7 Dog Breeds Who Prefer Other Dogs Over People

Some dogs do not always put humans at the top priority and are more dog-friendly creatures.. Most pups pick their human counterparts over anything else in the world; some dog breeds have this fascinating trait that they genuinely prefer hanging out with their dog friends.

These are not antisocial dogs by any stretch. They’re just wired differently; that’s because they have been bred for centuries to do specific jobs. They can be good hunting dogs in groups across African plains or can also pull sleds through tundra; these breeds are developed to attract and be the perfect companions.

Dogs that socialize with other dogs tend to have lower levels of cortisol, a hormone that’s linked to stress. As Wag & Cluck mentions, just like humans, dogs need positive social interactions.

A dog’s tendency to be an introvert or avoid people can be due to several factors, like genetics, early experiences, and the quality of socialization. According to PetMD, inherited traits, early exposure to different environments, and how a dog continues to socialize as it matures all influence its temperament.

Temperament of These Dog Breeds

Dogs That Prefer Other Dogs Over People

1. Basenji

The Basenji comes straight from Central Africa with some seriously unique personality quirks. These guys are famous for being the barkless dogs, but what’s even more interesting is how they handle their social circles with other dogs versus humans.

The thing about Basenji is that they are naturally pack dog hunters. Back in their homeland, they were originally bred to work chasing game through dense forests, which means cooperation with dogs is basically wired into their DNA.

They’ll form tight bonds with doggy housemates but can be pretty standoffish with strangers. They are also sometimes reserved with family members. The Kennel Club UK describes this dog as alert, poised, and proud, with the unique trait of being nearly odorless.

Don’t expect the Basenji to come running into your house and have too much friendly nature. They have boundless energy but still can get properly socialized.

2. Afghan Hound

Talk about the breed with attitude, the Afghan Hound basically invented the concept of being too cool for school. These elegant sighthounds were originally bred for hunting in the mountains. They worked in packs to chase down gazelles and other swift prey.

They have incredibly affectionate personalities with their fellow canines, but can seem downright aloof with humans, even their own families. They are fun-loving breeds that are suited to kids who want a partner that makes them feel good and powerful.

This means you’ll find the lovely nature in them, like cats do. They are somewhat reserved as well, but that doesn’t mean they don’t love you; they just express it differently and are a little unique among other dog breeds when it comes to being a friendly dog.

They are introverted dogs that prefer other dogs over people, and with too many strangers, they get a little uncomfortable.

3. Scottish Deerhound

This is a gentle giant with a serious mentality, along with being a friendly dog breed. Scottish Deerhounds were originally bred to hunt deer in the Scottish Highlands. They are working dogs that work in groups and require serious teamwork and passion.

According to the American Kennel Club, its wiry coat comes in a range of shades and adds to its rugged and noble appearance.

These sighthounds have the amazing ability to read other dogs’ intentions and work together seamlessly. If you put a Deerhound with other breeds, they naturally become even more gentle, and their treatment with other dogs and animals is incredible to watch.

They are good at being the best friendly dogs; they are pack dogs at heart. These are the dogs that are well-suited to families. They are calm, dignified family pets and have a surprisingly laid-back nature as large working dogs. With humans they are polite and show an affectionate nature and are well-mannered.

Their exercise needs are interesting; they need speed to run, but are surprisingly content to lounge around the house between activity sessions. They’re essentially couch potatoes with occasional bursts of athleticism.

4. Beagle

Beagles are absolutely great family dogs who love everybody, but their pack instincts are incredibly deep. These scent hounds were originally bred to hunt in large packs, sometimes with dozens of other Beagles that work together to track foxes and hares.

That pack mentality never really left the breed. Beagles are friendly and affectionate with humans, especially children, but they have an almost magical connection with other dogs. When you take them to the dog park, Beagles naturally form little groups and work together, even play. It’s like watching their hunting instincts play out in miniature.

They’ll cuddle with you on the couch but get genuinely excited when they meet other puppies in ways that surprise their owners. Their tail goes into overdrive, and their whole body language changes when they encounter other dogs.

5. Borzoi

The Borzoi is basically the aristocrat of the sighthound world, and they carry themselves like they know it. These elegant Russian wolfhounds were originally bred for hunting wolves in packs across the Russian steppes, which requires incredible coordination between multiple dogs.

What’s remarkable about Borzoi is their calm nature around humans versus their animated interactions with other sighthounds. They’re polite with most people, gentle with children, and generally well-behaved house guests.

These aren’t your typical friendly dog breeds. They’re more like those smart, sophisticated friends who choose their social circle carefully. Borzoi need the company of other large, calm dogs over smaller, more energetic dogs. They have excellent judgment about which canine companions suit their lifestyle.

6. Saluki

Salukis have been hunting in packs across the Middle East for thousands of years, and that collaborative spirit is still incredibly strong in the breed today. These elegant dogs were originally bred by Bedouin tribes to hunt gazelle and other swift prey in coordinated groups.

While generally quiet, Salukis have a vocal side when they feel unhappy or isolated. They’re incredibly loyal to their families but maintain this almost cat-like independence that can seem aloof to newcomers.

They have affectionate personalities on their terms, not necessarily when you want attention. With other dogs, especially other sighthounds, they transform into engaged and are your playful companions.

Salukis have this incredible ability to read other dogs’ energy levels and adapt accordingly. They can be gentle with puppies, respectful with older dogs, and playful with energetic breeds when the mood strikes them.

7. Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies were originally bred as sled dogs; they work in teams of 8-16 dogs across frozen wilderness. That teamwork mentality is so deeply ingrained that most Huskies genuinely prefer the company of other dogs over you or other humans.

Huskies can be great family dogs and are generally good with children and other animals. Their heart truly belongs to the pack. These working dogs get hierarchy, cooperation, and group dynamics in ways that constantly amaze their owners.

What makes Huskies different from other breeds is their communication style. They’re incredibly vocal with both humans and other dogs, along they are loyal. They howl together, play together, and even seem to make group decisions about activities.

Conclusion

If you’re considering adopting a rescue dog from one of these breeds, think seriously about whether you can provide canine companionship or at least regular socialization and good exercise for them. These aren’t breeds that will be content being your only pet and spending most of their time alone.

Their playful nature demands getting trained, loved, and they need essential creative activities for fun, like certain breeds, specifically the German Shepherd and Basset Hound.