Dogs are man’s best friend, but not all breeds are friendly with other pets. If you have another dog, a cat, or any other animal in your home, make sure the dog you’re going to adopt gets along well with these animals.
Many dog breeds are a great addition to families with multiple pets. They bring companionship and joy with their sociable nature. Such dogs can usually adapt to different situations, including multi-pet settings.
Living in a multi-pet household, the pets keep each other from getting bored and help their fellows get more exercise. Multi-pet owners also get a lot of mental health benefits.
Interacting with a dog and other pets decreases the stress-causing hormone cortisol and increases the production of oxytocin, the love hormone.
Here are the top 10 dog breeds that thrive in multi-pet households.
Dog Breeds that Thrive in Multi-Pet Households
1. Golden Retriever
Breed Profile
Height: 21.5 to 24 inches
Weight: 55 to 75 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Golden Retrievers are known for their easygoing and sociable personality. Just like their name, these dogs have a “heart of gold.” They love everyone in their life, be it a human, dog, cat, or fuzzy hamster. Their kind and calm demeanor makes them well-suited for multi-pet households.
Goldens are highly intelligent dogs with an eagerness to please, so they can be trained very easily to behave well. They love to be a part of the action and want to make every pet included. These caring and loving dogs will do anything from lounging with a rabbit or playing with a cat.
2. Labrador Retriever
Breed Profile
Height: 21.5 to 24.5 inches
Weight: 55 to 80 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in America. Labs’ eager-to-please, affectionate nature, and boundless energy allow them to adapt well to homes with multiple pets. Due to their love for swimming, they get along well with ducks or other aquatic pets.
Labradors are incredibly tolerant and playful pups. They are happy to make new friends, whether it is a cat or a bird. They are natural caregivers, so they ensure the safety of their fellow pets. They are highly enthusiastic and capable of filling your home with joy and love!
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Breed Profile
Height: 12 to 13 inches
Weight: 13 to 18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Cavalier King Charles spaniel has expressive, round eyes and a soft temperament. These affectionate and sweet dogs are small-sized, but have a big heart. So, they are more than happy to embrace other pets in your home.
Cavaliers are known for forming strong bonds with their owners. According to PetMD, they make excellent family dogs.
These incredibly social and happy-go-lucky pups thrive in households with more than one dog, cats, and other animals. Originally bred to be lapdogs, Cavalier King Charles spaniels love their favorite human’s company. They can create long-lasting friendships.
4. Beagle
Breed Profile
Height: 12 to 15 inches (Miniature: Under 12 inches)
Weight: Under 30 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years
These hunting dogs love being part of a group due to their pack mentality. This group can include multiple pets such as other dogs, cats, and even guinea pigs. These social dogs with a curious nature can coexist peacefully with their furry family.
Beagles have a knack for adventure! They exhibit a playful and gentle temperament with cats and birds. They are highly energetic dogs with an infectious enthusiasm. However, their keen sense of smell can sometimes get them into trouble.
5. Basset Hounds
Breed Profile
Height: Under 15 inches
Weight: 40 to 65 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 13 years
Basset hound is a dog breed with floppy ears and droopy eyes. They have a calm demeanor, so they stay peaceful and content in multi-pet households. Basset hounds have a playful yet laid-back attitude. The playful side shows up when they interact with other animals.
They are always ready for action due to their social nature. Basset hounds do not demand too much attention and are happy to share their space with other animals. They are known to form strong bonds with their furry family.
6. Collie
Breed Profile
Height: 22 to 26 inches
Weight: 50 to 75 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
Collies are known for their strong herding instincts. At the same time, they are very friendly and gentle with other animals. Properly trained Collies clearly understand their boundaries and can adapt to households with multiple pets.
Collies have natural leadership qualities—they organize play and make sure everybody participates in it. They are protective of all family members, including their fellow canines, creating a sense of security.
Collies have the ability to adapt to different environments, including multi-pet households. According to the American Kennel Club, Collies form a good relationship with their owners.
7. Papillon
Breed Profile
Height: 8 to 11 inches
Weight: 5 to 10 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
Don’t get fooled by their small size! Papillons, known for having butterfly-like ears, are vibrant and full of life. Their curious nature makes them become friends with many other animals. These confident, playful, and adorable little fellows are well-suited for multi-pet households.
Papillons are agile and intelligent dogs, which makes their interactions with other animals dynamic and engaging. They are the social butterflies who thrive on companionship. These high-spirited dogs bring joy and excitement to any multi-pet environment.
8. Boxer
Breed Profile
Height: 21.5 to 25 inches
Weight: 50 to 80 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Despite being muscular dogs, Boxers are playful and naturally inclined towards companionship. Their goofy and outgoing personalities make other animals comfortable around them. They are active but have a gentle temperament.
These dogs are protective and loyal, and always keep looking for their family members. Boxers are affectionate fellows, always ready for adventure, whether it’s a play session in the dog park or cuddling on the couch.
9. Cocker Spaniel
Breed Profile
Height: 13.5 to 15.5 inches
Weight: 20 to 30 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
Cocker spaniels are affectionate and easygoing dogs who can easily adapt to homes with multiple pets. They are known for their gentle nature and easily get along with cats and other dogs. In fact, they can coexist peacefully with them.
These playful pups form great bonds with children and other house pets. Their loving nature makes them superb companions who foster a sense of unity. Their happy disposition and wagging tails can light up your life and fill it with joy.
10. Maltese
Breed Profile
Height: 7 to 9 inches
Weight: Under 7 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Maltese are small dogs having a big temperament and are able to adapt to various environments. They are very friendly and love interacting with smaller animals such as a furry hamster. Their playful antics make them endearing to humans.
Maltese dogs get along well with other cats and dogs as they are highly social. However, they can feel intimidated or threatened by larger breeds. That is why they are a good fit for homes with smaller animals.
Conclusion
Certain breeds are known for getting along well with dogs, cats, and other animals. Due to their gentle temperament and affectionate nature, they are well-suited for multi-pet homes. If you are looking for a dog who is friendly with other pets in your home, one of these breeds can make an excellent companion!
