While it’s natural for dogs to make noise when they detect a disturbance, require attention, or have something to say to you (even if that something is that a plastic bag blowing down the street just doesn’t look right), many of us would prefer a dog who keeps their mouth shut more of the time.

Whether you live in an apartment with a noise ordinance or simply can’t stand 4 a.m. baying (beagles, we’re looking at you), selecting a strong, silent sort of dog becomes a need for both peace of mind and harmony with the neighbors. Several breeds are simply noisier than others; hounds and some toy types are notorious for having a lot to say, whereas others prefer to keep their mouths shut. Training can help your dog understand when it’s appropriate to vocalize and when it’s best to keep quiet. However, selecting a breed that is less prone to yap in response to every stimulus can also help you succeed. If you stick to these peaceful dog breeds, you’ll be less likely to hear a 101 Dalmatian-style barking chorus. There are little, medium, and huge canines who don’t bark too much, are easygoing and would be ideal apartment-friendly pets.

Mountain Dog Bernese

Originally bred to help out on Swiss farms, these gentle giants now perform well with young families due to their even-keeled temperament. They will, however, play favorites, frequently growing loyal to one individual in particular.

King Charles Cavalier Spaniel

Charlotte had one in Sex and the City for a reason. The characteristics of the toy breed are ideal for city living: they are quiet, friendly, and (of course) very gorgeous. Of course, they rarely make a sound.

The French Bulldog

Frenchies, another happy apartment dweller, don’t require much exercise other than fast walks. Their flattened noses indicate that they thrive in temperate climes with plenty of leisure time. Their playful personality is also not reflected in their barking.

Bulldog

The same is true in the English translation. The larger dogs won’t say anything because they’re quite pleased to snooze on the sofa. Good luck getting them to rouse themselves for, well, anything!

Basenji

The Basenji is known as the “barkless dog” because they produce very little noise, yet they are not completely silent. When the hounds finally decide to speak up, they produce strange noises that sound similar to yodels.

Borzoi

Borzois are described as “calm and catlike” by the American Kennel Club, yet the exquisite borzois stand out in more ways than one. When they start running, the greyhound-like dogs may reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, so don’t let them off the leash until they’re well-trained.

Deerhound from Scotland

A Scottish Deerhound is nearly 3 feet tall at the shoulder and won’t fit in your lap, but the tall hound compensates with a dignified and sensitive personality. Their average energy levels allow them to enjoy a good gallop outside followed by a long siesta.

Wheaten Terrier with Soft Coat

Wheatens will bark when necessary, but they mainly announce their presence with the “Wheaten greeting:” an enthusiastic hello with plenty of bouncing. They’re pretty relaxed aside from making guests feel welcome.

The Shiba Inu

Shibas, while best known as part of the popular doge meme, aren’t about to say “much wow” anytime soon. The dogs are mostly silent, except for the occasional “Shiba scream.”

Australian Sheepdog

Despite their name, Aussies are a breed that originated primarily in the United States. The herders will alarm their owners if they believe anything demands their attention (or if someone is doing it inappropriately), but they are unlikely to start barking at anything in particular.

Irish Setter 

If you adopt one of these magnificent red-coated setters for its intended function, their vocalizations will be limited to tracking down their prey. They have a lot of energy because they were bred to work, but they also have sweet personalities to go with it.

The Shih Tzu

While small breeds have a reputation for being grumpy, this is not universally true. The relatively silent Shih Tzu used to live with Chinese aristocracy, but they’d be delighted to become the kings and queens of your humble abode. The happy pups have over a thousand years of experience as companions, so they make excellent roommates.

Terrier of Glen of Imaal

If you enjoy the spunkiness of terriers but wish they were a bit less, hmm, excitable, this softer breed is for you. Glens retain the category’s powerful energy, but they play it a little cooler (and quieter) than many of its more frenzied brothers.

Saluki

They can be quite independent (requiring extensive training), but one adjective that does not describe Salukis is noisy. The quick-footed hounds can sprint at peak speeds, and one of their most prized characteristics is their loyalty to their owners. Give them enough guidance and exercise, and they’ll give you their all.

Ridgeback Rhodesian

These “African Lion Dogs” are praised for their balanced temperaments, athleticism, and friendly personalities. You’ll recognize them by a line of hair developing in the opposite direction as the rest of their fur, forming the distinctive ridge along the spine.