Finding a dog breed that gets along with small animals can be tricky. Before you choose the breed for your home, there are a few things to consider. It’s important to understand the energy level of the breed you’re looking at and make sure it’s a good fit for your lifestyle.
It’s important to consider the size of the breed and make sure it won’t be too aggressive toward smaller animals. It’s a good idea to research the breed’s temperament and make sure it has a history of being good with small animals. With the right research and preparation, it’s possible to find a breed that will be a great fit for your home and small family animals.
What to consider when looking for a breed
When looking for a breed of dog that is good with small animals, there are several things to consider. One of the most important things to consider is the size of the dog. Small and compact breeds such as the Poodle, Cairn Terrier, and Chihuahua are going to be better with small animals than larger breeds.
It is important to choose a breed that is naturally friendly and gentle, as opposed to one that is overly aggressive in temperament. Medium-sized breeds, such as the Beagle, Border Collie, and Bulldog can also be good with smaller animals, depending on how they are raised.
Large breeds, such as the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd, can be friendly and gentle, but they may be too rough with small animals due to their size. It is important to make sure that they are properly trained and socialized so that they can learn to interact with small animals appropriately.
Small and Compact Breeds
Small and compact breeds are excellent choices for those who want a pup to coexist with other small animals. Cairn Terriers and Chihuahuas are all known to be gentle, loving and patient with other animals. They make great playmates and are typically very quiet and calm.
They don’t take up too much space, so they can easily fit into small homes or apartments!
Border Collies and Bulldogs are also popular choices for those looking for medium-sized breeds. Beagles are renowned for their tracking abilities and can be very loyal and protective of small animals. Border collies are also great as they’re highly intelligent and have a great herding instinct.
And Bulldogs are known for their laid-back personalities and can make great companions for small animals.
Last but not least, large breeds like the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd are all great options for those looking for a larger pup. All of these breeds are incredibly loyal, loving, and protective of small animals. They’re also very smart and can easily be trained to get along with other animals. They’re great family dogs and can provide a great deal of love and companionship.
Poodle
The Poodle is a great choice for small animal owners. Not only are Poodles intelligent and easy to train, but they are also very gentle and loving.
Poodles have a strong instinct to protect their family so they can usually sense any potential danger from an animal that may be a threat. They have a naturally curious and playful nature, which makes them great for playing with small animals. They are also known for being hypoallergenic, which is beneficial if you have any allergies.
When it comes to owning a Poodle, you should keep in mind that they require plenty of physical and mental stimulation.
They need to be taken on regular walks and given plenty of playtime each day. You should also brush their coat regularly to keep it free of tangles and mats. With proper care and attention, Poodles can make an ideal companion for small animal owners.
Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier is a great breed for those who want a pup that is good with small animals. These dogs are small and compact, but still full of energy and personality.
They make great watchdogs, so if you have small pets like hamsters or rodents, they can help protect them. Cairn Terriers are loyal and affectionate, so they will quickly become devoted to their family and even the other pets in the home. They may also be a bit stubborn, so it’s important to be consistent with rules, training, and discipline. But with proper training, the Cairn Terrier can be a great addition to any home with small animals that need protecting.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are great for small animal owners! These tiny, brave little dogs are full of personality and make a great companion for animals of all sizes. They’re naturally very alert and can make sure that small animals, like rodents or birds, stay safe from any predators.
On top of that, Chihuahuas are known to be incredibly loyal, so they’ll be sure to look after and protect their families. They’re incredibly smart and can be trained to have good behavior around cats and other animals.
Another great thing about the Chihuahua is that they’re incredibly easy to take care of. They don’t need much exercise and they do well in apartments and other small spaces, so they make a great choice for busy owners.
With proper training and socialization, they’ll be well-behaved and easy to take care of.
They’re very low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time and effort brushing and bathing them. If you’re looking for a small dog that’s good with other animals, definitely consider the Chihuahua. They’re full of personality and can make a great addition to any pet-friendly home. They’re also incredibly loyal and easy to take care of, so you can be sure that you’ll have a loving companion for years to come!
Medium-Sized Breeds
When you’re looking for a dog to share your home with, medium-sized breeds can be an excellent option. These breeds typically have the perfect size for a house dog: not too big and not too small.
They can be ideal companions for small children and other small animals. Border Collies, and Bulldogs are all good choices if you’re looking for a medium-sized breed that is good with small animals. Beagles are friendly and loyal dogs that love to be around people.
They’re gentle with small animals, and they love to play. Border Collies are great for anyone wanting a smart and energetic dog.
While they’re high energy, they’re still very gentle and patient with small animals.
Bulldogs are known for being laid back and easy going. They make great family pets and can be very gentle with small animals. No matter which breed you choose, it’s important to remember that all dogs require training and socialization to be around small animals.
Make sure to work with a trainer or an animal behavior specialist to help your dog learn the proper behavior to be around small animals. With proper training and socialization, any of these medium-sized breeds can be great with small animals.
Beagle
Beagles are an excellent choice for small animal owners. They are friendly and playful, making them the perfect companion for small animals.
They are also gentle, and have a natural tendency to take care of smaller animals. They have a lot of energy and can be trained to obey commands, making them a great addition to any home. Beagles have a strong sense of loyalty, so you can be sure that your small animals will be safe around them.
Beagles are also known to be very easy to care for and can be a great choice for novice pet owners. They’re relatively low-maintenance and don’t need a lot of grooming, making them a great option for those who don’t have a lot of time to devote to pet care.
Beagles are also very intelligent, making them easy to train and great at problem-solving. Beagles are an overall great choice if you’re looking for a small animal companion.
They are loyal, easy to care for, and make great pets for small animal owners. They’re also great for novice pet owners as they require minimal grooming and are easy to train. With their loyalty and intelligence, you can be sure that your small animals will be safe and sound in the care of a Beagle.
Border Collie are generally good with small animals, as their herding instincts are strong and they have a lot of energy. They’re highly intelligent and enjoy having a job to do, so if you’re looking for a pup that’s able to learn quickly and work hard, this is the breed for you.
Border Collies are very friendly with people and other animals, so they’ll be happy to play with any small animals you have in the house. Their high intelligence means that they can be easy to train and can learn to get along with small animals quickly. Just be sure to give them plenty of mental stimulation, such as training and play, to prevent them from becoming bored and destructive. All in all, when it comes to picking a breed that’s good with small animals, the Border Collie is a great choice.
Bulldog
Bulldogs are a great option if you are looking for an animal who is good with small animals. This breed is known for its gentle, loving nature and its ability to be calm and patient.
Bulldogs are also very loyal and protective and make great watchdogs. They are also quite intelligent and easy to train. Bulldogs are very easy going, and will get along with other animals in the home, as long as they are introduced properly.
They also do well with children, which is great for loving families. Bulldogs are often referred to as “nanny dogs” because of their gentle nature and protective instincts. All in all, bulldogs make a great furry companion for families with small animals.
Large Breeds
Large breeds, such as the Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and German Shepherds, can make fantastic companions if you’re looking for a gentle giant. While they may take more work to keep in check and train, they can be some of the most loyal and loving pets you’ll ever have.
They’re also great with children and other pets. These big breeds need plenty of exercise, so make sure that you have the time and space to provide them with plenty of walks and outdoor playtime. They’re also smart and need mental stimulation, so be sure to give them plenty of toys, puzzles, and activities to do.
With the right amount of exercise and stimulation, these breeds can make outstanding family members.
Always remember that any breed of dog you choose is a huge commitment. Make sure you do your research before bringing home a large breed, and make sure you’re ready for the time and energy that goes along with it. If you’re up for the challenge, these large breeds can be some of the most rewarding and loyal animals you’ll ever have.
Golden Retriever
If you’re looking for an awesome, large-breed dog that’s great with small animals, then the Golden Retriever is a great choice. This breed loves people and gets along with just about everyone, including small animals. It’s a loyal, friendly dog that’s always eager to please, so it’s a great fit for households with multiple types of animals.
With its thick coat, the Golden Retriever also does best in colder climates.
It loves running and playing, so if you have a lot of outdoor space, it’s perfect for you. The Golden Retriever is also incredibly smart, making training easy.
That means you can teach your pup how to be around small animals safely, and you don’t have to worry about it running off or getting into mischief. You’ll also get the benefit of its strong watchdog abilities, as it will alert you to anything it thinks is suspicious.
With its playful nature, you’ll have hours of entertainment and cuddles with your new best friend. If you’re looking for a big dog that’s perfect for small animals, then the Golden Retriever should definitely be at the top of your list. It’s a loyal, affectionate breed that loves to please, so you’ll have a furry friend for life.
With its thick coat and smarts, you won’t have to worry about it when it comes to small animals. So if you’re looking for a pup that’s perfect for your small family, the Golden Retriever is the way to go.
Labrador Retrievers are great family dogs and excel in many different environments, including around small animals. They are considered to be one of the most popular breeds of dog due to their intelligence, loyalty, and friendly nature.
They are highly trainable and can be obedient and well-mannered, provided they are given consistent training and positive reinforcement. Labradors are patient and gentle, making them a great choice for families with small children or other small pets. They are also good swimmers and enjoy playing in the water, making them perfect for households with a pool or pond. With proper exercise and socialization, Labradors can be reliable and friendly companions to small animals.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds make fantastic canine companions for small animals. They are loyal, intelligent, and naturally protective.
They also tend to be gentle around small animals, and can even learn to recognize them as members of the pack. If you are looking for a larger breed with a good personality, this is an excellent choice. When selecting a German Shepherd for small animals, it’s important to choose one that has been socialized with other animals from a young age.
It’s also important to ensure that the breed has been well taken care of, as it may be more prone to aggression or dominance if not properly trained. If you’re able to find a well-socialized German Shepherd, it can be a great companion for small animals.
German Shepherds are a great choice for small animals. They are intelligent, gentle, and naturally protective. If you’re willing to put in the time to properly socialize and train your German Shepherd, they can make a wonderful companion and guardian to your small animals.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding a breed of dog good with small animals, it’s important to consider the size and personality of the dog. Small and compact breeds like Poodles, Cairn Terriers and Chihuahuas tend to be good with small animals, while medium-sized breeds such as Beagles, Border Collies and Bulldogs are often good with animals too. Large breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds can make great family pets, but they may not always be the best fit for households with small animals.
It’s a good idea to do your research when looking for a breed of dog that’s compatible with small animals. Ask breeders and fellow pet owners for advice and make sure you spend time with potential pets before committing to them.
Make sure to read up on the individual breed’s temperaments, too, as some may be more suitable for households with small animals than others. One of the best things you can do is to socialize your dog from an early age.
Exposure to different animals and environments can help them become more confident, which can make them better housemates for small animals. With a little bit of patience, you can be sure to find a great dog that’s a perfect fit for your family!
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
