10 Dogs That Are Good With Other Dogs

October 13, 2022 / Dog Breeds / By: Melanie Evans

Dog breed Welsh Corgi Pembroke and Golden retriever together in the park getting along with one another

Sometimes one dog is not enough. Welcoming a new pup into the family can bring so much joy that it is tempting to double to the fun.

What is not fun is if the new pup does not get along with the canine already in residence. 

While you can never be sure if two pups will get along, and some trial and error is often called for, there are some dog breeds who play better with other dogs than others.

Here we are going to take a look at ten examples of dogs that are good with other dogs.

And here's another bonus, most of them are rather good with cats too (although whether the cat likes them is a different story...) 

Top 10 Dogs That Are Good With Other Dogs [+ Pictures]

1. Beagle

A beautiful beagle dog playing outdoors

Who wouldnโ€™t rather live with me than in a castle?

The small and stocky, but often rather loud, the royal Beagle is usually an affectionate, amiable pup who gets along with both other dogs and most cats (and other pets). Often endlessly curious these pups are likely to see their new canine 'sibling' as a fun new friend to play with rather than a threat.

Having a live-in friend may even be good for a beagle, as they prefer to be in company - either human or animal - and often do not fare well if left alone, as separation anxiety can become an issue for these very social pups. 

2. German Shepherd

An adorable long-haired german shepherd outdoors

Why yes, I am the goodest boy.

These larger dogs often seem intimidating, and it may surprise some to learn that if they consider another pup a member of their pack - what we might call a family - they will not only get along with them but will fiercely protect them if needed as well.

The key to ensuring that a GSD becomes a good family member is good training. Letting him know that you are pack leader, but they are a valued member of the group, is key.

This can be done by putting them to work - having them complete a task like fetching a ball before they get a treat for example - and only ever speaking to them in a calm, authoritative voice. 

3. Boston Terrier

Adorable Black and White Boston Terrier leash walking in the park wearing a red harness

Adopting me will be Terrier-iffic.

The Boston Terrier is goofy, energetic, and eager to please, and most of the time will enjoy having another pup to play with. It may even be a must for some, as these feisty little dogs can become destructive if they get bored.

Boston Terriers often make the ideal choice for urban pet parents as they are very social, so while walking in a populated area might upset some dogs it will rarely bother the Boston Terrier, in fact, most will quite likely like the attention.

They are often also quite happy with a brisk walk daily and little more, although a good game of tug will always be appreciated too. 

4. Pug

A cute Pug resting on the grass in the park

Strut my stuff cause I'm worth it.

The funny, fat faced pug is another example of a smaller breed dog who likes to play but will not demand miles and miles of walking a day, mainly because their little legs won't get them too far.

Pugs are also a brachycephalic breed, their noticeably short snout means that too much activity can leave them rather breathless, especially in warm weather.

That having been said pugs love to play, and they love to snuggle, so adding them to a family that already boasts one dog should not be too much of a problem, especially if the other pup is around their size too. Pugs also often get along well with cats and other pets too. 

5. Labrador Retriever

A white male Labrador outdoors in a sitting position

Just look at that smile.

Officially America's favorite dog breed most Labrador retrievers will get along with other labs and pups other breeds as well. Labs love their families and are usually OK if that family includes another pup or two. 

The one thing you should be aware if you have never spent much time with one before is that Labrador retrievers are very curious and active. If their minds are not stimulated, or they do not get enough active play time they are likely to develop destructive behaviors and chew up everything.

Having another pup around to play with when you are not around may be just the thing they need. 

6. Corgi

A Welsh Corgi Pembroke running playfully outdoors

Iโ€™ll show you โ€œDookieโ€ alright.

They may be small, but corgis - either the Cardigan Welsh corgi or the Pembroke Welsh corgi as they are two separate breeds - are livelier and more active than you might imagine and do well in a 'pack' situation as they were originally bred as hunting dogs, something they excel at as their small stature allows them to go places their bigger peers cannot.

Corgis are also excellent herding dogs, and in a multi-pet household may use that instinct to try to herd other pets - and humans - if they seem to be getting out of line. Amiable and very smart they do like to run and walk often and can often keep up just fine with bigger dogs when they do. 

7. Collie

Beautiful red fluffy Collie dog

It's in his instincts.

The collie dog - which is still the Lassie dog to many - is a smart, obedient pup that despite his larger size will often be content with moderate exercise, and quite happy to stay close to home with his family.

Bred as herding sheep dogs the collie will usually have a good relationship with most other dogs, although some stronger willed pups may be annoyed by the collie's habit of trying to keep everyone in line.

Mental stimulation is important for a collie, so they need lots of enriching play - puzzle toys can be helpful here - and a companion who is around all time - which often pet parents cannot be if they need to go to work or school - may be a big plus. 

8. Golden Retriever

A beautiful white and wet Golden Retriever in the park

Worth her weight in gold.

Golden retrievers are almost as popular as their distant cousins the Labrador retriever, and they make great members of multi pet families most of the time, as they are usually amiable, affectionate, and loyal, with that loyalty extending to their furry friends.

Goldens are great workers - they are often 'employed' as therapy dogs, guide dogs for the blind and hunting companions - and this work ethic does mean that they need lots of things to keep them busy and plenty of exercise. A golden also needs plenty of space to run, although a run at the dog park will make him as happy as a run in an open field. 

9. Coton de Tulear

A white fluffy Coton De Tulear playing in the grass

This is not a popularity contest (but if it were, Iโ€™d be winning).

The Coton de Tulear is a smart little bundle of energy and cuteness, and their playful antics can be very amusing to behold. They are also very social and like attention, so a busy household, even one with other dogs, is often a place they fit in - and love to be.

As active as they can be a Coton de Tulear is a popular urban pet, as their walks do not have to be too long, and they do not need to go too far, and often a visit to a dog park and playtime there will be more than enough to keep them happy. 

10. English Foxhound

The English Foxhound was bred specifically to be a member of a pack, and so it is one of the dog breeds that actually does better, and is happier, when other dogs are around, even if they do not come from the same breed.

If an English Foxhound does not have any furry companions - they usually like cats too - and must be left alone when their humans head to work or school - they are likely to become bored and destructive, or, in some cases, suffer from separation anxiety, so finding them a play pal is often an excellent idea. 

More reads you'll love:

WRITTEN BY

Melanie Evans

Melanie Evans is a professional freelance writer based in Scranton, PA, who, enjoys sharing her lifelong knowledge about dogs. When not working, Melanie enjoys playing a wide variety of sports, traveling and hanging out with her energetic boxer dog Bruce.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

MORE GREAT READS

Can American Bullies be Emotional Support Dogs?

Can an American Bully be a Service Dog?

Service dog vs emotional support dog

What is Difference Between a Service Dog and Emotional Support Dog? Which One Is Right For You or Your Loved One?

A big, fluffy black Newfoundland dog in the park outdoors

10 Large Dog Breeds That Bark the Least: Biggest and Quietest Canines Around

Global Site Tag