Dog Breeds That Are Good With Other Animals

Got a houseful of animals and want to add a dog to it? Look no further!

Whether you’re around other animals often, have a variety of pets at home or are planning to start your own petting zoo, you’ll want your dog to not just be tolerant of other animals, but to love them as well. Here are some of the American Kennel Club’s best dog breeds that are good with other dogs and animals.

14 animal-friendly dog breeds

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly, gentle nature as well as their intelligence and ease of training, making them a good choice for families with other pets. 

Though they are relatively large in size, they are not typically aggressive or territorial nor do they have a strong prey drive, meaning they are less likely to see other animals as prey and more likely to want to be their friends!

Labrador Retrievers

Labrador Retrievers are similar to golden retrievers in terms of their temperament — gentle, friendly, fun, patient and easy to train. Like their Golden cousins, they have a low prey drive and thrive in social situations with other dogs

Border Collie

These active dogs certainly embody their herding ancestors, and they’re happy to herd practically anyone or anything they can! They will want to play with all your other pets, so make sure that all your animals have a similar temperament otherwise they’ll go crazy!

Beagle

Beagles were originally bred as pack animals, so they are naturally good with other dogs and pets. They are also known for being playful and gentle, making them a good choice for families with other pets, regardless of their size difference. In fact, Beagles thrive with other animals around, as they’re highly social creatures and love to play with company.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

There’s a reason these pups are practically British royalty. They’re playful, they’re gentle, they’re happy and they’re tougher than they look! They can put up with some rough and tumble play from other dogs and are happy to play with cats, birds, sheep, ferrets and more!

Poodle 

Poodles are intelligent and versatile dogs that can be trained to do a variety of tasks and are known for being good with other animals. Poodles come in three different sizes: Standard, Miniature and Toy — each of which makes them a good choice for families and pets of all sizes. Plus, they’re hypoallergenic!

Australian Shepherd

This highly-energetic breed is social and playful, and its herding nature makes the breed a great one for households with a variety of animals. They do need quite a bit of attention (not all necessarily from humans!), so if you have other pets make sure that they are able to provide these dogs with the energy and play that they want!

Bulldog

Bulldogs are stocky and sturdy dogs that are known for being good with other animals, even larger and more energetic ones! They are also relatively low-maintenance, making them a good choice for busy families with a variety of animals. 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are small, gentle dogs that are known for being good with other animals and children. They are also relatively low-maintenance making them a good choice for busy families and chaotic households with many different pets. 

Pug

Pugs are small and playful dogs that are known for being good with other animals. They have enough confidence that they are just as happy to play with larger animals as they are with similarly-sized ones!

Basset Hound

Basset Hounds are gentle and loving dogs that are known for being good with other animals and children. They are also relatively inactive, making them a good choice for families with a sedentary lifestyle. Basset Hounds are medium-sized dogs, so they are not too big or too small for most homes.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are sweet, happy creatures who can get along with humans, dogs, cats, birds and everything else they want to be near. They’re not too large or too small, but they’re happy to socialize with other dogs regardless of the breed or size. 

Maltese

Though small and fluffy, this little dog breed is happy to play with the biggest and toughest of animals — they're that social! They’re playful without being too hyperactive, and they’re social without being too pushy. Maltese dogs are just here for a good time.

Border Terrier

Though he be small, he be mighty. This little dog breed packs a punch of energy in its small body, making them great playmates for other animals who want to play and are able to keep up with these terriers’ energy. 

These dog breeds are known to be better with other animals than most, but it’s still important to take into account each dog’s individual personality before introducing them to another animal or member of the family. Each dog is different, but with these breeds you have a higher likelihood of finding the perfect companion!

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Featured photo courtesy Pixabay/chrisemerson721