Best Dog Breeds for Multi Pet Households in NZ
Welcoming a dog into a home that's already bustling with other pets can be a joyful adventure — as long as you pick the right pup. Whether you’re adding a dog to a cat-loving whānau, or blending other species like rabbits or birds, certain breeds are known to thrive in multi-pet households. At Petdirect, we get pet dynamics and everything that comes with them. Let’s unpack the best dog breeds for creating harmony, not chaos, when adding a canine companion to your furry (or feathered) mix.
What Makes A Dog Great For Multi-Pet Living?
The perfect pooch for a multi-pet home usually has a few standout traits: steady temperament, low prey drive, and excellent socialisation skills. It is also important to consider age, energy levels, and how much training you're prepared to do. Puppies, for instance, often adapt more easily to training essentials and routines — but they also require more upfront work.
Equipping your dog with the right calming essentials and training tools can also help reduce tension and support smoother integration with your existing pets.
Top Dog Breeds For Cat-And-Dog Homes
Dogs and cats can be paw-some pals — with the right breed combo. Here are a few breeds known for getting along well with feline friends:
- Labrador Retrievers: Friendly, tolerant, and eager to please, Labs are famous for cohabiting comfortably with cats.
- Golden Retrievers: Their kind nature and patience make them ideal for multi-pet environments, especially homes with children and cats.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: Petite and sweet-natured, Cavaliers tend to be non-threatening to smaller animals, making them excellent feline flatmates.
- Poodles: Whether Toy, Miniature, or Standard, Poodles are highly intelligent and easily trained to be calm companions for cats.
- Bichon Frise: Known for their cheerful demeanour and low prey drive, these little fluffballs adapt readily to sharing space with cats.
Dog Breeds That Suit Small Pet Households
If you have rabbits, guinea pigs, or birds, the key is finding a dog that doesn’t view smaller animals as prey. While all dogs should be carefully supervised around small pets, these breeds tend to do best:
- Shih Tzu: Gentle and mellow, Shih Tzus are typically indifferent — not instinctively interested — in small caged animals.
- Maltese: These affectionate companions are often more interested in cuddles than chasing, which makes them a calmer addition to homes with smaller animals.
- Spoodles: A mix of Poodle and Cocker Spaniel, Spoodles have a reputation for versatility and good-natured curiosity without aggression.
- Cavoodles: A beloved Kiwi crossbreed, Cavoodles typically match their human’s energy and can be taught to respect smaller pets.
High-Energy Dogs That Still Fit In
Have an active household and want a dog to match, without disrupting the pet harmony? Some high-energy dogs can still thrive with other animals — particularly with the right enrichment:
- Border Collies: While very intelligent and lively, Border Collies are capable of strong training bonds and clear boundaries. Just be prepared to offer lots of mental stimulation and toys.
- Standard Poodles: Not just posh pooches — Poodles are brainy, busy, and respectful when taught early. Regular walks, mental games, and socialising are key.
- Miniature Schnauzers: These spunky pups are often friendly with other pets and excel with consistent training routines.
Bonus Tips For A Peaceful Pet Household
Introducing a new dog to your current pets should always be taken slowly and carefully. Here are some helpful tips:
- Use calming aids to reduce first-meeting stress for everyone
- Ensure separate feeding spots with their own bowls and feeders and quiet rest areas like cat bedding
- Provide high spaces for cats or shy pets to retreat away from playful dogs
- Don’t rush introductions — keep early meetings short and sweet with praise and treats
- Be mindful of food aggression and body language to avoid tension
And when in doubt, a consult with a qualified dog trainer or behaviourist within New Zealand can be invaluable — especially if your pets are showing signs of fear, stress, or overexcitement.
Peace Starts With The Right Pup
Bringing a dog into a home with other pets can feel daunting, but it's absolutely doable — and often leads to lifelong bonds between species. From calm companions like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to adaptable breeds like the Poodle, you’ve got great choices to build a fur-ever friendly home.
At Petdirect, we get pet dynamics, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Browse our range of pet accessories, supplements, cat and dog food, and delicious treats to smooth out transitions and keep every tail wagging. Join our Pet Perks loyalty club to fetch exclusive rewards and Airpoints on every order. Because a happy home is a multi-pet home — and we get that.