic and are a fun addition to any household.
Why some dogs bark and others don’t?
Going back generations, many dogs were specifically bred for particular reasons – Hunting dogs for instance were bred in differing varieties, dependent upon what animals they were hunting for.
Beagles for instance are extremely noisy, used for fox or deer hunting. Their baying was ideal for driving game through the woodlands to then be trapped or killed by the hunters when they broke cover and ran into open ground where they would be waiting with bow and arrow on horseback to help run them down.
Many Terriers, Whippets and Greyhounds on the other hand were bred to creep up quietly on small prey like rabbits and then run like the clappers to catch them before they made safe ground, most of these breeds are exceptionally quiet as well as exceptionally fast, getting as close as possible before tearing off at an incredible pace to catch prey such as hare which run at close to 35 mph (55 kmph).
Big Dogs That Don’t Bark Much
- Greyhound
- Great Dane
- Lurcher
- Borzoi
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Collie
- Newfoundland
- St Bernard
- Golden Retreiver
- Irish or Red Setter
