Cats and dogs… mortal enemies, right?
Well, not exactly.
Because plenty of dog breeds are actually amazing with kids. Like, genuinely good roommates who respect boundaries and sometimes even become best friends.
And if you are going to add a new dog to a multi-pet household where a cat already rules the roost (let’s be honest, they always do), then picking the right breed can make all the difference.
Some dogs have that calm temperament. Others have a gentle demeanor. And a few just have zero interest in chasing anything that moves, which is kind of perfect when you have feline companions who value their personal space.
Today, we will discuss nine such dog breeds known for gentle coexistence with cats. The dogs that treat cats like just another member of the family, instead of something to chase around the living room.
Dog Breeds Known for Gentle Coexistence With Cats
1. Basset Hound
Slow-moving. Droopy ears. Zero urgency about… anything.
Basset Hounds are basically the very personification of “laid back”. These dogs move through life like they have got all the time in the world, which is exactly why most cats don’t feel threatened by them at all.
Mind you, the Basset Hounds were originally bred for hunting.
Yep, they have been the best tracking dogs in their time. They have incredible noses and a pack mentality. That means they are used to working alongside other animals, and that translates really well to living with feline friends at home.
As per PetMD, they are good-natured and friendly dogs. They are chill, they are patient, and they’d rather nap than chase. Cats appreciate that energy.
Basset Hounds have a gentle personality that works wonderfully in a multi-pet household. They don’t have a strong prey drive (lower than other hound breeds, at least), so even if your cat bolts across the room, your Basset probably won’t even look up from the bed.
They do well with proper introductions and typically form bonds with cats over time. Plus, they are low-energy dogs, which means less chaos and more peaceful coexistence in the house.
2. Beagle
Friendly disposition. Social butterflies. Curious dogs.
Beagles are pack animals through and through. It means they naturally get along well with other pets, cats included. They were bred to hunt in groups, so they are used to sharing space and being around other animals without much drama.
Now, Beagles can be playful and energetic, and they can have a prey drive where they start chasing the cats, as noted by Purina. Make sure you start with slow introductions. Also, you need to get both the dog and the cat their own spaces.
With proper introductions and a little patience, Beagles and cats can absolutely coexist peacefully.
These dogs have a sociable nature that extends to pretty much everyone and everything. They are affectionate, fun-loving, and genuinely enjoy having companions around. Be it some other dogs, cats, or even guinea pigs.
According to the American Kennel Club, Beagles are called as “merry” by their lovers, and friendly, which makes them great family pets. They are also typically friendly with felines as long as they are properly introduced at a young age.
One thing to watch: Beagles have strong noses and love to follow scents. So, if your cat likes to hide, your Beagle might try to sniff them out. But it is usually curiosity, not aggression.
3. Golden Retriever
Gentle giant. Golden heart. Absolutely adored by everyone.
If there is one breed that has written “good with cats” on their forehead, it is the Golden Retrievers, hands down. These dogs are patient, loving, and have an easygoing nature that makes them perfect for multi pet household.
Golden Retrievers were bred to retrieve, not chase aggressively, so their prey drive is pretty much non-existent. Instead, they approach cats with curiosity and kindness, which is exactly what you want.
Goldens are famous for their friendly disposition and calm temperament. They are gentle with kids, other family pets, and yes, feline companions, too.
They thrive on positive interactions and love being part of the family dynamic. No matter if that family includes cats, other dogs, or both, Golden Retrievers adapt beautifully. They have naturally soft mouths, so they can easily carry a cat in their teeth.
These dogs are also incredibly trainable, which helps them teach boundaries around a new cat. With the right approach, they quickly learn to respect your cat’s space and become loving companions to everyone in the house.
And, a Golden Retriever cuddling with a cat is one of the most wholesome things you will ever see.
4. Labrador Retriever
Loyal. Playful. Basically, the poster child for “good dogs”.
Labrador Retrievers are another top pick for families with cats. They are friendly, patient, and have a gentle demeanor that puts most cats at ease.
Labs were originally bred to work alongside hunters, retrieving game without harming it. That soft-mouthed and gentle personality carries over into how they interact with other animals at home.
No wonder they have been the most popular dogs in America for 31 years in a row.
Labrador Retrievers are naturally social and love being around family members, cats included. They are non-aggressive, which is HUGE when introducing a new dog to a household with a cat already in charge.
As noted by Purina, Labs are also incredibly adaptable. They are well-suited for multi pet household because they are just happy to be part of the crew. Labs will be cool with everything, if your cat wants to play or prefers to ignore them completely.
These medium-sized dogs are playful and energetic. So, early training and proper introductions are key. But once they understand the house rules, they peacefully coexist with feline friends and treat them like just another member of the pack.
5. Pug
Squishy face. BIG personality. Real chill dog.
Pugs are one of the breeds that people don’t always expect to be good with cats. But, they absolutely are. These little guys are affectionate lap dogs who love companionship. And that might include cats.
Pugs don’t really care much for cats. They don’t have a strong prey drive. As per PetPlan, they are way more interested in snuggling on the couch than chasing anything around the house.
And because they are roughly the size of many cats, felines don’t feel as intimidated by them.
Pugs are laid back, playful, and have a gentle personality that works perfectly in homes with other pets. They are sociable and love having friends around, that could be another dog, a cat, or their favorite human.
These wrinkly dogs are charming and loving, and ultimately, the ideal family pets. They are also low-key enough that most cats warm up to them pretty quickly.
One BONUS: Pugs are not overly energetic dogs, so they won’t overwhelm a more reserved cat. They are happy to just exist in the same space, which is exactly what a lot of cats prefer.
6. Collie
Smart, loyal, and naturally gentle with everyone.
Collies, mostly the Rough Collie (think Lassie), are incredibly gentle dogs. They come from herding breeds, which means they are used to managing other animals without being aggressive.
Border Collies can be a bit too intense for cats due to their high energy. The traditional Collie is calm, patient, and good with other pets in the family.
This dog has a gentle demeanor and calm temperament. It makes them well-suited for multi-pet households. They are protective but not aggressive, which is the perfect match and balance for living with cats.
These dogs are part of the herding group, so they are naturally aware of other animals and know how to coexist without causing chaos. They are also super trainable, which helps when teaching them to respect a cat’s boundaries.
Collies are affectionate dogs; loyal and treat everyone in the family with kindness, feline companions added. With proper introductions, they will become loving companions to both people and pets alike.
7. Bulldog
Stocky. Unbelievably sweet. But sometimes, a stubborn dog.
Bulldogs may look tough on the outside. But, they are actually BIG softies. These dogs have low energy, are patient, and have ZERO interest in chasing anything, which is why they could be fantastic dogs for homes with cats.
Bulldogs are content to lounge around the house, nap, and just vibe. And most cats really respect that energy.
As noted by Pawlicy Advisor, Bulldogs have a laid-back personality and a non-aggressive nature. Plus, they like to make furry friends, they are gentle with kids, other pets, and definitely cats.
Their calm temperament means they won’t overwhelm a nervous feline. They are not high-energy, so they will NEVER stress out a more reserved cat. They are just happy to be part of the family.
Another plus point is that Bulldogs are friendly and patient, so they are already great family pets. They are also super adaptable and do well in houses with other pets as long as everyone has their own space.
8. Papillon
Tiny. Elegant. Surprisingly good with cats.
Papillons are small and graceful dogs with big butterfly ears and even bigger hearts.
And yes, they are playful and energetic, they are also very gentle and good with other animals. These little dogs are affectionate and love companionship. They don’t have a strong prey drive, and because they are small, your feline will never feel much threatened.
These are extremely intelligent dogs with a sociable nature that extends to other pets. They are playful without being overwhelming, which is perfect for a household with both cats and dogs.
These small dogs are also non-aggressive and adapt well to living with feline companions. Proper socialization from a young age really helps them quickly learn to respect a cat’s space, and they usually become… well, best friends.
Papillons are loving companions who thrive in homes where they are part of a larger pet family. That can include other dogs, cats, or both. They are happy to share the love.
9. Maltese
Fluffy. Sweet. Gentle as they come.
Maltese dogs are affectionate lap dogs with a gentle personality that makes them perfect for multi-pet households, and they can get along well with cats. They are calm, loving, and have zero interest in chasing or bothering cats.
These small white dogs are incredibly adaptable and do well with other animals. They are non aggressive and just want to be close to their people, which often includes curling up near the family cats.
Maltese dogs have a calm temperament and a friendly disposition. They are gentle with everyone, including feline friends, and they adapt beautifully to homes with multiple pets.
You will find these dogs to be gentle and affectionate, which makes them ideal companions. They are also small and low energy, so they will never make your reserved cat more overwhelmed.
Proper introductions and a little patience can go a long way. Maltese dogs and cats can live peacefully and even become best friends.
They are just that easygoing.
Conclusion
Look, not every dog and cat is going to be instant besties.
But picking the right breed can seriously help. The dog breeds known for gentle coexistence with cats we have covered today have patience, low prey drive, and a gentle nature that makes living with feline companions so much easier.
Many dogs like Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Toy Poodles, and even some rescue dogs with the right temperament and individual personalities can also be a perfect match for multi-pet houses.
And there’s nothing better than watching your pets become loving companions who treat each other like family.
