It’s a common myth that cats and dogs cannot get along. However, the reality is quite different. Unlike many cartoons that portray them as enemies, dogs and cats can develop affectionate relationships. Certain dog breeds have temperaments that are better suited for living with feline companions.
If you are a cat owner thinking of a new addition to your family, consider having a cat-friendly dog breed. Breeds known for their sociable personalities tend to get along nicely with cats. They usually have a calm, patient, and gentle temperament.
However, some aggressive breeds, such as guard dogs, may not be well-suited for homes with cats. Remember, all dogs (even from the same breed) have individual personalities. So, you can never guarantee that a canine from a certain breed will have a certain trait.
Have a look at these top 7 dog breeds that thrive around cats without stress.
Dog Breeds That Thrive Around Cats Without Stress
1. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are low-key and low-slung dogs with short legs and long floppy ears. These calm dogs are usually very tolerant and patient. They are very friendly and do not get aggressive towards other animals.
PetMD mentions that Basset Hounds are generally affectionate with kids and other pets, especially with proper training and early socialization. They get along nicely with house cats as well. These good-natured and low-energy dogs can spend their entire day sleeping on the couch.
Thanks to these traits, Basset Hounds are one of the best dog breeds for peaceful multi-pet households. While they are a bit independent and strong-willed, Bassets do not like spending long hours alone. Otherwise, they become prone to separation anxiety.
Basset Hounds are quite food-motivated. To make training more successful, you can use positive reinforcement methods. But make sure your dog is not eating too many treats.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are loving and affectionate dogs with a gentle personality. These sweet and kind dogs are highly social and get along nicely with everyone. Cavaliers behave well with kids and other pets. That is why they can peacefully coexist with cats as well.
This, combined with their easygoing nature, makes them perfect for multipet households. According to the American Kennel Club, Cavaliers have an adaptable personality. They adjust well with active owners as well as shameless homebodies.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels require moderate daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation. They were originally bred as lap dogs and are still taking their job very seriously.
Do You Know? Cavaliers got their name from the British royalty in the 17th century. King Charles I and II were fond so of this breed that they took their dogs with them everywhere, including apartments.
Their eye-catching and luxurious coat requires frequent grooming to keep looking good. Regular brushing helps maintain a healthy and tangle-free coat.
3. Bichon Frise
Loved for their fluffy and hypoallergenic coats, Bichon Frises are playful and peppy little dogs. Thanks to their easygoing and friendly nature, they don’t mind making feline friends. Bichons are the ultimate social butterflies, that get along nicely with everyone, including kids and other pets.
Bichons are adaptable canines that thrive in a variety of new environments. Having a happy-go-lucky nature, these small white dogs draw smiles and attention wherever they go. Bichons get along nicely with children as well.
However, they are not suitable for homes with rambunctious kids who do not know how to interact with small dogs. Bichons are loving dogs who thrive on attention and affection from their favorite humans. These smart dogs learn quickly and have an eager-to-please nature.
Their long, double coat of curly white hair requires lots of grooming. Bichons need only moderate exercise to stay healthy and content.
4. Pug
Pugs are the sturdiest toy dogs, having an easygoing and laid-back personality. They are one of the friendliest dog breeds that interact nicely with everyone. Pugs get along nicely with kids who know how to interact with small breeds.
Pugs also establish a positive relationship with feline members of the house. They typically enjoy human companionship and form strong bonds with their people. Pugs love cuddling up next to their owners and make adorable lap dogs.
Their adaptable and gentle nature means they can easily adjust to a variety of new environments. Pugs love food and naps. However, regular exercise and mental stimulation are important to prevent destructive behaviors.
Pugs are brachycephalic, according to Hill’s Pet. Their flat faces make them prone to certain health problems. So, make sure you do not over-exercise your dog or take them out in hot and humid weather.
5. Papillon
Despite their small size, Papillons are one of the smartest dogs. They can be instantly recognized through their butterfly-like ears. Papillons love spending time with their owners and like meeting new people. Properly trained and well-socialized Papillons make wonderful family pets.
These little dogs live harmoniously with their cat siblings without creating any chaos, especially when properly introduced. Papillons are very social. They also behave well with other pets, kids, adults, and seniors alike.
While Papillons do enjoy cuddling sessions with their people, they are no couch potatoes. These active and playful little fellows need daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
Papillons are companions at heart. They can develop separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods. Papillons are smart and eager to please dogs that respond well to obedience training. Their petite size makes them perfect for indoor living.
6. Golden Retriever
One of the friendliest dogs on the planet, Golden Retrievers get along nicely with everyone, including other animals, kids, and even strangers. These exuberant athletes are loved for their happy-go-lucky nature.
Golden Retrievers make playful companions for active owners and tend to be good with cats. They require plenty of daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Goldens enjoy long runs and bike rides with their humans.
They also excel at a variety of canine sports like agility, obedience training, and field trials. Golden Retrievers are highly intelligent dogs. These smart and eager-to-please dogs pick up on new commands quickly.
7. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly and sociable nature. That is why they get along nicely with cats as well as other animals. However, the difference between the temperaments of dogs and cats can sometimes result in conflict.
It is worth noting that Labs have a strong prey drive, due to which they may end up chasing cats, especially when outdoors. Proper training and socialization can help reduce such behaviors. Labs are active dogs full of energy.
They require plenty of regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation. These athletic canines also excel in a variety of canine sports like agility, tracking, obedience training, and dock diving. Labradors can detect changes in their humans’ moods and emotions and make excellent therapy dogs.
Conclusion
We often think that dogs and cats do not get along nicely. However, some dog breeds are so friendly and social that they enjoy feline company as well. Such canine friends are well-suited for multi-pet households.
Cat-friendly dog breeds are usually very patient and tolerant. In addition to cats, they also do well with other dogs. Proper training and socialization can further help improve this behavior. However, it is worth mentioning that this trait may vary from dog to dog, even if they belong to the same breed.
