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

February 22nd, 2009 | by Adrian |
niecelaine asked:


I let my bird out of its cage on occasion. Her wings are not clipped. I have a small fenced yard for a dog. Plenty of house room: 2500 sq foot.

  1. 6 Responses to “What kind of dog should I consider or avoid in consideration of my African Grey parrot’s safety?”

  2. By Beach_Girl*8 on Feb 23, 2009 | Reply

    Don’t get a pittbull; they tend to be agressive. Don’t get a Jack Russel Terrier; too hiper. Don’t get any hunting dogs, unless your alwaysgoing to keep the dog outside.

  3. By Bailey T on Feb 24, 2009 | Reply

    a puggle they are very calm

  4. By realdusi on Feb 26, 2009 | Reply

    Any dog breed that was raised to hunt, or retrieve fowl I wouldn’t trust around your bird. Most terriers, and hounds still have a very strong hunt instinct and have been known to chase and possibly kill small animals because it was bred into them for so many years. I’d also be weary around retrievers (Labradors, Goldens, springer spaniels). They were bred to retrieve birds after the owner shot them, while they don’t have a hunt instinct that terriers and hounds have, they may still retain an instinct to “retrieve’ your parrot for you. Dogs bred for companions (Maltese, Japanese chin, chihuahuas) have had most of the hunt instinct bred out of them and should do okay with supervised playtime. Also some non-sporting dogs (Boston terrier, bichon frise, french bulldog) should also be fine.

    Just remember that puppies want to put stuff in their mouth and play instinctively, and must be watched while the parrot is out. Also, all dogs will respond differently to the parrot so it’s best to give them a formal introduction and basic training on the dogs part.

  5. By tennis star on Mar 1, 2009 | Reply

    it all depends on what your bird is like. does it fly around the house? if so you don’t want a dog that likes to chase birds. you may also want to consider smaller dogs because you don’t know if your bird will be afraid of a big dog.

  6. By ProfessorAdam on Mar 4, 2009 | Reply

    I have 3 parrots and 3 Dachshunds. I think it’s more a matter of socializing the dogs while they are PUPPIES to avoid any accidents in the future. My dogs have never attacked or bothered my birds. Now when they were puppies I would closely supervise them with my birds, in fact my most fierce dog Maggie Mae was bitten by one of my birds and that pretty much took care of her curiosity, that was 5 years ago. I do agree that you should stay away from “aggressive” breeds though. Also you may want to consult your Vet for further info.

  7. By thebirdlady on Mar 5, 2009 | Reply

    Just avoid all predators ALTOGETHER. You can never anticipate a disaster. My own grey likes to tease my bearded dragon. The lizard no longer runs away: she stands her ground now. The parrot (who is entirely typical of the species in that he is BOSSY beyond belief) - is aware that things have changed in the relationship between the two of them but still “tries it on” if he’s feeling feisty and thinks he can get away with it. In a similar situation it is probable that a dog, even the cutest, sweetest, cuddliest, tiniest miniature poodle, would BITE and thus probably kill or at least severely injure the grey. It takes so little to kill a bird, and your grey will be jealous and despise the dog from the outset (greys also have a superiority complex in case you haven’t noticed)!. As well, bear in mind that your grey is convinced that he owns YOU, and not the other way around. I would advise you not to risk the grey’s life by putting him in harm’s way. If your grey is anything like mine then you will understand that these birds are convinced they rule the world and don’t anyone try to tell them otherwise - ESPECIALLY not an inferior being like a &%$#ing LOWLY canine (an ex-roomate once had a small dog and my grey would crap on it on purpose).

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