Ever met a dog that made you do a double-take and wonder, “Wait… are you sure you’re not a cat?” Believe it or not, some dogs carry themselves with such feline flair that they could easily pass as honorary members of the cat club.
They’re the pups who lounge in sunny spots for hours, leap gracefully onto furniture like it’s their stage, and prefer a quiet stretch over a wild game of fetch.
While most dogs thrive on constant attention and play, these breeds march—or rather, tiptoe—to the beat of their own drum, channeling independence, elegance, and curiosity in ways that feel undeniably cat-like.
Here, we’ll introduce you to the dog breeds that are basically cats in disguise. Whether you’re a cat person at heart, exploring the dog world, or simply fascinated by quirky canine personalities, get ready to meet the dogs that will make you question everything you thought you knew about man’s best friend.
Did you know? The term “dog-like cat” (also called canine-like cat, puppy cat, or puppy-like cat) refers to certain domestic cat breeds that display behaviors more commonly seen in young dogs, such as following their owners around, playing fetch, or showing unusually strong loyalty.
Dog Breeds That Are Basically Cats in Disguise
1. Shiba Inu
If there were a poster child for “dogs that are basically cats,” the Shiba Inu would be front and center, sitting on a cushion, judging you silently, and shedding fur on everything you own.
This breed has perfected the art of independence—you can call, cajole, or bribe them, and they’ll politely consider your request… then promptly ignore it if it doesn’t suit their mood.
Shibas are meticulous self-groomers, much like cats, and they take pride in their appearance. Don’t be surprised if you catch them mid-groom, giving themselves that perfectly calculated fluff and shine. And yes, while they may shed with reckless abandon, they do it with an elegance only a true feline could pull off.
Stubbornness is part of their charm. Want them to follow a command? That depends entirely on whether they feel like it. Want them to cuddle? Only if you’ve earned it. Shiba Inus operate on their own timetable, creating a dynamic that cat lovers will find perfectly familiar—and endlessly entertaining.
Add a dash of sass, a sprinkle of aloofness, and a pinch of mischief, and you have a Shiba Inu: the quintessential cat trapped in a dog’s body, complete with personality, independence, and the occasional “I’ll do what I want” attitude that makes life interesting.
2. Basenji
If dogs had secret identities, the Basenji would be the ultimate undercover feline. Hailing from Africa, this breed is sleek, elegant, and has an independent nature that would make any cat proud.
They’re clean, quiet, and spend a surprising amount of time grooming themselves—because why not look fabulous at all times?
Purina says Basenjis are famous for their yodel-like vocalizations instead of barks, which only adds to their mysterious, cat-like persona. They’re not going to announce your arrival like a typical dog; instead, they observe, judge silently, and occasionally remind you of their presence with a perfectly timed, melodic “yodel.”
Basenjis love on their terms. They’ll share affection, bond closely, and then vanish for a quiet nap somewhere high and cozy. They’re the perfect dog for people who love feline independence but secretly want a loyal companion.
Exercise and mental stimulation are essential because underneath that composed, cat-like exterior is a whirlwind of energy waiting for the right outlet. Like cats, they’re mischievous when bored, which can lead to hilarious (or frustrating) moments of chaos.
Training them? Think of it as training a particularly clever, determined cat: patience, creativity, and bribery are key. The Basenji is basically a cat in a dog’s body, with elegance, independence, and a touch of mischief—all wrapped in a sleek, barkless package.
3. Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound, or “IG” for short, is basically a cat that somehow convinced the world it should walk on four paws and go for walks. Sleek, delicate, and exquisitely graceful, IGs are the ultimate lap-loving aristocrats of the dog world.
Like cats, they have a love for warm, cozy spots. Sunny windowsills, soft blankets, your freshly laundered sweater—they’ll claim them all as their personal throne. And woe to anyone who dares disturb their carefully curated comfort zone; a quiet sigh or tiny glare is all you’ll get, but it says it all: “Excuse me, human. This is my spot.”
Italian Greyhounds are also selective with affection, much like a Ragdoll cat deciding which human is worthy of their full attention. Once they bond, however, they stick like Velcro—following you around, curling up in your lap, or nestling beside you for a warm nap. They’re loyal, yes, but on their own refined terms, and never too needy or noisy.
Strangers? Reserved. Family? Adoring. IGs manage to balance independence and attachment like a cat walking the fine line between aloofness and devotion. And when they finally choose you, it feels like being personally endorsed by the feline kingdom itself.
In short: if you adore cats’ elegance, selective affection, and obsession with comfort—but secretly want a dog you can actually walk—an Italian Greyhound is your perfect hybrid.
4. Whippet
Whippets are the elegant ninjas of the dog world, and if you squint, you might swear you’re looking at a supermodel cat in disguise. Their long, slender bodies and graceful movements make them look like they just stepped out of a feline fashion show.
Whippets look like miniature Greyhounds, having been bred by crossing these large runners with smaller terriers. Energetic and athletic, they can sprint up to 35 miles per hour and enjoy the chance to run and stretch their legs, according to PetMD.
Like cats, Whippets excel at relaxation on demand. One moment, they’re draped across the couch like a silky scarf, eyes half-closed in utter serenity. Next, they explode into lightning-fast sprints, chasing anything that moves with the intensity of a feline hunting a moth.
Yes, these dogs master the rare art of being simultaneously zen and utterly ferocious in the blink of an eye. Perch life? Absolutely. Whippets love high vantage points, whether it’s a windowsill, the back of a couch, or the top of the stairs. From their elevated throne, they observe the world with a calm, almost judgmental detachment—just like a cat plotting your next snack delivery.
But remember, these are sighthounds, which means that the cat-like chase instinct is real. One glimpse of a fluttering squirrel or unsuspecting bunny, and your Whippet will streak off faster than you can say, “Hey, come back!” It’s the perfect combination: cat-level elegance, curiosity, and surprise bursts of mayhem.
5. Chow Chow
If dogs were royalty, the Chow Chow would sit on the throne with a “you may approach… but only if invited” look. This breed is basically a lion in a dog costume who never quite learned how to socialize. Think of them as the ultimate cat-dog hybrid: majestic, aloof, and a little mysterious.
Chows have that classic feline trait of personal space obsession. Want to hug them? Sorry, they’ll tolerate it, maybe, but often with the air of a monarch tolerating peasants in their court. They’re dignified, deliberate, and choose their interactions carefully—very much like a cat deciding whether you’re worthy of attention.
Chow Chows can be loyal family pets, but their reserved nature and lack of patience make them less suitable for households with very young, energetic children. Cleanliness? Oh, they have it down.
Chow Chows groom themselves meticulously and expect a certain level of “tidiness” from their surroundings. They’ll even sit back and inspect the scene like a fastidious tabby: “Hmm… the floor is dusty. Humans, you have failed.”
But don’t mistake their aloofness for coldness. When a Chow decides you are, in fact, worthy of their attention, it’s a rare and precious moment—like earning the slow blink of a feline overlord. And like cats, Chows often prefer watching the world from a perch, whether it’s a couch, a bed, or a conveniently elevated chair.
As per Petplan, they are not only physically powerful but also independent and stubborn, which means they may be challenging for first-time dog owners.
6. Japanese Chin
If dogs went to finishing school, the Japanese Chin would graduate top of the class—probably with a crown. These little fluffballs are basically cats who decided barking occasionally might be fun.
For starters, they have that feline elegance. Japanese Chins don’t just walk into a room—they float. Graceful, dainty, and with the kind of presence that says, “Excuse me, peasant, my silk pillow isn’t fluffed correctly.” It’s giving serious cat royalty vibes.
Then there’s their signature move: perching. Like a tabby surveying its empire from the top of the fridge, a Japanese Chin will climb up onto the back of your couch and sit there as if it’s their throne. They like to be up high, watching you go about your silly human life. Sound familiar? Yep, straight out of the Cat Rulebook.
And don’t expect clingy, Labrador-level devotion. Oh no. The Chin loves you, of course, but in that cat way. They’ll come over, blink slowly, demand pets, then float away like a tiny emperor once their affection quota has been met. You’re left there wondering what just happened—classic feline mind games.
Still, when they decide it’s cuddle time, you’ve basically won the lottery. They melt into your arms like a purring kitten (minus the purr, but with extra fluff). And they’re so light and dainty you’ll forget you’re holding a dog at all—more like a living plush toy that occasionally sighs.
Bottom line? The Japanese Chin is proof that some dogs were just cats in a past life, got reincarnated, and decided, “Alright, I’ll give barking a try… but I’m still keeping the royal cat energy.”
7. Bedlington Terrier
Originally developed for hunting, the Bedlington Terrier has also been involved in dog racing, various canine sports, conformation shows, and serves as a companion animal. At first glance, this breed looks like a lamb that wandered out of a storybook. But hang around one long enough, and you’ll start to suspect it’s really a feline in sheep’s clothing.
Why? Because Bedlingtons have cat energy. They’re graceful, a little aloof when they want to be, and perfectly happy curling up in the sun like they own the place.
They don’t come crashing into the room like a Labrador on roller skates—instead, they glide in like a diva who knows exactly how fabulous they look.
But don’t be fooled. That silky, lamb-like exterior hides a mischievous streak. Like cats, Bedlingtons can go from “elegant nap mode” to “zoomies at 2 a.m.” in about half a second. They’ll chase anything that moves, but the second you try to interrupt them? Cue the side-eye worthy of a grumpy tabby.
And let’s talk about their independence. Bedlingtons love their people, but they also have that cat-like “I’ll come to you when I’m ready” vibe. You don’t own a Bedlington—they allow you to coexist in their kingdom.
According to Wikipedia, its bark has been described as hound-like and likened to the rapid firing of a machine gun. Still, they’re ridiculously charming.
Between their lamb-meets-cat aesthetic, their gentle nature, and their tendency to perch like royalty on furniture, Bedlington Terriers are the closest thing to adopting a cat that happens to bark.
Conclusion
Some dog breeds display feline charm and cat-like behavior, combining an independent nature with a playful personality. They often prefer high places, are naturally calm, and choose how to act or behave on their own, showing a selective curiosity similar to cats.
Despite their independence, they enjoy visiting and spending time with family, forming close bonds while still valuing their personal space. These characteristics make them affectionate yet self-reliant companions, blending cat-like behavior with the loyalty and warmth of other breeds.
