10 Social Dog Breeds That Are Surprisingly Good With Other Animals

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

A set of cats and dogs
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If you’re looking for a dog that will fit right into a home with other pets, it’s important to find a breed that genuinely enjoys company. Whether they’re making friends with cats, small pets, or even livestock, these breeds bring harmony and companionship wherever they go. Plus, their easygoing personalities make them perfect for families who want a pet that doesn’t just tolerate others—but actually enjoys their presence. Here are 10 surprisingly social dog breeds that are all about making new furry (or feathered!) friends.

1. Labrador Retriever

Labrador retriever and golden retriever
Elina Volkova/Pexels

First up, we’ve got the ever-friendly Labrador Retriever, and honestly, it’s no surprise. Labs aren’t just affectionate with humans—they’re total lovebugs with other animals too! Whether it’s a cat, a tiny dog, or even farm animals, Labs have an easygoing nature that helps them get along with just about anyone. They’re also highly trainable, so they’ll quickly learn to respect the boundaries of smaller or shyer pets. With proper socialization, a Lab will happily share its space and form lifelong bonds with its furry roommates.

2. Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever
Wildcat123/123rf

Similarly, Golden Retrievers are absolute sweethearts when it comes to living with other pets. Their gentle, loving nature makes them perfect for multi-pet homes, whether with dogs, cats, or even rabbits. Goldens are playful but never overbearing, so they interact calmly with different animals. Plus, their strong desire to please humans makes training a breeze—introducing them to new pets is usually stress-free. With their warm, friendly personalities, Golden Retrievers help create a peaceful, happy home for all creatures.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Two dogs sitting with childrens (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel0
freepik/Freepik

If you want a smaller breed that loves making friends, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a fantastic choice. These little pups don’t just adore humans—they’re incredibly gentle with other animals. Whether it’s a cat, rabbit, or larger dog, Cavaliers’ affectionate, easygoing nature helps them bond quickly. Moreover, they hate being alone, so they seek companionship, making them perfect for multi-pet households. With slow, steady introductions, a Cavalier will happily share its home with any furry (or feathery) friend.

4. Boxer

A boxer and other dogs in a park
Aysun Kahraman Öktem/Pexels

On the other hand, if you want a big personality, Boxers are all about fun and friendship! These playful pups may look tough, but deep down, they’re goofy and affectionate. Their high-energy nature makes them great for homes with other active dogs, and with the right introduction, they get along well with smaller pets. Despite their boisterous playstyle, Boxers are surprisingly gentle when needed, forming bonds with cats, dogs, and even farm animals. With their silly, lovable nature, they bring extra fun to any multi-pet household.

5. Beagle

Beagle and Golden Retriever
Elina Volkova/Pexels

And of course, we can’t forget the Beagle—one of the most social breeds! Originally bred to work in packs, Beagles are total team players who love being around other animals. Whether it’s another dog, a cat, or even a rabbit, they’re naturally curious and eager to make friends. The only thing to note is their scent-driven instincts mean early socialization is key—just to ensure they don’t mistake tiny pets for something to chase! But once settled, Beagles thrive in multi-pet homes, soaking up all the love and companionship.

6. Poodle

A Poodle and Bichon Frise posing together
Antranias/Pixabay

Poodles are super smart and ridiculously adaptable, making them awesome companions for all kinds of animals. Plus, they’re gentle and respectful, whether with a cat, another dog, or tiny creatures like guinea pigs. On top of that, their people-pleasing nature makes training a breeze, so they easily learn to coexist peacefully with other pets. And since they come in different sizes—Toy, Miniature, and Standard—you can pick the perfect fit for your household. With their affectionate, easygoing nature, Poodles are a dream for multi-pet families.

7. Collie

Labrador with Border Collie
Blue Bird/Pexels

Collies aren’t just loyal and intelligent; they’re also incredibly gentle, which makes them amazing companions for other animals. Thanks to their herding background, they’re more likely to look after smaller pets than chase them. And because they’re so highly trainable, they quickly figure out how to interact properly with other household animals. Whether they’re living with cats, rabbits, or even livestock, Collies have a natural talent for forming peaceful relationships, making them one of the most social dog breeds out there.

8. Newfoundland

Siberian Husky and Newfoundland
DejaVu Designs/Freepik

Newfoundlands may be massive, but they’re total softies at heart. Often called “gentle giants,” these dogs are patient and kind, making them fantastic companions for other pets. Plus, their calm and easygoing nature means they get along effortlessly with cats, small dogs, and even farm animals. Not to mention, they have a protective instinct, so they’d rather watch over their animal friends than chase them. With their affectionate demeanor, Newfoundlands bring a sense of security and warmth to any multi-pet home.

9. Cocker Spaniel

American Cocker Spaniel
Serezniy/123rf

Cocker Spaniels are affectionate, gentle, and social butterflies, making them the perfect pals for all kinds of animals. They just love being part of a pack—whether that’s with other dogs or different species altogether. And since they’re so friendly and adaptable, they form bonds with new animal friends in no time. What’s great is they’re playful without being too dominant, so they mesh well with pets of all sizes. With their sweet and loving personality, Cocker Spaniels bring nothing but joy and companionship to any home.

10. Basset Hound

Basset Hound and a Calico cat lying together on a deck.
[deleted]/Reddit

Basset Hounds might seem laid-back, but they’re actually super social and love having other animals around. After all, they were bred to work in packs, so forming strong bonds with other dogs comes naturally to them. Not only that, but their relaxed, easygoing vibe helps them get along with cats and smaller pets, too. They’re rarely aggressive and would much rather lounge around with their furry friends than chase them. So if you’re looking for a chill, friendly dog that fits right into a multi-pet household, a Basset Hound is the way to go.

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