If you already have a pet at home and want to add another one, you would want to choose a breed that gets along well with other pets. This DogAppy article enlists 15 such great pet-friendly dog breeds that will get on very well with the other pets.
When Dog Meets Cat…
If you are introducing a dog to an older pet especially a cat, it is best to keep the dog on a secure lead to prevent chasing the cat. Allow the dog to sniff the cat but pull it back after a while. Likewise, do not force the cat to greet a strange-smelling creature as it can panic, and scratch the dog and you.
Do you have a pet dog or a cat and want to add another pet to the existing brood? There are a lot of dog breeds out there, from large and quiet to small and rambunctious. How do you know which dog breed would get along with other pets, and which would not?
We always assume that dogs and cats are natural enemies, but there are dog breeds that get along well with cats and other dogs perfectly. It is important to note that it is not necessary that dogs that are friendly with humans would be good with other pets especially the smaller ones, like birds and guinea pigs. Some breeds that are extremely friendly towards humans may be quite intolerant of a playful kitten. Hence, it is important to know more about the breed characteristics and temperament when choosing the perfect addition to your family.
Along with the breed characteristics, good canine skills and socialization is an important aspect. Here are some of the most friendly dog breeds who are good with other pets like other dogs and cats.
Dog Breeds Good With Other Pets
American Cocker Spaniel
One of the most popular breeds, the American Cocker Spaniel is an active sporting breed. This compact and sturdy dog is known for its long, silky coat and soft, endearing appearance. Also known as the “merry cocker”, these dogs have a cheerful, friendly disposition, and affectionate temperament. They are gentle and very intelligent dogs that thrive being part of a family. They are extremely friendly towards other dogs and pets.
Beagle
This sturdy little hound dog with its love for outdoors is happy to be around humans and just about everyone. It loves companionship of both humans and other dogs. When socialized early, beagles are great around other non-canine pets as well.
Bearded Collie
Bred as the sheep herder, the Bearded Collie with its long harsh coat (which tends to obscure their eyes) and bright inquiring expression has a boisterous, playful temperament. Their happy-go-lucky nature extends to other pets as well.
Bernese Mountain Dog
One of the four varieties of Swiss mountain dogs, this breed with its long silky coat and intelligence and strength is extremely popular as a family pet. It has a calm, sensitive nature, and is great with other pets. They are also extremely good with children and strangers.
Bichon Frise
Who can resist this fluffy little white dog with that independent spirit and affectionate nature? I am sure even the cockiest cat in the world would melt at the sight of this gentle, charming dog. Competitive and obedient, the Bichon Frise has a curled double coat, plumed tail and bright, inquisitive eyes. These sociable dogs are great around other dogs and pets.
Boston Terrier
Nicknamed “the American Gentleman”, thanks to their sturdy, compact appearance and their well-mannered nature, the Boston Terrier is lively and a very intelligent dog breed. They are playful, extremely attached to their families and, when socialized early, get along fine with other pets.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
You might have seen paintings of this dog in royal and aristocratic families. A namesake of King Charles II of Britain, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an elegant toy breed that has always led the good life among house pets. It is an affectionate, well-mannered dog that gets on well with non-canine pets.
Golden Retriever
With their shiny golden-colored coat and their adorable nature, the Golden Retriever is one of the most popular breeds. They are intelligent, eager to please and a joy to own. Their hunting and tracking instincts make them well-suited as a rescue dog. They are very friendly with everyone and that includes dogs, cats and other pets.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
One look at this sturdy, large muscular dog would make you wonder if it can get along well with other pets, especially the tiny ones like birds and rabbits? Despite their huge size, these dogs (nicknamed Swissy) are one of the most affectionate and eager-to-please breeds around. They love children, and get along very well with almost every pet even the snappy little cats.
Havanese
With its profuse outer coat and the lively gait, the Havanese is a short-legged, sturdy dog. These dogs are very playful and affectionate towards well, just about everyone which does include other dogs and non-canine pets. They love being the center of attention and are naturally curious.
Irish Setter
These dogs are a sight to behold with their lovely rich mahogany coat. This sporting breed is known to be a superb and tireless hunter. They have a patient and well-mannered nature, not to forget a rambunctious personality which makes them good with household pets. If you have very small animals like birds or rabbits then make sure that the dog is socialized early with these pets. This is because the Setter is a hunting breed and it may pose a problem for other pets.
Labrador Retriever
Few breeds are as popular as the Labrador Retriever or Labs as they are popularly known. Their calm and gentle nature has made them an excellent guide dog for the disabled, and a part of rescue teams in law enforcement. They are also an excellent family dog that is both calm in the house and playful and boisterous outside. They are often easy-going and trusting, even around strangers. Labs love being around people and are one of the top dog breeds the world over.
Pomeranian
Cocky, animated, extremely fluffy, the Pomeranian or Pom-Pom is a small toy-sized breed with a lively and independent spirit that is just so endearing. No wonder this breed has had so many royal owners including Queen Victoria. They have a friendly personality and are quite tolerant of other pets.
Samoyed
Used by the Samoyedic people of Siberia, for sledding, herding, guarding and keeping their owners warm, this dog breed is a perfect family dog. They are gentle, very loving and devoted to their families which can include other pets as well.
Shih Tzu
Beneath all that long-silky hair the Shih Tzu is a sturdy compact dog with a short muzzle and extremely dark eyes. Its name surprisingly means “lion” and considering its small size, you may wonder why? Once you get to know the dog you will probably know the reason. Cherished by the Chinese royal family for years, this dog breed is known for its distinctively arrogant carriage and stubborn streak. Despite this it is quite friendly, trusting and loving towards family members and other pets.
It is important to note that not all dogs of a breed are similar. Some may be better with pets than others. Some dogs may try to dominate other dogs while others from the same breed may be completely docile and friendly. Along with temperament, proper training and socialization is very important for pets to stay together harmoniously.
