It’s a common misconception that dogs inherently hate cats—and the two share a rivalry. Many gentle dog breeds can not only learn to co-exist with felines, but also come to see them as friends! Generally, dogs with low prey drives (meaning they don’t have a strong instinct to chase small animals) do well with cats.
While every dog is different and has its own personality, here are some dog breeds that are beloved for their ability to get along with cats.
1. Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are beautiful dogs known for their friendly and easygoing natures. Funnily enough, they were originally bred as hunting dogs, but today are renowned for their gentle disposition. There’s a reason why these dogs are so popular!
They are very gentle and patient with cats which is super helpful for building positive relationships between the two animals. Goldens will often approach cats in a friendly and interested way and are much less likely to exhibit signs of aggression or reactivity.
These dogs are super adaptable, meaning with time, they can learn to co-exist with other animals, from cats to rodents. Good training can encourage positive behavior around their feline friends. These playful dogs really thrive on social interaction, including with cats. Their sociable nature makes them much more likely to integrate into a household with pets, especially cats.
If you’re welcoming one of these dogs into your home, just be aware that Golden Retrievers need regular exercise and mental stimulation. They also have thick coats that shed year-round, so maintaining a regular grooming schedule is key.
2. Basset Hounds
Basset Hounds are super cute canines that are known for their distinctive droopy ears and laid-back personalities. Bred originally for hunting, they have a great sense of smell, but they aren’t overly aggressive or energetic like other hunting dogs. This makes Basset Hounds awesome and reliable companions for cats.
These dogs are typically very calm and relaxed, which can help a lot when it comes to making a peaceful home environment with cats. Because of their low-to-the-ground bodies, they are also less likely to either startle or chase a cat. Their short legs (caused by a form of dwarfism) make them relatively slow runners.
These dogs like to lounge around, which directly mirrors the life of a cat. Because they aren’t overly energetic, they like to lounge around with their feline friends. Over time, this can lead to an interspecies relationship between your cat and dog.
If you’re thinking of getting a Basset Hound, there are a few things to know—notably that these dogs need regular ear cleanings to prevent infection. They also need a balanced diet to prevent common health problems, such as obesity.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are small and very affectionate canines. They are known for their super bubbly and gentle nature. These small canines were bred to be companions, so they have excellent temperaments when it comes to other animals, children, and strangers.
These dogs are naturally affectionate. They get along well with cats due to their easy-going nature, rarely displaying signs of aggression. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are popular dogs for people who live in apartments and other small spaces.
They are typically very gentle, patient, and considerate of their feline companion’s space. They do enjoy playing sometimes, but even with cats, they do this in a really gentle and non-threatening way. If you have a cat that loves to play, they need their very own King Charles companion!
Just make sure you note that these dogs have long, silky coats that need to be brushed often to prevent any matting. They are pretty healthy dogs, but can be prone to genetic conditions, so buying from an ethical breeder is a must!
4. Maltese
The Maltese is a rather small toy breed, known for its long, white coat and kind nature. Despite being only teeny tiny, these dogs don’t live up to the small dog stigma and are generally very good-natured and can live a harmonious life with cats. They are super non-threatening, helping them form a positive relationship with their cat friends.
They are also adaptable to a variety of living situations. This makes it much easier for them to have a feline housemate without major issues. When looking to buy one of these dogs, make sure you know that they have a beautiful coat, but it is pretty prone to tangles and mats. That is why it’s important to brush it as much as possible. These dogs are fairly healthy but often deal with dental issues, so regular dental care is important.
5. Pugs
Pugs are pint-sized, sturdy dogs. They have easy-to-spot, wrinkled faces, and playful, loving personalities. Bred as companion animals, they are very well suited to a life with other pets, including cats.
They are known for having a very friendly and sociable nature, making them much more likely to get along well with cats. They are very playful and seldom aggressive. This makes it so easy for them to integrate easily into a harmonious household. These adaptable and laid-back dogs coexist peacefully with cats, and very rarely chase or harass them.
On top of these things, Pugs really enjoy being around their families, human or animal. They form close bonds and feel immense loyalty. When buying a Pug, it’s good to know that while they are low maintenance, they do have specific health considerations to keep in mind. They often deal with respiratory issues due to their brachycephalic (flat) face. So, keeping up with vet checks on a regular basis is important.
