Dogs naturally bark and shed, but excessive barking and constant shedding can be a real hassle—especially if you have a baby, a demanding job, or light-sleeping neighbors. Fortunately, many small dog breeds are both quiet and low-shedding. Here are 15 breeds that fit the bill!
Disclaimer: No dog is completely silent— even quiet breeds may whine or make noise to communicate. Likewise, no dog is truly non-shedding, but the small breeds on our list shed minimally, making them low-maintenance companions.
1. French Bulldog
Aside from the typical snoring, snorting, and grunting, a French Bulldog rarely barks unless scared or encountering new people. Its short coat also requires minimal grooming to stay healthy.
2. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a lively lap dog that barks minimally. It comes in two versions: the hairless, with fur on its feet, tail, and head, and the powder puff, with a thick, silky coat. Both are low-shedding and require minimal grooming.
3. Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound sheds minimally and has a gentle personality. While not a frequent barker, it’s an attentive watchdog that will alert you to any disturbances.
4. Boston Terrier
With a single-layer coat, Boston Terriers shed much less than multi-layer breeds and are easy to groom. They prefer lounging or napping over barking.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel loves playing and napping rather than barking. While they shed quite a bit, their small size (11-18 pounds) keeps it manageable.
6. Basenji
Known as the “barkless dog from Africa,” the Basenji communicates with growls, screams, and yodels instead of barking. With enough exercise and food, he stays quiet. His short, less dense coat results in minimal shedding.
7. Bolognese
Despite its thick, fluffy coat, the Bolognese is a non-shedding breed. Regular brushing is needed to keep its coat tidy. This cute, people-oriented dog is soft-spoken, barking only to alert you without being loud or annoying.
8. Havanese
The Havanese is a small, quiet dog that barks mainly as a watchdog. When not alerting you, it enjoys lounging, playing in the sun, or cuddling. Despite its double-layered coat, it sheds minimally, with most shedding occurring in the spring and fall.
9. Cotton de Tulear
The Cotton de Tulear is perfect for those who can’t tolerate constant barking. It only barks when a stranger approaches, remaining quiet otherwise. Its cotton-like, fluffy coat is made of hair, not fur, meaning no shedding.
10. Glen of Imaal Terrier
Glen of Imaal Terriers are quiet dogs, only barking when necessary. They shed very little, making grooming easy and minimal.
11. English Bulldog
The English Bulldog, despite its tough appearance, is one of the most docile dogs around. It barks only occasionally, mostly preferring to snooze. While an average shedder, its short, less dense coat makes loose hair hard to spot, especially with regular grooming.
12. Japanese Chin
Japanese Chins are playful, mischievous, and intelligent, yet calm and quiet with cat-like mannerisms. They rarely bark and make great companions for those who prefer quieter dogs. While they are average shedders, their shedding is lighter compared to other breeds with similar coats.
13. Shar-Pei
Chinese Shar-Pei dogs are quiet and loyal, barking only to alert you to potential danger. They shed minimally, usually once or twice a year when growing a thicker winter coat. Female Shar-Peis may shed more during heat or after giving birth.
14. Shiba Inu
Shiba Inus are known for their quiet, tidy nature, with occasional “Shiba Screams” being the exception. They communicate through other methods and are moderate shedders, with light shedding year-round and heavier shedding in spring and fall.
15. Maltese
Maltese dogs are quiet and make great apartment companions due to their size and low barking. Despite their long hair, they shed very little, making them low-maintenance.
🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
Benefits of Adopting/Owning Dogs That Don’t Bark or Shed
Owning small dog breeds that don’t bark or shed can benefit your health, home, and your pup’s well-being in various ways:
- Avoid Complaints from Neighbors: Even if your dog’s barking doesn’t bother you, it can disturb your neighbors. Non-barking dogs are perfect for apartment living, ensuring peace for everyone.
- Improved Sleep: Quiet dogs that don’t bark unless they sense danger can help you manage sleep issues without being disturbed by unnecessary noise.
- Less Separation Anxiety: Non-barking dogs are often less sensitive to external noises, which can help reduce separation anxiety in some dogs.
- Cleaner Home: Dogs that don’t shed save you time and effort on daily vacuuming. You won’t have hair scattered across your furniture.
- Hypoallergenic Qualities: Dogs that shed less or not at all release less dander, making them a great choice for people with allergies who still want to enjoy the company of a dog.
Which Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Bark or Shed Should You Choose?
While all the dogs on our list are beautiful and low-maintenance, choosing the right one depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:
- Your Daily Schedule and Hobbies: Think about your daily routine, the activities you enjoy, and how much time you can dedicate to a dog.
- Who Will Be Caring for the Dog: Consider whether the dog will be for you, your kids, or senior family members.
- Living Situation: Do you live in an apartment or have a larger yard? Some dogs are better suited for apartment life, while others thrive in bigger spaces.
These questions will help narrow down your options to a dog that fits your lifestyle.
If you don’t find your perfect match from our list, don’t worry. There are over 400 dog breeds, so you’ll find a great fit.
Training for Barking: Some dogs may bark occasionally but can be trained to be quieter, giving you more options. Keep in mind that some dogs bark more when lonely—interactive toys and regular exercise can help calm them.
Managing Shedding: Shedding can be controlled. Dogs may shed more due to stress, fleas, allergies, or health issues. If your low-barking dog sheds excessively, consult a vet to rule out conditions like Cushing’s disease or hypothyroidism. Regular brushing can help manage shedding and keep your home cleaner.
Additional Tips for Choosing the Right Dog:
- Buy from a reputable breeder to avoid health issues related to inbreeding.
- Research the breed’s medical and behavioral needs.
- Meet the dog and its parents before deciding.
- Talk to people who own the breed (online forums or social media groups can be helpful).
Once you choose your dog, be ready to invest time and care to keep them healthy and happy.
Final Thoughts
While it’s true that no dog is entirely barkless (except for the Basenji, of course), some breeds are notably quieter than others. If you’re seeking a peaceful home with minimal barking, these dogs are your go-to.
We also understand that shedding can be a big concern, especially if you want to keep your space neat without constant cleaning. Fortunately, many breeds shed less, making maintenance much easier.
Don’t let barking or shedding deter you from experiencing the joy of owning a dog. With the breeds on our list of small dogs that don’t shed or bark much, you’ll find the perfect companion for a quieter, cleaner home. Embrace dog ownership and bring joy, companionship, and love into your life today!
Related Posts:
15 Lazy Dog Breeds that Don’t Shed
12 Dog Breeds Most Likely To Bite
As an Amazon Associate, we may receive a small commission from qualifying purchases but at no extra cost to you. Learn more. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.