Tom and Jerry taught us that cats and dogs cannot get along, but there are certain dog breeds that beg to differ. These dog breeds are more likely to get along with cats than others and making this age-old rivalry between dogs and cats appear more like a myth than the truth.
If they are trained and socialized properly, some dogs are able to peacefully coexist with other animals, especially cats. These dogs have a gentle and sociable temperament and the patience required to live peacefully with a feline sibling. These breeds are more likely to live with feline company without conflict and by building trust instead of tension.
Continue reading the article to discover 10 dog cat-friendly dog breeds that can live peacefully with cats without you worrying about them constantly.
Most Cat-Friendly Dog Breeds
1. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound belongs to the Hound Group; they are surprisingly laid back and friendly toward other animals, including cats. Due to this, it is ranked among the calmest dog breeds.
Cuddle-Inducing Appearance
The droopy eyes and easygoing attitude of the Basset hound make people, as well as cats, automatically gravitate towards it. They make cats feel comfortable around them and easily snuggle with their furry sibling.
Low-Energy Breed
Basset hounds are slow-moving and low-energy dogs, and due to this, cats are not intimidated by them and can comfortably live with them.
2. Beagle
Beagles have a history of being hunting dogs, and according to the AKC, they were bred to hunt in packs. So Beagles view and love cats as fellow members of their pack due to their social nature. This leads them to be ranked among the friendliest dog breeds.
Pack-Oriented
Since beagles were bred to work in packs, they enjoy the company of other animals. Early socialization with cats is essential; Beagles raised alongside them from a young age are far more likely to see them as family.
Playful but not Dominant
Although Beagles are playful and friendly, they do not bully or overwhelm other animals and will treat their fellow feline like a member and teammate of their group.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a friendly and gentle breed known for being a favorite of the British Royalty during the 17th century. According to PetMD, Charles I and II were so fond of these dogs that they took them everywhere they went.
Perfect for First-time Owners
The coat of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a low shedding rate, and so it does not require much grooming as compared to other dog breeds. This makes this dog a perfect fit for first-time dog owners.
Never Aggressive or Territorial
Due to their sweet temperament, these dogs are gentle with other animals, including cats. They never become aggressive or dominant towards them because these dogs were bred for affection and companionship.
4. Golden Retriever
Originally bred in Scotland during the late 1800s for the purpose of retrieving prey, the Golden Retriever is among the friendliest of dog breeds. This breed is known for its sun-kissed fur and an equally sunny personality.
Golden Retrievers are known for being kind and empathetic toward cats, which makes them suitable for multi-pet homes.
Highly Trainable
Due to their high levels of intelligence and eagerness to please people, they are quite easy to train. They listen carefully to instructions and do not get distracted.
Emotionally Sensitive
Golden Retrievers are good at reading a room by staying in tune with their owners’ emotions. They not only understand the changes in the moods of those around them but also offer emotional support.
5. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are stocky, medium-sized dogs and are, according to WebMD, among the most popular dog breeds.
Gentle Giants
Labrador Retrievers are known for having a strong and massive build and equally big hearts, which earns them the title of ‘Gentle Giants.’ They are gentle and outgoing, and not just with humans but with other animals, including cats as well. This makes them favorable companions for cats.
Quick Learners
Labs have incredibly high levels and are ranked among the smartest dog breeds. Like Golden Retrievers, they too have people-pleasing tendencies, which makes them quick and obedient learners.
6. Pug
Characterized by their short coat, short snout, and wrinkled face, Pugs are the literal definition of couch potatoes.
In addition to being known as laid-back dogs, they are also known for having friendly personalities and can bond well with cats. They were originally bred as companions and lap dogs for the ruling families in China.
Couch Potatoes
Due to their low level of energy and their desire to lounge around all day, Pugs are ideal dogs for people who are unable to fulfill the exercise needs of a high-energy dog or for families where the presence of multiple pets can overwhelm owners by having to take care of every pet’s individual needs.
Sociable
Pugs have a lot of love and affection for a dog with such a small body. They are naturally pet-oriented and can adapt to any setting and family with or without children, and also in small spaces to expansive houses.
7. Maltese
Maltese were originally bred to be companions and lap dogs. This means that they are hardwired to be friendly towards everyone, and that includes not only humans but cats as well.
Coach-Surfing Champion
Instead of running around all day, the Maltese prefer to spend the majority of their days snuggling on a couch or in their owner’s lap. This also means that they will not meddle in your cat’s business. They’ll let it do whatever it wants to do as long as it does not play with their long hair.
Happy in Shared Spaces
The Maltese is content to nap beside a cat or near their bed. Its quiet and gentle personality makes it easier to socialize with cats. Moreover, the Maltese does not have a problem sharing their toys and food with their fellow feline.
8. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is known for having an appearance similar to that of a teddy bear. These small dogs are not just cute and good-looking but are also sweet-tempered. Due to this, they make great family dogs, especially for families with multiple pets, including, but not limited to, cats.
Playful but Peaceful
The Bichon Frise is known for being extremely playful, but it is playful to an extent that does not overwhelm others, especially cats, who usually prefer less noise, disturbance, and staying alone.
Prone to Separation Anxiety
The Bichon Frise develops strong bonds with its owners and always wants to be near its owner. If their owner leaves even for a few moments, they begin to feel anxious. This situation can be avoided if you have a cat along with a Bichon Frise, and both can give each other company while you are gone.
9. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a friendly dog breed with royal roots because they were a favorite of the Chinese royalty during the Ming Dynasty. The Shih Tzu is characterized by its lion-like mane, chrysanthemum face, and long hair.
Peaceful Temperament
The Shih Tzu prefers lounging all day instead of leaping, which leads it to be ranked among lazy dog breeds. The low energy levels and laid-back temperament of this dog make it perfect for households with cats.
Low Maintenance
Despite having volumes of hair, the Shih Tzu has a low shedding rate. Moreover, the Shih Tzu also has low exercise needs as compared to other dogs. These qualities make this dog easy to manage for first-time owners, owners with busy lifestyles, or owners with multiple pets.
10. Poodle
Characterized by their curly coat, long neck, and straight back, Poodles are highly intelligent dogs with an eagerness to please everyone they meet.
Extremely Intelligent
Poodles are extremely smart and can quickly learn the difference between acceptable and unacceptable behavior. They respond well to training and are easy to redirect if they get distracted while training.
Highly Adaptable
Due to their small size, Poodles can easily adjust to small spaces such as apartments. This also helps them adjust easily to cats because they are almost the same size.
Conclusion
If you’re living in a house with cats and are thinking of getting a dog, choosing the right breed can make all the difference in building a peaceful bond between your pets.
In addition to the individual personality of both the dog and cat, your effort and energy towards your pets are also instrumental in helping them coexist in a peaceful and friendly way.
