Check out our photo gallery below to learn which dog breeds are
likely best for multipet households, which breed characteristics might be
well suited to your lifestyle, as well as other factors you should consider before bringing home a new dog.
Want to Own Multiple Dogs? Look for a Dog-Friendly Breed
In a perfect world, all dogs would be thrilled to welcome a
new canine into their homes. Alas, that’s not always the case. We asked 1,654 pet owners to vote on the most
dog-friendly dog breeds. You probably won’t be surprised to hear that the
Labrador and Golden Retriever landed the top two spots, respectively, but
the other eight dog breeds might not be so obvious.
Of course, you also have to look beyond breed. A
dog’s appearance, age, experience, behavior and other factors can also determine
whether or not the new and existing canines will get along.
Already Own a Cat? Look for a Cat-Friendly Dog Breed
You’ve seen enough cartoons to know that dogs and cats don’t
always see eye to eye. Believe it or not, the two species can get along, but certain dog breeds are sometimes more likely to be friendly toward felines than others.
From the little Dachshund to the large German Shepherd, these are the 10 most cat-friendly dog breeds,
according to the 1,654 pet owners we surveyed.
Just remember: Always supervise any interactions between
dogs and cats when they first meet each other. You can’t always predict how
any animal will behave.
Ask Yourself if Your Cat Is Likely to Get Along With Dogs
We’ve been focusing on the new dog you’re going to bring
home, but it’s equally important to consider any cats you already own. Certain cat breeds are
thought to be more likely to tolerate (or even play with) dogs than others. Cat breeds that
made our list include the dog-like Maine Coon, the fun-loving Japanese Bobtail
and the sweet Birman, plus these seven other dog-friendly cat breeds.
Of course, breed isn't the only thing you need to consider. Ideally, your cat was socialized with dogs from a young age. But if you're not sure about her history, consider her temperament and personality. Is she skittish and likely to run if something scares her? Then she might not be an ideal candidate for sharing a household with a dog. It will help if your kitty is calm, mellow and has a low flight response.
Look for a Dog Who Tends to Be Friendly
Many social, affable dogs (regardless of breed) tend to get
along with everyone they meet — whether it’s another dog, cat or human. Perhaps
you’re getting your first dog and know that one day you’ll want to get another
pet but aren’t sure whether it will be a cat or dog. Your best bet may be to
go with a Poodle, Beagle or one of these 11 dog breeds known for their friendly personalities.
