For as long as anyone can remember, cats and dogs have always been portrayed as mortal enemies. We've all seen the TV tropes and heard the saying, "Fight like cats and dogs." While it's true that canines and felines are wildly different creatures, that doesn't mean they can't coexist.
Many cats and dogs do well living under the same roof. Countless pet lovers have had success building a multi-species family. But if you're thinking of doing the same, there are many important things to consider.
The biggest is breed compatibility. All dogs have unique personalities, but several defining traits can impact a pup's compatibility with cats. Some are too prey-driven to trust with a rambunctious kitten! However, several breeds are known to do fine with cats in the home.
Of course, socialization and proper training are paramount. It can take time for cats and dogs to get along, and there's no guarantee that you'll see these two distinct animals treating each other like family. But choosing the right dog can lead to a happy, multi-species home!
Here are 19 dogs that can live harmoniously with cats.
19 Dog Breeds That Are Great with Cats
1. Basset Hounds
Basset Hounds are lovable goofballs that are patient and relatively calm. Their patience makes this dog a fine choice for households with cats. While other dogs are too wild for a skittish cat, Basset Hounds are far more low-key.
In fact, it's common for cats to get so comfortable around these dogs that they'll join them for a cute cuddle. Basset Hounds typically don't mind that close contact, either.
This breed can be stubborn during the training phase. But these dogs are eager to please and have temperate personalities, making them fantastic with cats and other animals.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This adorable-looking dog is highly affectionate and friendly. They're also very easy to train. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels always want to be in on the action and are ready to please their humans.
These dogs are fantastic with cats for many reasons. First, they're small! Even at mature size, most are around the size of your average cat. Secondly, this breed is known for reciprocating playful behavior with felines.
Other dogs might find the playfulness of cats annoying, but that's not the case with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Your cat and dog will be two peas in a pod, leading to a happy home.
3. Bulldog
Here's a breed people often don't expect to get along well with cats. Bulldogs have a reputation for being somewhat intimidating. But the reality is that they're one of the most accepting dog breeds around. They have no problem showing affection to other animals, and that includes cats.
Cats get along well with Bulldogs, and the breed is usually quite kind around them. Bulldogs can exhibit stubborn streaks, and their strong-willed nature can make training a challenge. But none of that causes issues with cats. Just make sure to be vigilant about training and socialization.
4. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are one of America's most beloved dog breeds, and it's not hard to see why. They do great in family settings, love to show affection and are easy to train. On top of all that, they're highly adaptable.
Golden Retrievers do well in most home situations. From large families to multi-species packs, Goldies love it all! Most cat owners find these dogs have no problem getting along with felines. They're just as playful and outgoing, so they do especially well when living with young kittens.
5. Maltese
Maltese dogs are pint-sized beauties. Because they're small-breed dogs, Maltese pups typically match the size of an average cat. They're not overbearing or intimidating.
This breed has a reputation for being the ultimate lap dog. While they can have tons of energy, they're keen on being lazy and spending time with their owners. In many cases, they don't even notice cats in the vicinity! But when they do, most have no problem inviting them in and treating a feline like family.
6. Poodle
Poodles can be high-maintenance dogs. Their curly fur coats can be a lot to manage, regardless of size. There are three variants of Poodles: the Standard Poodle, the Miniature Poodle and the Toy Poodle. All three do just fine with cats.
This breed is ideal for homes with cats because they value peace over fighting. These dogs aren't fighters and typically like to keep things light and fun. So even if your cat tries to start something, most Poodles will ignore it.
The smaller variants are likelier to treat cats as equals and may even be playful around them. However, the larger ones tend to ignore cats altogether.
7. Beagle
Beagles have a long history of hunting. In the past, they were keen on hunting in packs. As a result, this breed likes to be around other animals. When around cats, they typically treat them as another member of their animal posse!
This breed is kind and forgiving, too. Many say that Beagles are hard to disappoint or make sad. Therefore, there's not much a cat can do to cause drama. Beagles are more likely to forgive and forget a cat's indiscretions, treating felines with all the love and companionship as any other animal in their pack.
8. Newfoundland
Here's another dog breed few would expect to get along with cats. The Newfoundland's massive size makes them look intimidating, but they're gentle giants! These dogs are loving and affectionate, wanting nothing more than to keep the peace and make owners happy. They're also fiercely protective. It's their instinct to keep other animals safe; most will do the same for cats.
Newfoundlands are surprisingly patient. Most will be kind and calm around cats, so much so that it's common to see cats getting comfortable enough to cuddle with these giants.
9. Papillon
Here's another small breed that can become great friends with a cat. Papillons are about the same size as domesticated cats and have the playful attitudes to keep up with young kittens. Because they can go toe-to-toe with cats in terms of size, Papillons aren't intimidating to more skittish felines. They usually don't disturb cats who fear dogs, and they can often get along well enough to become best pals!
10. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are another dog that some people fear. But in most cases, that fear is unfounded. German Shepherds are one of the most trainable dog breeds around. That's why you see them working alongside military personnel and law enforcement!
This breed is highly obedient and protective. Thanks to their desire to please, you can easily train a German Shepherd to respect and protect a cat. They might not become cuddle buddies with a cat, but they'll treat felines and other animals in the household fairly.
11. Labrador Retriever
Labs are natural-born lovers! Like the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retrievers are eager to please humans and like to keep the peace. They're playful and gentle, all while getting along with just about anyone, including other animals.
Around cats, Labs are relatively gentle. They're not intimidating to skittish cats like other dog breeds might be. Plus, Labs aren't the jealous type. They don't mind sharing their time and affection with cats.
12. Collie
Collies are beautiful dogs with tons of energy. Originally, humans bred them to be top-notch herders. Those instincts still exist, so be prepared to give these pups ample time to run around and have fun.
The great thing about Collies is that they're not keen on bugging cats. Collies would much rather go outside and get exercise. Once they're tuckered out, they'll relax with their feline companion.
Furthermore, Collies are surprisingly tolerant. They typically don't act out aggressively if your cat gets too comfortable and starts to annoy your dog.
13. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are beautiful medium-sized dogs with gorgeous coats, floppy ears and a penchant for socializing. These dogs love being around people and strive to show affection whenever possible. But it doesn't stop with humans. Many Cocker Spaniels will exhibit the same characteristics and eagerness to love with cats!
Cocker Spaniels are a breed worth considering if you want a picture-perfect dog-cat relationship. It's not uncommon to find these dogs cuddling up to cats and vice versa.
14. Pug
Pugs are another beloved breed. While they can have health issues due to their unique anatomy, people can't resist those squishy faces! Pugs exude charm. They're affectionate, fun and full of personality. They're also relatively easy to care for and can adapt to many lifestyles.
Even cats will love a Pug's charm. These dogs have no problem becoming best friends with felines. Many people who own cats and Pugs find the relationship mutually beneficial. Cats will keep Pugs calm and entertained when you're away, staving off any issues linked with separation anxiety.
15. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a happy-go-lucky kind of dog. They're fun and energetic, and most want to play as much as possible. That playfulness is a fantastic match for young cats. Bichon Frise dogs want companionship, and cats can easily provide that.
From a cat's perspective, Bichon Frise dogs are surprisingly welcome. Thanks to their small size, these dogs aren't intimidating or scary. They're just another animal friend!
16. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are another breed that does surprisingly well with cats. Many Terrier-type dogs can be hit-or-miss with felines. But Boston Terriers usually never have a problem with them.
The small size of this dog is great for felines. Boston Terriers can play with cats without worrying about being too rough. Best of all, they're friendly and easy to train. This breed is known for its intelligence and will have no problem recognizing that a cat is a friend, not a foe.
17. Pomeranian
If there was ever a defined extrovert in the canine kingdom, it would be the Pomeranian. These tiny dogs are some of the most lively. They're incredibly playful and friendly, wanting nothing more than to be around people and other animals.
There are a few reasons why Pomeranians do well with cats. First, they're small enough for a cat not to get scared around them. Secondly, Pomeranians are so vigilant in their quest to play and have fun that they often break through the more timid shells of cats. Don't be surprised if you see your cat and dog rolling around and having fun!
18. Australian Shepherds
Australian Shepherds are amazing family pets. They're highly adaptable and can get along with just about any human or animal. These dogs are playful and energetic. They're natural-born herders, so they have tons of energy they want to get out.
This breed can be hit-or-miss from a cat's perspective. More timid and skittish cats may find the friendliness of an Australian Shepherd overbearing! But, with some patience and plenty of socialization, cats often give in and gain a new play pal.
19. Boxer
Last but not least, we have the quirky Boxer breed. These lovable dogs are true sweethearts and goofs. They're on the bigger side, so it's important to keep a watchful eye on your dog when your cat's around. Boxers mean no harm, but they can sometimes forget that cats are small and easily startled!
Fortunately, Boxers don't discriminate when it comes to love and play. They typically treat cats with the same level of respect as others in the home, sharing the love.
Creating a Happy Home with Cats and Dogs
Any of these breeds covered can live harmoniously with cats. But it's important to remember that all dogs are different. While many well-defined traits usually make these pups great with cats, there are no guarantees.
It's important to take things slow and socialize your pets. Give them a chance to meet each other and discover nothing to fear. Train your dog to respect your cat, and you should have no problem creating a loving multi-species home. When you finally see your cat and dog playing or exchanging signs of affection, you can rest easy knowing you beat the cat versus dog stereotype!
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