Dog Breeds That Can Get Along Well With Cats

If you are a cat owner who is looking to add a dog to your family, you might be wondering which dog breeds get along with cats the best. No need to worry, Simon Hayes, BVM&S and MRCVS at Linnaeus, told Good Dog. There are a lot of friendly dog breeds who would be happy (or at least tolerate) sharing their favorite napping spot with a feline.

“It is a bit of a fallacy that dogs and cats can’t be friends,” said Hayes. “Dogs and cats can be the best of friends, but there are some breeds that are more inclined to get along.” Here are a few tips for choosing the best canine companion for your cat.

Can Dogs and Cats Get Along?

Yes! Depending on their breed, life experiences, and socialization skills, dogs can quickly acclimate to life with a cat — or two. There is no guarantee that any breed of dog will live peacefully with any cat. But, with dedicated socialization training and a slow introduction, almost every dog has the potential to safely coexist with other animals. Those with a prey drive, like the whippet or terrier breed, can prove to be more challenging when it comes to life with cats, Hayes said. To manage their desire to chase, a longer period of one-on-one positive reinforcement training and supervised interactions might be needed.

How to Choose the Best Dog for Your Cat

Hayes said not to underestimate the role genetics play in determining the socialization abilities of a dog. “It’s vital when choosing a puppy to at least meet the mom," he said. "It’s the parent’s genes, and therefore character traits, that will be passed down to their puppies.” Mom also teaches her pups how to behave in their first few weeks of life. These early experiences play a major role in future behavior and can tell you a lot about how they might treat other pets.

If you don’t have an opportunity to meet a dog’s parents, that doesn’t mean he’s not the right fit for your family. Look for personality traits that signal a relaxed, easy-going demeanor, said Hayes. “A calm and confident dog who is well socialized and used to the world around them is your best bet,” he added. Low-energy pups can usually be easily tolerated — and liked — by cats.

5 Dog Breeds That Get Along Well with Cats

Most dog breeds can be socialized and trained to get along with cats, Hayes said. “But dogs with a high-prey instinct are less suitable to live with cats. The fast movements of a cat will trigger those instincts and start a chase,” he said. But here are five dog breeds most likely to get along with cats:

Pug

Their squishy faces aren’t the only thing you and your cat will love about the gentle pug. The pug breed has a delightful disposition, states the Pug Dog Club of America. They’re known for their intelligence, charming personality, and keen socialization skills. The sweet-natured pug enjoys a laid-back lifestyle and thrives on companionship from two- or four-legged friends. They’re happy in just about any size of home or apartment (as long as they are being doted on) and aren’t known to be frequent barkers, chewers, or diggers. Due to their close bond and devotion to their human family, they appreciate not being left home alone for long periods. 

Maltese

Like the pug, Hayes said the Maltese was bred to be a loving companion. The Maltese’s small size and gentle, playful nature make this toy breed the perfect companion for any feline. While small in size, the Maltese seems to be without fear, according to The American Maltese Association. The breed boasts a friendly, confident demeanor well-suited for socialization with other pets. Already have enough cat hair around the house? This breed’s long white locks are low-shed. Don’t miss her equally lovable cousins: Maltipoo, Morkie, and Mal-Shi hybrid breeds.  

Collie

Collies are beloved for their polite demeanor and willingness to train, making them an ideal breed to introduce to a cat at any age. Their companionship to other pets comes naturally, Hayes said. They were bred to watch over their families and tend to get lonely without frequent socialization. Like other dogs suited for life with cats, according to The Collie Club of America, the breed isn’t known to be shy, fearful, or nervous. The classic (rough) collie is recognized by long, flowing hair while the smooth collie boasts a short coat. They both shed all year long, with a larger shed once a year.

Golden Retriever

It’s easy to see why this cheerful pup is one of the most popular among families, multi-pet households, and everyone in between. With positive reinforcement and a little training, the puppy-like golden retriever won’t just tolerate the resident cat — they’re known to indulge in play with feline companions. Lovingly called a “pocket dog”, it’s said that if you cannot find your golden, he or she is probably right around the corner, waiting for the next family adventure. True to sporting breeds, the social golden needs daily exercise. Water activities are also at the top of their list of favorite outdoor activities, unlike most feline friends, so don't look for this pair to swim together anytime soon.

Cocker Spaniel

“Spaniels typically get along with anyone and anything,” Hayes said. Highly intelligent and charming inside and out, spaniels will quickly feel at home in any cat-friendly household — including apartments and small homes. In fact, you could say their cuddly nature is cat-like, as is their instinct to hunt birds. Due to their gentle and loving personality as companions, spaniels often fill the role of therapy dogs. 

How to Introduce Dogs to Cats

“Controlled socialization is key,” Hayes said. If introductions are rushed, there could be behavioral problems down the road including frequent chases and bops on the nose from your feline. Start with introducing smells, he recommended. “Have something that smells of the cat in the dog’s space so that he or she starts to get used to it.” Then, it’s all about controlled socialization until all pets are calm, friendly, and ready to socialize off-leash with limited human interference. 

No matter the breed of dog or your cat’s personality, take care to spend special time with each of your pets throughout the introductions and their lives.