Do ferrets get along with dogs?

Question

I've been thinking about getting one but I have a nine-month Chihuahua and want to make sure there won't be any problems between them. I've read a lot of info about ferrets and it says that breeds of terriers sometimes aren't compatible.My Chi doesn't get along with other dogs besides Chihuahuas though she loves cats. She will play with any cat she sees and has never bitten one. So do you think she would get along with a ferret and vice-versa? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

It's not so much the size of the dog, but the purpose it was bred for. If you have a dog that is used for hunting, especially small game like rabbits or rodents then the instinct of the dog is going to take over at one point or another

NOT TRUE NOT TRUE NOT TRUE.

I hAVE A BEAGLE who is not only a hunting dog but his parent were we got him from were breed to do nothing but hunt. My dogs all of them i have had have never hurt my ferret although i would never take a older dog that has never been around them and just say hey look what we have here i would slowly see how he/she is going to react put the pet carrier or cage around your dog and see how the dog reacts if you know some one who has a ferret see if you can show your dog the ferret while it is in the cage and see how your dog is going to act. I do rescue so my dogs are so use to a new ferret they don't even care any more my beagle know not to touch the ferret matter-O-fact he was taught how to help us find them when one is hideing his favoriet buddy was a ferret named conner love to help us look for him he always got a treat when he sniffed and hit the spot he would start scratching and we would get him and put him to bed NEVER ONCE DID HE EVER TRY TO KILL MY FERRETS and he is 8 years old. I mean he has been around them his whole life but to say because he is breed for huanting he wouldn't be safe NOT TRUE. He has yet tapped in to hunting and killing my ferrets.

I have a friend has a jack russle also a breed for hunting got a ferret and no problems you just need to let the dog and ferret know each other and not to think they will get along if he has been around cats he should be fine the last ferret i rescued had never been around dogs just cats and he took to likeing my dogs with no problem like to play with them.

Answer 2

It's not so much the size of the dog, but the purpose it was bred for. If you have a dog that is used for hunting, especially small game like rabbits or rodents then the instinct of the dog is going to take over at one point or another. Herding dogs usually will get along with them. A lot of toy breeds are too hyper and self involved to care and may get nippy out of jealousy.
It also depends on the age of the animals, the temperament of the single animal(not all dogs are the same) and the manner they were introduced. I would not leave the two run around in the house unsupervised, that's for sure. The way your Chi reacts towards other dogs raises little red flags, though a ferret might be small enough to be accepted as another Chi.
Personally, I wouldn't try it. I'd hate to see you lose the ferret or the peace in your home.

Answer 3

I dont have any ferrets anymore.I couldn't take the pain when they would get sick and die so my husband wont let me have anymore.I did have three and I also had my dogs and also watched other family members dogs.I noticed that the younger medium sized dogs did alot better with the ferrets.My larger dog would run and hide on top of the bed.I went and got a baby gate and some plexy glass and put the plexy glass onto the baby gate and used that to block off half the house so my ferrets could run free for a few hours.I didn't like leaving them around the dogs.My parents now have two chuahuas One I know wouldnt work with a ferret and the other one would probubly play but play to ruff.Keep in mind that ferrets like soft skin and sometimes they will crawl under the dogs underbelly and nip .Not out of meaness either so its hard to punish them.

Answer 4

Ferrets are very active animals, so should get along with your pup easily. I would suggest introducing them slowly at first, so that neither animal feels threatened by the other, start out with a few minutes at a time throughout the day, gradually increasing the "together time" until you all feel comfortable with their interaction. Ferrets are known to play rough at times so don't be alarmed if your pup vocalizes from time to time.

Answer 5

yes ferrets like 2 run and jump and play with dogs

Answer 6

if the dog is small then the ferret can easily defend its self and could hurt the dog if cornered. they are small but poweful

Answer 7

yes io have one and it gets along with my dog

Answer 8

yes

Answer 9

I'm sure they'd make a GREAT playtoy.