Bringing a dog into a home with cats can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Certain cat-friendly dogs and dog breeds that coexist with cats are naturally gentle, patient, and adaptable, making them ideal additions to a multi-pet household.
With the right temperament and proper introductions, dogs and their cat siblings can live together peacefully and even form lasting bonds. When selecting a dog to live with your feline family members, it’s important to look for the best dogs for cats—breeds known for their calm, friendly, and tolerant nature.
Some pups are playful yet respectful, while others are mellow and happy to observe from a distance, making daily life with cats smooth and harmonious.
Here, we’ll explore 10 top dog breeds that coexist peacefully with cat siblings, highlight what makes them more feline-friendly, and share tips for fostering a happy, stress-free cat and dog household.
Top Dog Breeds That Coexist Peacefully With Cats
1. Golden Retriever
If dogs had a “Most Likely to Be Friends With Everyone” award, Golden Retrievers would win it hands down—while wagging their tail and offering a comforting paw. These furry diplomats are basically the United Nations of the dog world, especially when it comes to coexisting with cats.
Golden Retrievers are known for their gentle nature, boundless patience, and an uncanny ability to read the room—or in this case, the living room. They don’t bark at every tail flick, don’t chase the cat like it owes them money, and can adapt to a feline’s schedule with the grace of a yoga master.
Whether your cat is a demanding diva or a shy wallflower, a Golden will respond with calm curiosity rather than chaos. These dogs aren’t just friendly; they’re social butterflies with a heart as big as their paws.
They thrive on human interaction and form strong bonds with everyone in the household—including the furry ones that usually only communicate in hisses and judgmental glares.
And let’s not forget their humor—Golden Retrievers have a knack for unintentionally hilarious antics. They might try to join the cat on the couch and flop in a dramatic heap, or tilt their head in confusion at a sudden feline sprint across the room.
Bottom line: Golden Retrievers are basically the therapists of the dog world—calm, friendly, and endlessly patient. With a Golden around, your cat isn’t just surviving; they’re thriving with a canine companion who’s more ally than adversary.
2. Maltese
Meet the Maltese: a pint-sized bundle of charm, cheer, and the perfect feline-friendly companion. These fluff balls are all about gentleness and affection, which makes them ideal roommates for cats.
While bigger dogs might unintentionally overwhelm a cat, the Maltese’s small stature and sweet temperament mean your cat can feel safe—and maybe even superior—while still enjoying a new playmate.
Maltese dogs are lively and playful, but they know their limits. A romp in the dog park might leave them toppling over against a larger canine, so a cat-sized friend is often the perfect match. They thrive on companionship and will quickly form a bond with a calm, curious feline, happily engaging in play or cuddles without overstepping.
Despite their luxurious, snow-white coat, Maltese don’t have a thick undercoat and aren’t fans of freezing weather. Luckily, this makes them the ultimate snuggle buddy on chilly days—your cat will gain a warm, furry friend to curl up next to while plotting world domination from the windowsill.
Fun fact: Maltese dogs have the perfect “charm and cheer” dial permanently set to max. Their playful energy, paired with their affectionate nature, often earns them the title of tiny diplomat—keeping the peace in households with cats, humans, and occasional rogue toys.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Meet the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel—or as fans affectionately call them, “Cavs”—one of the most adored toy breeds in the canine kingdom. Don’t let their small size fool you; these dogs have hearts bigger than a Maine Coon cat’s nap schedule.
Their natural warmth and affection make them perfect companions not only for humans but also for their feline housemates. Cavaliers have an almost uncanny intuitive streak—they sense when someone needs comfort, whether it’s a human in a hospital or a shy cat hiding under the couch.
PetMD notes that their gentle, adaptable nature makes them a fantastic match for most cats. They’re calm, considerate, and completely non-intimidating, so even the most aloof feline is likely to respond with curiosity rather than hisses.
Small but endlessly loving, Cavaliers thrive on companionship. They enjoy indoor living, quiet cuddle sessions, and the occasional game of chase around the living room—always respecting the cat’s pace and personal space.
Their natural charm often turns them into the unofficial household diplomat, keeping peace while ensuring everyone gets their share of attention.
Fun fact: A Cavalier will happily sit next to your cat, share a sunny spot by the window, or gently nuzzle for a nap without ever overstepping—basically the canine equivalent of a perfect roommate.
4. Pug
Meet the Pug: small, wrinkly, and endlessly entertaining—a four-legged class clown who’s ready to turn your home into a stage for daily antics. If you thought your cat was the only one capable of mischief, think again.
Pugs thrive on fun and attention, which means your feline friend might finally have a partner-in-crime for games, zoomies, and the occasional dramatic nap takeover. You might even want a pet camera—just to catch the shenanigans these two could get up to.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Pugs are the quintessential house dogs. Whether you live in a bustling city apartment or a quiet countryside home, whether you have kids, seniors, or an ensemble cast of pets, a Pug fits right in.
They’re adaptable, affectionate, and endlessly sociable—basically the life of the living room. And here’s the best part: despite all the energy they pour into fun, Pugs always save a little extra for their humans.
That means your cat gets a playful companion, and you get an ecstatic, tail-wagging greeter every time you walk through the door. Pugs aren’t just pet-friendly—they’re cat-friendly, fun-friendly, and home-friendly all at once.
Fun fact: With a Pug around, your cat might finally loosen up and join in on the silliness. Or at the very least, they’ll have someone to silently judge in style. Either way, life just got a lot more entertaining.
5. Poodle
Poodles aren’t just elegant—they’re smart, adaptable, and basically the overachievers of the dog world. Whether you go for toy, miniature, or standard, these clever canines are natural social butterflies who tend to get along famously with cats.
Their playful, friendly personalities make them a perfect fit for multi-pet households, where harmony (and occasional hijinks) is the goal.
Thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please, Poodles learn quickly how to respect a cat’s personal space.
That means fewer accidental tail chases and more opportunities for peaceful coexistence—or at least a truce negotiated over a sunbeam by the window.
Fun fact: Poodles can be playful partners, quiet companions, and quick learners all in one—so your cat will have a friend who’s clever enough to know when to engage, and sweet enough to make every cuddle session a delight.
6. Bichon Frise
Say hello to the Bichon Frise: a cheerful, fluffy ball of joy who seems to radiate happiness wherever they go.
These little dogs are natural socialites and love everyone—cats included. Their playful, frolicsome nature often turns your cat into an instant playmate, whether it’s a gentle chase around the living room or a shared sunbeam nap session.
Bichons are lively and spirited, so while they thrive with confident, relaxed cats, they might overwhelm more anxious felines.
But with a little patience and careful introductions, a Bichon can be the life of your multi-pet household—bringing fun, affection, and just the right amount of mischievous energy. Basically, a Bichon Frise doesn’t just live with your cat—they make life a little brighter, fluffier, and far more entertaining.
Fun fact: Their bubbly personality isn’t just cute—it’s contagious. Even the grumpiest cat might crack a slow blink or two when a Bichon’s playful antics are in full swing.
7. Labrador Retriever
Labradors are basically the extroverts of the dog world—friendly, outgoing, and always ready to make new friends.
That includes cats. With their natural warmth and playful spirit, Labs often become fast pals with feline housemates, turning what could be tense “cat vs. dog” moments into heartwarming companionship.
Early socialization helps, but honestly, a Lab’s gentle, easygoing nature does most of the work. They’re smart, adaptable, and surprisingly intuitive, often learning the subtle signals that let them know when a cat wants space—or when it’s time to play.
That combination of brains and heart makes them ideal for households where harmony (and mutual respect) is key. Basically, a Labrador doesn’t just coexist with cats—they make life livelier, warmer, and a whole lot more fun for everyone involved.
Fun fact: Labs are playful enough to join your cat in the occasional zoomie session, yet calm enough to curl up for a shared nap afterward.
8. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are the masters of chill. With their droopy ears, soulful eyes, and famously relaxed pace, they embrace the easygoing life like it’s an art form.
Their calm demeanor and non-aggressive nature make them excellent roommates for cats, especially those who value personal space and a drama-free environment.
These low-energy lovelies aren’t interested in chasing tails or causing chaos; they’d rather lounge beside a sunbeam, happily sharing the space with a feline friend.
Their patient personality means your cat can rule the roost without fear of a rambunctious dog barging in—unless the Basset decides it’s time for a slow, dignified stroll across the living room.
Fun fact: Bassets are basically the couch potatoes of the dog world, which pairs perfectly with the cat lifestyle. Peaceful coexistence? Check. Nap partner? Double check.
9. Beagle
Beagles are the curious, playful extroverts of the dog world. With their friendly personalities and sociable nature, they often win over cats—and humans—almost immediately.
Their boundless energy and enthusiasm make them excellent companions for households hoping to welcome both dogs and cats into the mix.
That said, Beagles do have strong hunting instincts, so they might initially be a bit too interested in their feline friends.
But with a little patience, proper introductions, and consistent training, these clever pups quickly learn to respect boundaries. Once they do, they often form deep, playful bonds with cats, turning your home into a lively (but harmonious) playground.
Fun fact: Beagles are persistent, curious, and affectionate, which means your cat may be keeping an eye on them—but could secretly enjoy the new friend keeping life interesting.
10. Papillon
Papillons may be small, but they bring big personality and charm to any household. Friendly, intelligent, and full of energy, these little butterflies are often fast friends with cats—especially when introductions happen early.
Their petite size and playful disposition make them far less intimidating to shy or cautious kitties, helping build trust and companionship from the start.
According to Britannica, Papillons get along well not just with other dogs, but with all kinds of pets and people of all ages. They’re gentle, affectionate, and eager to socialize, making them excellent companions for both cats and humans alike.
Whether it’s a playful chase around the living room or quiet snuggles by a sunny window, Papillons easily fit into multi-pet households.
Fun fact: Don’t let their size fool you—the Papillon’s curiosity and energy make them endlessly entertaining, but their sweet nature ensures your cat always feels safe and respected.
Conclusion
Choosing a dog breed that gets along with cats can make a huge difference in creating a harmonious multi-pet household, though it’s never a guarantee.
Breeds like Golden Retrievers, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Collies are good with both dogs and cats and peacefully coexist with feline family members, forming strong bonds with both children and other animals.
Dogs with huge hearts, low prey drive, and affectionate personalities are more likely to become the best buddies of their furry siblings, helping new dogs or puppies integrate smoothly into the home.
Patience, proper training, and gradual introductions are essential to help dogs and cats become the best of friends—or at least tolerate each other.
With time, guidance, and support from your network, it’s entirely achievable to foster a positive relationship between pets, creating a family where both dogs and cats can live together safely, happily, and with mutual respect.
