Top 7 Dog Breeds That Love Pit Bulls
Your lovable Pit Bull could find its new best friend in one of these breeds.
German Shepherds are the best breed to pair with a Pit Bull. Both have aggressive play styles, so they can match each other’s energy and temperament. Plus, German Shepherds are large enough to defend themselves if an interaction doesn’t go well.
Because both breeds are so stubborn and lively, it can be stressful to introduce them. But if done right, they can make perfect playmates for one another. Ensure that you monitor them for the first few weeks until they know each other.
Siberian Huskies are another strong-willed breed that gets along with Pit Bulls. Both enjoy roughhousing and have strong jaws, so they are matched evenly. Plus, both are teeming with energy and playfulness.
Huskies and Pit Bulls both tend to love toys and adventures. These breeds form an excellent pair that can go on hikes, visit the beach, play fetch, or lie beside one another and gnaw on a bone. Both these breeds are highly trainable if you are willing to do the work.
Dobermans are large, tough dogs that make excellent playmates and friends for a Pit Bull. Dobermans are typically faster and taller than Pit Bulls, so they’ll also be matched evenly if things get out of hand. Having two strong breeds like this together can be intimidating, but it also means they’re a match made in heaven.
When you have a Pit Bull and Doberman, make sure you have plenty of space for them to play and run around or to get away from each other if necessary. While Pit Bulls can be cuddly and clingy, Dobermans often prefer alone time every once in a while.
A Basenji is a great breed to pair with a particularly unfriendly Pit Bull. Basenjis are not very reactive or aggressive but are strong enough to stand up for themselves if a dog bothers them. Basenjis are usually slightly smaller than Pit Bulls, so your Pit Bull won’t feel threatened.
Most Pit Bulls bark rarely and do not like dogs that bark often. Basenjis don’t have the vocal cords that allow dogs to bark, so you will never hear them. If you have a sensitive Pit Bull, Basenjis are one of the best choices to pair it with.
If you’re looking for a dog very different from a Pit Bull, Basset Hounds are a great choice. They are not aggressive or reactive dogs; instead, they are super gentle and easygoing. They have moderate energy, so they won’t make the best playmate for a Pit Bull, but they can be a low-key companion.
Basset Hounds are also pack dogs, so they’ll love being around the Pit Bull, even if they aren’t necessarily best friends.
Beagles are an excellent companion for Pit Bulls thanks to their gentle and friendly nature. Beagles are not very threatening, so Pit Bulls often don’t feel as territorial around them. Beagles are playful enough to make a great buddy for a Pit Bull.
Beagles are famous for being pack dogs, which means they thrive in the company of other dogs. They also prefer company rather than solitude, and Pit Bulls are the same. Some breeds like alone time, but these two breeds will find comfort in each other’s company and will likely become wonderful friends when properly introduced.
Rottweilers can make a great companion for a tough, high-energy Pit Bull. Both breeds can be dog-aggressive, but they can be best friends if introduced properly and slowly.
Experts recommend pairing a younger Rottweiler with an older Pit Bull, as this scenario will intimidate the Pit Bull less. Together, these dogs have a lot of energy and playfulness. Be prepared for lots of walks and endless playtime.
Follow these general tips for introducing two dogs.
Dogs are territorial animals, so it’s best not to introduce dogs in a location where one of them might feel the need to protect its space. Don’t bring one dog to another dog’s house or somewhere else where it might feel territorial.
Dog parks and other public spaces are excellent locations to introduce dogs. Try to find an isolated park or go at a time when there won’t be many other people or dogs.
Dog introductions go much better when they occur outdoors. Introducing dogs indoors, especially in a tight space, can cause immediate friction and discomfort between the two dogs.
Even an introduction in a small park or yard isn’t the best-case scenario. Plus, they might cause some damage to the house if they get too rowdy, whether playful or not.
While it might seem risky, it’s usually better to introduce dogs off-leash. When dogs are on a leash, it can make them feel agitated and less in control of the situation, especially when there’s another dog around.
Placing dogs on a leash might make them feel more connected to their owners and more protective. If you feel comfortable dropping the leash or taking the leash off the dogs, this can be a chance for them to interact and sniff each other freely.
When monitoring dogs, whether it’s their first interaction or not, it’s vital to know the meaning behind their body language. Bouncy playing and tail-wagging are good signs. Stiff bodies, snarled teeth, and the hair on their back standing up are not good signs.
Before introducing the dogs, research what different body language indicates, so you know when to intervene. Remember, dogs don’t play how humans do, so something you think is aggressive might simply be playful.
Keep your voice and actions positive. Punishing a dog for behaving badly toward another dog might not yield the results you want. The dog that receives the punishment might associate the negative action with the other dog, not its own actions.
Consistently reward good playing and positive interactions and don’t punish the dog for negative interactions. Instead, separate the dogs when things go south, whether for a few minutes or a few days.
The Pit Bull Personality and Temperament
Before we dive into our breed recommendations, let’s make sure we have a good understanding of the pit bull personality and temperament so we can make the best match for our sweet pups.
Pit bulls are fairly intelligent dogs. They can be easily trained in basic commands, and many pit bulls go on to more extensive training, such as to become guard dogs, service dogs, or even police dogs.
Part of what also contributes to a pit bull’s high level of intelligence is their instinct and ability to adapt. Pit bulls are very versatile dogs, which shows in this kind of intelligence. They’re able to learn from past mistakes, adapt to new situations, and communicate their wants and needs to their humans.
You may be surprised by the fact that Pit bulls are so smart! According to canine expert Stanley Coren, pit bulls rank 48th on the list of intelligent dog breeds, placing them at just average intelligence.
However, Coren’s intelligence testing is largely based on obedience–and as most pit bull owners know, pit bulls are also known for their stubbornness! Even though these are intelligent dogs, they may rank a bit lower because of their sheer stubbornness in following obedience commands.
When you’re searching for a companion dog for your pit bull, make sure they are closely matched in intelligence. This will put both dogs on equal footing and prevent both dogs from getting bored.
Pit bulls are incredibly affectionate animals. They love your attention, whether that’s in the form of a treat, a good belly scratch, or just a “good boy.” Even when it may not be convenient for you, pit bulls will seek your attention constantly.
Because they have an innate desire to please you, pit bulls can be trained very easily. With a little positive attention after they do something well, pit bulls will very quickly learn that good behavior is the best way to receive affection from their owners. They hate upsetting you, and that will show in their behavior.
No matter what breed you choose as a companion dog for your Pitbull, make sure you continue to give your pit bull lots of attention so they don’t feel left out or forgotten after the new dog arrives.
After your pit bull has been with you long enough to know that you are family, they’ll love you for life. Pit bulls are incredibly loyal dogs. While pit bulls are typically very friendly, even towards strangers, they’ll go to great lengths to protect their family.
The good news is, pit bulls can bond to more than one person. They have plenty of love to share! That means if you introduce a pit bull into your family, your pit bull will be loyal to every member of your family.
Keep this trait in mind as you choose a companion dog for your pit bull. This will be especially important as you introduce the new dog to your pit bull and as they gradually acclimate to being in your home. Your pit bull will need to view the new dog as a friend, not a threat to the family.
Pit bulls are fairly active dogs, and they are very adventurous! Whether you love to hike, swim, and bike, or if you’d rather just settle for a short walk, your pit bull will be down for anything.
On average, pit bulls need roughly 45 to 60 minutes of exercise every day. This will keep them healthy and happy.
When choosing a breed to be your pit bull’s companion, keep this exercise level in mind. You’ll want to find a breed that closely resembles this need for exercise.
Basenji
Also called the ‘African Barkless Dog” a Basenji never barks. That’s right, never! His larynx is too shallow to allow the vocal folds to make a barking noise.
When he needs to say something, he will make a sound known as yodeling.
If you know Pit Bulls very well, they don’t like dogs with an aggressive and barking nature like them. This is why a Basenji would get along with a Pit Bull very well.
Plus, a Basenji is fiercely independent, meaning he will likely keep to himself most of the time. This reduces the likelihood of butting heads with the terrier dog.
As a bonus, this breed is clean, odorless, good with children, and generally affectionate.