I love pets of all kinds. I've had dogs, cats, iguanas, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, cockatiels, parakeets, mice, gerbils, ducks, turtles and hamsters. But dogs will always be my favorite animal followed closely by lizards. I love cats too, but during my childhood I was allergic to cats so I grew up around dogs. And as dogs go my very favorite breed is the german shepherd. Every shepherd I've ever known has been loyal and protective.
Well, I've lived with 2 cats and 1 dog (not at the same time) and...man, I hated that dog (it belonged to a roommate, not me, just to be clear). I mean, I know it was just that one particular dog, but it still really soured me on dogs. Even so, I think I'd vote cats regardless.
My dog is crated in our house during the day when I'm at work, so even if he did bark, they wouldn't hear it. Plus, a dog will bark if someone is trying to break into your house at night while you are sleeping, like my friends dog did for him a few years ago. Cats would just pussy out. LOL.