13 Small, Mostly Quiet Dog Breeds That Aren’t Yappy

Small dogs can make amazing pets, especially if you have a tiny living space. Unfortunately, a lot of small dog breeds have a reputation for being yappy. They tend to act like they’re big and tough with lots of barks. If you’ve got a small home with neighbors nearby, like a condo or apartment, then your dog’s vocal volume can quickly become a problem. There are, however, several smaller dog breeds that don’t share the noisy Napoleon complex of their tiny peers.

Monday, September 11, 2023

If you’re looking for a little dog without the yappy barks, whines, and howls, then check out the 13 small, mostly quiet dog breeds on the list below! If you see a breed you like, check out DogTime’s adoption page that lets you search for adoptable dogs by breed and zip code!

Do you have a small, quiet dog at home? Are they one of the breeds on the list? Let us know in the comments below!

Small, Mostly Quiet Dog Breeds That Aren't Yappy

Affenpinscher

(Picture Credit: Yvonne Van der Horst/Getty Images)

The Affenpinscher, also known as the "Monkey Dog" ("affen" means "ape/monkey" in German, and "pinscher" means "terrier"), is small but feisty, full of spunk and energy. They bark on occasion, but are mostly content to stay quiet, especially if they're well trained.

While they're super affectionate with their humans, they don't take as well to children or rough play.

These dogs are usually between nine and eleven inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between seven and nine pounds.

Read more about the Affenpinscher to find out if this is the breed for you!

Basenji

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Well known as the "barkless" dog from Africa, the Basenji attracts admirers with their short coat, small, muscular body, alert demeanor, erect ears, and tail curled tightly over one hip.

They do, however, have an infamous stubborn streak. Novice pet parents beware!

Basenjis approach medium dog size but are just small enough to adapt to apartment life. They stand between 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 22 and 24 pounds.

Read more about the Basenji to find out if this is the breed for you!

Basset Fauve de Bretagne

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Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are generally friendly with everyone but will let you know if a stranger approaches the door. They're not meant to be watchdogs, but they are tough and will protect their families no matter what.

They're able to get along with everyone in the household but might chase after smaller pets.

Basset Fauve de Bretagne tend to be twelve to 15 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 25 to 35 pounds, so some of the larger ones may approach the size of a medium dog.

Read more about the Basset Fauve de Bretagne to find out if this is the breed for you!

Bichon Frise

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With compact bodies, baby-doll faces, and fluffy, white hair, the Bichon Frise is a very appealing breed whose looks are enhanced by a perky, good-natured disposition

Bichons generally get along well with other animals and people, but they 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 twelve pounds.

Read more about the Bichon Frise to find out if this is the breed for you!

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel might or might not bark when someone comes to the door, so they're a poor choice as a watchdog.

There are exceptions, of course — some Cavaliers will inform you of every event in your neighborhood and bark ferociously when strangers approach — but overall you're better off buying an alarm system than counting on your Cavalier to alert you to trouble.

Adult Cavaliers are usually twelve to 13 inches at the shoulder and weigh 13 to 18 pounds.

Read more about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to find out if this is the breed for you!