20 Best Dog Breeds for Cats: Harmonious Household Companions

Dogs and cats living together harmoniously can bring joy to any household. While these two species are often portrayed as natural enemies, many breeds of dogs can coexist peacefully with feline companions.

With the right temperament and proper socialization, canines can become best friends with cats.

Choosing the right dog breed is crucial for households with cats.

Some dogs have lower prey drives and gentler personalities that make them more suitable for feline friendships.

This article explores 20 of the best dog breeds known to get along well with cats, helping potential pet owners make informed decisions when expanding their furry families.

1. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly and gentle nature, making them an excellent choice for households with cats. These dogs are typically patient and adaptable, traits that help them coexist peacefully with feline companions.

Labs are intelligent and eager to please, which means they can be trained to respect a cat’s space and boundaries. Their calm demeanor often puts cats at ease, reducing potential conflicts between the two species.

Many Labradors have a soft mouth, a characteristic developed for retrieving game without damaging it. This trait can translate to gentleness when interacting with cats, reducing the risk of accidental injury during playtime.

While individual personalities may vary, Labrador Retrievers generally possess the temperament and sociability needed to form positive relationships with cats. Early socialization and proper introductions are key to fostering a harmonious multi-pet household.

2. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly and gentle nature, making them excellent companions for cats. These dogs have a calm demeanor and are generally patient with other animals.

Golden Retrievers are intelligent and trainable, which helps them learn to respect a cat’s space. They often form strong bonds with their feline housemates, creating harmonious multi-pet households.

Their soft mouths, originally bred for retrieving game birds, make them less likely to accidentally harm a cat during play. Golden Retrievers also have a playful side that can match a cat’s energy levels.

These dogs are adaptable and can adjust their behavior to suit their feline friends. With proper introductions and supervision, Golden Retrievers can become lifelong buddies with cats.

3. Beagle

Beagles are known for their friendly and gentle nature, making them a potential companion for cats. These small to medium-sized dogs have a cheerful disposition and can adapt well to various living situations.

Beagles are generally sociable and can form bonds with other animals, including felines. Their playful nature may even encourage some cats to engage in interactive play sessions.

Training and early socialization are crucial for Beagles to coexist peacefully with cats. Their strong hunting instincts may need to be managed, especially around smaller pets.

Beagles require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom-related behaviors. This active lifestyle can complement that of many cats, creating a dynamic household environment.

4. Poodle

Poodles are intelligent and adaptable dogs that can form positive relationships with cats. Their gentle nature and non-aggressive temperament make them suitable companions for feline friends.

Poodles come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. The smaller varieties may be less intimidating to cats, facilitating easier introductions and coexistence.

These hypoallergenic dogs shed minimally, reducing potential stress for cats sensitive to loose fur. Poodles are also highly trainable, allowing owners to teach them appropriate behavior around cats.

Their playful disposition can lead to fun interactions with cats, provided both animals are properly socialized. Poodles’ energy levels are moderate, matching well with many cat personalities.

Regular grooming is essential for Poodles, which can help accustom cats to their presence through routine maintenance sessions in shared spaces.

5. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a small, fluffy dog breed known for its friendly and gentle nature. These charming dogs often get along well with cats, making them an excellent choice for multi-pet households.

Bichons are generally calm and easygoing, which helps them coexist peacefully with feline companions. Their playful demeanor can even encourage cats to engage in interactive play sessions.

These dogs are intelligent and trainable, making it easier to teach them proper behavior around cats. Their small size also means they’re less likely to intimidate or overwhelm most cats.

Bichon Frises have a low prey drive, reducing the likelihood of chasing or harassing cats. This trait contributes to their ability to form harmonious relationships with feline housemates.

Regular grooming is essential for Bichons, but their non-shedding coat can be a plus for cat owners concerned about excess pet hair in the home.

6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them excellent companions for cats. These small dogs have a calm demeanor and are typically patient with feline housemates.

Their friendly disposition allows them to adapt easily to multi-pet households. Cavaliers often seek companionship and can form strong bonds with both humans and other animals, including cats.

These spaniels have a low prey drive, reducing the likelihood of chasing or harassing cats. Their playful yet non-aggressive temperament can lead to harmonious interactions between the two species.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are relatively small in size, which may help cats feel less threatened by their presence. This breed’s soft, silky coat can also be appealing to cats who enjoy cuddling or snuggling with their canine friends.

7. Maine Coon

Maine Coons are known for their gentle and sociable nature, making them excellent companions for cats. These large, fluffy felines often get along well with other animals, including their feline counterparts.

Their laid-back temperament allows them to adapt easily to multi-pet households. Maine Coons typically display a friendly curiosity towards cats rather than aggression.

These cats are intelligent and can learn to respect boundaries set by other pets. Their playful nature often leads to positive interactions with feline housemates.

Maine Coons are patient and tolerant, which helps them navigate shared spaces with cats smoothly. Their size can be intimidating at first, but they rarely use it to dominate other pets.

With proper introductions and supervision, Maine Coons can form strong bonds with cats in the same household.

8. Ragdoll Cat

Ragdoll cats are known for their gentle and relaxed nature, making them excellent companions for dogs. These large, semi-longhaired felines are characterized by their striking blue eyes and color point coats.

Ragdolls tend to be laid-back and adaptable, often enjoying the company of other pets, including dogs. Their calm demeanor and tendency to go limp when held contribute to their reputation as easygoing housemates.

These cats typically form strong bonds with their human families and are known to follow their owners around the house. This sociable trait often extends to their interactions with canine companions.

Ragdolls are generally not prone to aggressive behavior, which can help foster positive relationships with dogs. Their patient and tolerant nature makes them less likely to react negatively to a dog’s playful advances.

9. Bengal Cat

Bengal cats are known for their wild appearance and energetic nature. These felines possess a unique spotted coat that resembles their leopard cat ancestors.

Despite their exotic looks, Bengal cats can coexist peacefully with dogs. Their high intelligence and playful demeanor make them excellent companions for canine friends.

Bengals enjoy interactive play and can match the energy levels of many dog breeds. They often engage in activities like fetch or chase games, which can foster a bond with their canine housemates.

These cats are generally confident and adaptable, allowing them to adjust well to households with dogs. Early socialization and proper introductions are key to ensuring a harmonious relationship between Bengals and their canine counterparts.

10. American Shorthair

American Shorthairs are known for their easygoing nature and adaptability, making them excellent companions for cats. These medium-sized cats have a sturdy build and calm temperament, which helps them coexist peacefully with feline housemates.

Their hunting instincts are typically less pronounced than some other breeds, reducing the likelihood of chasing or bothering cats. American Shorthairs are generally content to share living spaces and can often be found napping near their feline friends.

This breed’s intelligence allows them to quickly learn boundaries and respect the personal space of cats. They are usually not overly demanding of attention, which can help prevent conflicts with more independent felines.

American Shorthairs are also relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal grooming. This trait can be beneficial in multi-pet households, as it reduces the time needed for separate care routines.

11. Siamese Cat

Siamese cats are known for their distinctive appearance and vocal nature. These elegant felines often form strong bonds with their human companions and can adapt well to living with dogs.

Siamese cats are generally confident and sociable, making them more likely to accept canine housemates. Their playful and active nature can match well with energetic dog breeds.

When introducing a Siamese cat to a dog, gradual introductions and supervised interactions are key. Providing separate spaces and resources for each pet helps maintain harmony in the household.

Siamese cats may enjoy the companionship of calm, cat-friendly dog breeds. Breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Beagles can potentially make good companions for these social felines.

12. Abyssinian Cat

Abyssinian cats are known for their distinctive ticked coat pattern and playful personalities. These active and intelligent felines often get along well with dogs, making them a great choice for multi-pet households.

Abyssinians are curious and energetic, enjoying interactive play and exploration. Their high energy levels can match those of many dog breeds, allowing for shared playtime and bonding opportunities.

These cats are generally sociable and adaptable, which helps them adjust to living with canine companions. They may even seek out dogs for companionship and play, fostering positive relationships between the species.

Proper introductions and supervision are key to ensuring harmony between Abyssinians and dogs. With patience and careful integration, these cats can form strong bonds with their canine housemates.

13. Papillon

Papillons are small, graceful dogs known for their distinctive butterfly-like ears. These intelligent and friendly companions can often get along well with cats when properly introduced.

Papillons are typically gentle and playful, making them good potential friends for felines. Their small size means they’re less likely to overwhelm or intimidate cats.

These dogs are quick learners and can be trained to respect a cat’s space. Papillons are generally non-aggressive, which helps foster peaceful coexistence with feline housemates.

Their energetic nature can provide entertainment for cats who enjoy interactive play. However, supervision is important to ensure neither pet becomes too rough during playtime.

Early socialization is key to helping Papillons and cats form positive relationships. With patience and proper introductions, these charming dogs can become excellent companions for cat-friendly households.

14. Pomeranian

Pomeranians are small, fluffy dogs known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. These pint-sized pooches often get along well with cats, especially when introduced at a young age.

Their diminutive size means they’re less likely to intimidate feline companions. Pomeranians are generally gentle and playful, making them good matches for cats with similar temperaments.

These dogs are intelligent and can be trained to respect a cat’s space. Their adaptable nature allows them to coexist peacefully with felines in most households.

Pomeranians have moderate energy levels, which can complement a cat’s lifestyle. They enjoy playtime but also appreciate quiet moments, allowing for harmonious cohabitation with cats.

Regular socialization and positive reinforcement can help foster a strong bond between Pomeranians and cats. With proper introduction and supervision, these small dogs can become excellent feline friends.

15. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are small, affectionate dogs that can coexist peacefully with cats. Their gentle nature and low prey drive make them less likely to chase or harass feline companions.

These companion dogs are known for their friendly disposition and adaptability. Shih Tzus often form strong bonds with family members, including other pets in the household.

Their small size means they’re less intimidating to cats compared to larger breeds. This can help cats feel more comfortable sharing living spaces with them.

Shih Tzus are generally calm and not overly energetic, which can be appealing to cats who prefer a quieter environment. Their laid-back attitude often allows for harmonious interactions with feline housemates.

With proper socialization, Shih Tzus can learn to respect a cat’s personal space and boundaries. This breed’s easygoing temperament typically allows for smooth introductions to resident cats.

16. Havanese

The Havanese is a small, friendly breed that often gets along well with cats. These intelligent dogs are known for their adaptable nature and gentle temperament.

Havanese dogs typically have a calm demeanor, making them less likely to chase or startle cats. Their playful personality can lead to positive interactions with feline housemates.

These dogs are relatively quiet, which can help maintain a peaceful environment for cats. Havanese are also social creatures, often seeking companionship from both humans and other pets.

With proper introductions and supervision, Havanese can form strong bonds with cats. Their small size means they’re less intimidating to felines, potentially leading to faster acceptance.

Early socialization is key to fostering good relationships between Havanese and cats. This breed’s trainability makes it easier to teach them appropriate behavior around feline friends.

17. Japanese Chin

Japanese Chins are small, elegant dogs known for their calm and gentle nature. These compact canines typically weigh between 4 to 9 pounds, making them an excellent choice for households with cats.

Their peaceful temperament allows them to coexist harmoniously with felines. Japanese Chins are not overly energetic or boisterous, reducing the likelihood of startling or chasing cats.

These dogs are intelligent and adaptable, often mirroring the behavior of their feline companions. They can be content lounging around the house, much like many cats do.

Japanese Chins have a low prey drive, which means they’re less likely to view cats as potential targets. This trait contributes to their ability to form friendly relationships with felines.

Their small size also makes them less intimidating to cats, facilitating easier introductions and interactions between the two species.

18. Maltese

Maltese dogs are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them a surprisingly good match for households with cats. These small, white-coated canines typically weigh between 4-7 pounds and stand about 7-9 inches tall.

Their diminutive size means they’re less likely to intimidate or overwhelm feline companions. Maltese are generally calm and adaptable, often willing to share space peacefully with cats.

These dogs are intelligent and can be trained to respect a cat’s boundaries. They’re also playful, which can lead to enjoyable interactions with feline housemates who are open to canine companionship.

Maltese have low prey drives, reducing the likelihood of chasing or harassing cats. Their long, silky coat requires regular grooming, but they shed minimally, which many cat owners appreciate.

Early socialization is key to fostering positive relationships between Maltese and cats. With proper introduction and supervision, these small dogs can form lasting friendships with feline family members.

19. Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are gentle, affectionate dogs that can form positive relationships with cats. Their friendly nature and medium size make them less intimidating to felines compared to larger breeds.

These dogs are known for their intelligence and trainability. With proper socialization, Cocker Spaniels can learn to respect a cat’s space and boundaries.

Cocker Spaniels have a moderate energy level, which allows them to engage in play with cats without overwhelming them. Their playful disposition can lead to fun interactions between the two species.

While Cocker Spaniels have a hunting background, their instincts are generally not strong enough to pose a significant threat to cats. With supervision and training, they can coexist peacefully with feline companions.

It’s important to introduce Cocker Spaniels to cats gradually and in controlled environments. This approach helps foster a harmonious relationship between the two pets.

20. Norwegian Forest Cat

The Norwegian Forest Cat is a large, semi-longhaired feline breed known for its friendly and gentle nature. These cats often get along well with dogs, making them an excellent choice for multi-pet households.

Norwegian Forest Cats are generally calm and adaptable, which helps them coexist peacefully with canine companions. Their laid-back temperament allows them to handle the energy and enthusiasm of most dog breeds with ease.

These cats are also intelligent and sociable, often enjoying interactive play with both humans and other animals. This trait can foster positive relationships with dogs, as they may engage in shared activities or simply relax together.

Norwegian Forest Cats are typically confident and not easily intimidated, which can help them establish boundaries with dogs. Their sturdy build and agility also enable them to navigate shared spaces comfortably, reducing potential conflicts.

Compatibility Factors

Several key elements influence how well dogs and cats coexist in a household. These factors play crucial roles in determining which dog breeds are most suitable for homes with feline companions.

Temperament

A dog’s temperament greatly affects its ability to live harmoniously with cats. Breeds known for their gentle and patient nature often make excellent feline companions. These dogs tend to remain calm in the presence of cats and are less likely to chase or harass them.

Some breeds, like Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, are renowned for their friendly dispositions. They typically adapt well to multi-pet households and can form strong bonds with cats.

Breeds with a high prey drive may struggle to coexist peacefully with cats. These dogs might view felines as potential targets for chasing or hunting, which can lead to stress and conflict in the home.

Energy Levels

The activity levels of both dogs and cats play a significant role in their compatibility. Dogs with moderate energy levels often make better companions for cats than extremely high-energy breeds.

Breeds like Basset Hounds and Bulldogs, known for their laid-back nature, are less likely to overwhelm or intimidate cats with excessive playfulness or activity. These dogs are content with leisurely walks and lounging around the house, which aligns well with many cats’ lifestyles.

High-energy breeds may unintentionally stress cats with their constant movement and desire for play. However, some active cats may enjoy the company of a more energetic dog, provided the dog is well-trained and respectful of the cat’s space.

Size Considerations

The size difference between dogs and cats can impact their relationship. Smaller dog breeds often integrate more easily into households with cats, as they are less physically intimidating.

Breeds like Pugs, Bichon Frises, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are similar in size to many domestic cats. This size compatibility can help cats feel more at ease and reduce the likelihood of accidental injuries during interactions.

Larger breeds can also coexist well with cats, but extra care may be needed during introductions and supervision. Some large, gentle breeds like Great Danes and Newfoundlands are known for their patience with smaller animals, including cats.

It’s important to note that individual personalities within any breed can vary. Early socialization and proper training are key factors in fostering positive relationships between dogs and cats, regardless of breed.

Training Tips for Dogs with Cats

Proper training techniques can help dogs and cats coexist peacefully. These methods focus on creating positive associations and managing interactions between the two species.

Positive Reinforcement

Reward-based training is essential for teaching dogs to behave appropriately around cats. Use treats, praise, and toys to reinforce calm behavior when the dog sees or interacts with the cat.

Establish a “leave it” command to redirect the dog’s attention away from the cat if needed. Practice this command in various situations before introducing it around the cat.

Teach the dog to respect the cat’s space. Reward the dog for maintaining a respectful distance and not chasing or cornering the cat.

Consistency is key. Ensure all family members follow the same training protocols to avoid confusing the dog.

Gradual Introductions

Start by keeping the dog and cat in separate rooms, allowing them to smell each other under the door. Swap bedding between the two to familiarize them with each other’s scents.

Use a baby gate to create a visual barrier, allowing the pets to see each other without direct contact. Reward calm behavior on both sides of the gate.

Supervise short face-to-face meetings, keeping the dog on a leash. Increase the duration of these sessions gradually as both animals become more comfortable.

Provide the cat with high perches and escape routes to feel safe during introductions. This reduces stress and prevents defensive behavior.

Monitoring Interactions

Observe body language closely during interactions. Look for signs of stress or aggression in both animals, such as raised fur, growling, or hissing.

Intervene calmly if tensions arise. Separate the pets without punishment to avoid negative associations.

Create separate feeding areas for the dog and cat to prevent resource guarding. This reduces potential conflicts over food and water.

Provide individual attention to both pets to prevent jealousy. Maintain their routines to ensure they feel secure in their environment.

Set up “safe zones” where the cat can retreat without being followed by the dog. Use baby gates or cat doors to create these spaces.

Health and Care Considerations

Proper care and attention to health are crucial for households with both dogs and cats. These considerations help ensure harmonious coexistence and the well-being of all pets.

Diet and Nutrition

Dogs and cats have different nutritional needs. Feed each pet separately to prevent food-related conflicts. Provide species-specific diets tailored to their individual requirements.

Keep dog food out of reach of cats, as it lacks essential nutrients they need. Conversely, cat food is too high in protein for dogs and can lead to weight gain if consumed regularly.

Consider feeding schedules that minimize competition. This might involve feeding pets in separate rooms or at different times.

Regular Check-Ups

Schedule routine veterinary visits for both dogs and cats. These check-ups help detect and prevent health issues early.

Vaccinations are essential for protecting pets against common diseases. Ensure both dogs and cats are up-to-date on their shots.

Monitor for signs of stress or illness in either pet. Changes in behavior, appetite, or energy levels may indicate health problems.

Regular grooming sessions provide opportunities to check for fleas, ticks, and skin issues. This is particularly important for pets sharing living spaces.

Safety Precautions

Create separate safe spaces for dogs and cats. This allows each pet to retreat when feeling overwhelmed or anxious.

Use baby gates or cat flaps to provide escape routes for cats. These barriers allow cats to access areas the dog can’t reach.

Supervise interactions between dogs and cats, especially during initial introductions. This helps prevent accidents and builds positive associations.

Keep litter boxes in areas inaccessible to dogs. This prevents dogs from eating cat feces, which can lead to health issues.

Ensure all pets have access to fresh water in multiple locations. This reduces competition and promotes proper hydration.