7 Amazing Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed or Bark

Wanting​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ to keep a dog while living in a small city apartment? Your biggest concerns might be the dog barking and disturbing neighbors and dog hair spreading everywhere. Choosing small dog breeds that are compact, quiet, and low-shedding is similar to bringing a small, fluffy companion into your life—there is no problem with cleaning, and you do not have to worry about disturbing the neighbors.

Small Dog Breeds 1. Bichon Frise

Shedding: ★★★★☆
Vocalization: ★★★★★

Weight: 3-6kg (6.6-13.2 lbs), Height: Around 25cm (9.8 inches) – a true compact companion.
Shedding: Virtually zero shedding. Its double-layered, curly coat resembles cotton candy; loose hairs get trapped within the curls and can be easily brushed out.
Barking: Super gentle temperament, rarely barks unnecessarily unless bored or provoked. At most, a soft “woof” when strangers visit—never disturbs neighbors.
Personality: A clingy little sweetheart offering maximum emotional support. Perfect for solo dwellers seeking an “emotional companion.”
Drawbacks: Its hair is extremely curly, requiring bathing and professional trimming every 1-2 months to prevent matting. Grooming costs can be significant.
Real-life review: My friend has owned one for 8 years—her carpet never shows a single dog hair, and neighbors didn’t even know she had a dog.

small dog breeds 2. Havanese

Shedding: ★★★★☆
Vocalization: ★★★★★

Weight: 3-6kg, similar in size to a Basset Hound.
Shedding: Minimal. Their “silky” coat traps shed hairs within the fur.
Barking: Naturally more alert than a Basset Hound, but barks only when necessary—not a mindless barker. Becomes quiet after training.
Personality: Intelligent, affectionate, and highly perceptive. Excellent with children, seniors, and cats.
Advantages: Easier coat maintenance than Basset Hounds; self-grooming at home is perfectly manageable.
Disadvantages: Somewhat shy around strangers initially, may hide behind legs upon meeting new people, but becomes intensely affectionate once comfortable.
Key Takeaway: If you seek a small dog breed that’s “easier to care for than Basset Hounds yet equally non-shedding,” the Havanese is an undiscovered gem.

Small Dog Breeds 3. Maltese

Shedding: ★★★★★
Vocalization: ★★★☆☆

Weight: 2–3.5 kg, classified as a toy breed among small dog breeds.
Shedding: Theoretically zero shedding (single coat), but their long, straight hair tangles easily.
Barking: Depends on lineage and training. Well-bred Maltese barely bark, while poorly trained ones can become “screaming chickens.” Always choose parents with calm temperaments when purchasing.
Personality: Elegant little princess/prince who loves being held and sitting on your lap like a decorative ornament.
Drawbacks: Heavy tear staining + frequent grooming. Many owners opt for a short “sport cut” instead, which is actually more low-maintenance and still shed-free.
Ideal for: Those who love the Barbie doll aesthetic and don’t mind wiping eye gunk daily.

Small Dog Breeds 4. West Highland White Terrier

Shedding: ★★★★★
Vocalization: ★★★☆☆

Weight: 6-9 kg, slightly larger but still within the small dog breeds category.
Shedding: Wire-haired breed with minimal shedding; hand-stripping twice yearly leaves almost no visible hair.
Barking: Slightly more vocal than the previous three breeds, but far from noisy. Typically barks only when someone knocks at the door, and this tendency can be significantly reduced with training.
Personality: Bold, lively, independent, and a bit stubborn. Unlike the previous three breeds, it isn’t as “soft, cute, and clingy.”
Advantages: Extremely resilient! Far hardier than silky-coated puppies, rarely picky eaters or prone to illness.
Ideal for: Those seeking a dog with a bit of a “spirited personality” that doesn’t shed or bark excessively. This is the most playful yet resilient among small dog breeds.

Small Dog Breeds 5. Yorkshire Terrier

Shedding: ★★★★☆
Vocalization: ★★★☆☆

Weight: 2-3.5kg. Now there are even smaller teacup Yorkies.
Shedding: Hair-like coat, similar to human hair in length, minimal shedding.
Barking: Varies by individual. With good breeding and proper training, they can be trained to bark minimally; however, many small Yorkies are spoiled into “barking monsters.” When purchasing, be sure to observe the parents’ temperament.
Personality: Brave little rockets with big-dog souls—protective but prone to jealousy.
Pros: Grooming becomes much easier with a short haircut, keeping them cool and adorable in summer.
Cons: Slightly higher risk of fractures compared to other breeds; prevent them from jumping off couches.

small dog breeds 6. Miniature Schnauzer

Shedding: ★★★★★
Barking: ★★★★★

Weight: 5-8kg, upper limit for small dog breeds.
Shedding: Wire-haired coat sheds minimally. A bi-annual grooming session keeps it clean year-round.
Barking: Moderate guarding instincts. Barks at strangers but not excessively. Highly trainable.
Personality: Exceptionally intelligent, ranked 12th in global canine IQ. Learns quickly but can hold grudges.
Pros: Minimal body odor, virtually no doggy smell—a blessing for allergy sufferers.
Cons: Beard gets dirty easily; requires wiping after meals, like caring for a little old man.

Small Dog Breeds 7. French Bulldog

Shedding: ★★★★☆
Barking: ★★★★★

Weight: 17.6-28.6 lbs (slightly stockier build, still within small dog range)
Personality: Quiet, affectionate, master of expressions—one of the most popular breeds for urban apartments.
Drawbacks: Sensitive to heat, high price point, potential respiratory issues in some bloodlines.
Summary: If your budget allows, the French Bulldog is nearly the ultimate solution for “zero shedding + zero barking.”

The true “Zero Shedding, Zero Excessive Barking” Small Dog Breeds Champion Rankings:

1. Bichon Frise: Quietest, least shedding, but most grooming-intensive.
2. Havanese: Highest overall score, excels in temperament, coat, and quietness.
3. Maltese: Smallest breed, but tear stains and barking depend on lineage.
4. West Highland White Terrier: Slightly mischievous but robust and resilient.
5. Yorkshire Terrier: High potential—can be exceptionally quiet with proper training.