Among the biggest challenges for dog owners is finding a dog that does well with other pets.
Owning a multi-pet household is a challenge in itself. Factor in a high-maintenance, jealous pup, you’ve got yourself a recipe for disaster.
When you bring a new dog into a home with other dogs, cats, or other pets, it’s important that everyone can play nice and get along. Jealousy, aggression, and disobedience can quickly become the destructive consequences that damage owner and pet relationships.
In some cases, your existing family members may be best suited for life as the only pet. If they haven’t been socialized or they don’t “warm-up” to other animals well, they probably won’t be great roommates with other pets.
On the other hand, bringing a puppy into the mix with older dogs or cats will likely annoy your current animals. As we know, puppies require a great deal of attention and maintenance, and older pets aren’t always up to the challenge of keeping up.
If you are considering bringing another family member home, make sure you do adequate research on the breeds you have and the breed you are considering. To create the happiest home for everyone, make sure they have similar temperaments, energy levels, maintenance requirements, etcetera.
Best Dogs for Multi-Pet Homes
Truthfully, beyond the breed, a dog’s personality has more to do with its owner and their prior treatment.
Each breed of dog is wired differently. For example, Scottish terriers are natural-born hunters. Likely, they will be prone to digging and “rooting” in the ground with their noses, “hunting” for objects.
The same goes for a Golden Retriever, who may beg you to throw a ball so they can fetch it. Similar examples include Shepherd breeds, who corral groups of people as they walk.
No matter a breed’s gentle temperament, if a dog comes from an abusive situation, it will likely show signs of aggression or skittish behavior. Pair those issues with other animals competing for attention and you may find yourself in a sticky situation.
The goal of introducing a new pet is harmony. Regardless of the breed, it’s important to take into account the situation that currently exists in your home with your pets, and the temperament of the new family member. Put plainly, it would be unfair to introduce a new pet into a situation that is not ideal for all parties involved.
If you are considering bringing a new family member home, research some of these breeds as suggestions for multi-pet homes.
Typically, these breeds get along well with other dogs, cats, and other pets in the home:
- Beagle
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- Corgi
- Poodle
- Irish Setter
- English Springer Spaniel
- Bichon Frise
- Border Collie
- Pug
Before you introduce another pet into your home, make sure you research the best options for your current lifestyle and home environment. If you have questions about socializing your animals or choosing the right breed for you, contact our office.
