Thinking about getting a new furry friend? Hold on! If you already have a pet at home, you’ll want to choose carefully.
Not all dogs play well with others. Some breeds can turn your peaceful home into a chaotic mess when paired with other pets.
Let’s look at which dogs might not be the best fit for multi-pet households. Understanding their traits can help you make the right choice and keep your home happy for all your animals.
Keep reading if you’re considering bringing a new dog into your home.
1. Basenji

Basenjis are fascinating dogs with a quirky personality. You’ll find these pups don’t bark, but they’re far from quiet. They make odd yodel-like sounds instead. These clever canines have a strong urge to chase, so keep an eye on them around small pets.
Originally from Africa, Basenjis were hunting dogs. This background gives them a sharp mind and loads of energy.
You’ll need to keep them busy with games and exercise. They’re independent thinkers, so training can be tricky. But with patience, you can build a strong bond with these lovable pups.
2. Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois are smart, high-energy dogs often seen in police and military roles. They love having a job to do and can get restless without one. These pups have strong protective instincts and a dominant nature.
You’ll need to socialize your Malinois early to avoid conflicts with other pets. They can be pushy around calmer animals. With the right training, though, they make loyal and capable companions.
3. Pharaoh Hound

Pharaoh Hounds are sleek, athletic dogs with ancient roots. These graceful pups have a strong drive to chase anything that moves. You’ll find they’re loving with their families but can be standoffish with other pets.
Their noble looks match their royal attitude. Pharaoh Hounds often prefer to be the top dog in your home. They might not play well with smaller pets due to their hunting instincts.
If you have a Pharaoh Hound, you’ll need to keep them on a leash during walks. Their urge to chase can be hard to control. Training and early socialization can help, but their prey drive is deeply rooted.
These dogs need lots of exercise to stay happy and healthy. A fenced yard where they can run safely is ideal. Just make sure the fence is high enough – they’re great jumpers!
4. Akita

Akitas are loyal dogs with a protective streak. You’ll find them devoted to their families, but they can be tricky with other pets. Their hunting background gives them a strong prey drive. This makes it hard for Akitas to live peacefully with smaller animals.
They need careful training and early socialization. Without these, Akitas might show aggressive behaviors towards other dogs or pets.
Keep this in mind if you’re thinking about adding an Akita to a multi-pet home.
5. Chow Chow

Chow Chows are unique dogs with strong personalities. You’ll find they often prefer their own company. These furry friends can be stubborn and may not play well with others.
If you have other pets, a Chow Chow might not be the best fit. They like their space and can get grumpy if another animal invades it. Even with family, they can be a bit standoffish.
Chow Chows need firm training and lots of socialization. With patience, you can help them become more accepting of other pets.
6. Jack Russell Terriers

Jack Russell Terriers are energetic little dogs with a feisty spirit. You’ll find them to be smart and lively companions. These pups have a strong prey drive, which can make them tricky to keep with other pets. They might chase smaller animals in your home.
Jack Russells need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. You’ll want to give them plenty of playtime and training.
These dogs are brave and confident, often thinking they’re much bigger than they are.
7. Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are striking dogs with a wild spirit. You’ll find them full of energy and always ready for action.
These pups love to run and play, but they can be a handful around other pets. Their strong instincts might make them chase smaller animals.
Training a Husky to get along with others takes time and patience. They’re smart but stubborn, so you’ll need to be firm and consistent.
With proper socialization, your Husky can learn to live happily with furry friends of all sizes.
8. Shiba Inus

Shiba Inus can be tricky to pair with other animals. These dogs have a strong independent streak and may not welcome furry friends easily. Their territorial nature often makes them prefer being the only pet in the house.
You’ll need to be careful if you have small pets. Shiba Inus have a high prey drive, so they might chase after smaller animals.
This can create a risky situation for little critters that move quickly.
9. Dobermans

Dobermans are smart and devoted dogs. You’ll find them very attached to you and your family. But their strong personality can cause problems with other pets in your home.
These dogs often get jealous when you give attention to other animals. They might act aggressive if they think another pet is a threat. It’s important to train them well and watch how they interact with other animals.
Dobermans need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. You should give them plenty of one-on-one time to keep them happy and reduce jealousy issues.
10. Afghan Hound

Afghan Hounds are beautiful dogs with long, silky coats. You’ll love their graceful look, but be ready for some challenges.
These dogs have a strong urge to chase small animals. This makes it hard to keep them with other pets. They’re also not very cuddly.
Afghan Hounds prefer to do their own thing rather than play with other animals.
Wrapping Up
Bringing different pets together can be tricky, especially with dogs who don’t get along well with other animals.
But don’t worry – you have options to help your furry friends coexist peacefully. Start by introducing pets slowly and in neutral spaces. Use positive reinforcement to reward good behavior.
Keep a close eye on interactions and separate pets when needed. Training and socialization are key for helping dogs learn to be more accepting.
Remember, some dogs may never become best buddies with other pets, and that’s okay. The goal is to create a safe, calm home where all your animals can live happily.
With patience and the right approach, you can help your dog and other pets adjust to each other over time.
Leave a Comment