We all know the classic Tom & Jerry chaos, Tom the cat endlessly chasing Jerry the mouse, and getting into trouble with Spike the bulldog. But in real life, not all dogs are out to make a cat’s life miserable. In fact, certain dog breed groups genuinely enjoy sharing their space with a feline friend.
If that sounds surprising, it’s true; some dogs are gentle, patient, and happy to bond with cats, seeing them as part of the family. These dogs aren’t about chasing or causing trouble. They’ll give your cat time, space, and eventually, friendship.
Of course, not every dog is a perfect match for a cat. Breeds from the herding, sighthound, or terrier groups often have strong instincts to chase; it’s just in their nature.
But the breeds we’re about to explore? They’re known for their calm, cat-friendly vibes. Let’s take a look at the best dogs for peaceful cat-dog harmony.
Dog Breeds That Get Along With Cats
1. Basset Hound
Deeply worried and wondering if a Basset hound is the right choice and best dog for being around your cat? Don’t fear when the puppy whisperers are here.
Omlet explains that a basset hound is a slow-moving, laid-back, and easy-going pooch that doesn’t scare off small animals like cats. These pooches won’t cause a hissing fit to ensue and won’t chase down your other fur baby away.
They are quite tolerant, docile, and calm dogs that are wise and affectionate. They’ll make good friends with all your adorable pets in no time and be a joy to raise and own because of their peaceful and zen attitude.
The basset hound is not aggressive or extremely high on energy, hence they won’t overexert themselves with too much playtime or chasing trails. These loyal, low-key dogs that respect the unity of a pack make a perfect match for a feline companion. Hence, rest assured, your kitty is not in trouble.
2. Beagle
And another scenthound has made an appearance on the list and is up for peacefully co-existing with the feline friends.
The beagle has a strong prey drive, but for burrow-dwelling animals like hares and rabbits. These pooches are like a miniature version of a foxhound, which can actually be a death sentence for a kitten or any small game. Because of their high prey drive and athleticism.
But the singing beagle, which is a small scent hound, won’t harm or hurt your kittens because of their loving and gentle nature. These pooches are pack hounds and honor and value every single member of the pack. Moreover, your cats won’t be irritated by a beagle because they don’t growl or bark but sing their hound music when they have found their prey or a trail.
The American Kennel Club swears by the sweet disposition of the beagle, and says these caring and kind pooches are so gentle that they won’t harm pets and small children. Let alone your precious cat.
The only trouble these pooches can cause is in your garden when their curiosity brings chaos, and you find your pansies and roses out of the mud because someone was way too inquisitive about a scent and had to see for himself.
3. Golden Retriever
If you even thought of this beautiful goldie hurting someone, you are a bad, bad person. (The golden retriever is onto your bias, hence you better watch out!)
Honestly, because these pooches with a heart of gold have so much love to give that they can’t figure out how to express and show it to you sometimes. The golden retriever is the most affectionate and lovable dog breed on the planet.
These pooches were originally bred for hunting and retrieving; however, they earned a raise and got promoted as a permanent family member in modern households.
Purina claims the golden retriever can’t even harm a fly, let alone a kitten. Moreover, you can easily find videos of these golden pups taking care of kittens like a responsible and caring mother. Hence, don’t even think about coming after this beloved pooch, cause he’s all gentle and kind.
P.S. If you focus on obedience training, socialization, and active exercise, these swimming champions will show a sweet spot for your charismatic felines.
4. Pug
If you are wondering, this innocent ancient dog is going to be harmful to your feline babies, look at yourself in the mirror, and bow your head in shame, because this is completely unacceptable behavior.
The pug is so loving and docile that your puffed-up cat might even dominate this pooch. Pugs are laid-back and easy-going dogs. Pawlicy Advisor states they are small in size and massively gentle in nature.
They can be attention-seeking and big foodies and even be too funny sometimes, and might even hurt your belly from laughing, but these pooches won’t chase after your precious kitten and will become fast friends if your cat allows your pug in her domain.
Once used to each other, your pug and cat might form a mischievous and deadly brigade that might cause trouble on your turf together and hide each other’s mistakes. The pugs are the ideal friends for your cat, who doesn’t like to stay alone and always throws a fit when you come back home.
5. Labrador Retriever
A Labrador retriever is almost a cousin of the golden retriever, where both are energetic, adaptable, playful, and incredibly loving. Hence, you can expect the lab to be as gentle and caring as a golden retriever.
PetMD says a Labrador Retriever not only keeps its paws and snare away from your kitten, but they also welcome a cat into their circle of friends as if they shared an old friendship. Even you would be shocked at the behavior of your pets because weren’t they supposed to hiss and snap at each other, and if they don’t, who will? (Just joking!)
Labradors are versatile pooches that will accept and get accommodated to whatever you provide them, and this includes your 3-year-old kitten Leila.
Labrador retrievers have a social nature and always love to make new friends. In the matter of feline companionship, their energy levels and playful nature match with each other, which becomes a common element that bonds them together. Labs also have an incredibly caring nature and are more likely to care about most cats rather than making them terrified.
6. Papillon
Ah, so you are a big dreamer who has millions of near-impossible feats to conquer, and now you want a multi-pet household, including cats and dogs both? This is quite a ridiculous idea, by the way.
If you want to make it possible, first adopt a butterfly-eared pup named Papillon and enforce supervised introductions to make your pooch and kitten best buddies. Orvis quotes Papillons love to enjoy the outdoors and are an outgoing and social pup who will get along with cats easily.
Hence, if there were a way a dog and a cat could stay together, it could be by giving both the dog and cat some space and time to get used to being around each other, even if at first they don’t get instantly friendly, they will bond eventually at their own pace.
Papillons are usually up for anything and anyone, any day or time of the week. They are generally better with cats than with most dog breeds you can count.
These pooches might even enjoy a feline’s company because they both are cuddle bugs and lap lovers and are always eager to play. Hence will be like a match made in heaven with proper training and the introduction of positive reinforcement methods.
7. Poodle
Now, if you are a kid from the 90s and have seen all the Barbie movies, especially the Princess and the Pauper, you must be wondering how a poodle made on onto this list. Because Preminger’s poodle Midas was constantly seen chasing around and troubling Princess Anneliese’s precious kitten Serafina.
But this wasn’t a real scene from the real human world, but from a man-made fantasy. However, if you are still wondering if a poodle is really cat-friendly and can stay away from your cat’s business? Yes, you can pick any size from miniature, standard, or toy group, but the smart and graceful poodle won’t disappoint you by misbehaving around the household.
Continental Kennel Club states that Poodles are extremely intelligent and highly trainable, and they naturally get along with cats due to their friendly and playful personalities.
They can even learn fun tricks and techniques, and also achieve high praise and awards in dog sports. This pooch from the sporting group is a versatile candidate in the canine world.
If you introduce a feline member in your household, then these pooches might get curious and investigate the area, but won’t approach a kitten aggressively. Just give them time and space to get used to each other, and then see the magic. Even big dogs can get along well with cats with proper training, socialization, and proper introductions.
Conclusion
Hence, here today and now the war between cats and dogs ends. Bringing in a new era of peaceful coexistence, love, harmony, and joy. Because why the hell not? The old adage, fighting like cats and dogs, has worn out and is just too boring because there are so many other things to debate now, like robots and AI. Humans have evolved and are almost on the way to reaching the singularity. Hence, don’t you think these pooches and kitties also have big wars to handle and less time to do so?
Did you know? Golden Retrievers are one of the best dogs for cats. Moreover, Maltese dogs embody gentleness and affection, making them excellent cat companions. Even Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their gentle nature, making them great fits for cats.
P.S. It is important to create safe spaces for both pets to reduce stress during introductions. Territorial instincts can make introducing adult pets more delicate and require more patience. However, Puppies and kittens generally adjust more quickly to new companions compared to adult pets. Hence, opt for the babies rather than the full-grown adult pooches and kittens to make the transition much easier. Happy Pet Parenting!
