Dogs and cats often seem like siblings who quarrel over little things, and that’s what most owners are afraid of. But that’s not always the case because siblings do that, and that’s just one side of the story.
Instead, cats and dogs make a perfect match for any household, and having them under one roof is entirely possible.
So if you have a cat at home and are worrying about which type of dog breed you should go for or planning to get both of them at the same time, read ahead to resolve this thought.
Because having the right pup is important. There are high-drive breeds that might see a cat as something to chase, but there are also dog breeds that possess a calm, gentle, and adaptable nature. They are a good match for felines and often play, eat and sleep with them.
They might pair up when playing games as a team, which is just adorable.
Below are the nine dog breeds that get along with cats and multi-pet homes without the fuss or noise. We will also share how they behave in feline company along with their exercise, training, grooming, and work history.
Dog Breeds That Coexist Peacefully With Cats
1. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds were originally bred to track small game like rabbits with their strong sense of smell. But they also get along well with cats due to their low prey drive. These dogs observe the cats rather than reacting with an intense urge.
They have low energy, as per PetMD, along with a low-slung body and short legs, so they are not intimidating for cats at all. You will find them sharing a cozy bed, curling together, and cats cuddling with them. Basset Hounds require 30-45 minutes of activity.
They are clever and also require patient and soft-handed owners. These Hounds also have a short, smooth coat that sheds year-round moderately and requires weekly brushing. Their long ears and wrinkles also need regular checks.
2. Beagle
Beagles are happy-go-lucky, affectionate, and deeply social dogs that were historically bred to hunt in packs alongside other dogs and humans. However, they are also known for their friendly, optimistic, and even temperament.
These small- to medium-sized dogs are perfect for cat households because of their gentle and people-oriented nature, especially after proper introductions. They also have high activity levels and require about 35-60 minutes of daily exercise.
Beagles are smart but also get easily distracted. These dog breeds require patient and consistent owners who rely heavily on positive reinforcement. In addition, they have an average shedding short coat that requires quick weekly brushing.
3. Bulldog
Bulldogs are gentle, calm, and famously patient pups with an easygoing and sweet nature. They were bred for bull baiting first, but their aggressiveness was bred out after the dog sports were banned. Their low energy and lack of prey drive make them good with cats.
Their instinct when seeing a cat is simply to watch lazily or ignore it altogether. They usually do well with other animals also, but it’s better to introduce them at an early age, as Pedigree also mentioned. Bulldogs are low-energy dogs.
They may show their stubborn streak sometimes, so use positive reinforcement for training them. Bulldogs possess a short, smooth, and fine coat that sheds moderately and requires brushing once a week. However, their wrinkles also require regular wiping.
4. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are warm, outgoing, and famously friendly dogs with a gentle heart and eager to please. They love two things, and those are being surrounded by their loved ones and WATER. That loved one can be a cat or a human.
These medium to large dogs have soft mouths and high trainability. They do not view cats with aggressive hunting intent, but a well-socialized Lab actually behaves super calmly with them. They gently sniff cats, wag tails, and let felines curl up against their belly.
These water dogs actually have high energy levels and require 60 minutes of daily activity for mental stimulation. They are super easy to train and often rank among the highly trainable breeds. Labs have a water-resistant double coat.
5. Papillon
Papillons are happy, alert, and friendly companions with a bright personality. These small breeds were bred as lapdogs. They carry an easygoing confidence that makes them comfortable around other pets without being overly aggressive or loud.
They are almost the same size as an adult cat, so they rarely feel intimidated. Papillons often curl up with cats and pick up their body language. They give them space when needed to maintain their friendship and don’t threaten them.
Papillons are the smartest breeds and are easy to train with gentle and reward-based training. They require 20-30 minutes of walks for mental stimulation. These are the best dog breeds for allergy sufferers with low-shedding coats.
6. Pug
Pugs are affectionate, charming, and happy-go-lucky companions. These calm breeds were bred solely for companionship. So they are notably non-aggressive and lack fierce protective instincts, which makes them best for peaceful multi-pet households.
They are referred to as clowns of the canine world and also have zero hunting and herding instincts, which instantly makes them cat-friendly. In addition, Pugs have low exercise needs and require just 15-20 minutes of walking or indoor games.
They are eager to please but may show their stubborn streak sometimes. They are perfect for first-time owners and have a heavy-shedding short coat that requires brushing 2-3 times a week to control loose hair.
7. Boxer
Boxers are fun-loving, high-energy, and super loyal dogs with clownish behavior. They look athletic and intimidating, but they are gentle giants at heart. They do possess a moderate prey drive due to their hunting background, but they are good if you want a big dog.
In addition, their patient and tolerant nature also lets them be friendly with felines, especially if introduced at an early age and trained well. Boxers require 60-90 minutes of intense exercise for mental stimulation, including running and energetic games.
They are best for experienced owners who can provide consistent training and early socialization with cats. Otherwise, their energetic nature and instincts to chase may get problematic. Boxers learn quickly with clear guidance.
8. Maltese
Maltese are gentle, affectionate, and cheerful dog breeds known for their sweet nature. They are deeply devoted and carry a lively and trusting personality. Apart from this, these small dogs are famous for their white long coats.
They have zero herding and hunting instincts, which makes them perfect for cat parents. Their smaller size and white coat let them blend well into cats, and they also feel secure. In addition, Maltese also make good watchdogs due to their fearless nature, as the AKC shared.
They need short 15-20 minute daily walks for mental stimulation. Maltese are bright and eager to please but can be a bit sensitive. So they respond well to gentle and positive reinforcement methods using treats and praise. These white dogs are good for first-time owners also.
9. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus were exclusively bred as cherished companions and had no working roles like guarding or hunting. So they have no urge to stalk, nip, or chase small animals, which eliminates the typical cause of cat-dog tension.
Their non-demanding personality makes them one of the best cat-friendly dog breeds that rarely intrude on their personal space or act aggressively. Shih Tzus are also known as lion dogs, but only because they were bred to look like them. They require minimal exercise to stay fit.
Shih Tzus are prone to overheating in extreme heat due to being flat-faced dogs. They are well suited for first-time owners and seniors because of their eager-to-please nature. They have long coat that barely sheds and requires daily brushing.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned nine dog breeds are a great match if you have cats at home or are planning to get one. They peacefully coexist and even share their cozy beds and let cats curl right beside them. Some breeds were bred to be lap dogs, so they are just pampered pups, while others have a moderate hunting history, such as Boxers.
So make sure to read this guide thoroughly if you don’t want those cat-dog fights at home.
