Picking out the perfect dog can be tricky because there are so many great breeds. It can be especially difficult if you're living in an apartment. You have to take into consideration size, energy level, and, most importantly, the amount of noise they make. You don't want too vocal of a roommate!
Thankfully, there are some pooches out there that are a bit less mouthy then others. Although these dogs will still need to get a decent amount of exercise, they have no problem cuddling up on the couch and binge-watching Netflix. The best part? They won't bark at the screen!
Great Danes Are Gentle, Silent Giants
Even though Great Danes look like they could be closely related to a horse, they tend to think they are tiny lapdogs. Not exactly the best feeling in the world, aside from feeling the love of a pooch! They are also considered to be one of the quieter and more intelligent breeds out there, making them great roommates.
Even though this big boy has a loud bark that can be very scary, you'll rarely hear it come out of their mouths. Great Danes are gentle giants who aren't fully aware of their intimidating size! All they want is to curl up with their humans and watch Netflix.
Basenjis Literally Don't Know How To Bark
As far as quiet dogs go, you can't go wrong with the Basenji. This breed literally doesn't know how to bark! It makes them the perfect pet for an apartment or a tiny condo. Although they do let out a yodeling sound, even that is rare to hear. Keep in mind that this dog does need some good exercise.
Basenjis are primarily used in Africa for lion hunting. So, if you are looking to get this breed as a pet, a lot of running will be in your future! At least they'll be able to help you get in tip-top shape.
Labradors Are Just Big Quiet Babies
If you've owned a Labrador Retriever before then you know that they are just giant babies. This breed is beyond affectionate and loves to invade their human's personal space. "Oh, you're working? Can I help?" And cue the grown Lab sitting on their human's lap even though they are not lap dogs.
This goofy breed is also one of the best roommates in terms of noise. They tend to only bark at unseen noises, otherwise, they are typically quiet. Labs are also great for people who have others over on a regular basis because they adore everyone, even strangers. Hopefully, you're friends don't mind a pooch invading their personal bubble!
Whippets Are Couch Potatoes
If you're looking for a dog breed that is not only quiet but mainly keeps to themselves, then look no further than a Whippet. These pooches are bred to be race and show dogs, but that doesn't mean they don't enjoy lazy afternoons lying on a pillow while browsing the Disney+ catalog with their human. It's said that they can be quite the couch potato!
The American Kennel Club describes them as "quiet and dignified in their owner's living room, making them excellent house pets." Just be careful if you pet them while they're not looking. They tend to jump like a cat when it sees a cucumber!
Bernese Mountain Dogs Love Everything
Bernese Mountain Dogs are both adorable and extremely intelligent. Not to mention their love-for-everything meter is off the charts! This breed is always scoping out the area for new friends, old friends, or even other animals to play with. They're known as one of the more polite and sociable dogs out there.
Even though they're massive, they actually don't bark often. Bernese Mountain Dogs are very quiet, gentle giants, making them perfect roomies for anyone living in an apartment, condo, house, or otherwise. So, what are you waiting for? Bring on the fluffy mountain dog!
Pugs Just Want To Be Pet And Cuddled
If you've been around them, then you know that pugs are both quiet and yet full of personality. All these pooches want to do is cuddle, be pet, and, of course, be fed! They are one of the more popular dog breeds in the United States because of their interesting and yet cute looks and their odd and yet funny personality.
Pugs also know no violence; it just wasn't put into their genes! They will only bark if they feel endangered or are extremely hungry (always). Otherwise, this tiny dog will breathe very heavily while playing due to their build, making pugs great roomies but horrible guard dogs.
Borzois Are Fast And Yet Silent
Although quite tall, Borzois are the perfect breed if you are looking for a silent, domestic pooch. Often described as long-haired greyhounds, Borzoi's are similar to the other breed in terms of speed. They are quick, agile, and are considered to be one of the fastest dogs on the planet. That doesn't mean they don't enjoy lounging by the fire with their humans!
Borzois make the perfect roommate because of their tranquil nature. They won't bark in front of strangers, and, if you live in an apartment, they most certainly won't disturb your nearby neighbors. Bring on the un-disturbed movie marathons!
Chinese Shar-Peis Are Silent Watch Dogs
These wrinkly boys were used in Ancient China for protection and alertness. Chinese Shar-Peis are the type of dog that will only bark if they are feeling overwhelmed, something that can't be said for all watchdogs. Guard pooches tend to bark at everything that moves!
But don't let their safeguarding fool you, Chinese Shar-Peis are homebodies and great companions to have for quiet nights on the couch. Just keep in mind that if you're a sociable person, this breed needs time to open up to strangers. They're very loyal to their family and won't want anyone intruding on their territory. Probably something to do with their "guard" history.
Collies Make For The Perfect Roomie
Thanks to Lassie, Collies are known for their high intelligence, running capabilities, and, of course, their herding. But that doesn't mean you have to live on a farm in order to have one of these beautiful animals be apart of the family. Collies are very trainable and are happy to live anywhere, just as long as their human is beside them.
Because they are so smart and able to take direction, they tend to be one of the quieter dog breeds. That being said, this breed has a lot of energy and will need a decent amount of exercise if they're living in an apartment with no backyard!
Italian Greyhounds Might Be Spoiled But They're Silent!
Take a page out of Kylie Jenner's book and look towards an Italian Greyhound roomie. The breed is tiny, alert, playful, and an all-around affectionate companion. This breed might be bred for racing and hunting, but they won't let you forget that they are still elegant creatures.
Italian Greyhounds would much prefer to be on their human's lap or a bed than on the floor. They also wouldn't mind a cozy fire in the midst of a cold winter. Talk about a spoiled pooch! The good news is that the last thing on this breed's mind is pointless barking, making them the perfect roomie.
Newfoundland Dogs Are Big Teddy Bears
Don't let the bear-like resemblance of the Newfoundland dog keep you from adopting! This breed is the opposite of aggressive. They would much rather roll around on the ground and have their belly rubbed. Newfoundlands love being put to work and are one of the most popular working dog breeds, particularly for rescue missions.
The breed is known for its cool, calm, and collected nature, making them one of the better roommates you could ask for! Well, minus the fur that will get everywhere. Newfoundlands are highly loyal and are considered to be the best "nanny dogs" because they are sweet, won't bark unless provoked, and are great with kids.
Saint Bernards Are Loyal To The Bone (Pun Intended)
Although Saint Bernards are known to bark at the presence of strangers, they are rarely seen making a peep when they're near their humans. Who wouldn't want their pooch barking at strangers? Maybe they're dangerous! Regardless of their watchdog tactics, this breed is known to be loving, social, and fantastic with children.
Don't be put off by the size of this breed. They only require a moderate amount of exercise, requiring a few walks a day. But all they really want is to be near their humans. Just be sure to put plastic over your furniture. Saints tend to drool!
Rhodesian Ridgebacks Make Moves Before Talking
Even though this breed sounds like some dragon from Harry Potter, we promise that the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dog. This breed is known in Africa for tracking and baying, but never killing, lions. While that sounds like a pooch that needs a lot of activity in its life, Ridgebacks are good just hanging at home. That doesn't mean they don't need a good run in the day, though!
This breed is faithful, protective, and very affectionate to those they trust. Because of their devotion, this breed is likely to step in front of their human before barking. They're more of a "make moves talk later" dog.
Make Sure You Run Your Golden Retriever If You Want Peace!
Pro tip: if you are looking to make a Golden Retriever part of the family make sure you're ready for lots of exercise! While this breed makes for an awesome roommate, they are very high energy and will definitely let you know when they want to run and play.
Although, if you keep up with regular playtimes, noise is the last thing you can expect to come out of a Goldens mouth. Considering they're prone to having a ball or toy in their mouth at all times, there is no time to think about barking!
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Love Curing Up On The Couch
If you're prone to staying home and lounging around, then the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the roommate you've been looking for. This breed is playful, loving, and, best of all, one of the most couch-friendly lap dogs you could have the pleasure of calling a friend.
As long as you exercise them occasionally, this breed is more than happy to live a lazy life with their human. Keep in mind, this type of spaniel is a bit spooked when they're left alone. So, get ready to dog-proof your car! You now have a travel companion for any trips you might want to take.
English Bulldogs Are Notoriously Lazy
Considering English Bulldogs are one of the laziest breeds in the canine family, it's no wonder they make great roomies! This breed is silent because it takes energy to let out a bark and they would prefer to lie around, eat, and maybe take a walk and run around.
This passive breed finds it extremely easy to remain calm and has no reason to make sudden movements or exert lots of energy. They're pretty much the coach potato we all wish we could be while at work. Don't worry though, they'll be more than happy to curl up on the couch with you and watch a movie after work.
A Bolognese Is Great For Anyone With Limited Space
Not to be confused with Bolognese pasta sauce, this pooch is easygoing, tiny, and the perfect roomie for anyone who likes to have a fluffy shadow following them around. Bolognese dogs are highly loyal to their owners, forming close relationships and enjoying their attention.
Because of this deep affection, Bolognese are true watchdogs, despite their tiny stature. That being said, they don't necessarily like to bark but will definitely let their humans know if there is something amiss. Otherwise, this breed is not hyperactive and is more than happy to sit on their owner's lap and get all of the pets.
French Bulldogs Love People
French Bulldogs are pooches of few words, making them one of the best roommates. Even though they don't tend to bark, their "bat ears" are still very alert, making them excellent watchdogs. If you're gullible when it comes to puppy dog eyes, maybe this breed isn't for you. Frenchies are known to be quite the charmers!
No matter where you live, this dog will be able to adapt right away. French Bulldogs are incredibly loyal to their humans and just want to be around them. Just don't get too jealous when they run up to other people trying to make friends!
Scottish Deerhounds Love Long Walks And Naps
This tall breed might not fit in your lap, but its mild energy makes a Scottish Deerhound the roommate you've been searching for. They have a gentle personality and rarely bark, wanting to please their human more than anything. Like most dogs, when they're puppies they need ample exercise in order to grow properly.
However, the average adult is more than happy to sprawl out across the couch and watch reruns of The Office. The best part is that they won't judge you for laughing at an episode you've seen ten times. See, the perfect roomie!
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers Will Give You A Wheaten Geetin'
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are the best because they won't bark to say "hello," but rather enthusiastically jump around in what's called the "Wheaten greetin'." That alone is enough to call this pooch a great roommate! Who wouldn't want to be greeted with a cute fuzzball jumping around because they're happy to see you?
While this breed might bark at strangers, they are not aggressive and are happy to just play in the living room and go on long walks. Just be positive when training a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, they tend to be a bit headstrong! Oh, you can also make them look like a 90s emo rocker. So that's cool.
Australian Shepherds Are Velcro Dogs
This "velcro dog" is one of the best breeds if you are looking for a roomie who won't leave your side. Aussies absolutely love their humans and will do anything to make them happy. That includes keeping hush-hush and not barking up a storm!
Keep in mind that although this breed is loyal to its core, it will become a bit destructive if they're not given the right amount of exercise. No one needs a roommate who chews on socks! As long as you run with this beauty of a pooch during the day, they are one of the best companions around!
Irish Setters Are All Play And No Bark
Irish Setters are one of those breeds that you can't help but adore. They are energetic, loving, and, most importantly, they thrive on human companionship. The fact that they aren't naturally assertive dogs doesn't hurt! They'd prefer to sniff a stranger and ask them to play rather than bark in their faces.
The best part about this breed is their personality. Setters are goofy, and yet tend to "play deaf" when something isn't going their way. Just make sure they always have a job to do, and it shouldn't be an issue! They're very smart, so you might even get them cleaning their food bowl.
Shih Tzus Were Bred To Be Roomies
Although Shih Tzus were bred to live with Chinese royalty, they are more than happy to live with anyone. These pooches have over a thousand years of human companion experience, making them expert roommates. The fact that they're very loyal to their humans is just the icing on top of the furry cake!
Shih Tzus tend to be possessive of their family, so if you're looking to have one join yours, we hope you're okay with lots of cuddles. This breed tends to enjoy being as close as possible to their peeps. And who wouldn't want their roommate to have that cute of a face?!
Glen of Imaal Terriers Would Rather Sit Like A Human Than Bark Like A Dog
The best way to describe a Glen of Imaal Terrier is energetic and tenacious, but way more even-tempered than their other terrier counter-parts. This includes barking. As in they don't unless it is absolutely necessary. While they are a terrier and love playing outside, they are also more than happy to sit around with their human and binge watch some television.
Glens are very loyal, making them fantastic family pets and roommates. Not to mention they do something called the "Glen sit" where they sit up straight up on their hindquarters and look like a human. It's one of the more adorable things a dog can do.
Salukis Are A Quiet And Calm Breed
Salukis aren't necessarily the easiest breed to train due to their independent and aloof nature, but they are great roommates to have. This is because the average adult is fairly quiet and calm. The breed does not enjoy playing rough or even going after a ball. Pretty much, Salukis forget how to dog properly.
Even with their lack of playfulness, this breed is well-equipped for apartment living. They're perfectly fine lounging around napping, as long as they have a nice walk throughout the day. Just make sure to leave them on-leash!
Japanese Chins Are A Bit Cat-Like
Japanese Chins are said to be one of the most cat-like dog breeds out there, meaning they have a few personality traits that make them perfect roomies. One such trait is their lack of noise. The only time this pooch will really bark is when there are people arriving at the house or to draw attention to something that is out of place.
Chins were originally bred to entertain their owners. They're great at learning tricks, such as the "Chin spin," and dancing on their hind legs. Whenever you have company over, there will never be a lack of entertainment from your furry roommate.
Dobermans Tend To Bond With One Person
Roommates are supposed to be a bit personable with one another, so why not choose a pooch who has the same type of traits. Dobermans are known to be people-oriented dogs, which is perfect for someone who enjoys socializing with their roomie! This breed also has a very low tendency to bark, making it so you'll want this dog to move in ASAP!
Dobermans tend to be sweet and affectionate but will typically cling onto one human in particular. You just want to make sure that person is you and not your mom because she's giving the pooch a lot of treats!
The Great Pyrenees Are More Watchful Than Vocal
Originally bred to detect wolves stealing sheep from a ranch, the Great Pyrenees is used to being more stealth than vocal. They make a fantastic roommate to those with children because they are very gentle and know when something is going too far.
You'll also never have to worry about intruders because, when they need to be, Great Pyrenees are uber protective of their pack. Just make sure to brush its beautiful coat a few times a week and you will have yourself one of the best guardian roommates imaginable. Not to mention the perfect heating blanket for your feet on chilly nights.
Akitas Are Symbols For Everything You Want In A Home
In Japan, Akitas are a symbol of health, happiness, and longevity. So, why wouldn't you want one in your home as a roommate! Having this pooch is just a good omen for everyone living there. Not to mention that they are a fairly quiet breed that just wants to be silly with their family.
That being said, they tend to be a bit suspicious of strangers, and don't like kids without boundaries. All it takes is a little training, though, and they'll be perfectly content with new people coming and going.
Boxers Are Patient And Yet Protective
With a patient and protective nature Boxers are fantastic family dogs and roommates. They tend to be spirited and energetic, but that just means the pooch wants to play and run around with their humans. Even long walks will be good enough for this fun-loving pooch.
Boxers tend to be quiet, unless their family is in danger or they feel as though something is wrong, making them great guard dogs. Then all bets are off and they will protect their own. But they are not at all aggressive by nature. Boxers would prefer to lick your face and play fetch.
