15 Best Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed or Bark (Much): Perfect for Apartments & Allergy-Friendly Homes

If you’re looking for a small dog that doesn’t shed everywhere or bark all day, you’re not alone. Many people want a peaceful home, especially if they live in an apartment, share walls with neighbors, or simply like quiet surroundings. Others want a dog that doesn’t shed much because of allergies or cleanliness.

The good news?

There are several small dog breeds that shed very little and stay mostly quiet. While no dog is completely silent or completely non-shedding, some breeds come very close. With the right care and training, you can enjoy a calm, clean, and loving companion.

This guide covers everything you need to know—including the top breeds, their personalities, and how to choose the right one for your lifestyle.

What “Low-Shedding” and “Low-Barking” Really Mean

Before we jump into the breed list, let’s understand these two important terms:

Low-Shedding

A low-shedding breed produces very little loose fur. These dogs often have:

• Curly or silky coats
• Hair instead of fur
• Coats that trap loose hairs until brushing

This is great for:

✔ Allergy-sensitive people
✔ Clean homes
✔ Small apartments

But remember:

Low shedding doesn’t mean no grooming. In fact, most low-shedding dogs require regular brushing and professional grooming to keep their coat healthy.

Low-Barking

Low-barking doesn’t mean the dog is mute. It means:

• They bark only when necessary
• They stay calm indoors
• They don’t react loudly to every little sound

This is helpful for:

✔ Apartment buildings
✔ Shared homes
✔ Sensitive neighbors

With proper training and socialization, barking can be controlled even more.

How to Choose the Right Quiet, Low-Shedding Breed

Selecting the right dog is more than just picking a cute face. Consider these factors:

1. Your Lifestyle

• Are you active or mostly at home?
• Do you travel often?
• Do you want a lap dog or playful companion?

2. Grooming Commitment

Some low-shedding breeds need:

• Brushing 3–4 times a week
• Monthly grooming
• Eye and ear cleaning

If you don’t want high grooming needs, choose a short-coated breed.

3. Energy Level

Quiet doesn’t mean lazy. Some small dogs have lots of energy.

4. Family Environment

Do you have kids? Seniors? Other pets?
Choose a breed that naturally fits your home.

Top 15 Small Dog Breeds That Don't Shed or Bark Much

Below are the best quiet and low-shedding dogs perfect for peaceful, allergy-friendly homes.

1. Maltese

A gentle, affectionate dog with a long silky coat that sheds very little. Maltese dogs are known for being calm and great with families.

Why they’re perfect:

✔ Low shedding
✔ Quiet indoors
✔ Great lap dogs
✔ Friendly and easygoing

2. Bichon Frise

Playful, fluffy, and cheerful, the Bichon Frise rarely sheds because of its curly coat. They love being with people and are rarely noisy.

Best for: apartment dwellers and allergy sufferers.

3. Havanese

Known as the “Velcro dog,” the Havanese sticks close to its owner. They are affectionate, low-shedding, and usually quiet.

Why choose them:

✔ Extremely loving
✔ Soft, low-shedding coat
✔ Rarely bark unnecessarily

4. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus were bred to be royal companions. Their long hair sheds very little, and their calm nature keeps barking to a minimum.

What to know:

✔ Needs grooming
✔ Excellent for families
✔ Very loving

5. Toy Poodle

One of the smartest dog breeds. Toy Poodles shed almost nothing because of their curly coat and are very easy to train to stay quiet.

Highlights:

✔ Hypoallergenic
✔ Easy to train
✔ Minimal barking

6. Miniature Schnauzer

A sturdy little breed with a wiry coat that hardly sheds. They are alert but well-mannered, barking only when needed.

Best for: families and those who want a playful, loyal dog.

7. Coton de Tulear

Soft, fluffy, and extremely gentle, this breed sheds very little. Their calm personality makes them one of the quietest small dogs.

Perfect for: people who love cuddly, affectionate dogs.

8. Italian Greyhound

A stylish, slim breed with a short, low-maintenance coat. They are naturally quiet and sensitive.

Why they’re loved:

✔ Rarely bark
✔ Very clean
✔ Minimal shedding

9. Basenji

Famous as the “barkless dog,” the Basenji doesn’t bark at all. Instead, they make a soft yodel sound. They groom themselves like cats and shed relatively little.

Best for: active homes that want peace and quiet.

10. Chinese Crested

Often hairless, this breed sheds almost nothing and stays mostly quiet. They are sweet, loyal, and love attention.

Note: Hairless dogs need sunscreen and gentle skin care.

11. Yorkshire Terrier (Properly Groomed)

When kept in a short “puppy cut,” Yorkies shed very little. They can bark, but with training, they become calm and well-behaved.

Why people love them:

✔ Small size
✔ Hypoallergenic
✔ Very loyal

12. Lhasa Apso

A calm, confident breed with a long coat that sheds minimally. Originally watchdogs in monasteries, they bark only when something is unusual.

Great for: quiet households.

13. Cairn Terrier

A sturdy yet small dog with a wiry coat that barely sheds. With good training, they stay calm and controlled.

Perfect for: families and small homes.

14. Affenpinscher

Tiny, playful, and full of personality, the Affenpinscher sheds very little and doesn’t bark without reason.

Why choose them:

✔ Very funny personality
✔ Minimal shedding
✔ Quiet for a terrier

15. Brussels Griffon

A small, expressive dog with a smooth or rough coat. Both types shed very little. They are gentle and bark only when necessary.

Best for: people who want a loyal and emotional dog.

For detailed breed standards, you can also check the Dog Snobs

Care Tips for Quiet, Low-Shedding Dogs

Even though these breeds shed less and bark less, they still need proper care.

1. Grooming Is Important

Low-shedding dogs need regular grooming to prevent matting.
Recommended:

• Brush 2–4 times a week
• Monthly grooming
• Clean ears, trim nails

2. Socialization Reduces Barking

Expose your dog to new people, sounds, and environments early.

3. Regular Exercise Keeps Them Calm

Even small dogs need daily activity.
A calm dog = less barking.

4. Teach “Quiet” Commands

Use treats and praise to reward calm behavior.

5. Maintain a Routine

Dogs stay peaceful when they have:

• Regular feeding
• Playtime
• Quiet, cozy resting areas

Pros and Cons of Low-Shedding, Quiet Breeds

Pros

✔ Less cleaning
✔ Better for mild allergies
✔ Peaceful home
✔ Great for apartments
✔ Perfect for families and seniors

Cons

✖ Grooming can be expensive
✖ Some breeds are sensitive
✖ Training still required
✖ Some may get attached and clingy.

For more detail AKC

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are these dogs truly hypoallergenic?

They are low-shedding, but no dog is 100% hypoallergenic.

2. Which is the quietest small dog breed?

Basenji, Italian Greyhound, and Coton de Tulear.

3. Do low-shedding breeds need grooming?

Yes—most need even more grooming than normal dogs.

4. Which is best for beginners?

Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Havanese.

Final Thoughts

Small dog breeds that don’t shed or bark much are ideal for calm, clean, and comfortable living. Whether you’re in an apartment, a shared home, or you simply prefer peace, these breeds offer all the love without the noise and mess.

Choose a breed that matches your lifestyle, give them proper care, and you’ll enjoy a loyal and loving companion for many years.

Read more:

Best Dog Breeds for First Time Owner: Top 10