8 of the Worst Dog Breeds To Have With Cats (And 8 That Perfectly Get Along 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.

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Bringing dogs and cats together in one home can seem tricky, but harmony is possible with the right breeds. Some dogs have natural instincts that make cohabiting with cats challenging, while others are more adaptable and friendly. Understanding these tendencies can help avoid stress for both you and your pets. In this guide, we’ll discuss eight dog breeds that may not suit living with cats and eight breeds that are known for being great companions to feline friends. Furthermore, it’s all about creating a peaceful environment for both pets to thrive together. Let’s explore these breeds!

1. Siberian Husky

siberian husky and cat
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Siberian Huskies are beautiful and energetic, but their strong prey drive often makes them a poor match for cats. Originally bred as sled dogs, their instinct to chase smaller animals remains deeply ingrained. This breed loves to run and can see cats as something to chase rather than a friend. Additionally, their high energy levels mean they can be overwhelming for timid cats. If you’re set on having both a Husky and a cat, constant supervision and early socialization are essential. However, even with training, their natural instincts can be tough to curb, making them less cat-friendly.

2. Old American Staffordshire Terrier

Old American Staffordshire Terrier
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The Old American Staffordshire Terrier, like other terrier breeds, often struggles with coexisting peacefully with cats. Their history as a working and terrier breed gives them a strong prey drive, which may lead to chasing or aggressive behaviors toward smaller animals. While individual personalities vary, many are territorial and assertive, making it challenging to establish a harmonious relationship with cats. Proper training, early socialization, and consistent boundaries are essential for improving the chances of compatibility. However, even with effort, their instinctive tendencies can make cohabitation stressful for both the dog and the cat, especially in unsupervised environments.

3. Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terrier
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Jack Russell Terriers are small but mighty with a fearless attitude. Known for their intelligence and energy, they were originally bred for hunting small game. This background makes them particularly incompatible with cats, as their instincts to chase and corner prey remain strong. Furthermore, Jack Russells can be stubborn, making it challenging to train them to accept a cat as part of the family. While they can be great companions for active families, their high prey drive and spirited nature often make life stressful for feline roommates. Early intervention might help, but it’s far from guaranteed.

4. Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamute
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The Alaskan Malamute, like its Husky cousin, has a high prey drive and a bold personality. As a working breed, they have strong instincts that make them likely to chase smaller animals, including cats. Moreover, their size and strength can be intimidating for even the most confident felines. Alaskan Malamutes also have a pack mentality, which might not always include the family cat. Even with training, their instincts can make peaceful coexistence challenging. If you already own a Malamute and want to introduce a cat, it’s crucial to seek professional advice to manage their interactions safely.

5. Dachshund

Dachshund
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Dachshunds may be small, but their hunting instincts are mighty. Originally bred to hunt badgers, they have a strong drive to chase smaller creatures, including cats. Furthermore, their playful yet stubborn nature can make them relentless in pursuing a feline housemate. Even if a Dachshund means no harm, their constant chasing can cause significant stress for a cat. Additionally, they might view the cat as a competition for attention, which could lead to jealousy. While some Dachshunds can learn to tolerate cats with proper training, their natural tendencies often make this pairing a tricky one to manage.

6. Shih Tzu

Shih tzu
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Shih Tzus might surprise you on this list, given their lapdog reputation, but their jealous streak can make them poor companions for cats. These dogs thrive on attention and may not appreciate sharing it with a feline. Additionally, their small size can make them defensive around cats, leading to unnecessary skirmishes. Shih Tzus also has a bossy personality that can clash with an independent cat’s demeanor. While early introductions and training can sometimes work, their possessive nature and need for constant attention often make them less compatible with multi-pet households that include cats.

7. German Shepherd

German Shepherd
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German Shepherds are intelligent, loyal, and trainable, but their strong prey drive and high energy levels can make living with cats a challenge. Without proper socialization, they may instinctively chase or intimidate feline companions. However, with consistent training and early exposure to cats, German Shepherds can learn to coexist peacefully. Their protective nature may extend to the cat once a bond is established, but careful supervision is crucial during initial interactions. This breed requires an experienced owner who can manage their energy and instincts effectively. While it takes effort, German Shepherds can adapt to multi-pet households with proper guidance.

8. Australian Shepherd Dog

Australian Shepherd
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Australian Shepherds are energetic, intelligent, and bred for herding livestock, which often translates to chasing or herding behaviors toward smaller animals, including cats. Their high prey drive and intense energy can make cats feel unsafe, and their instincts might lead to persistent chasing or playful nipping. However, with early socialization and consistent training, Australian Shepherds can learn to respect a cat’s space and coexist peacefully. If raised with a cat from a young age or gradually introduced in a controlled setting, they may form a bond. Nonetheless, their herding nature makes them one of the more challenging breeds to pair with cats.

9. Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever
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Golden Retrievers are renowned for their friendly, gentle demeanor, making them an excellent choice for homes with cats. They have a natural inclination to be sociable and are often patient with smaller animals, including feline friends. Moreover, their easygoing attitude helps them accept cats as part of their family. While early socialization is crucial, Golden Retrievers typically adapt well to living alongside cats. Additionally, their playful but non-aggressive nature ensures they won’t overwhelm a timid cat. If you’re looking for a dog breed that easily coexists with cats, Golden Retrievers are a loving and reliable option.

10. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever
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Labrador Retrievers have a lot in common with Golden Retrievers and are also pretty friendly with cats. Known for their affectionate and outgoing personality, Labs can make excellent companions for cats. Furthermore, their adaptable and eager-to-please attitude means they often approach new situations, including meeting a cat, with curiosity rather than aggression. Making good introductions and giving positive feedback can help build a smooth relationship between the two. Additionally, Labradors tend to respect boundaries, which helps build trust with feline companions. Their cheerful and gentle nature makes them a fantastic choice for multi-pet households.

11. Beagle

Beagle
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Beagles are small, friendly, and energetic dogs that typically get along well with cats. While they have a strong prey drive due to their hunting background, their social and pack-oriented nature makes them more accepting of feline friends. Moreover, their playful demeanor can match a cat’s energy, fostering positive interactions. Beagles thrive on companionship and are less likely to feel threatened by a cat. With proper training and early introductions, Beagles can coexist harmoniously with their feline housemates, making them a popular choice for pet lovers.

12. American Cocker Spaniel

American Cocker Spaniel
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The American Cocker Spaniel is a gentle and affectionate breed, making it one of the best companions for cats. Known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, they often display patience and curiosity rather than aggression. This breed thrives in social settings, and with proper introductions, they are likely to form bonds with feline companions. Their moderate energy level and calm disposition also make them less likely to intimidate or overwhelm cats. With consistent training and positive reinforcement, Cocker Spaniels typically live harmoniously with cats, providing a peaceful environment for both pets to coexist and even develop a close friendship.

13. Yorkshire Terrier Dog

Yorkshire Terrier Dog
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The Yorkshire Terrier, despite its terrier roots, is often a good match for living with cats. Though small and energetic, their manageable size and adaptable temperament allow them to bond well with feline companions, especially when introduced early. While Yorkies may initially exhibit curiosity or mild chasing tendencies due to their prey drive, they typically learn to coexist peacefully with proper training and boundaries. Their playful yet affectionate nature can foster a positive relationship with cats. However, supervision is advised to ensure interactions remain calm, particularly with more timid or reserved cats that might be startled by their energy.

14. Pug

Pug
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Pugs are one of the best dog breeds to pair with cats due to their calm and friendly nature. These affectionate dogs are known for their love of companionship and generally get along well with other animals, including cats. Their laid-back temperament means they rarely exhibit chasing or aggressive behavior. Pugs are highly tolerant, making them an excellent choice for households with both dogs and cats. Initial introductions should still be supervised, but this breed’s gentle disposition often leads to quick and easy bonds with feline friends. Pugs are an ideal addition to families seeking harmony between their pets.

15. Corgi

Corgi
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Corgis are such playful and social pups, which makes them a fantastic option for households with cats. Though their herding instincts may lead to initial excitement or attempts to “herd” their feline friends, Corgis are generally adaptable and can coexist peacefully with cats when properly trained. Their friendly and intelligent nature allows them to learn boundaries quickly, creating a positive environment for both pets. Early socialization and structured introductions are key to ensuring harmony. Over time, Corgis and cats often develop a mutual respect, with the potential for a loving bond, bringing joy and companionship to a multi-pet household.

16. Havanese

Havanese
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The Havanese is a sweet, friendly, and adaptable breed that tends to get along well with cats. Known for their affectionate and gentle temperament, Havanese dogs are unlikely to pose a threat to feline companions. They are social animals that thrive in environments with other pets and often form bonds with cats, especially with proper introductions. Their small size and calm demeanor make them less intimidating for cats, helping to foster a peaceful and cooperative relationship. With consistent reinforcement and mutual respect, the Havanese can create a harmonious household dynamic, proving to be a delightful companion for both humans and cats.

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