Choosing the right dog that suits your lifestyle and preferences can be a daunting task, especially if you have a busy family with young children. For families living in small apartments or houses, a small dog breed that doesn’t bark excessively or shed too much can be an ideal choice.
By selecting a small dog breed that doesn’t bark excessively, you can enjoy a peaceful home environment without disturbing your neighbors or other family members. Additionally, choosing a breed that doesn’t shed excessively can help to minimize the amount of time spent cleaning up dog hair, allowing you to spend more quality time with your furry companion.
While some small dog breeds, like Cairn Terrier , are known for their loud and vocal personalities, there are other breeds that are less inclined to engage in barking battles.
Best Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed or Bark
Here are some of the best small dog breeds that don’t shed or bark excessively:
1. Bichon Frise
2. Shih Tzu
3. Yorkshire Terrier
4. Maltese
5. Basenji
6. Chinese Crested
1. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a popular small dog breed that doesn’t bark excessively or shed excessively, making them a great choice for people who want a low-maintenance furry companion.
These dogs are known for their playful and affectionate personalities, making them a great fit for families with children or for people who want a loyal companion to keep them company.
One of the unique features of the Bichon Frise is their hypoallergenic coat, which doesn’t shed as much as other breeds. This makes them a great option for people with allergies or for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time cleaning up dog hair. The Bichon Frise has a fluffy, white coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, but they are relatively easy to maintain compared to other breeds.
2. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is another popular small dog breed that is known for being relatively quiet and not shedding excessively. These dogs are often described as affectionate and playful, and they make great companions for people of all ages.
One of the reasons why Shih Tzus don’t bark as much as other small dog breeds is that they were originally bred to be companion dogs, rather than guard dogs. They are social animals that enjoy being around people, and they are typically happy just being by their owner’s side. While they can be trained to bark when necessary, they are generally not yappy or noisy.
Shih Tzus also have a long, silky coat that doesn’t shed as much as other breeds.
3. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, also known as the Yorkie, is a small dog breed that is known for being energetic, playful, and loyal. Despite their small size, they are often described as big dogs in a small package. While Yorkies do have a tendency to bark, they can be trained to control their barking and not become excessive.
In terms of shedding, Yorkies have a unique coat that is made up of human-like hair instead of fur. This means that they don’t shed as much as other breeds, which can be a great advantage for people with allergies or those who don’t want to spend a lot of time cleaning up dog hair. However, their hair does require regular grooming and upkeep to prevent matting and tangling.
4. Maltese
The Maltese is a small dog breed that is known for its cute and cuddly appearance, as well as its ability to be a great companion for people who want a dog that doesn’t bark or shed excessively. They have a long, silky coat that doesn’t shed much, making them a great option for people with allergies or those who don’t want to spend a lot of time cleaning up dog hair.
While Maltese dogs do have a tendency to bark, they can be trained to control their barking and not become excessive. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in both urban and rural environments, making them a great choice for people who live in apartments or those with small yards.
Maltese dogs are also known for their affectionate and loyal nature. They love to be around their owners and are often described as being lap dogs. They are highly trainable and respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, making them a great option for first-time dog owners.
5. Basenji
The Basenji is a unique and ancient breed of small dog that doesn’t bark in the traditional sense. Instead, they make a sound known as a yodel or a baroo, which is more of a howl than a bark. While they can be vocal at times, they are not known for excessive barking like some other breeds.
In terms of shedding, Basenjis have a short, fine coat that doesn’t shed much compared to other breeds. This makes them a great option for people who don’t want to spend a lot of time cleaning up dog hair or for those with allergies. While they do require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy, it’s relatively easy to maintain compared to other breeds.
6. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a small dog breed that is known for its unique appearance and its ability to be a great companion for people who want a dog that doesn’t bark or shed excessively. They come in two varieties: the hairless and the powderpuff, and both have a relatively low-shedding coat.
While Chinese Cresteds do have a tendency to bark, they are generally not known for being excessive barkers. They can be trained to control their barking with positive reinforcement techniques, and they are often described as being affectionate and loving companions.
In terms of shedding, the hairless variety of Chinese Crested doesn’t have much hair to shed, while the powderpuff has a longer, softer coat that doesn’t shed as much as other breeds.
Final Thoughts
These are some of the best small dog breeds that don t shed or bark. Each of these breeds has its unique personality and characteristics, but they all share the same low-maintenance traits that make them great pets for individuals with allergies or limited space. If you are considering getting a small dog that doesn’t shed or bark, be sure to research each breed thoroughly to find the one that best suits your lifestyle.
