Dogs are our loyal companions, our biggest cheerleaders, and sometimes, our mischievous partners in crime. But behind those wagging tails and soulful eyes, some breeds carry instincts that can make living with other animals more like a ticking time bomb than a picture of harmony. Some dogs just aren’t built for sharing their homes with rabbits, hamsters, or even other dogs—and it’s not their fault. It’s genetics and centuries of selective breeding whispering, “No, thank you.” If you’re a multi-pet household (or dreaming of one), keep reading. The following breeds might surprise you with just how tricky they can be around other animals. Get ready for some shockers!
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are absolutely stunning, with their piercing blue eyes and wolf-like appearance. However, their beauty hides a strong prey drive that can spell trouble for smaller pets. Huskies were bred to pull sleds in harsh Siberian climates, but they also developed keen hunting instincts. It’s not uncommon for a Husky to see cats, rabbits, or even smaller dog breeds as something to chase—or worse, catch. Many Husky owners share stories about the breed’s relentless desire to hunt anything that moves. Even with socialization, these dogs can have unpredictable reactions around other animals. Their playful energy can quickly turn into a high-speed pursuit. For families with existing pets, Huskies are often a risky choice.
Jack Russell Terrier
Don’t let their pint-sized bodies and charming faces fool you—Jack Russell Terriers are powerhouses of energy and determination. Originally bred for fox hunting, they have a notorious reputation for being relentless chasers. Their instinct to hunt and dig is deeply ingrained, which often means disaster for smaller pets like hamsters, guinea pigs, or birds. Even cats can have a tough time holding their ground with a Jack Russell around. These dogs are clever and will often find a way to get to their “prey” no matter how secure you think your cages are. They need a lot of mental and physical stimulation, and if they get bored, their natural instincts can take over in an instant.
Greyhound
When you think about Greyhounds, you might picture a graceful, gentle couch potato. While it’s true they are calm and affectionate with people, their racing heritage means they have a powerful chase instinct. Greyhounds see small, fast-moving animals—like cats, rabbits, or ferrets—as prey. Owners sometimes forget that these elegant dogs are built for speed and have lightning-fast reflexes. Even if a Greyhound seems calm, a sudden dash from a smaller pet can trigger their natural chase response. Socialization helps, but it can’t always override their instincts. For this reason, many adoption groups refuse to rehome retired racers with homes containing smaller pets.
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are majestic and strong-willed, with a personality as big as their size. Originally bred to pull heavy sleds and work alongside people, they also have a deeply rooted prey drive. Malamutes are known for their independence and stubborn streak, making them difficult to control in situations where small animals are present. Their size and strength mean that even a split second of excitement can end badly for a smaller pet. Malamutes can be loving with their human families, but other animals often don’t stand a chance. They are notorious for not getting along with cats, rabbits, or rodents, and even smaller dogs can be at risk.
Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers often get a bad rap for being aggressive, but the truth is, they’re deeply devoted to their families. However, their loyalty sometimes comes with a protective streak that can be dangerous for other pets. Dobermans were bred to be guard dogs, and their territorial instincts can make them suspicious or even hostile to other animals in the home. Their strong prey drive makes them particularly risky around cats and small mammals. While early socialization can help, Dobermans often do best as the only pet in the household. Their intelligence and energy mean they need a lot of attention and mental stimulation, which can be difficult to manage in a multi-pet environment.
Fox Terrier
Fox Terriers are charming, bold, and packed with personality. But underneath their playful exterior lies a hunter’s heart. Developed to flush out foxes from their dens, these terriers have an intense prey drive and are always on the lookout for something to chase. Small pets like gerbils, birds, or rabbits can become instant targets. Even other dogs, especially those of the same sex, may not be safe from a Fox Terrier’s competitive nature. Owners often find themselves shocked by how quickly their sweet Fox Terrier can switch gears from playful to predatory. Their tenacity is admirable, but it’s not ideal for peaceful cohabitation with other animals.
Akita
Akitas are stoic, dignified, and fiercely loyal to their families. They have a protective nature that can sometimes turn into aggression, especially toward other animals. Akitas were originally used for hunting large game, such as bears and boars, which means they’re not afraid of a challenge. They can be intolerant of other dogs, especially those of the same sex, and are known for their high prey drive. Small pets like cats, ferrets, or birds are often not safe around an Akita. Introducing an Akita to a home with existing pets is usually a recipe for conflict, as these dogs prefer to be the only animal in their kingdom.
Weimaraner
Weimaraners are athletic, intelligent, and strikingly beautiful, but they’re also relentless hunters. Bred for tracking and retrieving game, Weimaraners have an intense urge to chase and capture anything that moves. This makes them a poor choice for homes with small animals, including cats, rabbits, and rodents. Even well-trained Weimaraners can struggle to suppress their instincts, and accidents can happen in a heartbeat. Their energy and enthusiasm are wonderful in the right setting, but in a household with multiple pets, their presence can be overwhelming and even dangerous for smaller companions.
Shiba Inu
Shiba Inus may look like cuddly foxes, but don’t be deceived by their cuteness. These dogs are independent, stubborn, and have a surprisingly strong prey drive for their size. Shibas love to chase and will often see smaller pets as something to hunt, not as friends. Their aloof nature also means they aren’t usually interested in making friends with other dogs or animals. Introducing a Shiba Inu to a home with existing pets can be a real test of patience and nerves. They require consistent training and supervision, but even then, their instincts sometimes win out. Many Shiba owners find it’s best to keep them as the only pet.
Border Collie
Border Collies are famous for their intelligence and herding abilities. While they’re amazing at controlling sheep, their herding instincts can create chaos in a home with other pets. They might try to “herd” cats, rabbits, or even other dogs, which can be stressful or frightening for the other animals. Border Collies are energetic and easily bored, and when their minds aren’t occupied, they’ll turn their focus to chasing and rounding up anything that moves. This can quickly escalate from playful to problematic, especially if smaller pets are involved. It’s not unusual for a Border Collie to become fixated on another animal, making peaceful coexistence a challenge.
The world of dogs is as varied and fascinating as a patchwork quilt, full of vibrant personalities and surprising quirks. If you’re dreaming of a home filled with different animal companions, it’s crucial to choose breeds whose instincts and personalities blend well with other pets. Did you expect any of these breeds to make the list?
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
