Cats and dogs living together? In harmony?
Yes, it is actually possible!!
And, we are not talking about some magical Disney movie where all animals spontaneously become best buddies. We are talking about real life, where certain dog breeds are just… naturally good with cats.
Not all dogs see cats as tiny and furry things to chase around the house. Some dogs are totally chill. They respect boundaries. They understand that resident cats deserve respect, personal space, and maybe the sunny spot on the couch.
And if you are a pet parent hoping to create a harmonious environment for both species (feline and canines) in your household… well, picking the right dog breed is where you start.
Today, we discuss dog breeds that blend seamlessly with cats.
The dogs with gentle temperaments, calm personalities, and a natural ability to peacefully coexist with their feline housemates.
Dog Breeds That Blend Seamlessly With Cats
1. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are calmer dogs that just… don’t care about chasing things. Sure, they were originally hunting dogs bred to track rabbits and other small animals.
But their laid-back personality in modern times means they are way more interested in napping than chasing your cat around.
And that’s exactly what makes them cat-friendly.
These Hound dogs have a gentle personality that works perfectly in a multi-pet house.
They are patient, calm, and kind of lazy in the best way possible. Most dogs in this breed would rather lie on the floor and snooze than get into any kind of trouble.
As noted by Orvis, Basset Hounds can bond well with cats after proper socialization at a young age. They don’t have a strong prey drive, so your feline friends are always safe.
Plus, that friendly disposition makes them wonderful companions for everyone in the family, including other pets.
These dogs tend to get along with cats and pretty much everyone… kids, guinea pigs, you name it. They are just happy to be there!!
2. Beagle
Beagles are happy-go-lucky dogs with a sociable nature that extends to just about any living creature.
Yes, they are tracking dogs (with an amazing sense of smell) by history, but their gentle personality and friendly nature mean they can get along well with cats when you introduce them properly.
They keyword here… PROPER introductions!!
Beagles are pack animals, which means they love companionship.
And to them, companionship does not mean to be with another dog; it could very well be a cat. With proper socialization starting from a young age, Beagles learn to see cats as part of their pack rather than something to chase.
Now, Beagles do have some prey drive, as per PetPlan, and they can be prone to chase cats (they were bred to hunt rabbits, after all).
But with training and careful consideration, they can live peacefully with feline housemates. They are playful, affectionate, and loyal, which makes them great family pets.
Just make sure both the dog and cat have their own space at first. Let them get used to each other’s scent and presence before expecting them to become best buddies overnight.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the best dog breeds for a multi-pet household. Hands-down!!
These dogs were bred to be companion animals, and their gentle temperament makes them incredibly cat-friendly.
They are small, they are calm, and they have ZERO interest in being aggressive toward other animals and other pets.
This Spaniel dog breed is affectionate by nature, patient, and genuinely enjoys the company of other pets. They have no strong prey drive (rather, they believe in making strong bonds), so they are not going to chase your cats.
Instead, you will see them cuddling up next to those cats.
These dogs thrive in homes where they get plenty of love and attention from their humans. But they are also happy to share that space with their feline housemates.
Their sociable nature and friendly disposition are what make them one of the most harmonious breeds around cats.
All you need is proper introductions and a little time… and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and cats become genuine companions.
Some even groom each other!
4. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are the poster dogs for being the happiest and most smiley dogs, unlike many breeds.
As per Hills Pet, they are really good with cats because dogs are famous for their gentle personality, their friendly traits, and their ability to get along with literally anyone: cats, kids, other animals, and other pets.
They are just that nice.
Golden Retrievers don’t have a strong prey drive, which is huge when it comes to living with cats.
They are intelligent, easy to train, and genuinely enjoy forming bonds with other animals in the house. With proper socialization, they become wonderful companions to both humans and felines.
These dogs are patient, calm, and affectionate. They won’t chase your cats or stress them out. In fact, many Golden Retrievers end up becoming protective of their feline housemates. They will also bond for life.
They do need daily exercise to stay happy and healthy.
But once they have burned off that energy, they are content to relax at home with the rest of the family. Cats added.
5. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers have been the most popular dog breed in the U.S. (they had a straight record of 31 years). And part of that is because they are so adaptable.
All types of Labrador Retrievers are friendly, social, and enjoy being around other animals.
They are not aggressive or territorial; they are just happy to have friends.
Labs have a very gentle nature that makes them incredibly cat-friendly. They are intelligent and eager to please, and it means they respond well to training.
And with proper introductions, they can live peacefully with cats.
Now, Labs are playful and energetic, so they will need daily exercise to keep them from getting too rowdy indoors.
But once they are tired out, they are calm and affectionate dogs who respect the space of other pets in the home.
Many Labrador Retrievers form strong bonds with feline friends. Some even let the cat be the boss (because let’s be honest, cats usually are).
If you bring a new dog into a home with a resident cat, Labs are the perfect match.
6. Maltese
The Maltese is a small dog breed with a BIG heart and zero interest in causing trouble.
These dogs are gentle, affectionate, and calm for such a small size. They are not hyperactive, aggressive, and they definitely don’t have a strong prey drive.
Which makes them perfect for living with cats.
These small white dogs are companions. They were bred to be lap dogs and loving pets, not hunters or chasers or from a herding group.
Their gentle personality and calm demeanor mean they are naturally good with cats.
Because of their small size, Maltese dogs don’t intimidate cats the way larger breeds might. In fact, many cats feel completely comfortable around them from the start.
Proper socialization helps Maltese puppies grow up to be friends with cats rather than seeing them as something to chase.
7. Poodle
Poodles, whether Standard, Miniature, or Toy, are intelligent, trainable, and adaptable.
They are one of the most versatile dog breeds, and owners swear by their example. That includes their ability to get along with cats.
Poodles do not have a strong prey drive. They are not aggressive. And they are smart enough to understand limits.
What makes Poodles so good with cats?
Their intelligence + calm nature.
Yes!!
These dogs are easy to train, which means they can learn early on to respect the space and boundaries of their feline fellows. Socialization can help the Poodles and cats become genuine companions.
Poodles are also playful and affectionate, but they know when to be gentle. They will coexist peacefully and maybe even play together once they are comfortable.
Poodles come in different sizes, so you can pick the one that fits your household’s needs, especially if you have children. Standard Poodles are great with a family with a large space. Toy or Miniature Poodles work well in small homes or apartments.
They form deep bonds with all family members, so naturally, your cats will be in good company.
Conclusion
These dog breeds that blend seamlessly with cats are not necessarily the smallest or the calmest.
They just are gentle, with low prey drives and a natural ability to protect other animals. Be it the laid-back Basset Hound, Pug, Bichon Frise, Poodle, Shetland Sheepdog, Bernese Mountain Dog, or some dogs from the terrier group, these breeds prove that dogs and cats, even with individual personalities, can become best friends.
Yes.
All you need is proper socialization from a young age.
The right dog breed can help create a very friendly space where everyone can live peacefully.
