We can say that cats and dogs share a sibling bond where they are always ready for drama and fights. But for a person who already has a cat at home and now wants a dog, things get a little bit crazy. Maybe you already have a dog and are now questioning if your dog can adjust to that tiny creature.
We completely understand this dilemma, but cats and dogs can absolutely live together only if you choose the dog wisely. Some dogs just have naturally calm behavior and a gentle temperament, so they bond closely with other pets, including cats.
You may have seen videos online where cats and dogs are actually sleeping, playing, and just giving side eyes. Honestly, this is how they live, and that’s the reason they relate to siblings (if you have one, you know).
However, we have listed the top 9 dog breeds that love cat companionship in this guide. We will also share how they behave around them and what their temperament is. Apart from this, you will also learn about their grooming, training, and exercise a bit, so you can decide if they are a good fit for you or not.
Dog Breeds That Love Cat Companions and Chill Together
1. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds in the entire world when it comes to being sweet and protective. They are naturally gentle and patient, so they live with cats in a friendly manner. Goldens are not threatening but actually have the ability to read the cat’s mood.
So, if you already have a cat or kids at home, then the Golden Retriever will partner up with them in mischievous tasks and act innocent afterwards, which is kind of cute. Apart from this, it is also one of the most trainable dog breeds that need daily walks and outdoor activity to stay happy.
That being said, Goldies have dense water-resistant double coats with beautiful featherings, so you have to brush them several times a week, as noted by the AKC. These medium-sized dogs are moderate to high shedders and also require professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks.
2. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are warm, patient, and gentle dogs with a sociable nature, so they are always curious and ready to make new friends instead of chasing them like cats. Labs have a playful personality and don’t get aggressive, which is actually the best trait in dogs that live with cats.
They give space to cats and respect their boundaries without making a fuss, so you don’t have to solve their disputes every other day. It’s always best to get Labrador Retriever puppies and introduce them to your cat so they get used to living with each other.
Labrador Retrievers have a high energy level, so they need daily walks and exercise for mental stimulation. That being said, they have a short, dense coat that needs nothing more than a quick brush once or twice a week to reduce shedding as they shed heavily year-round.
3. Basset Hound
Basset Hound is a cat-friendly dog breed due to its slow, calm, and non-threatening nature. Cats often get comfortable around them. Basset Hounds don’t chase cats much or intimidate them, and prefer to mind their own business.
Sometimes they do share their cozy spots and sofa without any fight or tantrums with the cats. But let’s not forget that they have a hunting background, so they do have that stubbornness. You have to be patient and provide them with consistent training.
That being said, they are low-energy dogs, so you have to encourage them to stay active, as per PetMD. Basset Hounds have short, dense, and low-maintenance coats that need brushing 12 times a week to stay clean.
4. Beagle
Beagles are gentle, curious, and happy dogs with an easygoing personality and a history of tracking rabbits and hares. They are naturally sociable, which actually works in favor of cats. Beagles enjoy having a companion on their side, and it does not matter if it’s human, canine, or feline.
Many Beagles and cats end up becoming genuinely fond of each other, and then they spend lazy afternoons while napping in the same sunny spot and playing with each other. However, they do have a powerful nose and an independent streak, so make sure to introduce them to a cat at a young age.
That being said, Beagles have a short, low-maintenance coat that needs brushing 1-2 times a week and also sheds moderately. They need daily walks and are also prone to obesity, so you can’t compromise on this thing.
5. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is a curious, playful, and gentle dog breed that rarely gets aggressive with other pets. This white dog approaches cats with a soft and friendly vibe that most feline companions enjoy. Apart from this, Bichon Frise’s white, fluffy coat and small size resemble cats, which is an edge.
So, they share their favourite spots, play, and curl up on the sofa together adorably. However, this little dog is intelligent and eager to please, so you can train them easily with positive reinforcement. They just need a short walk around the block for exercise and to stay happy.
That being said, Bichon Frises have curly, low-shedding coats that require brushing a few times a week to prevent tangles. Plus, they also need professional grooming every 4-6 weeks to maintain their puppy cut.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were bred purely as royal dogs and were also named after King Charles of Britain, as per the AKC. They are gentle, warm, and super affectionate little breeds with a sweet and sociable nature. They have naturally soft and calm vibes, which assure cats that they are nice pups to play with.
They are patient, so they let cats take time and don’t get into fights with them. A Cavalier and a cat as pets are the best combination to have as they just understand each other over time.
Apart from this, the Cavalier King Charles is easier to train, and it only needs short walks for exercise. That being said, Cavalier has skily medium length, a beautiful coat that needs brushing a few times a week to prevent tangles.
7. Maltese
Maltese dogs are living, gentle, and devoted little breeds that were bred two thousand years ago by royals. They never worked as hunting dogs, so they don’t have any prey drive, which makes them perfect cat-friendly dogs.
They are curious, friendly, and never disrupt the peace of the home and cat, so that’s what feline friends actually appreciate. They are intelligent, willing to please, and require consistent training. Like other tiny dogs, a short walk around the block is their exercise of the day.
That being said, Malteses are actually adorable with their long, silky white coat that needs daily brushing to prevent tangles. You can actually topknot their hair or style them however you like because they just own every style.
8. Pug
Pug is a sociable, easygoing, and friendly dog with the sweetest expressions and big eyes that just melt hearts. Their patient and welcoming attitude makes most cats feel safe and comfortable around them.
You should introduce your dogs to cats at a young age so they get used to living together. Pugs don’t get aggressive, but often mind if you love another dog in front of them and may act dramtically our of love. But they are well-mannered and naturally calm dogs.
That being said, Pugs have a short, smooth coat that needs brushing 1-2 times a week. But they do have wrinkles on the face that require daily cleaning to prevent infections. Apart from this, they snore loudly and often experience breathing problems.
9. Poodle
Poodles are one of the smartest and most intelligent breeds with a sociable and welcoming nature. They are smart enough to understand and read a cat’s body language and mood. Poodles also respect their boundaries, so you don’t have to worry about those little fights.
They are active, fun-loving, and friendly dogs that can actually enjoy being around with. Plus, they learn quickly, so they can obey what you say after just 5 repetitions.
That being said, Poodles enjoy daily walks and some playtime with the cat at home. They have a curly, low-shedding coat that needs brushing several times a week and also requires professional grooming over time to maintain it.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned dog breeds are gentle, calm, patient, and super friendly toward cats. Most of them were bred to be lapdogs, while others may have a retrieving or herding background. But it does not matter if you introduce them to a cat at a young age and focus on proper socialization.
Make sure to read their grooming, exercise, and training needs above before finalizing any dog to live with your cat. After all, they must be friends if you don’t want those dramatic fights and noise at home.
