If you’re a pet lover with a home full of furry (or feathered) friends, you may be wondering which dog breeds are best suited to live peacefully with smaller animals. While some breeds have strong prey drives that make them risky choices around birds, rabbits, or hamsters, others are known for their gentle, calm temperaments and ability to coexist with all kinds of critters. Here are 10 dog breeds that often do well with birds and small pets when properly introduced and trained.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are famously friendly, patient, and tolerant. Their even-tempered nature makes them excellent companions for children and small animals alike. With proper training and supervision, many Goldens can learn to live harmoniously with birds, rabbits, and other pets.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This affectionate toy breed is gentle and eager to please. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels usually get along well with other pets, including smaller animals, due to their calm and loving disposition. They’re less likely to chase or harass small creatures than more high-energy breeds.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is playful and sociable but not aggressive or dominant. This makes them a great option for multi-pet households. With their cheerful demeanor and low prey drive, they can often be trusted around birds and rodents after proper introductions.
Maltese
Despite their tiny size, Maltese dogs have big hearts. They are typically gentle and not driven by instincts to chase or hunt. Their sweet personalities allow them to form bonds with other small animals in the home, provided they’re socialized early.
Poodle (Toy, Miniature, or Standard)
Poodles are intelligent, trainable, and versatile. Whether you choose a Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodle, these dogs can adapt to different environments and animal companions. Their high trainability allows owners to teach them appropriate behavior around birds or small mammals.
Shetland Sheepdog
Shelties are herding dogs, not hunters, and they tend to be gentle and obedient. Though they are alert and energetic, their instinct is to protect rather than prey on other animals, making them good candidates for homes with smaller pets.
Papillon
This small but spirited breed is intelligent and eager to interact with others—including animals of different species. Papillons can do well with birds and other small pets if introduced gradually and taught boundaries early on.
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are affectionate and sensitive dogs that generally get along well with other pets. Their kind temperament can help them coexist with smaller animals, especially if they are raised together from a young age.
Japanese Chin
Known for their cat-like agility and quiet demeanor, Japanese Chins are unlikely to see birds or rodents as prey. They are calm, gentle, and enjoy companionship, which can extend to other animals in the household.
Labrador Retriever
Labradors are famously friendly and highly trainable. While they’re a sporting breed, their easygoing and adaptable nature often means they can live peacefully with smaller pets when properly trained and supervised.
- Please Note: This content was created with the assistance of AI and thoroughly edited by a human before publishing.
