Dogs and cats have a reputation for being arch-nemeses, but in reality, they can often coexist peacefully and even become best buddies. However, not all dogs can live in harmony with cats. Some dogs have a higher prey drive or a more dominant personality that may make it difficult for them to coexist peacefully with felines. If you’re a cat owner considering adding a dog to your household, here are 10 cat-friendly dog breeds known for being gentle with felines.
Beagle
Beagles are friendly, outgoing, and typically great with other animals, including cats. They’re also a smaller breed, which can be an advantage when introducing them to a cat, as the cat may feel less threatened by a smaller dog. For more info on Beagles, check out our Beagle dog breed guide.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a gentle and affectionate breed that typically gets along well with everyone, including cats. They’re also not overly active, which can be an advantage when introducing them to a more laid-back feline. For more info on Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, check out our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog breed guide.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are beloved the world over for obvious reasons. They’re friendly, loyal, and great with children and other animals, including cats. They have a higher energy level than other pups we’ve included here, so getting lots of physical activity is essential to prevent them from getting restless or bored. For more info on Golden Retrievers, check out our Golden Retriever dog breed guide.
Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are a small, friendly breed that typically gets along well with everyone, including cats. If you can introduce a Bichon Frise into your family while the cat and dog are both young, they will likely become best buds. For more info on Bichon Frises, check out our Bichon Frise dog breed guide.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are another small breed that is typically A-OK befriending felines. They have a low energy level and are content to spend most of their time snuggling with their humans or lounging on the couch, so if a cat joins the mix, their attitude is: the more, the merrier! For more info on Shih Tzus, check out our Shih Tzu dog breed guide.
Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are a larger breed, but they’re also known for being gentle giants. They are a sociable breed that loves company of all kinds, regardless of species. For more info on Newfoundlands, check out our Newfoundland dog breed guide.
Maltese
Maltese is a small and affectionate breed that typically gets along well with cats. Snuggle buddies, anyone? For more info on Malteses, check out our Maltese dog breed guide.
Border Collie
Border Collies are a highly intelligent and energetic breed that can sometimes have a higher prey drive, but with proper training and socialization, they can coexist peacefully with cats. This breed loves to be outdoors and might recruit the cat to be their walking buddy! For more info on Border Collies, check out our Border Collie dog breed guide.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are another popular breed that typically gets along well with cats. They’re friendly, loyal, and great with children and other animals. Ensure your Labrador Retriever gets plenty of exercise so it doesn’t get too rowdy with your new feline friend. For more info on Labrador Retrievers, check out our Labrador Retriever dog breed guide.
Poodle
Poodles are very smart and easy to train. They also typically get along well with cats. They come in several sizes, and, according to Nylabone, “Toy Poodles tend to play with cats, Miniatures generally tolerate them, and Standards pretend they don’t exist.” For more info on Poodles, check out our Poodle dog breed guide.
Bringing cat-friendly dog breeds home to your feline
Now that you know about some cat-friendly dog breeds, keep in mind that every dog has their own unique personality quirks, so it’s always a good idea to introduce a new dog to your household slowly and under close supervision. With patience, training, and lots of love, dogs and cats can indeed become BFFs.
Whether you’re adding a cat or a dog to your family, remember to always adopt, don’t shop. And, a disclaimer: Breed is not a guarantee of any individual dog’s temperament or personality.
Looking for more dog breeds that fit your lifestyle? Check out Dog Breeds That Look Like Foxes or Dog Breeds for Wolf Lovers!
