What kind of dog should I buy or avoid in consideration of my African Grey parrot’s safety?

December 30th, 2008 | by Adrian |
niecelaine asked:


I have had the bird over 5 years and let her out of the cage on occasion.

I have a fenced back yard, not very big, but there is plenty of room in my 2500 sq ft house for a dog.

  1. 16 Responses to “What kind of dog should I buy or avoid in consideration of my African Grey parrot’s safety?”

  2. By Vindictive on Jan 2, 2009 | Reply

    English Bull dog, they’re short.

  3. By love on Jan 5, 2009 | Reply

    try a Pomeranian they are tiny and adorable

  4. By joshua h on Jan 7, 2009 | Reply

    pure white husky, they look awesome and are loyal

  5. By lambo on Jan 10, 2009 | Reply

    a rottwieler or a pitbull no get a puppy a golden retriver so they can become freinds at little age its possible

  6. By diane_b_33594 on Jan 10, 2009 | Reply

    I would probably stay away from any kind of hunting dog. But, most dogs are pretty smart and when they learn that the other animal is a family member, they will not mess with it.

    I have a dog, cat and four birds, and they all co-exist well. But even so, I watch the cat, because even though he knows the birds are family members, it is still in their nature to kill birds. Of course, the fact that he has been nipped a couple times by the birds does help to enforce his leaving them alone.

  7. By goldwing110083 on Jan 11, 2009 | Reply

    My experience is that a new dog to a home with a bird is not going to work as well as could be hoped…I would be worried about the dog’s safety if the dog is small, and the bird’s safety if the dog is large. An African Gray is very expensive chicken to a dog! Good luck

  8. By Carlee on Jan 13, 2009 | Reply

    void dalmations and other big dogs. I have a cute little Dacshund (weiner dog) and she is perfectly behaved. They don’t grow very big at all.
    Hope this helps!

  9. By dustogump on Jan 16, 2009 | Reply

    I’m sure the bird can hide places that any dog cannot reach.
    It doesn’t matter what dog you get!

  10. By legalboi65 on Jan 17, 2009 | Reply

    Don’t get a chow-chow. My dog hates birds.

  11. By Teri R on Jan 17, 2009 | Reply

    Maybe a Chihuahua…they seem frightened of everything.

  12. By satouqi on Jan 19, 2009 | Reply

    Irish red terrier

  13. By CF_ on Jan 22, 2009 | Reply

    do not get hunting dog - no Terriers no hounds
    dont get a herding breed either as they are very intense and require alot of time and attention.. if allowed to become bored they will get destructive (eg. Border Collie, German Shep.)

    probably a “bird dog” a soft mouthed dog, like a retriever… these guys are bred for picking up shot ducks very gently and probably wouldnt bother a live bird but if they did it would not be hurt… they are pretty laid back and I know several people who have Goldens with other animal types (eg.cats, chickens) and do very well

    either get a young puppy or a mature dog who has lived with birds
    be aware that puppies may be goofy and require training on how to act responsibly

    the size of the dog isnt as important as energy level when comparing to the size of your house/yard

    if you want small, a pug or Shih Tzu would be good too

  14. By Kally on Jan 22, 2009 | Reply

    A yorkie because they are small and wont be able to hurt the bird also they are really cute and lovable

  15. By Wonder on Jan 24, 2009 | Reply

    Well you could get a puppy and put her in a room and teach her not to eat the bird but be Friends with the bird

  16. By Dog_trainer on Jan 25, 2009 | Reply

    Avoid all of the aggressive dogs with a high prey drive - don’t get terriers, shepherds, dobies, or any of the sight hound or pointing breeds.

    I’d recommend a small spaniel - Cavalier King Charles are great, sweet dogs. Maybe a pug or Papillon or Peke or Pomeranian. When the dog is a pup, be sure you teach him to leave the bird alone. Put him on a leash and let the bird walk around on the floor. If he goes to pester or jump on the parrot, correct him firmly with the leash and teach him a command like “leave it”.

    Also, avoid dogs that bark a lot or the parrot may start imitating them and drive you and your neighbors crazy!

  17. By dellajoy2000 on Jan 26, 2009 | Reply

    Bassett Hounds are known to get along with any kind of pet, plus they are low to the ground and with those short legs, won’t be able to jump much. They are also pretty layed back.

    Golden Retrievers are also good with other pets, but they are energetic and playful and might accidentally hurt the bird, although mine hasn’t hurt the cats, but then they have claws…come to think of it, your parrot could probably protect itself too.

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