8 Small Dog Breeds That Don't Shed or Bark: Top Choices For First-Time Owners

Barking and shedding are completely normal and common for almost every dog breed out there. However, some dogs don’t shed (often at least), and bark rarely. Sometimes, a quiet dog is a necessity if you live in an apartment building, surrounded by neighbors, or if you have small children. Sometimes people just want to come home rest, without the hassle of a demanding, loud dog.

So, if you’re looking to get a dog, but you still want to keep your peace and quiet, you’re at the right place. In the following paragraphs we’ll talk about dog breeds that are quiet and don’t shed, so, let’s get started!

8 Best Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed or Bark

1. Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhound - Don't Shed or Bark 1 — Credit: @iumico

Italian Greyhound is a lovely dog, that is deeply affectionate and playful. It is also pretty charming and a traditional lap dog. Because of their attachment to the owner, Italian Greyhounds are typically demanding attention. Otherwise, they tend to develop separation anxiety. So, one could say, this dog breed can get a bit on the clingy side. Italian Greyhounds are exceptional with other dogs, as well as children.

Italian Greyhound - Don't Shed or Bark 2 — Credit: @pinky__magic

Italian Greyhound has a smooth and short coat that doesn’t require frequent grooming. You can take your Greyhound to the groomer once a month to clip the nails and get a wash. Other than that, there isn’t much to do. Moreover, this dog breed is known for its lack of barking. Italian Greyhounds are quiet dogs, but because of their alertness, they will bark if something’s off.

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Don't Shed or Bark 1 — Credit: @gorgeousgigolo

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a dog breed that is all about grace, elegance, and beauty. Conveniently tied to the British Royalty, the Cavalier is all about good behavior, gentle attentiveness, and proper athleticism. This dog likes to frolic around, have a good playtime, and enjoy quality time with the children in the family. Cavalier is exceptionally good with other dogs and animals and is pretty open to strangers as well.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Don't Shed or Bark 2 — Credit: @torill.bjo

Cavalier has a coat of medium length. It is wavy and silky, so it does require brushing and washing once or twice a month. With proper care, you won’t notice any shedding. If you take your Cavalier for walks frequently, it might not even require nail trimming. When it comes to barking, this dog will only become vocal when something’s off. Otherwise, the Cavalier likes to chill and relax rather than bark constantly.

3. French Bulldog

French Bulldog - Don't Shed or Bark 1 — Credit: @babymochithefrug

French Bulldog is one of the most popular small dog breeds in the world. Resembling a Bulldog, this miniature version is recognizable thanks to its ‘bat ears’ and heavy wrinkles around the nose. French Bulldog is a deeply affectionate and charming dog. It will win your heart at the first encounter and continue to make you happy for years to come. The dog is perfect around children and other dogs and welcomes strangers of any kind.

French Bulldog - Don't Shed or Bark 2 — Credit: @french.bulldog.chloe

French Bulldog has a short and smooth coat, which doesn’t shed frequently and requires little grooming. It is good to take the dog for a wash and nail trimming once a month, or brushing during the shedding season. This dog rarely barks, and it’s pretty quiet and calm. If it does bark, it’s because the dog is scared or senses that something’s off.

4. Maltese

Maltese - Don't Shed or Bark 1 — Credit: @maltese_kennel_eu

Maltese is a classic lapdog; it is super affectionate and charming, with a timid and gentle nature. This dog is playful, especially around children or other dogs. Even though small and timid, you can expect your Maltese to be very protective as well. It is also an energetic little dog that requires frequent mental stimulation and even light training. Because of its size, the Maltese make an excellent choice for apartment lifestyle and first-time owners.

Maltese - Don't Shed or Bark 2 — Credit: @maltese.community

Maltese dogs generally have silky, medium to long coats. However, they do not shed frequently and only require monthly washing and brushing. When it comes to barking, with a Maltese dog your peace and quiet won’t be disturbed. A Maltese will only bark to alert or to have you pay attention.

5. Shiba Inu

Shiba Inu - Don't Shed or Bark 1 — Credit: @sj_shibainu

Shiba Inu is an ancient Japanese breed that has become globally recognized and loved. This charming dog is good-natured and affectionate. It is also very attentive, playful, and energetic, so frequent physical activity is a must for Shiba Inu. Because of its reserved nature, Shiba Inu is protective and watchful, so it is not very open to strangers. It does require mental stimulation and training since it is a highly intelligent breed. Without engagement, Shina Inus can become anxious and frustrated.

Shiba Inu - Don't Shed or Bark 2 — Credit: @shazam.shib

Shiba Inu has a short, double coat. However, this breed doesn’t shed a lot (apart from the shedding season), so there is no need for frequent coat grooming. Brushing and washing can help the dog stay clean and tidy, and nail trimming might be necessary if the dog stays inside for the majority of the day. It also doesn’t bark a lot; Shiba Inu like to communicate using other techniques, but the dog can occasionally scream to prove a point.

6. Chinese Shar-Pei

Chinese Shar-Pei 1 — Credit: @annet_sharpei_chazar

If you’re looking for a truly calm and quiet dog, then the Chinese Shar-Pei might become your new best friend. This dog breed is known for its one-of-a-kind appearance and odd physical traits, like the blue-black tongue, broad muzzle, small eyes, loose skin, and a scowling expression.

It is an independent dog that is loyal and affectionate to its family but reserved and alert in presence of strangers and other animals. Shar-Pei is an incredibly intelligent and serene dog, that will bring peace and quiet to your life, instead of disrupting it.

Chinese Shar-Pei 2 — Credit: @thesharpeiworld

Chinese Shar-Pei has a short and smooth coat. The coat doesn’t require much grooming; once a month the dog should be washed and brushed. Regarding shedding, most of it occurs after the coat grows thicker in preparation for the winter months.

7. English Bulldog

English Bulldog - Don't Shed or Bark 1 — Credit: @thegreatbritishbulldog

Even though many associate Bulldogs with being aggressive, loud, and violent, the truth couldn’t be further from that. English Bulldog is the perfect example of how gentle, loving, patient, and calm Bulldogs really are.

This dog is pretty laid back and likes to chill with its owner, or curl up in the lap and have a great afternoon nap while at it. English Bulldogs are loyal and mart, requiring physical activity and mental stimulation. They’re great with children and other dogs as well.

English Bulldog - Don't Shed or Bark 2 — Credit: @k9s.dollie

As we mentioned, English Bulldogs are really calm dogs. They don’t bark much, only to draw your attention to something, for example. When it comes to grooming, these dogs have a smooth and short coat, so you can take your dog once or twice a month to get cleaned and brushed. English Bulldogs tend to shed if they’re not groomed properly.

8. Glen Of Imaal Terrier

Glen Of Imaal Terrier - Don't Shed or Bark 1 — Credit: @jill_the_glen

Glen of Imaal Terrier is a spirited, gentle, and adorable little farm dog who is super affectionate and loving. When it comes to the family, the dog is super loyal and affectionate, but also protective and reserved towards strangers. That is because this dog was intended for hunting, so it is alert and also very quiet. It was taught to be quiet and not scare the prey away, which is a trait every Imaal Terrier has. This dog won’t bark unless something’s truly off.

Glen Of Imaal Terrier - Don't Shed or Bark 2 — Credit: @millie_the_glen

Imaal Terriers have wiry, medium-length coats. Even though they don’t shed much (mostly during shedding season), they do require a little bit of grooming to keep the wiry coat in place. It is recommended to clean and brush the dog weekly. Other than this, the Imaal Terrier is super easy to take care of, and because it’s not that vocal, it is a perfect fur companion for an apartment lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

There isn’t a dog that won’t bark or shed from time to time. When you get a dog, you have the responsibility to take care of it, not just have it around the house as a silent, fuss-free decoration. A lot of people want silent dogs for valid reasons, but if you want a silent dog just to avoid dealing with it and put in work, then you probably shouldn’t get a dog in the first place.

For those who genuinely want small, quieter dogs that don’t shed because of their specific lifestyle, the aforementioned breeds should make a good choice. You will still have to pay attention to grooming, and an occasional bark will happen, especially if the dog notices something’s off.

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