Bringing home a new dog is an exciting milestone, but it becomes a bit more complex when you already share your space with other pets. Whether you have another dog, a curious cat, or even smaller animals, finding the right canine companion means looking beyond cuteness or size.
The key is choosing a breed known for sociability and calm temperaments, ones that naturally coexist with other animals without constant conflict or tension.
Fortunately, some dog breeds are better suited for multi-pet households than others. These breeds tend to be friendly, patient, and adaptable—traits that make the transition into a new home smoother for everyone involved. While each dog is unique and shaped by early experiences, certain breeds have a well-earned reputation for their ability to get along with fellow furry companions.
From energetic retrievers to gentle toy breeds, the variety is wide. Whether you’re looking for a playful pal for your current pup or a dog that won’t chase the family cat, this list of dog-friendly breeds will help you find your pet’s perfect match.
Dog Breeds That Do Well With Other Pets
1. Beagle
The Beagle, a breed with roots tracing back to ancient scent hounds, is one of the most popular hound dogs in the United States. These compact yet sturdy dogs stand between 13 to 15 inches tall and weigh 20 to 30 pounds.
Britannica states that Beagles are generally low-maintenance but require a fenced yard and daily exercise through active play or long leash walks.
Beagles are known for their floppy ears, expressive hazel or brown eyes, and smooth, tricolored or lemon-hued coats.
Their strong sense of smell and innate curiosity stem from their heritage as pack hunters. With a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, Beagles are cherished for their blend of endurance, charm, and good-natured attitude.
Temperament
These hunting dogs are famously cheerful, sociable, and affectionate. Bred to work in packs, they typically enjoy the company of other dogs and are well-suited to multi-pet households. However, due to their strong prey drive, Beagles may instinctively want to chase smaller pets, so supervision is advised.
They thrive on play, interaction, and shared activity, and their outgoing nature makes them eager companions for both humans and animals.
Fun Fact: A group of Beagles is sometimes called a “cry,” highlighting their signature howl and love for vocalizing, especially when following an intriguing scent trail.
2. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise, also called the Tenerife Dog, is a charming little breed that originated in the Mediterranean region and later found popularity on the Canary Islands.
Standing 9.5 to 11.5 inches tall and weighing 12 to 18 pounds, this non-sporting dog is celebrated for its plush, hypoallergenic white coat, round dark eyes, and affectionate demeanor.
Descended from water spaniels, the Bichon has a sturdy frame and an expressive, rounded head that adds to its endearing appearance.
With a lifespan of 14–15 years, the breed has charmed everyone from royalty in 16th-century France to modern-day families looking for a joyful and gentle pet.
Temperament
Bichons are cheerful, affectionate, and incredibly sociable. According to the AKC, the Bichon Frise is a small yet sturdy and resilient breed, renowned for its standout personality. They thrive in the company of humans and other animals, rarely showing aggression.
Their friendly nature makes them an excellent choice for households with other dogs or pets. Bichons love attention and do best in environments where they are not left alone for long periods.
Fun Fact: The Bichon Frise was so beloved in France that King Henry III reportedly carried his Bichons in a basket tied around his neck with silk ribbons.
3. Border Collie
The Border Collie, originally developed in the border regions between England and Scotland, is a medium-sized herding dog celebrated for its unmatched intelligence and agility. Standing between 18 to 22 inches tall and weighing 30 to 45 pounds, this breed is built for performance, not ornamentation.
Recognized for its keen “herding eye” and either a smooth or rough coat in a range of colors, the Border Collie is a visual standout.
They typically live between 12 to 15 years and are part of the Herding Group. Border Collies were bred to be tireless workers, excelling in shepherding, obedience, and agility tasks, making them one of the most versatile breeds in the canine world.
Temperament
Highly alert and eager to please, Border Collies are naturally sociable and tend to get along well with other pets when properly introduced. PetMD states that Border Collies are excellent companions for active individuals and families.
They’re affectionate with family, attentive, and enjoy companionship from other dogs or even cats. Their energetic and playful demeanor often turns interactions into spontaneous play sessions.
Fun Fact: The Border Collie’s name originates from its homeland—the borderlands of Scotland and England—where it earned a legendary reputation as an unmatched sheepdog.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Graceful and affectionate, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a toy breed with aristocratic roots and a heart full of love. PDSA describes Cavalier King Charles Spaniels as exceptionally sweet-natured dogs. Originating in the United Kingdom, these petite spaniels weigh around 13 to 18 pounds and stand up to 13 inches tall.
With their expressive, round eyes and luxuriously soft coats—available in four classic color combinations—Cavaliers blend refinement with playfulness.
Their lifespan typically ranges from 12 to 15 years, and while they may be prone to hereditary health conditions, responsible breeding and veterinary care can help manage these risks. This breed thrives equally in active households or quieter homes, often winning hearts with their sweet demeanor.
Temperament
Cavaliers are known for their gentle and sociable personalities. These loving dogs bond quickly with both people and pets, making them excellent companions in multi-animal homes. While their spaniel lineage can occasionally spark a chase instinct, they’re generally peaceful and tolerant, whether with other dogs or even cats.
Fun Fact: Named after King Charles II of England, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was once considered a royal favorite and still carries the charm of its noble lineage.
5. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is one of the most beloved and recognizable breeds worldwide, originally bred in 19th-century Scotland as a gundog for retrieving waterfowl. These medium-to-large dogs stand 21.5 to 24 inches tall and weigh between 55 and 75 pounds.
Their signature feature is a thick, golden double coat, paired with an expressive, intelligent gaze and a feathered tail often held in cheerful motion.
Golden Retrievers belong to the Sporting Group and typically live 10 to 12 years. Known for their loyalty and trainability, they are popular choices for families, service work, and competitive obedience.
Temperament
Golden Retrievers are joyful, even-tempered, and extremely social. They thrive on human interaction and typically bond quickly with other dogs and household pets.
Their patience and gentle demeanor make them ideal for homes with children or multiple animals. Thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please, they are highly trainable and adapt well to diverse environments.
Fun Fact: Golden Retrievers are not only family favorites but are also frequently used in search-and-rescue operations and as therapy dogs due to their dependable and affectionate nature.
6. Italian Greyhound
Elegant and refined, the Italian Greyhound—often affectionately called the “IG”—is a graceful miniature of the standard Greyhound. Originating around 600 BC, this ancient breed gained admiration among Mediterranean nobles and European royalty, including Queen Victoria.
Standing between 13 to 15 inches tall and weighing 7 to 14 pounds, the IG features long, slender legs and sleek, aerodynamic curves.
Its short coat and minimal grooming needs make it ideal for indoor living, especially in smaller homes or apartments. With a lifespan of 14 to 15 years, this toy group member is both a devoted companion and a low-maintenance pet.
Temperament
Italian Greyhounds are affectionate, sensitive, and gentle, often forming deep bonds with their humans. They become great family dogs. While they can be shy with strangers, they’re friendly and playful with family and familiar pets.
They typically get along well with cats and other small to medium-sized dogs, especially in calm environments. These quiet charmers prefer peaceful interaction and may retreat from roughhousing or chaos.
Fun Fact: Mummified remains of IG-like hounds were discovered in ancient Egyptian tombs, highlighting their centuries-old legacy.
7. Maltese
The Maltese, often referred to as “Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta,” has a rich history dating back centuries as a beloved companion of aristocrats.
This elegant toy breed stands under 10 inches tall and weighs less than 7 pounds, making it one of the smallest breeds in the canine world. Its most distinctive feature is its floor-length, straight, and silky white coat, which flows effortlessly as it moves with graceful agility.
Despite its dainty appearance, the Maltese is a hardy and confident dog, capable of keeping up with playful routines and adapting well to apartment living. With a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, this breed is both charming and long-lived.
Temperament
Maltese are gentle, affectionate, and deeply bonded to their humans. While generally sociable with other pets, they can become possessive if not properly socialized. Early introductions, especially with dogs of similar size, and positive experiences are key. Their loving nature and alertness make them delightful yet sensitive companions.
Fun Fact: Despite their luxurious looks, Maltese dogs were once skilled rat hunters—proof that there’s more grit behind that glam than meets the eye.
8. Papillon
The Papillon, named after the French word for “butterfly,” is a toy breed known for its striking wing-shaped ears and elegant appearance. Dating back to 16th-century European nobility, these petite dogs once adorned the laps of royal women and appeared in artworks by great masters like Rembrandt and Rubens.
Standing 8 to 11 inches tall and weighing 5 to 10 pounds, the Papillon has a refined frame, a plumed tail, and a silky coat, most often white with various patches of color. Recognized in the Toy Group, they live between 14 to 16 years and are admired for their surprising sturdiness and agility despite their dainty looks.
Temperament
Papillons are highly intelligent, cheerful, and affectionate. Naturally curious and social, they generally do well with other dog breeds and pets when properly socialized from an early age. These little extroverts thrive on interaction, enjoy learning tricks, and adapt well to both active and relaxed households.
Fun Fact: Papillons come in two ear types—erect and dropped. The drop-eared variety is called the Phalène, meaning “moth” in French.
9. Pekingese
The Pekingese, a noble breed with ancient Chinese roots, was once the prized lapdog of royalty. These compact, toy-sized dogs stand 6 to 9 inches tall and weigh up to 14 pounds. Their most notable features include a wide, flat face, large, round eyes, a mane-like coat around the neck, and a unique rolling gait.
Their long, flowing double coat comes in various shades of red and requires regular grooming to stay neat.
Despite their small stature, Pekes carry themselves with dignity and confidence, traits passed down from their imperial ancestors. With a lifespan of 12 to 14 years, they make loyal, low-energy companions well-suited to indoor life.
Temperament
Pekingese are affectionate, clever, and famously independent. While not overly playful, they bond deeply with their humans and are typically respectful of other pets, especially when raised in a social environment. Their calm, steady nature makes them more likely to coexist peacefully rather than seek constant interaction.
Fun Fact: Pekingese were once considered sacred in ancient China, with commoners required to bow before them.
Conclusion
Choosing the right pup to join a multi-pet household doesn’t have to be a challenge; many of the best dog breeds are naturally friendly, adaptable, and respectful toward other animals. While every dog is unique, breeds like the Pekingese showcase how socialization and temperament play a big role in building peaceful coexistence among cats, dogs, and even smaller pets. With proper introductions and a bit of patience, a new canine companion can become fast friends with your existing pets.
If you’re searching for a loyal, sociable, and enthusiastic dog, options like the Labrador Retriever and Cocker Spaniel are excellent additions to households with a resident dog or other pets. These breeds are not only loving with humans but also often thrive in environments where they can bond with fellow animals. Whether you’re looking for calm companions or energetic playmates, there’s a breed that fits every pet dynamic, ensuring that both your new pup and long-time furry friends feel right at home.
