Best (Furry) Friends For Your Pup!
If you're a dog lover, then you probably know the struggles of trying to limit how many pups are in the house. However, have you thought about expanding your pet family to other furry (or feathery) friends? Here are some pets that are famous for getting along splendidly with dogs!
Safety Tips
Before considering adding a furry member to the family, it's important to know that all interactions between pets should be supervised, especially between your pup and smaller pets! The introductory period is very important, and you should be patient and take your time introducing your dog to any new friend. Additionally, small rodents and your pup are probably not a good mix.
If your dog is one of the following breeds, they might not be a good fit (depending on their personality) for a cross-species friendship due to their prey drive:
- Jack Russel Terrier
- Airedale Terrier
- Rat Terrier
- Bull Terrier
- Greyhound
- Siberian Husky
- Springer Spaniel
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Chihuahua
Cats
Okay, so obviously, there is the age-old stereotype that cats and dogs are mortal enemies. However, this isn't quite the truth! Cats and dogs can be great friends, provided that their personalities are the right fit. Cats can be a great snuggle-buddy for your dog as well as a purrfect play pal. The ideal cat and dog fit would be a dog that lacks a prey drive and a cat with high energy. This combination means that your dog won't be as likely to chase your cat and scare them, while your cat has so much energy to let out, that they'll probably turn to your dog to play with!
Ferrets
If you've ever interacted with a ferret, then you know that they have tons of energy. Because of this, these furry little guys can be the ideal playmate for your dog. They don't have much fear, so they'll crawl up on your pup and chase them around just like another puppy would. Because of this, it's essential that you monitor all playtime between your dog and a ferret, and it's important that your dog has patience to deal with such a high-energy pal.
Birds
Birds add tons of color into your life, and into your pup's life, too! Specifically, birds like cockatoos and macaws make great friends for your dog because they love attention. If you can't give a bird attention 24/7, at least they'll have your dog as a friend, even if they might be annoyed that they can't talk back to them. Just a warning - bringing home a large bird is a big decision and you need to be well-equipped to house them.
Horses
While you typically can't bring a horse home (unless you live on a farm), horses are known to love dogs. These gentle giants often like running around with pups and enjoy their playfulness. So if you know somebody with a horse, a playdate might be in order! Of course, leash your dog for all initial interactions if you ever try to form a friendship, as horses are quite powerful and can hurt your pup without trying.
Remember, while it's likely that friendships can be formed between your dog and other animals, it's essential to supervise all play time to ensure the safety of both pets!