Imagine a dog who greets every animal with a wagging tail and soft eyes—a pup who sees cats, rabbits, and even other dogs not as rivals, but as friends. While not every breed has this level of friendliness, some dogs are naturally wired to be gentle, patient, and sociable.
If you’re building a multi-pet household, choosing one of these breeds can make all the difference. These dogs are often described as peacemakers. They tend to have calm temperaments, forgiving natures, and an instinct to nurture rather than dominate.
Many were bred to work closely with other animals, whether herding sheep without harm or retrieving game gently without damaging it. That instinct carries into modern homes, where they’re known for coexisting beautifully with everything from cats to guinea pigs.
Of course, socialization and training still matter, but with these breeds, the natural temperament gives you a huge head start. We’ll introduce you to the nicest dog breeds to other pets—dogs that bring harmony instead of conflict, and warmth instead of worry.
If you want a friendly dog breed that doubles as a peace ambassador, these breeds are your best bet.
Nicest Dog Breeds To Other Pets
1. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers aren’t just friendly to humans—they practically have a PhD in being nice to other pets. Golden Retrievers rank among the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. due to their intelligence, loyalty, trainability, and affectionate nature. They are often affectionately called “Goldens.”
With their gentle temperament, outgoing personality, and natural empathy, these dogs can get along with just about anyone—cats, rabbits, or that neighbor’s overly enthusiastic ferret included.
Size & Build: Medium to large, sturdy, and gentle in their movements.
Temperament: Calm, patient, and endlessly affectionate.
Personality: Outgoing, playful dogs are always ready to make friends—four-legged or otherwise.
Goldens are patient, playful, and endlessly forgiving, making them perfect companions for multi-pet households. They have a knack for sensing moods, so if a new puppy is nervous or a senior cat wants space, they’ll adjust accordingly—often while wagging that perpetually happy tail of theirs.
Basically, a Golden Retriever in a house full of pets is like a furry mediator who also doubles as a cuddle enthusiast.
Fun Fact: Goldens are so universally loved that if there were a “United Nations of Pets,” the Golden Retriever would probably be elected ambassador, complete with a wagging tail and a friendly paw shake.
2. Maltese
Don’t let their small size fool you—Maltese dogs have hearts big enough to make friends with every pet in the house.
With their gentle demeanor, affectionate nature, and playful personality, they’re natural peacekeepers in multi-pet households. Cats, rabbits, or even slightly grumpy older dogs? A Maltese will approach with curiosity, sweetness, and a wagging tail—or in their case, a flurry of silky fur.
Size & Build: Tiny, delicate, and gentle in their movements.
Temperament: Sweet-natured, playful, and sociable.
Personality: Affectionate, curious, and endlessly friendly to other animals.
Maltese thrive on companionship and love being part of the family dynamic, which includes four-legged friends of all shapes and sizes.
They’re playful but careful, affectionate but respectful, making them ideal for homes with existing pets—or even introducing new ones. Basically, the Maltese is a tiny diplomat with a flair for cuddles and friendship.
Fun Fact: Maltese dogs have been pampered companions for centuries, and part of their charm is that they’ve always had a knack for getting along with everyone—humans and furry friends alike.
3. Papillon
Small in size but big in heart, the Papillon is a social butterfly who loves making friends—including furry ones.
With their signature butterfly-shaped ears and boundless energy, Papillons are curious, playful, and always ready to engage with other pets in the household. Papillons are smart, adaptable, and incredibly affectionate, which makes them easygoing companions for multi-pet homes.
Size & Build: Tiny, agile, and gentle in play.
Temperament: Curious, affectionate, and friendly.
Personality: Energetic, social, and always eager to make new friends.
Cats, rabbits, or even laid-back senior dogs? A Papillon approaches everyone with enthusiasm and charm, often turning timid introductions into lifelong friendships, as per Britannica.
They love interactive play, gentle cuddles, and the thrill of exploring new friends, often bringing a spark of energy and joy wherever they go. Think of them as the little cheerleader of the pet world, always encouraging harmony and fun.
Fun Fact: Papillons have been charming humans and animals alike for centuries, earning their spot as one of the most sociable and endearing toy breeds around.
4. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Short, sturdy, and full of personality, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a little dog with a big heart—especially when it comes to other pets.
Originally bred to herd cattle and sheep in the U.K., Corgis have a natural sense of social order and playfulness that translates perfectly to multi-pet households. Cats, dogs, or even curious bunnies? A Corgi can adapt and often becomes a lively, loyal friend to everyone, PetMD noted.
Corgis are spunky, intelligent, and affectionate, making them excellent companions not just for pets but for children, too.
Size & Build: Medium stature, muscular, and sturdy.
Temperament: Loyal, adaptable, and playful.
Personality: Energetic, affectionate, and always ready to make friends.
They thrive in a variety of living spaces, from apartments to sprawling yards, though a fenced yard is ideal for burning off their energy. Their playful antics and friendly nature make them a beloved addition to any pet-friendly home.
Fun Fact: Though famous as Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite breed, Corgis have been charming households—and pets—worldwide for centuries with their spunky personalities and social charm.
5. Beagle
With their floppy ears, soulful eyes, and boundless curiosity, Beagles are natural socialites—both with humans and other pets.
These compact hounds have an easygoing, gentle temperament, making them great companions for multi-pet households. Whether it’s a cat, another dog, or even a small rabbit, a Beagle’s playful, tolerant nature helps them build friendships effortlessly.
Beagles are intelligent, active, and incredibly curious, which means they’ll often lead the way in exploring the backyard or sniffing out adventures alongside their furry friends. Their loyalty and love for companionship make them excellent playmates, cuddle buddies, and all-around household charmers.
Size & Build: Small to medium, sturdy, and agile.
Temperament: Friendly, tolerant, and sociable.
Personality: Curious, affectionate, and always ready to make friends.
Dogtime states Beagles are adaptable and can live in apartments as long as they get regular on-leash walks multiple times a day, no matter the weather. They do best with around an hour of daily exercise, and if they don’t receive enough activity or attention, they may become destructive when left alone for long periods.
Fun Fact: Beagles have been bred for centuries to work in packs, which makes them naturally cooperative and great at getting along with other dogs—and even convincing other pets to join the fun.
6. Bichon Frise
Small, fluffy, and endlessly charming, the Bichon Frise is basically a little bundle of joy who gets along with just about anyone—including other pets.
With their cheerful disposition and playful personality, Bichons love being part of a household where furry friends are part of the fun. Cats, dogs, or even smaller critters? A Bichon will happily share the spotlight and the cuddles.
Size & Build: Small, fluffy, and gentle in play.
Temperament: Cheerful, affectionate breed.
Personality: Playful, friendly, and always ready to make new friends.
Bichons are gentle, affectionate, and highly adaptable, making them perfect for multi-pet homes. They thrive on companionship, enjoy interactive play, and have a natural talent for making everyone feel included and loved. Their playful energy and friendly nature make them one of the happiest and most sociable small breeds around.
Fun Fact: Bichon Frises are known for their “hypoallergenic” coats and charming personalities, making them perfect for households where pets—and even people with allergies—can all coexist happily.
7. Border Collie
Border Collies aren’t just brilliant—they’re social geniuses when it comes to getting along with other pets.
Highly intelligent, energetic, and trainable, they thrive in homes where there’s companionship, stimulation, and a little bit of fun chaos. Petplan says, Introduce them to other dogs or cats early on, and they’ll often become loyal, playful friends, keeping everyone on their toes with their clever antics.
These graceful, hardworking dogs love to be part of the action. Their mischievous streak is balanced by their affectionate and loyal nature, making them excellent family pets and enthusiastic companions for other furry friends
Size & Build: Medium, athletic, and agile.
Temperament: Intelligent, loyal, and adaptable.
Personality: Energetic, playful, and always eager to make friends.
A Border Collie in a multi-pet home often becomes the playful coordinator of games, ensuring everyone stays active and happy.
Fun Fact: Border Collies are so clever and observant that they can often sense the mood of other pets, adjusting their behavior to play, comfort, or lead—basically the four-legged social director of the household.
8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Small, elegant, and endlessly affectionate, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is basically royalty in the world of pet-friendly dogs. These friendly dogs have a calm and gentle temperament, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners. They are currently the 14th most popular dog breed.
Their friendly and easygoing demeanor means they rarely stir up tension, instead fostering a peaceful and loving environment for all pets.
Size & Build: Small, graceful, and perfectly suited for gentle interactions.
Temperament: Affectionate, calm, and sociable.
Personality: Loyal, playful, and always ready to make friends with fellow pets.
These gentle companions thrive on social interaction and are famously good with other animals. Cats, rabbits, or fellow dogs—they approach everyone with charm, patience, and a wagging tail, spreading love throughout the household.
Cavaliers are sweet-natured, calm, and highly adaptable, making them ideal for homes with multiple pets. They enjoy playtime, cuddles, and simply being part of the family action, ensuring harmony and happiness wherever they go.
Fun Fact: Cavaliers were bred as companion dogs for nobility, and their lifelong mission seems to be bringing harmony, love, and companionship to everyone—human or animal—around them.
9. Pekingese
Tiny but confident, the Pekingese carries itself like royalty—and that includes treating other pets with proper respect.
Pekingese are affectionate with their humans and surprisingly adaptable when it comes to other pets. They enjoy cozy naps, quiet companionship, and short bursts of playful energy, making them ideal for homes that want a calm but loving furry friend who knows how to get along.
Size & Build: Small, compact, and perfect for gentle interactions.
Temperament: Calm, loyal, and affectionate.
Personality: Independent yet sociable, with a knack for coexisting peacefully with other pets.
These little lions of the dog world may have an independent streak, but when socialized early, they can coexist peacefully with cats, dogs, and other household animals. Their calm demeanor, paired with loyalty, makes them excellent companions in multi-pet homes.
Fun Fact: Pekingese were bred as companions for Chinese royalty, so it’s no surprise they have the diplomacy and poise to get along with everyone—even the household cat who thinks it’s in charge.
Conclusion
When it comes to the nicest dog breeds to other pets, choices like the Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Poodle, and even the gentle giant breeds truly shine. These dogs are enthusiastic, naturally playful, and often make the best friends for cats and other animals with the right training and proper introductions.
While most dogs can learn to tolerate and even enjoy another pet’s company, some breeds are a better combination of patience and affection. Even bulldogs, though different in style, generally prefer companionship over solitude.
For families welcoming puppies or older pets, always consult your vet for advice and remember—life with a kind, well-socialized dog means more love to go around. If you’re still on the search for the perfect match, look no further than these enthusiastic dogs who happily sit beside their furry friends and become family for life.
