25 Dog Breeds That Cats Struggle to Get Along With

Exploring the dynamic between cats and dogs can be fascinating, especially when certain breeds tend to have more challenging interactions. Cats, known for their independence and territorial nature, sometimes find it difficult to coexist with particular dog breeds. This blog post delves into 25 dog breeds that often struggle to get along with their feline counterparts. We’ll explore the unique characteristics of each breed and why they might not be the best match for a home with cats. From energetic herders to protective guardians, these breeds offer insight into the complexities of interspecies relationships.

Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute, with its strong and independent nature, can be a handful for any cat. This breed was originally bred for sledding, and their instinct to chase smaller animals like cats remains potent. Malamutes are known for their high energy levels and playful demeanor, which might overwhelm a feline friend.
Their large size and strength mean that even harmless play can be intimidating for a cat. While they are affectionate with humans, they need supervision around cats. Training and socialization are vital to manage their interaction with other pets, keeping harmony within the home.

Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are notorious for their prey drive and active nature. These intelligent dogs were bred to work in packs, pulling sleds across icy terrains. Their strong chasing instinct can be problematic when sharing a home with a cat.
Huskies are curious and playful, often seeing smaller animals as fun chase targets. Their boundless energy requires a lot of exercise, which can make them restless and more likely to pursue a cat out of boredom. With proper training and gradual introductions, it is possible for Huskies and cats to coexist, but it requires dedication.

Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are small but mighty, with a fiery spirit and boundless energy. Originally bred for hunting foxes, their instinct to chase and dig remains strong. This can pose a challenge when living with cats, as their natural urge may lead to unwanted pursuits.
Despite their small size, they are fearless and often relentless in their play, which can overwhelm a cat. Proper training and supervision are essential to ensure they don’t stress out feline companions. These terriers thrive in active households where they can channel their energy positively.

German Shepherd

German Shepherds are known for their intelligence and loyalty, but their strong protective instincts can create tension with cats. Originally herding dogs, they are used to directing other animals, which may unsettle a feline.
Their size and strength, along with a natural drive to protect their territory, can lead to conflict if not properly managed. With training, they can learn to respect a cat’s space, yet it requires patience and consistency. German Shepherds need a structured environment where they can exercise their skills without clashing with their feline housemates.

Shiba Inu

Shiba Inus are independent and spirited dogs, often described as cat-like themselves. Despite this, they can be quite territorial and possessive, which doesn’t always sit well with an actual cat.
Their aloof nature might seem like a match for cats, but their strong-willed personality often leads to clashes. Shibas are known for their hunting instincts, making them prone to chase. Socialization is crucial to help them cohabit with cats peacefully. Owners must be prepared for a journey of patience and mutual respect to foster a harmonious relationship between these two pets.

Beagle

Beagles are friendly and curious dogs with an excellent sense of smell. Originally bred for hunting, they have a strong tracking instinct that can lead them to chase cats. Their playful nature often doesn’t align with a cat’s preference for solitude.
Beagles can be persistent, and their determined attitude means they might not take no for an answer. Their friendly demeanor can sometimes be too much for a reserved feline. Proper training and boundaries are essential for a peaceful cohabitation, ensuring each pet has its own space and respect for one another.

Border Collie

Border Collies are highly intelligent and energetic dogs, often excelling in herding activities. This breed’s instinct to control and direct other animals can lead to tension with cats. Their intense focus and drive might make a cat feel uncomfortable or chased.
Collies need lots of mental and physical stimulation, which helps curb their herding instincts around household pets. Early socialization and training are key to teaching them to respect a cat’s boundaries. With the right environment, Border Collies can learn to coexist with feline friends, balancing their instincts with patience.

Dalmatian

Dalmatians are known for their distinctive spots and high energy levels. Originally bred as carriage dogs, they are used to running and staying active. This lively nature can sometimes overwhelm a cat, leading to friction.
Their strong personalities and need for companionship might clash with a cat’s more solitary nature. Dalmatians thrive with consistent training and socialization to prevent them from being too overbearing. While they are affectionate and loyal, they require guidance to navigate interactions with smaller animals like cats, ensuring peace and understanding between the two.

Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Blue Heeler, is a hardworking and intelligent breed. Known for herding cattle, their natural instinct is to control and direct movement. This can be unsettling for a cat sharing the same space.
Their high energy levels and determination mean they require a lot of exercise and mental challenges to stay balanced. When bored, they might turn their attention to chasing or herding a cat. This breed needs an owner committed to providing structure and training, helping them live harmoniously with feline companions.

Chow Chow

Chow Chows are dignified and aloof dogs known for their lion-like mane. This breed’s independent and sometimes stubborn nature can make interactions with cats challenging.
Chow Chows are very territorial and may not appreciate a cat’s presence in their space. Their strong will and sense of ownership require careful socialization and training. While they are devoted to their human families, they need guidance to accept other pets. Patience and respect are key when introducing a Chow Chow to a cat, creating a balanced environment for both.

Airedale Terrier

Airedale Terriers are the largest of the terrier breeds, known for their intelligence and lively spirit. Originally bred for hunting, they have a strong prey drive that can lead to chasing cats.
Their playful and energetic nature can be overwhelming for a cat that prefers peace and quiet. Training and socialization are crucial to manage their interactions with feline housemates. With patience and consistent guidance, Airedale Terriers can learn to restrain their instincts and live in harmony with cats, balancing their exuberance with respect for their feline friends.

Weimaraner

Weimaraners are elegant and energetic dogs known for their hunting background. Their strong prey drive and need for activity can make living with cats challenging.
These dogs are intelligent and require constant mental stimulation, which can lead to chasing or unwanted interactions with cats if not properly managed. Weimaraners thrive in active households where their energy is directed positively. Early socialization and structured environments help them coexist peacefully with feline companions, ensuring each pet respects the other’s space and needs. A firm but gentle approach to training is key.

Afghan Hound

Afghan Hounds are known for their grace and elegance, with a distinctive, flowing coat. Despite their regal appearance, they possess a strong prey drive inherited from their hunting ancestry.
This breed’s independent nature and tendency to chase can create tension with cats. They require ample exercise and mental stimulation to satisfy their instincts. Training and socialization are essential to prevent them from seeing cats as prey. With the right guidance and patience, Afghan Hounds can learn to live peacefully with feline housemates, balancing their instincts with respect for their companions.

Basenji

Basenjis, often known as “barkless dogs,” are unique for their quiet nature and curled tails. Despite their size, they have a strong hunting instinct and a penchant for chasing small animals like cats.
Their independent spirit and curiosity might lead to playful pursuits that don’t amuse a cat. Basenjis thrive in environments where they can explore and satisfy their instinctual needs. Early socialization is crucial to teach them to coexist with cats, fostering an understanding and respect for their feline counterparts. Their playful yet aloof nature requires guidance to ensure harmony.

Cairn Terrier

Cairn Terriers are small but spirited dogs, famous for their role as Toto in “The Wizard of Oz.” Their tenacious nature and history as vermin hunters mean they can be quite the chasers. This behavior might not bode well for living with a cat.
Despite their cheerful demeanor, Cairn Terriers can be persistent and curious, leading to unwanted interactions with cats. Training and boundaries are necessary to ensure peaceful cohabitation. These terriers need an environment where they can channel their energy constructively, promoting a positive relationship with their feline housemates.

Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terriers, with their distinctive appearance and courageous nature, are known for their independent streak. Originally bred to hunt, they have a strong prey drive that can lead to chasing cats.
Their territorial instincts might clash with a cat’s disposition, requiring careful management. Scotties thrive with consistent training and clear boundaries to ensure they respect other pets. Despite their stubbornness, they are loyal and affectionate with family members. Early socialization helps them adapt, creating a balanced environment where both dogs and cats can coexist peacefully, respecting each other’s space.

Fox Terrier

Fox Terriers are known for their lively personalities and strong hunting instincts. Originally bred to flush out foxes, their drive to chase small animals remains strong. This can pose challenges in households with cats.
Their energetic nature and curiosity might lead to relentless pursuits that stress feline companions. Early training and socialization are crucial to teach them boundaries. Providing mental and physical stimulation helps them channel their energy positively. Fox Terriers can learn to coexist with cats, but it requires patience and structured environments to ensure peace and understanding between these pets.

Old English Sheepdog

Old English Sheepdogs are known for their shaggy coats and gentle nature. However, their herding instincts can create tension when living with cats. This breed’s tendency to herd and control can lead to unwanted interactions.
Despite their size and strength, they are playful and require ample exercise to keep them balanced. Training and socialization are important to teach them boundaries with feline companions. With patience and a structured environment, Old English Sheepdogs can learn to live harmoniously with cats, balancing their instinctual behavior with respect for their housemates.

Irish Wolfhound

Irish Wolfhounds are gentle giants known for their size and grace. Despite their calm demeanor, their history as hunters means they have a strong prey drive. This can lead to chasing or intimidating cats if not properly managed.
Their large size can be overwhelming for smaller animals, requiring careful supervision and training. Irish Wolfhounds need a structured environment where they can learn to coexist peacefully with feline companions. Early introductions and consistent guidance help them understand boundaries, fostering a harmonious relationship between these two distinct pets.

Whippet

Whippets are known for their speed and grace, often compared to small greyhounds. Their strong prey drive and love for running can lead to chasing cats. This breed’s history as a hunter means they require ample exercise to satisfy their instincts.
Despite their energetic pursuits, Whippets are gentle and affectionate with their families. Training and socialization are crucial to teach them boundaries with cats, ensuring peaceful interactions. Providing mental stimulation and appropriate outlets for their energy helps them live harmoniously with feline housemates, balancing their natural instincts with respect.

Dachshund

Dachshunds, with their distinctive long bodies and fearless nature, were originally bred for hunting badgers. This strong prey drive can lead to chasing cats, causing tension in multi-pet households.
Their curious and bold demeanor might clash with a cat’s preference for independence. Training and socialization are essential to help them learn boundaries and respect for feline companions. Dachshunds thrive in environments where they can satisfy their hunting instincts positively, ensuring peaceful coexistence with cats. With patience and guidance, they can balance their spirited nature with harmonious interactions.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are powerful and dignified dogs, known for their distinctive ridge of hair along their backs. Originally bred to hunt lions, they have a strong prey drive that can lead to chasing cats.
Despite their strength, they are gentle and loyal with their families. Training and early socialization are crucial to manage their interactions with cats, teaching them to respect boundaries. Ridgebacks need a structured environment where they can exercise and channel their instincts positively. With patience, they can learn to coexist peacefully with feline companions, balancing their natural instincts with harmony.

Miniature Pinscher

Miniature Pinschers, often called “Min Pins,” are small yet fearless dogs with a strong, assertive nature. Their curious and energetic behavior can lead to chasing cats, causing potential issues in multi-pet homes.
Despite their size, they have a big personality and strong territorial instincts. Training and socialization are essential to teach them boundaries, ensuring they respect feline companions. Min Pins thrive in environments where their energy is directed positively, promoting peaceful coexistence with cats. With patience and guidance, they can balance their spirited nature with harmonious relationships.

Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois are intelligent and driven dogs, often used in police and military roles. Their strong work ethic and protective instincts can lead to tension with cats. This breed’s energy and focus require ample exercise and mental stimulation.
Their tendency to herd and control can create challenges in interactions with feline companions. Training and socialization are crucial to teach them boundaries and respect. With the right environment and guidance, Belgian Malinois can learn to coexist peacefully with cats, balancing their natural instincts with harmonious living arrangements.

Great Dane

Great Danes are gentle giants known for their imposing size and affectionate nature. Despite their calm demeanor, their sheer size can be intimidating for smaller animals like cats.
Their playful yet clumsy nature might lead to accidental intimidation or unwanted interactions. Training and socialization are essential to teach them boundaries, ensuring they respect feline companions. Great Danes thrive in environments where they can interact gently and respectfully with cats, balancing their natural playfulness with harmonious living arrangements. With patience and guidance, they can learn to coexist peacefully with their feline housemates.