If you’re considering both a dog and a cat, understanding how these pets interact is crucial. While some dogs and cats quickly become best friends, others may only playfully chase each other or even become territorial. Some dog breeds may not get along with cats due to their instincts, while others are more likely to coexist peacefully. Some dogs view cats as prey, while others simply don’t have the proper temperament to live harmoniously with them. Let’s explore 10 dog breeds that are challenging to have around cats and 10 that are likely to become fast friends with your feline companions.

1. Greyhound

Greyhounds, often known for their calm demeanor inside the home, are a challenge around cats due to their strong prey drive. Bred specifically for hunting, Greyhounds are incredibly fast and instinctively chase anything that moves quickly—like a cat. While they may appear laid-back when lounging on the couch, their instinct to run after fast-moving objects can easily be triggered when a cat darts across the room. The speed and agility of a Greyhound make it difficult for a cat to outrun them, and it’s easy for things to get dangerous. Despite their calmness indoors, their chasing nature makes them risky around cats, so caution is advised when they are in the same environment.

2. Beagle

Beagles are friendly and energetic dogs, but their strong hunting instincts can pose a problem when they’re around cats. Known for their keen sense of smell, Beagles often follow their noses, which might lead them to a cat’s scent. Once they pick up a trail, their prey drive kicks in, and they may start chasing the cat. While they are social dogs and generally get along with other pets, their love for hunting can make them unpredictable around felines. Even if there’s no intention to harm, Beagles’ instinct to pursue smaller creatures could create unnecessary tension or even stress for the cat. Therefore, supervision is important when they interact with cats.

3. Border Collie

Border Collies are incredibly intelligent and hardworking dogs, but their natural herding instincts can be a challenge around cats. Bred to herd livestock, Border Collies tend to chase anything that moves quickly, including cats. While their herding instincts are useful for controlling farm animals, they can be problematic when applied to household pets. Border Collies often see a cat’s fast movements as something to manage, and they may try to herd or chase the cat. This can cause the cat significant stress, even if the Border Collie doesn’t intend to harm it. Border Collies are high-energy dogs, so they need careful training and supervision around cats to avoid any problems.

4. Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are small, energetic dogs with a strong instinct to chase anything that moves. This drive can be a problem when they are around cats. Their boundless energy and enthusiasm often lead them to pursue cats, especially when they see one running. Jack Russells are intelligent but stubborn, making them a challenge to train. Their independent nature can also make it difficult to break their instinctual behaviors, including chasing. While they are affectionate and loving dogs, their determination to chase and their high energy levels often make them unsuitable for homes with cats. Jack Russells need careful supervision and consistent training to coexist with other pets.

5. Dachshund

Dachshunds, often referred to as “wiener dogs,” were originally bred to hunt small animals, and their natural hunting instincts can pose a problem around cats. Although they are small, Dachshunds are strong-willed and persistent, and they have a strong instinct to chase smaller creatures. Their bold and independent nature can make them difficult to train, especially when it comes to curbing their chase instincts. While they can be friendly and loving dogs, their prey drive can make them a challenge in multi-pet households. If a Dachshund sees a cat, it may attempt to chase it, and their stubbornness means they may not easily back down. Supervision is essential when they’re around cats.

6. Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are friendly and sociable dogs, but their strong prey drive often makes them unsuitable for homes with cats. Originally bred to pull sleds, Huskies also have an instinct to chase smaller animals. Despite their friendly and playful demeanor, this instinct can take over when they spot a cat. Huskies are independent dogs, which means they may not always respond well to commands when focused on something, like chasing a cat. Their strength and size can turn a simple chase into a risky situation for a cat. Even though Huskies can be friendly with other pets, their prey drive and independence make them a challenge to keep around cats without proper supervision and training.

7. Weimaraner

Weimaraners are energetic dogs with strong hunting instincts. These dogs were bred for tracking and hunting, and their keen sense of smell often led them to pursue smaller animals, such as cats. While Weimaraners are affectionate and loyal dogs, their strong prey drive can make them difficult to manage around felines. Weimaraners are high-energy dogs that require a lot of physical and mental stimulation, and their constant energy can make it difficult for them to coexist peacefully with a cat. If not properly trained or socialized, a Weimaraner may see a cat as something to chase, potentially creating stress for both animals. Early training and socialization are essential to mitigate these risks.

8. Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and energetic dogs with a strong herding instinct. Like Border Collies, they tend to chase anything that moves quickly, including cats. While Australian Shepherds are loyal and affectionate dogs, their herding drive often leads them to try to herd smaller animals. This can be especially problematic with cats, as the dog may not understand that the cat doesn’t want to be herded. Without proper training and socialization, Australian Shepherds can become overly focused on chasing or controlling a cat’s movement, which may create anxiety and stress for the feline. Ensuring they are properly trained is crucial to preventing issues when they are around cats.

9. Pit Bull Terrier

Pit Bull Terriers are strong and loyal dogs, but their strong prey drive can make them difficult to manage around cats. While many Pit Bulls are friendly and affectionate with their family, their instincts may drive them to chase smaller animals. This can be a particular problem if the cat runs or displays nervous behavior, which can trigger the Pit Bull’s chasing instinct. Although some Pit Bulls can live peacefully with cats, their unpredictable behavior around smaller animals means that supervision is essential. Proper training and socialization from an early age can help mitigate these issues, but there is always a level of unpredictability with a Pit Bull’s instincts around cats.

10. Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamutes are large, powerful dogs bred for strength and endurance. While they are generally calm and friendly with their families, their instinct to chase smaller animals like cats can pose a serious problem. Malamutes are independent and strong-willed, which makes training a challenge, especially when it comes to managing their prey drive. Their size and strength can turn what might start as playful behavior into a dangerous situation for a cat. Although they are usually not aggressive, their tendency to play roughly and chase smaller animals can cause stress and harm to a cat. Proper socialization and supervision are crucial if Malamutes are to coexist with cats.

11. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are well-known for their friendly and easygoing nature, making them great companions for cats. These dogs are social, calm, and patient, which allows them to bond quickly with other pets, including cats. Golden Retrievers are intelligent and trainable, which helps them respect the space of a cat. Their gentle disposition makes them one of the best choices for homes with both dogs and cats. Golden Retrievers are also playful, but they approach cats with curiosity rather than aggression, making it easy for them to coexist peacefully. Once a Golden Retriever and a cat have bonded, they often form strong friendships that can last a lifetime.

12. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers share many of the same qualities as Golden Retrievers, including being friendly, gentle, and affectionate. Labradors are sociable dogs that enjoy the company of other animals, including cats. They are usually non-aggressive and are known for their ability to get along with everyone in the family. Labradors are easy to train, and their intelligence helps them understand how to coexist with a cat. Their calm and playful nature allows them to bond with cats quickly, creating a peaceful and loving home environment. Labrador Retrievers are often seen as the ideal dog breed for families with cats, as they are known for their friendly disposition and tolerance toward other pets.

13. Basset Hound

Basset Hounds are laid-back, easygoing dogs that tend to get along well with cats. Their relaxed pace and gentle nature make them an excellent choice for homes with other pets, including cats. Unlike more energetic breeds, Basset Hounds are not inclined to chase cats, making them a safe choice for households with feline companions. Their friendly demeanor and calm energy ensure that cats feel comfortable and safe around them. Basset Hounds are also social dogs who enjoy being part of the family, and their love for companionship helps them bond with cats. With their easygoing nature, Basset Hounds can quickly adapt to living with a cat.

14. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are small, affectionate dogs that have a gentle and friendly temperament, making them great companions for cats. Their calm and playful nature ensures they get along well with other pets, including felines. Shih Tzus are known for their sociable personalities and their love of being around family members. Their small size and gentle demeanor make them non-threatening to cats, allowing for a harmonious living situation. Shih Tzus typically approach cats with curiosity and respect, which helps build strong bonds between the two animals. Their friendly disposition and willingness to socialize make them an ideal choice for homes with both dogs and cats.

15. Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are friendly, affectionate dogs known for their sociable and gentle nature. They tend to get along well with cats due to their calm and patient temperament. Cocker Spaniels are easy to train, which makes them more likely to respect a cat’s space. They enjoy being part of the family and form close bonds with other pets. Cocker Spaniels are playful but not overly energetic, which helps them coexist peacefully with cats. Their gentle nature and love for companionship make them a great addition to homes with both dogs and cats. Cocker Spaniels’ friendly and loving demeanor ensures a stress-free environment for all.

16. Pug

Pugs are small, affectionate dogs with a friendly and easygoing personality, making them great companions for cats. They are sociable dogs that love being around family members, including other pets. Pugs have a laid-back, playful attitude and generally approach cats with curiosity rather than aggression. Their compact size means they won’t overwhelm a cat, and their friendly demeanor ensures that the two animals can coexist peacefully. Pugs adapt well to new situations and tend to get along with other pets quickly. Their playful but gentle nature helps them form strong bonds with cats, making them an excellent choice for families with both species.

17. Boxer

Boxers are energetic and playful dogs that generally get along well with cats. While they are lively, they are also known for their affectionate and friendly nature. Boxers often show love and protection toward their family members, including cats, once they have bonded. They can be trained to coexist peacefully with felines, and their playful energy is usually well-tolerated by cats. Boxers are loyal and protective, qualities that they extend to their feline companions. With the right training and socialization, Boxers can become great friends with cats, making them a wonderful choice for families with both dogs and cats.

18. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, gentle dogs known for their calm and easygoing nature. Despite their size, they are incredibly friendly and usually get along well with cats. Their patient and loving disposition makes them great companions for other pets. Bernese Mountain Dogs are social dogs who enjoy being around their family and other animals, including cats. Their relaxed demeanor ensures that they won’t overwhelm a cat, and their friendly nature helps them form strong bonds with their feline companions. These dogs are easygoing and adaptable, making them a perfect addition to homes with both dogs and cats.

19. Collie

Collies are known for their gentle, friendly nature and are typically very good with cats. Their calm demeanor and protective instincts make them wonderful companions for families with both dogs and cats. Collies are easy to train, so they can quickly learn to respect a cat’s boundaries. They are social dogs who enjoy being part of the family and often bond with other pets, including cats. Collies’ loving and caring personalities ensure that they will treat their feline companions with kindness. Once a Collie accepts a cat, they often form lasting, peaceful friendships that can bring harmony to the home.

20. Maltese

Maltese dogs are small, affectionate, and friendly, which makes them great companions for cats. Their gentle and playful nature allows them to coexist peacefully with other pets, including felines. Maltese dogs are social and love interacting with family members, including cats. Their small size ensures they won’t intimidate a cat, and their friendly personality makes them easy to bond with. Maltese dogs are adaptable and quick to form connections with other pets, which helps them live harmoniously in a household with both dogs and cats. Their loving and affectionate demeanor makes them ideal companions for homes with multiple animals.

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