21 Dog Breeds That Are Surprisingly Great with Cats

Understanding Dog Behaviour
By Liam Hartwell

Exploring dog breeds that are known to harmonize well with feline companions can be delightful. While many assume dogs and cats are natural enemies, certain breeds have shown an innate ability to coexist peacefully with their feline housemates. This list highlights 21 dog breeds that might surprise you with their compatibility with cats. From gentle giants to spirited small breeds, these dogs prove that friendship knows no species.

Golden Retriever

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Golden Retrievers are renowned for their friendly and tolerant demeanor, making them excellent with cats. Their playful nature, combined with a gentle spirit, allows them to coexist peacefully with feline friends.

These dogs are highly trainable, which can be beneficial in a multi-pet household. With proper introductions, Golden Retrievers often form strong bonds with cats.

Their patience and affection make them ideal companions for people and pets alike. Ensure they have plenty of playtime and attention to keep them happy and balanced.

Labrador Retriever

© petlifeca

Labradors are celebrated for their gentle and outgoing personality, which extends to cats. Their friendly disposition means they usually welcome new furry friends with open paws.

Labradors thrive on companionship and enjoy the company of both humans and cats. Their adaptable nature makes them great in diverse household settings.

With early socialization, Labradors can become loyal friends to cats, providing a sense of security and warmth. Be sure to maintain a routine to help them thrive.

Basset Hound

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Basset Hounds, with their laid-back attitude, often get along well with cats. Their calm demeanor and friendly nature make them great companions.

These dogs are generally non-confrontational, which helps in creating a peaceful environment. Bassets enjoy lounging, making them a good match for cats that prefer a relaxed lifestyle.

Introduce them gradually to ensure a smooth adjustment. Their sociable personality means they appreciate companionship, be it human or feline.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known for its affectionate and gentle nature, making it a sweetheart with cats. These dogs love to play and cuddle, often matching a cat’s energy levels.

Their small size and gentle temperament mean they seldom pose a threat to felines. Cavaliers are eager to please, fostering a harmonious environment.

They thrive on companionship, ensuring they quickly become a cat’s best friend. Regular play and interaction keep them happy and well-adjusted.

Collie

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Collies are intelligent and sensitive, often forming strong bonds with cats. Their protective nature means they watch over their feline friends like part of the family.

These dogs are known for their loyalty and adaptability, making them ideal for homes with multiple pets. Collies enjoy mental stimulation, so interactive play with cats can be beneficial.

They’re quick to learn and eager to please, fostering a friendly relationship. Regular exercise and mental challenges keep them content and engaged.

Papillon

© ashleyspires

Papillons, with their friendly and alert nature, often make great companions for cats. Despite their small size, they have a big heart and a playful spirit.

These dogs are intelligent and adaptable, eager to engage in play with their feline counterparts. Papillons can adjust to a cat’s lifestyle, whether it’s playing or resting.

With proper introductions, they form quick friendships. Their lively personality ensures they bring joy to any home. Regular socialization helps them thrive in a multi-pet environment.

Maltese

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Maltese are known for their gentle disposition and affectionate nature, making them suitable for homes with cats. Their calm and friendly demeanor helps them adapt easily to feline company.

These small dogs are playful yet gentle, ensuring they don’t overwhelm their cat companions. Maltese dogs often seek companionship, enjoying the presence of cats and humans alike.

Early socialization is key to fostering a peaceful coexistence. Regular grooming and care keep them comfortable and happy alongside their feline friends.

Newfoundland

© bearsandbelle

Newfoundlands, with their gentle giant reputation, often get along well with cats. Their calm and patient nature makes them ideal companions in a multi-pet household.

Despite their size, Newfoundlands are known for being careful and considerate around smaller animals, including cats. They appreciate companionship and often form protective bonds.

Regular interaction and play can enhance their relationship with feline friends. Newfoundlands thrive on affection and attention, making them beloved family members.

Poodle

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Poodles, whether standard, miniature, or toy, are intelligent and sociable, often enjoying the company of cats. Their playful nature and quick learning make them adaptable in multi-pet homes.

These dogs thrive on mental stimulation, so interactive play with cats can be enriching. Poodles are known for their love of companionship, often forming strong bonds.

Proper socialization ensures they coexist peacefully with feline friends. Regular grooming and mental exercises keep them happy and healthy.

Shih Tzu

© laceyshihtzu

Shih Tzus are known for their affectionate and friendly nature, making them great with cats. Their small size and gentle demeanor allow them to blend into a multi-pet household effortlessly.

These dogs enjoy companionship and often seek out their feline friends for play and relaxation. Shih Tzus are adaptive, forming quick bonds with cats.

Regular grooming and gentle handling keep them content. Their affectionate nature ensures they bring warmth to any home they join.

Pug

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Pugs, with their charming and sociable personality, often bond well with cats. Their playful yet easy-going nature makes them ideal companions for feline friends.

These dogs thrive on interaction, enjoying the company of both humans and cats. Pugs are adaptable and generally non-confrontational, allowing for a harmonious home environment.

With proper introductions, they form lasting friendships with cats. Regular play and affection keep them happy and engaged.

Boxer

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Boxers are known for their playful and energetic demeanor, often forming strong bonds with cats. Their friendly and protective nature makes them reliable companions.

These dogs thrive on companionship, enjoying the company of both humans and felines. Proper socialization from a young age ensures they adjust well to multi-pet homes.

Interactive play and regular exercise keep them content and healthy. Boxers’ enthusiasm and loyalty make them cherished family members.

Boston Terrier

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Boston Terriers, with their friendly and lively personality, often get along well with cats. Their small size and gentle nature make them ideal companions in a multi-pet household.

These dogs are known for their adaptability, forming quick friendships with feline friends. Boston Terriers enjoy play and interaction, thriving on companionship.

Regular socialization helps them coexist peacefully in diverse environments. Their playful and affectionate nature ensures they bring joy to any home.

Bull Terrier

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Bull Terriers, with their unique appearance and playful spirit, often form strong bonds with cats. Their friendly and energetic nature makes them fun companions.

These dogs thrive on interaction, enjoying the company of both humans and felines. Proper introductions and socialization ensure they adapt well to a multi-pet household.

Regular play and exercise keep them happy and healthy. Bull Terriers’ enthusiasm and loyalty endear them to families.

English Bulldog

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English Bulldogs, with their calm and friendly demeanor, often coexist well with cats. Their gentle nature and easy-going attitude make them suitable companions.

These dogs are generally laid-back, appreciating the company of both humans and felines. Bulldogs form bonds quickly, enjoying play and relaxation with their cat friends.

Regular exercise and affection keep them content. Their loyal and affectionate nature ensures they become cherished family members.

Sheltie (Shetland Sheepdog)

© milo.n.stella_sheltie.siblings

Shelties, known for their intelligence and gentle nature, often get along well with cats. Their protective instincts mean they watch over their feline friends.

These dogs are highly trainable, making them adaptable in multi-pet homes. Shelties enjoy interactive play, which can include their cat companions.

Regular exercise and mental challenges keep them engaged and happy. Their friendly demeanor ensures they bring joy to any household.

Cocker Spaniel

© kurabiyekopek

Cocker Spaniels, with their gentle and affectionate nature, often make great companions for cats. Their playful spirit and love for interaction foster quick bonds.

These dogs thrive on companionship, enjoying the company of both humans and feline friends. Proper socialization from a young age helps them adjust well in multi-pet homes.

Regular play and affection ensure they remain content and healthy. Cocker Spaniels’ warmth and loyalty make them beloved family members.

Pomeranian

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Pomeranians, with their lively and friendly nature, often form strong bonds with cats. Their small size and playful spirit make them well-suited for multi-pet households.

These dogs enjoy interaction, seeking out their feline friends for play and companionship. Pomeranians are adaptable, thriving in diverse environments.

Proper introductions and regular socialization help them coexist peacefully. Their vibrant personality ensures they bring excitement to any home.

Great Dane

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Great Danes, despite their size, often coexist harmoniously with cats. Their gentle giant nature makes them ideal companions in a multi-pet household.

These dogs are known for their friendly and patient demeanor, forming bonds with feline friends. Proper introductions ensure a smooth adjustment.

Regular interaction and affection keep them content and well-adjusted. Great Danes’ loyalty and warmth make them cherished family members, regardless of size differences.

Beagle

© thebeagleandthebun

Beagles, with their friendly and curious nature, often get along well with cats. Their playful spirit and adaptability make them ideal companions.

These dogs enjoy companionship, seeking out interaction with feline friends. Proper socialization from a young age ensures they coexist peacefully in multi-pet homes.

Regular play and mental stimulation keep them content and healthy. Beagles’ enthusiasm and loyalty make them beloved family members.

Havanese

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Havanese, with their affectionate and sociable nature, often become fast friends with cats. Their playful demeanor and small size make them well-suited for multi-pet households.

These dogs thrive on companionship, enjoying play and relaxation with feline friends. Proper introductions ensure they adapt easily.

Regular interaction and socialization help maintain a peaceful coexistence. Havanese dogs’ joyful and loving nature brings warmth to any home they join.