There are dog people, cat people—and then there are the lucky few who adore both furry companions. But if you already have a cat at home, adding a dog into the mix can feel like navigating a minefield. Are dogs and cats truly mortal enemies? Not necessarily.
With the right approach and the right breed, dogs and cats can become the best of friends—or at least coexist peacefully. When it comes to harmony in a multi-pet household, breed temperament matters. Some dogs are naturally gentle, patient, and sociable, making them more likely to accept cats as family members.
Others may have higher prey drives or dominant personalities, which could lead to stress for both pets. By selecting a dog breed known for its tolerance, calmness, and friendly demeanor, you can increase the chances of a smooth integration and lifelong companionship between your pets.
We’ll highlight dog breeds that thrive in homes with cats, exploring their personalities, energy levels, and traits that make them excellent multi-species companions. If you want a peaceful, happy household where both dogs and cats feel secure and loved, these breeds are your best bets.
Fun Fact: According to a study, most dogs and cats living together are playful with familiar humans, but dogs have a more sociable approach towards strangers and conspecifics than cats.
Top Dog Breeds That Accept Cats As Family Members
1. Papillon
Don’t let the Papillon’s tiny size fool you—this pint-sized pooch is basically a social butterfly in fur form.
Britannica notes that Papillons get along swimmingly with other dogs, cats, and humans of all ages, which makes them a perfect choice if you’re hoping your feline friend won’t live in constant fear of a zooming canine tornado.
These dogs are bright, alert, and surprisingly confident, which is probably why they can handle the occasional cat side-eye or the dramatic swish of a tail without a meltdown.
Think of the Papillon as the ultimate diplomat in your multi-pet household—they might even try to negotiate snack distribution with your cat.
Plus, with their adorable, butterfly-like ears and expressive eyes, it’s hard for any cat to resist their charm. Papillons are affectionate, playful, and curious, meaning they’ll happily play “chase me, I’m small and fast!”—all while ensuring your cat can gracefully sit back and judge the chaos from a safe distance.
2. English Foxhound
Don’t let the name “Foxhound” make you nervous—this breed isn’t here to chase your cat around the house. English Foxhounds were originally bred to work in packs on fox hunts, but thankfully, most of that energy is now reserved for wagging tails and family playtime.
Their pack instincts make them naturally social and friendly with other animals, including your resident feline. Foxhounds are calm, polite, and affectionate, making them excellent companions for humans and cats alike.
They have a knack for reading the room—they’ll notice when your cat wants attention and when your cat wants absolutely nothing to do with anyone. In other words, they’re considerate roommates who know when to join the fun and when to give the cat some space.
Energetic yet easygoing, English Foxhounds enjoy daily walks, romps in the yard, and interactive play—but they’re also perfectly content to lie on the floor while your cat lounges on the couch like royalty. Their curious noses might investigate a new toy or catnip, but they’re gentle enough not to overstep boundaries.
In short, the English Foxhound is a four-legged diplomat: a playful friend, a quiet observer, and a loyal companion who will happily share your home with your cat, earning both species’ trust (and possibly your cat’s reluctant approval) in the process.
3. Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound looks like it walked straight out of an ancient Egyptian mural—sleek, graceful, and full of dignity. But don’t be fooled by their regal appearance; underneath that elegant exterior is a friendly, affectionate, and surprisingly playful dog who can get along beautifully with cats.
Pharaoh Hounds are intelligent, alert, and active, but they also have a gentle streak that makes them excellent roommates for a feline family member.
They tend to be curious about other animals without being pushy, meaning your cat can explore, nap, or stalk shadows without fearing an overenthusiastic canine interruption. Thanks to their affectionate nature, Pharaoh Hounds love bonding with their family—human or furry.
They enjoy playtime and exercise but are equally content curling up next to a cat for a cozy nap session. Their sensitivity and awareness make them great at reading body language, so they can sense when a cat wants space and when it’s time for shared attention.
With a Pharaoh Hound in the mix, your household can feel like a harmonious little kingdom where both cats and dogs reign supreme.
4. Pug
If dogs had stand-up comedy specials, Pugs would be headliners. These little dogs are full of personality, with snorts, wiggles, and expressions that can make even the grumpiest cat crack a suspicious smile.
Pugs are intelligent, affectionate, and love being part of the action—so much so that being left alone is basically their idea of a tragedy. According to PDSA, Pugs are highly entertaining thanks to their big personalities and clownish antics.
They thrive in homes where there’s always someone around—human or furry—to keep them company. For cats, this usually means a friend who’s curious and playful, but rarely aggressive. A Pug will happily join in a gentle game, cuddle on the couch, or just hover nearby, hoping your cat will acknowledge them as part of the social circle.
Despite their comical behavior, Pugs are also sensitive little companions. They read the room well and can tell when a cat wants attention and when it wants to be left alone. Their sociable nature makes them excellent for multi-pet households, as they tend to treat cats as equals rather than intruders.
Having a Pug around is like having a tiny, affectionate comedian on your team: always ready to entertain, always craving company, and likely to win over even the most skeptical feline with a well-timed snort or head tilt.
5. Basset Hound
With their droopy eyes, long ears, and saggy jowls, Basset Hounds might look like they just found out Monday exists—but don’t be fooled. Beneath that seemingly serious face is a sociable, calm, and quietly playful dog who can be a perfect companion for cats.
Purina notes that Basset Hounds are affectionate with people they know, reserved with strangers, and get along well with other dogs—and with a little training, other household animals too.
Their mellow temperament means they’re unlikely to startle or overwhelm a cat, making them ideal roommates for even the most delicate feline friend.
Bassets are extremely companionable and hate being left alone, so a cat—or a human—always by their side is their idea of heaven. They’ll happily lounge next to a sunbathing cat, share a cozy corner on the couch, or join in a slow, gentle game of chase around the living room.
Their calm, patient nature makes them perfect for households where both cats and dogs need space to feel safe.
In short, the Basset Hound is like your home’s friendly, low-slung guardian: always present, quietly playful, and endlessly loyal, ready to accept cats as part of the family pack without a single fuss.
6. Beagle
Beagles are basically the social butterflies of the dog world—born to hunt in packs, they naturally get along with other animals, including cats. Their friendly, curious, and affectionate nature means they rarely see a cat as “the enemy.”
Instead, your feline family member is just another member of the pack… albeit one that moves a bit differently. With their wagging tails, big eyes, and boundless enthusiasm, Beagles can bring a lively energy to the household without being overbearing.
These hunting dogs love to play, explore, and share adventures, but they’re also perfectly content curling up next to a cat for a nap or a lazy afternoon of people-watching.
Beagles are clever, social, and emotionally aware, which means they can sense a cat’s mood and adjust accordingly—whether that means giving space during a nap or joining in on gentle play.
Their happy-go-lucky personalities make them easygoing roommates for feline friends, as they tend to accept everyone in the family without judgment (or much subtlety—they’re usually wagging the whole time).
In short, a Beagle in a cat-friendly household is like having a cheerful, loyal, and slightly mischievous family member who will happily share snacks, naps, and the occasional chase game… all in the spirit of “pack harmony.”
7. Bulldog
Bulldogs may look like tiny, wrinkly tanks, but don’t let their tough exterior fool you—they’re some of the sweetest, most easygoing dogs around. While they could certainly intimidate a cat if they tried, Bulldogs are more likely to give a slow blink and settle down next to their feline housemate for a nap.
Known for their calm and friendly temperament, Bulldogs are famously good-natured with other animals. They’re not the type to chase, pester, or startle a cat; instead, they approach life at a leisurely pace, which matches perfectly with a cat’s own schedule of napping, grooming, and occasional bursts of mischief.
Bulldogs are affectionate, loyal, and patient. They’re perfectly content lounging on the floor while the cat struts by, and they’re surprisingly good at reading body language—if your cat signals “nope, leave me alone,” the Bulldog will likely respect that boundary.
Their combination of sturdiness and gentleness makes them ideal companions for households that want peace, quiet, and occasional snoring symphonies from both species.
In short, Bulldogs are the ultimate laid-back roommates: a little intimidating in appearance, but truly soft-hearted, patient, and ready to coexist (and cuddle) with cats as if they were old friends.
8. Labrador Retriever
Labradors may be much bigger than your average cat, but they more than make up for it with love, patience, and a heart as big as their wagging tails. Kind, outgoing, and endlessly friendly, Labs are known for getting along with everyone they meet—humans, dogs, and yes, even the most cautious of cats.
Their playful, energetic nature makes them excellent companions for active families, while their gentle, patient demeanor ensures they’re equally great with quieter members of the household—like a cat who prefers to observe from a safe distance.
Labs are intelligent and eager to please, so they often learn quickly how to respect a cat’s boundaries and adapt to their feline friend’s personality.
A Labrador in a cat-friendly home can be both a playmate and a guardian: ready for an energetic game of chase or fetch with willing participants, but also content to curl up nearby for a lazy afternoon nap.
In short, Labradors are the ultimate combination of fun and gentleness—big enough to give a cat a sense of security, and sweet enough to earn its trust. With a Lab around, your cat might just decide it’s found the perfect canine roommate.
9. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are like rays of sunshine in dog form—playful, outgoing, and endlessly friendly. Their cheerful personalities make them natural friends for everyone in the household, including cats, even if they’re a little bigger than their feline counterparts.
Goldens need a good amount of daily exercise, so they’re perfect for active homes where pets are encouraged to explore, romp, and enjoy life together.
But don’t worry—Golden Retrievers are also incredibly adaptable. They can match a cat’s pace when needed, whether it’s a slow, graceful stroll across the living room or a quiet sunbeam nap session.
Known for their intelligence and gentle temperament, Golden Retrievers are patient and kind, which helps them build trust with more cautious or independent cats. They’re sociable without being pushy, so a Golden’s idea of making friends is more like “let’s coexist peacefully…and maybe play later if you’re interested.”
In short, a Golden Retriever is the perfect mix of playful energy and patient kindness—a loyal, affectionate companion who can turn your home into a harmonious multi-species paradise, one wagging tail at a time.
10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Small in size but big in heart, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate, gentle, and fearless little dogs who make wonderful companions for both humans and other animals—cats included.
Despite being roughly the same size as many cats, they aren’t intimidated by a feline friend’s independent streak, and their calm, friendly demeanor helps them win over even the most cautious kitties.
These adaptable pups are sociable and loving, ready to curl up on the couch with a cat or join in on gentle playtime. Their patience and sensitivity mean they instinctively respect a cat’s boundaries, but they’re also curious and playful enough to engage in fun interactions when invited.
Cavaliers thrive in homes where pets are treated as part of the family pack. They’re not just beautiful and charming—they’re loyal little peacemakers who often help cats and other pets feel more at ease, creating a harmonious household where everyone gets along.
In short, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a tiny, loving diplomat: fearless, gentle, and always ready to turn your cat (and you) into lifelong friends.
Conclusion
Rather than having cats and dogs who fight like crazy, furry siblings can live harmoniously and even become best friends. The secret lies in properly introduced interactions, understanding the dos and don’ts of both the dog and cat peacemaking, and selecting a friendly breed with a gentle personality that can get along with cats.
Other breeds like Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Bernese Mountain Dogs often thrive as canine family members, are low-key, and enjoy feline company.
By considering individual personalities, children, and other family pets, you can create the perfect match. With patience, your puppy and cat can bond, forming a loving dog and cat duo for a happy household.
