Already a Cat Owner but looking to bring a pooch into your brood? While dogs and cats are one of the most famously hostile pairings, it’s not entirely impossible to have both living in your home – and happily, at that. There are plenty of cat-friendly dogs around who are less likely to pester your precious kitty and more inclined to get along with them just fine. At best, they may even form a tight friendship.
To help with your search, we’ve put together a list of the top dog breeds that get along with cats. By opting for one of these breeds, your furbabies (hopefully) won’t end up fighting like cats and dogs.
What are the best cat-friendly dogs?
#1: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Affectionate, amiable, and with a truly sweet nature, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are among the best cat-friendly dogs. Their relatively small size also means your cat is unlikely to feel too threatened by them.
Because Cavaliers are incredibly social animals, they could cosy up quite nicely to your kitty. Plus, they’ll enjoy the comfort of having another animal around.
#2: Pugs
Pugs are another excellent dog breed whose small size is less likely to freak out your cat. They also happen to be very friendly, sociable, and loving, and will warm up to your cat pretty quickly.
Having said that, Pugs are good at standing their ground. If your cat tries to torment them, they’ll do their best to stay firm.
#3: Basset Hounds
These docile, gentle dogs are very chill around cats. Even though they’re one of the most famous hunting breeds, they probably won’t pull any tricks on your kitty. Instead, you’ll find that a Basset Hound is quite agreeable towards your cat.
Just know that Bassets are notoriously stubborn, meaning it’ll take a little longer to teach them commands.
#4: Beagles
Beagles are true pack dogs, so they’ll no doubt love living with a cat. They’re also easy going around animals of all kinds. So, if you’ve got another type of pet at home, they may even get along with them, too.
Beagles are high-energy, though. If your cat is old or just prefers to live life at a slower pace, know that a Beagle might rile them up a little too much.
#5: Retrievers
Whether it’s a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever, these dogs are outgoing and very friendly towards everyone – including cats. Even though their tall stature may be intimidating, they’ll act very affectionately towards your cat and perhaps even attempt to play with them.
The other great thing about Retrievers is that they’re highly intelligent and easy to train. This means you can teach them early on what not to do around your cat.
#6: Chihuahuas
As long as they’re properly trained and socialised, Chihuahuas make great playmates for cats. They’re relatively high energy and may engage in a few play sessions, as long as your kitty is up for it. They’re also easy to train, so you can set a few ground rules on how they should approach your cat.
The best part? Chihuahuas are often smaller than many cats, so your feline may be less intimidated by them!
#7: Poodles
Poodles are fantastic cat-friendly dogs. They’re social, playful, and very, very smart – making training an absolute cinch. This is why many Cat Owners opt for Poodles when inviting a pupper into their home.
If you’re choosing between a Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodle, a Toy is least likely to intimidate your cat given their small size. In saying that, all sizes of Poodle are usually fine with cats.
Just know that Standard Poodles require lots of exercise and will behave better if they’ve burnt off all their energy. If you don’t always have the time, this is where engaging the services of a local Dog Walker can come in handy!
#8: Bichon Frises
Not only are they incredibly adorable, but Bichon Frises also make fast friends with almost everyone, including cats. They’re very playful, too, so will often be up for a bit of a frolic with your kitty.
For this reason, Bichon Frises are best suited to friskier cats. If your cat isn’t particularly playful or doesn’t like anyone getting in their personal space, you may want to go for a more chilled-out dog breed.
#9: Maltese Terriers
Malteses are very sweet and affectionate, and their small size makes them ideal for cats. They’re also calm and mellow dogs, and will respect your cat’s desire for privacy rather than invade it.
One thing to note, though, is that because Maltese Terriers are so friendly, your cat might just be the one to hassle them! Keep a close eye on the two to ensure minimal friction.
#10: Bulldogs
OK, bear with us here. A big, burly Bulldog may seem like an odd choice for a cat. But actually, their laid-back and kind nature makes them an excellent cat-friendly dog.
Bulldogs are also unlikely to show aggression towards your cat. As well, their slow pace may mean they’re less inclined to chase your cat around.
Are there any dog breeds that don’t get along with cats?
There are plenty of other dog breeds out there that might very well get along with your cat or simply be indifferent towards them. It often comes down to the individual dog.
However, there are some dog breeds that can be quite aggressive towards cats. This is particularly the case if they’ve got a strong desire to hunt prey. Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, Greyhounds, and Samoyeds are a few examples of dogs that may try to chase your cat.
And while they won’t necessarily try anything nasty, herding breeds are known for vigorously trying to round up small creatures, including kids and cats. Such breeds include Border Collies, Blue Heelers/Australian Cattle Dogs, German Shepherds, Old English Sheepdogs, and Swedish Vallhunds.
How to introduce your cat to your new dog
Once you’ve decided to take the plunge and get a dog, you’ll probably be keen to learn how to safely acquaint them with your cat. Luckily, we’ve already done the hard work for you.
Make sure to check out our guide to introducing your cat to a second pet, plus our tips and tricks on how to get your dog to like cats. Here’s to the beginning of a long and utterly adorable friendship!
