It is the age-old question: can dogs really get along with cats? Spoiler alert, yes! But only if you choose the right kind of woof! According to Pew Research Center, 24% of households in the U.S. reported owning both a dog and a cat.
If you are neither a dog person nor a cat person but want both, then this blog is for you. Choosing the right dog breed is the secret to a peaceful household of dogs and cats.
Some pups are basically born with a cat’s manual in their paws. They know how to play it cool, read cat body language, and cuddle with their smaller companions.
So here are 10 dog breeds that are surprisingly cat dogs! Caution: they may invade your cat’s privacy and never leave them alone.
Dog Breeds That Pair Well With Cats
1. Bichon Frise
These hypoallergenic dogs are the fluffy little clouds that are gentle, cheerful, and friendly to everything that breathes… literally. They are always happy with a fun personality
Bichon Frise doesn’t have a strong prey drive, which means your cat won’t be mistaken for a squeaky toy. Instead, Bichons are sociable and see your cat as a potential cuddle buddy.
Good news for owners juggling with more than one pet! According to the American Kennel Club, training a Bichon Frise is a breeze.
They thrive on companionship and adapt well to peaceful environments. However, your bichon may probably think he is a cat too!
2. Labrador Retriever
Ah, the Labrador retriever! It is like the golden-hearted jock who turns out to be the most emotionally intelligent person in the room. Labrador retrievers are known for being gentle, patient, and famously tolerant, three things cats secretly respect.
Labs are one of the top choices for therapy dogs as they are one of the friendliest dogs. They are emotionally in tune and remarkably tolerant. Hence, they will understand your cat better than you!
Labs are likely to greet your cat with a wagging tail and a hopeful invitation to play. If the cat declines, the Lab will retreat like a gentleman and try again.
3. Golden Retriever
How can we forget the golden retriever? The dude in the group with the friendly disposition and never-ending energy for partying! These goofballs are compassionate, loyal, and deeply affectionate. They are good with cats to an extraordinary extent.
If your cat can tolerate attention, a Golden retriever will provide enough love and cuddles to power an entire new Disney doggo kitty movie.
What makes them cat-compatible? Their incredible patience, as PDSA mentions. Golden retrievers are not aggressive, nor are they easily fazed by a dramatic feline company.
They are also highly trainable with loads of treats and positive reinforcement. Golden retrievers not just get along with cats, but will try to babysit them!
4. Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog, or the Sheltie, is like a miniature Lassie with a Master’s degree in Diplomacy. These pups are intelligent, sensitive, and polite to a fault. While they have a background working in herding groups, they are not overly assertive.
Shelties thrive on routine and harmony. If your cat values peace and a strict no-nonsense policy, this breed is a perfect match. Shelties are observant and will adjust their behavior to match the energy of others.
With proper training and early socialization, they get along well with cats. They are excellent at reading body language, too.
While your cat may never give them a 5-star, they will at least allow the Shelties into their royal court. That’s just how the cat business works!
5. Poodle
As Hills Pets mentions, Standard, Miniature, or Toy Poodles come in fun sizes. And all of them come with a surprising amount of poise and brains. In fact, they are one of the smartest dog breeds!
What makes them great with cats? Their ability to adapt. Poodles are incredibly trainable and emotionally sensitive. If your cat’s idea of a good time is not being annoyed, a Poodle will quickly learn to respect boundaries.
They also tend to be clean, quiet, and chill indoors. Moreover, they get along with children as well. Overall, Poodles are great family pets.
6. Beagle
Meet the class clowns of the dog breeds! Beagles are curious, friendly, and nose-first into every situation. While their sniffing game is strong, their easygoing nature makes them excellent with cats.
They are pack animals by nature and don’t mind sharing space, even with a bossy roommate who hisses. Beagles are too busy following invisible scent trails to obsess over feline politics.
Sure, they might be a little excitable. But with early training, they can easily learn that your cat is not a rabbit to be tracked, but a household member to be friends with.
7. Pug
If your cat is sleeping for 20 hours a day, like it has completed all the house chores, then congratulations. Pug is your cat’s dog twin! A pug can sleep up to 14 hours a day!
Pugs were born for one thing: companionship. These goofballs are affectionate, lazy in the best way, and always down for a nap party.
Pugs also tend to be unbothered by feline mood swings. Moreover, they are not a big fan of chasing or barking; they prefer snorts and dramatic sighs. This chill attitude makes them a dream match for cats who don’t want anyone to interfere in their business.
8. Basset Hound
You may be thinking, why basset hounds? What about their love for hunting and chasing? Don’t worry. They are more interested in hunting for dinner than your cat!
These low riders are famously laid back, stubborn, and highly focused on sniffing food rather than stirring conflict. They tend to be unbothered by feline energy.
Despite their sleepy demeanor, Basset hounds are affectionate and enjoy companionship. They are not needy, though. They respect alone time, which earns them extra points with introverted cats.
9. Maltese
Cats value peace more than anything else. The Maltese is a toy-sized dog with a king-sized love for peace. A match made in heaven!
They know that they are small and they rarely try to challenge cats! Maltese dogs are more likely to sit and blink at your cat in confusion than ever try to chase it. Plus, they love soft spots, warm laps, and quiet friendships.
They are easy to handle, and training them is a breeze. They have a calm temperament, so they won’t need a referee on standby every time they share the room with a cat!
10. Papillon
Ah, those butterfly eats, so adorable. But wait, don’t think they are dumb and cute. They are as clever as they are pretty. These tiny extroverts love to socialize, including animals outside their species.
Papillons are fearless without being aggressive, curious but not invasive. They are confident without being dominating, making them excellent companions for cats who don’t like being crowded.
Because Papillons are highly trainable, they can quickly learn cat-friendly manners. Their small size also helps, as it is less intimidating. In fact, Papillons love being with other animals and children, according to PetMD.
Conclusion
Cats and dogs don’t have to be mortal enemies, just misunderstood species with very different group chats. But with the right breed and a bit of patience, harmony is absolutely possible.
These dogs bring empathy, chill vibes, and non-threatening energy that your cat demands. These dog breeds bring individual personalities.
Who knows? With the right match, you may just witness the rarest friendship. And maybe your dog and cat ignore you and become partners in crime!
