15 Dog Breeds That Are Surprisingly Good with Cats

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

dogs with cat
Alexandra Bilham/Pexels

Many families love both dogs and cats, but not all dogs naturally get along with felines. Some dog breeds are well-known for being friendly and easygoing, which makes them great companions for cats. Research from Plos One has shown that specific dog breeds with calm and non-aggressive temperaments tend to coexist well with cats, especially when introduced properly. Whether you’re looking to add a dog to a cat-loving household or vice versa, these 15 breeds might surprise you with their cat-friendly attitudes.

1. Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever in the Park
Barnabas Davoti/Pexels

Golden Retrievers are famous for their gentle and friendly nature, making them one of the top breeds for households with multiple pets. Their calm demeanor and natural patience often make them perfect friends for cats. They’re affectionate but not overly dominant, allowing cats to feel comfortable around them. With their easy-going personality, Golden Retrievers often go out of their way to make friends with all family members, including the feline ones. This breed’s sociable nature means they’ll happily share their space with cats, and tend to bond quickly if introduced at a young age.

2. Labrador Retriever

A happy Labrador Retriever
Ari_Bady/PixaBay

Labrador Retrievers are friendly, adaptable, and known for their good-natured personality, which can also extend to cats. Labs are playful and curious but not usually aggressive, making them ideal companions for cats. They often approach cats with a playful and non-threatening attitude, which can help build a trusting relationship between the two animals. Labradors are smart, and with proper training, they can learn to respect a cat’s space. Their playful yet gentle nature makes them a great fit for families with cats and kids, often winning over even the resident cat.

3. Beagle

Beagle
Timo Piredda/Pexels

Beagles are small, friendly, and curious dogs that tend to have an amiable disposition towards cats. Known for their pack mentality, Beagles often see cats as part of their social circle. Their gentle nature and playful attitude help them form bonds with cats without becoming too overbearing. Beagles are energetic, so they may try to engage cats in play, but they’re typically good at respecting boundaries. Their friendliness and willingness to accept other animals make Beagles a surprisingly good match for cat-friendly homes.

4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Alexas_Fotos/Pixabay

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) are affectionate, gentle dogs known for their calm and laid-back demeanor. They’re naturally inclined to get along with other animals, including cats. This breed is friendly and adaptable, which helps them adjust well to sharing their home with a feline friend. Cavaliers are also known for their empathetic nature, making them less likely to react aggressively if a cat hisses or swats. Their peaceful temperament and love for companionship make them one of the best choices for homes with cats.

5. Basset Hound

Basset Hound
Maximiliano I. Pinilla A./Pexels

Basset Hounds are known for their calm personalities, making them ideal companions for cats. This breed tends to focus more on following their noses than chasing cats, making them generally non-threatening to feline friends. Their easygoing nature means they’re less likely to view cats as prey and more likely to consider them as companions. While they might show mild curiosity, Basset Hounds are generally respectful of a cat’s space, making for a peaceful cohabitation. They’re often perfectly content lounging with their cat companions nearby.

6. Boxer

Boxer
Anita Peeples/Unsplash

Though they may look tough, boxers are gentle and loving, making them great companions for cats. These playful and energetic dogs are also intuitive and can sense when a cat wants some space. Their affectionate nature means they tend to bond with family members quickly, including the feline ones. If introduced to cats at a young age, Boxers can form a friendly and sometimes protective bond with them. Their playful yet gentle personality makes them surprisingly adaptable to a multi-pet household, and they often enjoy having a cat friend around.

7. Collie

Border Collie
Blue Bird/Pexels

Collies are intelligent, loyal, and known for their gentle temperament, which makes them a good fit for homes with cats. This breed is sensitive and can usually understand when a cat is feeling stressed or threatened, allowing them to adjust their behavior accordingly. Collies are also highly trainable, so teaching them to respect a cat’s boundaries is relatively easy. Their gentle and friendly nature means they often enjoy having a feline friend in the household. For a family seeking a dog that can peacefully coexist with cats, Collies are a solid choice.

8. Poodle

Poodle in a lawn
Alexas_Fotos/PixaBay

Poodles, whether standard, miniature, or toy, are highly intelligent and adaptable dogs that get along well with cats. Their trainable nature means they can easily learn to respect a cat’s personal space and are generally not aggressive. Poodles tend to be curious and may approach cats to investigate, but they’re also quick to recognize boundaries. Poodles’ friendly demeanor and adaptable nature make them one of the most compatible breeds for homes with both dogs and cats. Their intelligence and social awareness allow them to form a positive relationship with feline companions.

9. Maltese

Maltese
Pezibear/Pixabay

The Maltese is a small, gentle dog known for its friendly disposition, making it a great option for families with cats. This breed is not typically aggressive and tends to be respectful of other pets’ space, including cats. Maltese dogs are playful but can be delicate in their interactions, which often suits a cat’s temperament. Because of their small size and calm nature, they’re less likely to intimidate or chase cats, creating a harmonious environment. Maltese dogs are also affectionate, and with the right introductions, they can form strong bonds with their feline family members.

10. Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdog
JACLOU-DL/Pixabay

Shetland Sheepdogs are friendly, intelligent, and sensitive dogs that can get along well with cats. Shelties are gentle and are typically not aggressive, making them ideal companions for cats. They’re also very aware of their surroundings and can sense when a cat is feeling uneasy, often responding by giving the cat space. With positive reinforcement, you can train Shelties to respect a cat’s boundaries and live harmoniously together. For a dog with a friendly personality and respect for other animals, Shelties are a wonderful choice.

11. Papillon

Papillon
Jo_nn_a/Pixabay

Papillons are small, friendly, and intelligent dogs that often enjoy the company of other pets, including cats. Their lively but gentle nature allows them to get along well with felines. Papillons are usually curious rather than aggressive, which helps them form positive relationships with cats. While they may try to play with cats occasionally, they’re generally good at recognizing when a cat isn’t in the mood. Papillons are one of the smaller breeds, so their size and personality often make them less intimidating for cats, promoting a peaceful coexistence.

12. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu
Aisha/Pexels

Shih Tzus are known for their affectionate and friendly nature, making them great companions for cats. They’re usually quite adaptable and non-aggressive, which helps them fit into multi-pet households. Shih Tzus tends to be calm and easygoing, often allowing cats to approach them at their own pace. This breed’s relaxed nature means they’re less likely to chase or bother cats, leading to a more harmonious relationship. Shih Tzus enjoy companionship, and with proper introductions, they often form close bonds with their feline family members.

13. Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniel
Johann/Pexels

Cocker Spaniels are known for their friendly and gentle temperament, making them ideal for homes with cats. They’re social and affectionate dogs who typically enjoy the company of other animals, including cats. Cocker Spaniels are adaptable and gentle, so they’re unlikely to scare or intimidate cats. They’re often happy to share their space and toys, and with the right introductions, they can form strong bonds with feline friends. Cocker Spaniels’ affectionate nature makes them an excellent choice for families looking to have both a dog and a cat.

14. Boston Terrier

Boston Terrier in the wild
Avis_Colors/PixaBay

Boston Terriers are small, friendly dogs with a gentle temperament, which helps them get along well with cats. They’re known for their affectionate and playful nature, making them ideal companions for other pets. Boston Terriers are generally non-aggressive and are usually happy to coexist peacefully with cats. Their adaptable nature means they can thrive in a multi-pet household, and they often enjoy having a feline friend to keep them company. Boston Terriers are a great choice for families with cats, as they bring a lot of fun and companionship without overwhelming the household.

15. Japanese Chin

Flat-Faced Dog
Goran Horvat/Pixabay

Japanese Chins are small, quiet, and gentle dogs known for their cat-like personality, which helps them get along well with cats. This breed is typically independent and respects other pets’ space, including cats. Japanese Chins are affectionate but not overly clingy, which often matches well with a cat’s more reserved demeanor. They’re calm and unlikely to engage in chase games with cats, creating a peaceful environment. Japanese Chins’ quiet and respectful nature makes them one of the best dog breeds for cohabiting with feline friends.

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