When choosing a dog, many people assume that smaller breeds are naturally easier to integrate into a household with other pets. Although small dogs can be loving and loyal companions, some breeds are known for being territorial, possessive, or simply not interested in sharing their space. If you already have other pets at home, these small breeds may need extra care, training, and supervision around their furry housemates.
Here are 10 small dog breeds that don’t typically get along well with other pets:
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas may be tiny, but they have bold personalities. They often bond closely with one person and may feel threatened by other animals. Chihuahuas can become jealous and possessive, especially if they feel they’re not the center of attention.
Dachshund
Originally bred to hunt badgers, Dachshunds have a strong prey drive. They can be aggressive toward smaller animals like rodents or birds, and they may not tolerate other dogs invading their space. Their bold and independent nature can make them quick to assert dominance, especially in a multi-pet household.
Jack Russell Terrier
This breed is intelligent, energetic, and fearless—but those qualities can make Jack Russells aggressive toward other animals. Their high prey drive and dominant personalities make them a poor choice for multi-pet households.
Miniature Pinscher
The Miniature Pinscher is confident and protective. These little watchdogs don’t usually back down from a challenge, even with larger pets. Their stubborn streak can make them difficult to socialize with other animals.
Pekingese
Pekingese dogs are loyal and affectionate with their families, but they often prefer to be the only pet. They’re known for being aloof and even aggressive with other animals, especially if they feel their territory is being invaded.
Lhasa Apso
This breed was originally used as a guard dog in Tibetan monasteries, and that protective instinct still runs strong. Lhasa Apsos can be wary and territorial around other pets, making early socialization essential.
Shih Tzu
Although they often have a sweet appearance, Shih Tzus can be bossy and territorial. While some can live peacefully with other pets, many prefer to be the sole focus of their owner’s attention. Their tendency to guard their space and belongings can lead to tension or conflict with other animals in the home.
Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles are highly intelligent but can also be possessive of their owners. If not properly trained and socialized, they may become snappy or standoffish with other pets, especially if they feel outshined. Their sensitive nature means they can quickly become jealous, making them more prone to guarding behaviors around their favorite humans.
Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffons thrive on human companionship and often don’t enjoy sharing their people with other animals. They can be quite sensitive and may react negatively to the presence of other pets in the home. This breed tends to form deep bonds with their owners, which can lead to clingy behavior and jealousy when attention is divided.
Italian Greyhound
These sleek, sensitive dogs prefer calm, quiet environments and can be easily stressed by energetic or dominant pets. Their fragile build also makes them wary of rough play, which can lead to defensive or avoidant behavior.
- Please Note: This content was created with the assistance of AI and thoroughly edited by a human before publishing.
