12 Dog Breeds That Clash with Cats – and 12 That Get Along Beautifully

Interesting
By Tara Mehra

Exploring the complex relationship between dogs and cats, this blog post delves into the intricacies of interspecies friendships and conflicts. Some dogs have a natural inclination to befriend cats, while others might find it challenging to coexist peacefully. In this article, we will explore twelve dog breeds that often clash with feline companions and twelve that tend to get along effortlessly. From understanding breed tendencies to fostering harmony at home, this guide provides insights for pet owners looking to maintain a peaceful environment with both cats and dogs.

Siberian Husky

© Reddit

With their exuberant energy and strong prey drive, Siberian Huskies often struggle to get along with cats. Their innate need to chase smaller animals can lead to tense situations. Huskies are known for their intelligence and independent nature, which can make training them to coexist peacefully with cats a challenging task.

Despite their challenges, these dogs are loyal and loving companions. Owners must take extra precautions to ensure a safe environment if cats are part of the household. Utilizing proper training and supervision is crucial to prevent any unwanted mishaps between these beautiful canines and their feline counterparts.

Beagle

© Hepper.com

Known for their impeccable scent-tracking abilities, Beagles can have a tough time cohabitating with cats. Their curious, nose-driven behavior often leads them to chase felines out of instinct. This breed thrives on companionship and may become overly excitable when faced with a cat.

Beagles are friendly and sociable, yet their high energy levels may overwhelm a cat. It’s essential for Beagle owners to establish strong boundaries and ensure their dog understands how to interact gently. Given time and patience, some Beagles may learn to live harmoniously with their feline friends.

Alaskan Malamute

© The Dodo

The Alaskan Malamute’s large size and strong prey drive can make them a challenging breed to have around cats. Originally bred for sled pulling, their strength and determination are unmatched. Malamutes require extensive training to learn to coexist peacefully with feline companions.

While they can be affectionate and loyal, their natural instincts often take over when faced with smaller animals. Owners must be diligent in supervising interactions between Malamutes and cats. With proper training and management, it may be possible for this breed to adapt to living with feline companions.

Greyhound

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Renowned for their speed and slender build, Greyhounds are natural-born chasers. This instinct to pursue can be problematic when it comes to living with cats. Their strong prey drive often makes it difficult for them to resist chasing smaller animals.

However, Greyhounds are gentle souls at heart. With proper training, consistent supervision, and gradual introductions, these dogs can learn to coexist peacefully with feline companions. It requires patience and understanding from the owner to help a Greyhound adjust to a multi-pet household.

Jack Russell Terrier

© Newsweek

Bursting with energy and intelligence, Jack Russell Terriers often find it challenging to share their space with cats. Their hunting background and lively nature can make them prone to chasing smaller animals. This breed requires firm training and consistent boundaries.

Despite their energetic demeanor, they possess a keen intelligence that can be harnessed for positive interaction with cats. Owners must ensure that introductions are slow and controlled, providing plenty of positive reinforcement. With dedication, some Jack Russell Terriers can adapt to sharing their home with feline friends.

Border Collie

© Daily Paws

Known for their intelligence and herding skills, Border Collies can sometimes clash with cats due to their strong work ethic and instinct to control. These dogs are incredibly active and may become frustrated in a household with cats.

Their herding behavior might lead them to attempt to control feline movement, causing stress for both pets. With proper training and mental stimulation, it’s possible for Border Collies to learn to coexist with cats. Consistent supervision and patience from the owner are key to fostering a peaceful relationship between these two species.

Miniature Schnauzer

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With their distinctive bearded appearance, Miniature Schnauzers have a lively and alert disposition. While they can be great companions, their instinct to chase smaller animals often poses challenges when living with cats.

Schnauzers are intelligent and can be trained to respect feline friends. It requires consistent effort and patience from the owner to manage interactions. Setting clear boundaries and offering positive reinforcement can help these dogs learn to coexist peacefully with cats, ensuring a harmonious home environment.

Dalmatian

© Parade Pets

Famous for their distinctive spots and lively nature, Dalmatians can have a challenging time sharing their space with cats. Their high energy levels and playful demeanor might overwhelm a feline companion.

Dalmatians are known for their intelligence and loyalty, yet they require proper training to interact gently with cats. Owners must be vigilant in supervising interactions and providing clear guidelines for behavior. With patience and consistent training, some Dalmatians can learn to live peacefully alongside their feline counterparts.

Shiba Inu

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The Shiba Inu’s independent and spirited nature often leads to tension with cats. Known for their strong-willed personality, these dogs may find it difficult to coexist with feline companions.

Shibas are intelligent and require consistent training to understand boundaries. They may be aloof at times, but with proper socialization and supervision, owners can guide their Shiba Inu to live harmoniously with cats. It’s crucial to provide a structured environment to ensure peaceful coexistence.

Scottish Terrier

© Fear Free Happy Homes

Scottish Terriers, with their dignified demeanor and strong instincts, may struggle to get along with cats. Their inherent desire to hunt smaller animals can create tension in a multi-pet household.

Despite their challenges, Scotties are deeply loyal and intelligent. Owners must commit to providing consistent training and supervision to ensure peaceful interactions. With patience and dedication, it’s possible to guide a Scottish Terrier to coexist with feline companions, creating a balanced home environment.

Afghan Hound

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Known for their elegant appearance and flowing coat, Afghan Hounds are a sight to behold. However, their strong prey drive and independent nature can pose challenges in a home with cats.

These dogs are intelligent and require a patient owner to guide them in understanding boundaries. Consistent supervision and gradual introductions are key to fostering a harmonious relationship. With time and effort, Afghan Hounds may learn to live peacefully with their feline counterparts, blending beauty with balance.

Chow Chow

© Reddit

Chow Chows, with their lion-like appearance and independent nature, often find it challenging to coexist with cats. Their aloof demeanor and strong instincts can lead to misunderstandings in a multi-pet household.

Despite their challenges, Chow Chows are loyal and protective. Owners must provide proper socialization and training to help them adapt to living with cats. With patience and understanding, Chow Chows can learn to respect feline boundaries, ensuring a peaceful and harmonious home environment.

Golden Retriever

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Golden Retrievers, known for their gentle and friendly disposition, often thrive in homes with cats. These dogs are affectionate and adaptable, making them ideal companions for feline friends.

Their patient and easygoing nature allows them to coexist peacefully with cats. With proper introductions and a nurturing environment, Golden Retrievers can form lasting friendships with their feline counterparts. Owners can enjoy the harmonious bond between these two species, creating a joyful and loving household.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, with their affectionate and gentle demeanor, are a perfect match for homes with cats. Known for their adaptability and loving nature, these dogs easily form bonds with feline companions.

Their calm and friendly disposition allows them to coexist harmoniously with cats, making them cherished members of a multi-pet household. With proper introductions and positive reinforcement, Cavaliers and cats can thrive together, creating a peaceful and loving environment for all.

Basset Hound

© Reddit

Basset Hounds, with their laid-back and friendly nature, are often well-suited for living with cats. Their calm demeanor and gentle disposition make them ideal companions for feline friends.

These dogs are patient and understanding, allowing them to form strong bonds with cats over time. With proper introductions and a nurturing environment, Basset Hounds can coexist peacefully with their feline counterparts, creating a harmonious and loving household.

Maltese

© Parade Pets

Maltese dogs are known for their affectionate and gentle nature, making them wonderful companions for cats. Their playful yet calm demeanor allows them to form strong bonds with feline friends.

These small dogs are adaptable and friendly, thriving in multi-pet households. With proper introductions and positive reinforcement, Maltese dogs and cats can enjoy a harmonious coexistence, bringing joy and companionship to their owners.

Papillon

© BC SPCA

Papillons, with their elegant appearance and friendly nature, are well-suited for homes with cats. Their playful and intelligent demeanor allows them to interact gently with feline companions.

These dogs are known for their adaptability and ability to form strong bonds with cats. With proper introductions and a nurturing environment, Papillons and cats can thrive together, creating a loving and harmonious home for all.

Bichon Frise

© Fine Art America

Bichon Frises, with their cheerful and affectionate nature, are great companions for cats. Their playful demeanor and friendly disposition make them ideal members of a multi-pet household.

These dogs are adaptable and enjoy forming bonds with feline friends. With proper introductions and a nurturing environment, Bichon Frises and cats can live harmoniously, bringing joy and companionship to their owners.

Collie

© Reddit

Collies, known for their gentle and nurturing nature, often thrive in homes with cats. Their calm demeanor and friendly disposition make them ideal companions for feline friends.

These dogs are known for their patience and understanding, allowing them to form strong bonds with cats over time. With proper introductions and a nurturing environment, Collies and cats can coexist peacefully, creating a harmonious and loving household.

Pug

© Good Focused

Pugs, with their playful and affectionate nature, are a great match for homes with cats. Known for their sociability and loving demeanor, these dogs easily form bonds with feline companions.

Their friendly disposition allows them to interact gently with cats, creating a peaceful and harmonious environment. With proper introductions and positive reinforcement, Pugs and cats can thrive together, bringing joy and companionship to their owners.

Labrador Retriever

© Warren Photographic

Labrador Retrievers, known for their friendly and outgoing demeanor, make excellent companions for cats. Their playful and easygoing nature allows them to form strong bonds with feline friends.

These dogs are adaptable and enjoy interacting with cats, creating a loving and harmonious household. With proper introductions and a nurturing environment, Labrador Retrievers and cats can coexist peacefully, bringing joy and companionship to their owners.

Sheltie

© mepepinheiro

Shelties, known for their intelligence and gentle nature, often thrive in homes with cats. Their calm demeanor and friendly disposition make them ideal companions for feline friends.

These dogs are patient and understanding, allowing them to form strong bonds with cats over time. With proper introductions and a nurturing environment, Shelties and cats can coexist peacefully, creating a harmonious and loving household.

Poodle

© A-Z Animals

Poodles, known for their intelligence and friendly nature, make excellent companions for cats. Their adaptable and playful demeanor allows them to form strong bonds with feline friends.

These dogs are sociable and enjoy interacting with cats, creating a peaceful and harmonious environment. With proper introductions and positive reinforcement, Poodles and cats can thrive together, bringing joy and companionship to their owners.

Newfoundland

© Yahoo

With a heart as big as its paws, the Newfoundland is every child’s gentle guardian. Known for its peaceful disposition, this giant breed shares its space effortlessly with feline companions. Imagine a scene where a Newfoundland lovingly watches over a kitten, showcasing its tender-hearted nature.

Though its size might be intimidating, its spirit is pure kindness. These dogs are not only good swimmers but are also famously nurturing. Their patient and loving demeanor make them ideal companions for families with cats.

Did you know? Historically, Newfoundlands were used as working dogs for fishermen, further highlighting their cooperative spirit.