Many families have multiple pets at home, including dogs who coexist with cats, birds, or small mammals. While most dogs can be trained to live peacefully with other animals, certain breeds have strong prey drives or aggressive tendencies that make them potentially dangerous companions for your other furry or feathered friends. Understanding which dog breeds might pose risks to your other pets can help you make informed decisions about your household’s animal family members.
This article provides general information about dog breed tendencies. Individual dogs may vary greatly in temperament regardless of breed. Always consult with animal behaviorists or veterinarians before introducing new pets, and never leave different species unsupervised together regardless of breed.
1. Siberian Huskies
Siberian Huskies possess a powerful prey drive that’s deeply embedded in their DNA. These beautiful, blue-eyed dogs were bred to run for miles across Arctic terrain, making small animals look like moving targets.
Despite their friendly nature with humans, they often view smaller creatures as something to pursue. Even well-trained huskies may suddenly chase cats, rabbits, or birds that dart across their path.
2. Jack Russell Terriers
Don’t let their compact size fool you. Jack Russell Terriers were developed specifically to hunt foxes and flush out rodents from their burrows. Their lightning-quick reflexes and tenacious nature make them formidable hunters.
These energetic little dogs maintain strong instincts to chase, dig, and capture small creatures. Hamsters, gerbils, and other pocket pets often trigger their hunting instincts immediately.
3. Greyhounds
Reaching speeds up to 45 mph, Greyhounds represent the ultimate coursing hound. Their slender bodies and keen eyesight were perfected over centuries for one purpose: spotting and chasing small, fast-moving prey.
While typically gentle and quiet indoors, anything that runs can trigger their instinctual pursuit response. Many Greyhound adoption groups specifically warn against homes with cats or small animals for this reason.
4. Australian Cattle Dogs
Developed to manage stubborn cattle in harsh conditions, Australian Cattle Dogs have a working style that includes nipping at heels. This instinctive behavior doesn’t disappear in domestic settings.
Their intelligence and energy need proper outlets, or they may redirect herding behaviors toward your other pets. Known for their problem-solving abilities, they can be persistent when targeting animals they’ve decided need “managing.”
5. Weimaraners
Originally bred as hunting companions for German nobility, Weimaraners excel at tracking and pointing game. Their nickname “Gray Ghosts” comes from their stealthy hunting style and distinctive silver-gray coats.
These athletic dogs maintain strong instincts to pursue smaller animals. Their high energy levels and intensity can quickly overwhelm birds, cats, or rodents in the household, even without malicious intent.
6. Rat Terriers
The name says it all. Rat Terriers were specifically developed to keep farms and homes free of rodents. Their keen senses and lightning-fast reflexes make them exceptional at their historical job.
Modern Rat Terriers maintain strong instincts to pursue and dispatch small, scurrying creatures. Pet hamsters, mice, or rats are indistinguishable from wild ones in their eyes, making cohabitation extremely risky.
7. Akitas
Akitas originated as hunting dogs in Japan, taking down large game like bears. Their imposing size and powerful jaws backed up their fearless nature. Today’s Akitas retain strong protective instincts.
These dignified dogs often view smaller animals as either prey or intruders in their territory. Their quiet stalking behavior and sudden attacks can occur without warning signs that other dogs might display first.
8. Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Developed in Africa to track and hold lions at bay, Rhodesian Ridgebacks possess remarkable courage and hunting prowess. The distinctive ridge of backward-growing hair on their spine marks them as serious hunters.
While generally good with children, their prey drive remains strong. Smaller pets might trigger their pursuit instinct, especially when moving quickly. Their size and athletic ability make them formidable when this instinct activates.
9. Alaskan Malamutes
Alaskan Malamutes share ancestry with wolves and were bred for strength rather than speed. Their powerful bodies were developed for pulling heavy sleds across frozen landscapes, but their predatory instincts remain intact.
Despite their friendly, outgoing nature with people, Malamutes often view smaller animals as prey. Their pack mentality can intensify when multiple Malamutes focus on a smaller pet, making supervision essential.
10. Doberman Pinschers
Developed in Germany as protection dogs, Dobermans combine intelligence with physical prowess. Their streamlined bodies enable quick, decisive action when they perceive threats.
While extremely loyal to their human family, Dobermans can be suspicious of other animals entering their space. Their protective nature sometimes extends to “guarding” their family from other pets they see as potential competitors or threats.
11. Airedale Terriers
As the largest of all terrier breeds, Airedales combine the typical terrier tenacity with substantial size and strength. Originally bred for hunting otters and rats, they approach smaller animals with determined focus.
Their wiry coat and bearded face hide a strong-willed hunter that rarely backs down. Despite their sometimes clownish personality with humans, they maintain serious hunting instincts that can make them dangerous companions for rodents or cats.
12. Pitbull Terriers
Originally bred for bull-baiting and later for dog fighting, Pitbulls possess remarkable jaw strength and determination. Their muscular bodies and tenacious attitude make them physically capable of overpowering other animals quickly.
While many are gentle with proper training, their history has created dogs with high prey drive. Their tendency to grab and shake during play can escalate dangerously with smaller pets who respond with fear behaviors.
13. Whippets
Like miniature Greyhounds, Whippets were bred specifically for coursing small game. Their extraordinary speed and agility make them exceptional hunters despite their gentle household demeanor.
When a small animal runs, Whippets’ chase instinct activates almost uncontrollably. Their slender build belies impressive strength, and their quick bursts of speed mean they can catch rabbits, cats, or other small pets before owners can intervene.
