If you’re both a dog and cat lover and you intend to have both animals as pets in your home, then you will want to consider choosing a breed of dog that has a history of being friendly towards cats. While an individual dog’s personality play a significant role, there are some breeds that are known to have traits that make them more inclined to get along with other household pets.
Dogs, most especially small dog breeds are generally friendly and easygoing around other animals, and tend to adapt well to living with them. On the other hand, large dog breeds or dogs with strong predatory instincts may not be the best fit for households with cats, as they may be agitated to chase and most likely harm them.
Furthermore, dogs that have low to moderate energy levels are said to be ideal companions for cats because they tend to have a lower prey drive. Additionally, dog breeds known for being people-pleasing and trainable are particularly well-suited for coexisting with cats, as they can be taught to live together harmoniously.
Here are ten dog breeds that typically get along well with cats.
Beagle
Beagles, also known as scent hounds, are skilled at using their exceptional sense of smell to track down small games during hunting. Historically, hunters utilized beagles to hunt in large groups, with hunters on foot or horseback accompanying the packs. Even with having a little prey drive, Beagles can be sociable animals and generally get along well with other house pets, even seeing the cat as part of its pack.
Height: 13 to 15 inches
Weight: 20 to 25 pounds
Physical Characteristics: small-medium sized with muscular, solid body; long, floppy ears, and perky long tail held upward
Basset Hound
The basset hound, a similar to the beagle, is also a scent hound known for its excellent sense of smell. These pack animals are known for their friendly, accommodating, and patient nature. Thanks to their short legs and long, heavy bodies, basset hounds have a low energy level and slow-moving gait, making them ideal companions for cats as they are less likely to chase their feline friends.
Height: 11 to 14 inches
Weight: 50 to 65 pounds
Physical Characteristics: small-medium sized, Long body with short legs; long, drooping ears; wrinkled forehead
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, belonging to the Toy Group is a breed this is highly sought after and is well-suited for first time dog in any family. Known for their affectionate nature, Cavaliers are incredibly sweet, showcasing unwavering loyalty and affection as cherished lap dogs. Renowned for their friendliness, these adaptable and gentle canine make ideal companions, easily forming strong bonds with people and other pets, including cats.
Height: 12 to 13 inches
Weight: 13 to 18 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Small dog breed, silky, wavy coat; adults have feathering on their ears, chest, legs, feet, and tail
Collie
Unlike other herding dogs, collies are not inclined to fight or chase animals, instead they are typically lovers, not fighters. While not all herding dogs get along well with cats due to their high prey drive, collies have a relatively lower prey drive compared to other herding breeds. Meaning they can usually resist the instinct to herd when it’s not needed. Collies are also known to be gentle and patient with kids and other pets in the house.
Height: 22 to 26 inches
Weight: 50 to 75 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Medium sized with dense smooth or rough coat; long, narrow face; comes in sable and white, tricolour, blue merle, and white
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is an essential addition to this list as they are affectionate and a popular breed is known for its gentle nature and loving personality. In fact, Golden Retrievers are renowned for their good manners, friendly, and loving behavior not only towards humans but also towards other pets.
These dogs are loving, sweet-natured, and adaptable. They are eager to please and easily trainable, making them excellent companions for people as well as pets. With proper training, Golden Retrievers can happily coexist with cats, showing their friendly nature.
Height: 21 to 24 inches
Weight: 55 to 75 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Medium-sized dog with a Sturdy, muscular body; a lustrous gold coat, broad head, and friendly and intelligent eyes
Poodle
Poodles are a beautiful breeds known for their intelligence and adaptable nature. They come in three different sizes and when it comes to interacting with cats, all three sizes can be trained to behave, but the smaller miniature and toy varieties are often less intimidating to felines. Specifically, toy poodles, being roughly the size of many cats, can develop strong bonds and enjoy playful interactions with their feline companions.
Height: 10 inches and under for toy; between 10 and 15 inches for miniature, and 15 inches for standard
Weight: 5 to 9 pounds for toy; between 15 and 18 pounds for miniature; and 45 to 70 pounds for standard
Physical Characteristics: Curly, dense, single-layer coat that comes in various colours, including white, black, grey, brown, and apricot
Maltese
The Maltese is a delightful little breed that’s about the same size as a cat, making it easy for cats to feel at comfortable around them. This small dog is a gentle and loving companion with a calm attitude. Maltese dogs are not high-energy and are best suited for people who prefer a more simple and relaxed lifestyle, and they are often favored by those with a taste for elegance and luxury.
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 4 to 7 pounds
Physical Characteristics: small-sized dog breed shrouded by white fur that is naturally long and silky; single-layer coat without an undercoat
Newfoundland
Although the Newfoundlands might seem imposing due to their large and massive stature, but they are truly gentle giants in the dog world. This dog breeds are known for being calm, patient, and protective of their family members, making them an excellent choice for new families.
They are generally great with people of all ages, including children, and other pets. Despite their size, Newfoundlands have a calm behavior and a relatively low energy level. In fact, they are so mellow that even a cat might need to encourage them to engage in activities.
Height: 26 to 28 inches
Weight: 100 to 150 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Giant dog breed that is heavy coated, powerful body; massive head with small ears.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians, weighing just three to seven pounds, is another breed tat is similar to the cats size or even petite enough to be smaller than some cats. Despite their small size, these toy dogs are known for their spirited and engaging nature. Pomeranians generally pose little to no threat to feline companions due to their affectionate nature and moderate energy level. They tend to live harmoniously with cats, and are known to be quite friendly and amiable.
Height: 6 to 7 inches
Weight: 3 to 7 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Small dog breeds with long double coats; fox-like faces; pointy, erect ears; curled tails
Pug
Pugs are delightful and cheerful little dogs known for their friendly and sociable nature. They possess a gentle and easygoing temperament, making them well-suited to almost any household, including homes with cats. Due to their amiable disposition, pugs typically do not engage in chasing or bothering cats, allowing for harmonious cohabitation. Additionally, given their social nature, pugs appreciate the company of cats, especially when their human companions are not around.
Height: 10 to 13 inches
Weight: 14 to 18 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Small dog breed with barreled body; wrinkled head; short nose, and curly tail
Breeds to Avoid
If you are considering getting a cat or already have one, it’s important to be cautious when choosing a dog breed, especially if the dog has a strong instinct to chase. Breeds with high energy levels and herding instincts, like border collies, can sometimes exhibit behavior that involves herding everyone in the household, including cats. This behavior may not be well-received by the cats and could lead to stress or discomfort for them.
Check out How to Introduce a Cat to a Dog by The Spruce Pets
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