In a study with 4678 puppies, 26.7% of the pups live with at least one cat in the same household.1 Contrary to popular belief, many cats and dogs can form close bonds, even grooming and napping together. While some breeds have strong prey drives that can spell trouble for felines, others have easygoing personalities that make them ideal companions for resident cats.
The key is choosing a dog breed known for being gentle, friendly, and tolerant of other animals. With proper introductions and training, these canine companions can become best friends with their feline housemates.
Here are 15 dog breeds that tend to be good matches for multi-pet households.
1. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are famous for their friendly, outgoing personalities. These gentle giants love making new friends, whether human, canine, or feline. Goldens are patient, adaptable, and eager to please, making them a great choice for multi-pet households.
Golden Retrievers need plenty of daily exercises, but their easygoing nature means they’re content to relax with the family afterward – even if that family includes a cat or two. With proper training and socialization from puppyhood, a Golden is likely to see your cat as simply another best friend to play with.
2. Basset Hound
Don’t let the Basset Hound’s droopy face fool you – these gentle souls are loyal, patient, and tolerant of other animals. Bassets can be a bit stubborn, and training may prove challenging due to their hound heritage, but their mild-mannered attitude makes them friendly toward cats.
Basset Hounds are low-key dogs that prefer lounging over roughhousing. While they may let out the occasional howl, Bassets are generally quiet companions content to snooze the day away. This laid-back approach to life can mesh well with a cat’s independent nature.
3. Beagle
Beagles were bred to hunt in packs, so they tend to enjoy the company of other animals. These happy-go-lucky hounds see cats as just another member of their “pack” to befriend. Beagles are loving, cheerful companions.
As scent hounds, Beagles may be prone to following their nose, which could lead to chasing outdoor cats. But indoors, their affable nature usually wins out. With early socialization, a Beagle will likely view a feline friend as a napping buddy rather than something to pursue.
4. Pug
Pugs are known for their goofy, affectionate personalities. These fun-loving little dogs want nothing more than to be loved by everyone around them – including the family cat. Pugs will often seek out their feline companions for snuggles and playtime.
The pug’s small size means they’re unlikely to intimidate even the most cautious of cats. However, their playful antics and desire for attention may prove annoying to more aloof felines. Pugs do best with social, outgoing cats willing to put up with an energetic canine sibling.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle, affectionate little dogs originally bred to warm the laps of royalty. Their sweet, fearless nature makes them accepting of other pets, including cats. Cavaliers are adaptable companions eager to join in family activities.
Although small in stature, the brave Cavalier is no shrinking violet. They’re unlikely to be bothered by a bossy cat’s antics. Cavaliers have moderate exercise needs but are just as happy snuggling on the couch, making them a good fit for many feline-friendly households.
6. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers consistently top the charts as America’s most popular dog breed and with good reason. Labs are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities. They tend to love everyone they meet, regardless of species.
These gentle giants are patient and eager to please, making them a great choice for families with cats. Labs are intelligent, easy to train, and adaptable to many living situations. With early socialization, they’ll likely view a resident cat as simply another playmate or napping partner.
7. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise’s fluffy white coat and perky expression are sure to melt any cat lover’s heart. But it’s the Bichon’s happy-go-lucky personality that makes them an ideal canine companion for felines. These cheerful little dogs tend to get along with everyone.
Bichons are lively and energetic, always up for a game of chase or tug-of-war. This playful nature could be a good match for active, social cats. However, the Bichon’s attachment to their humans may prove irritating to more independent felines who prefer their alone time.
8. Papillon
Papillons may be tiny, but they have big personalities. Named for their butterfly-like ears, these spunky little dogs are known for being happy, alert, and friendly. Papillons tend to see cats as potential playmates rather than prey.
Although lively and energetic, Papillons are also highly trainable. They’re eager to please their humans and quick to learn house rules, like leaving the resident cat alone. At 5-10 pounds, the Papillon is also a good size match for feline friends.
9. Bulldog
The Bulldog may look tough, but beneath that wrinkly exterior lies a gentle, easygoing soul. Bulldogs are renowned for their calm, kind temperaments. They tend to be patient, tolerant, and friendly toward other animals, including cats.
Bulldogs are fairly low-energy dogs, content with moderate exercise and lots of napping. This laid-back attitude can make them a good match for many cats. While Bulldogs may not be overly playful, they’re likely to enjoy lounging around with a feline buddy.
10. Collie
Collies are known for their devotion to family, including the family pets. These gentle, sensitive dogs tend to be tolerant of other animals when raised with them. Many Rough and Smooth Collies are all-around pacifists, avoiding confrontation.
As herding dogs, Collies have strong instincts to chase. This could be an issue with skittish cats. However, Collies are also highly intelligent and trainable. With proper socialization, they can learn to direct their herding drive to more appropriate outlets, like playing fetch.
11. Poodle
Don’t let the Poodle’s fancy haircut fool you – these are smart, athletic dogs that can adapt to many living situations, including those with cats. Poodles come in three sizes (Standard, Miniature and Toy) and are known for being intelligent, trainable and eager to please.
Poodles need moderate to high exercise, but they’re also playful companions. They may enjoy romping around with an energetic cat. Their hypoallergenic coat means less shedding for fastidious felines.
12. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier’s tuxedo-like markings are fitting for these little gentlemen of the dog world. Bostons tend to be friendly, affectionate, and welcoming to all. Their gentle, even temperament makes them generally agreeable with other pets.
At 10-25 pounds, the Boston Terrier is an ideal size for cat companionship. They’re sturdy enough not to be injured by rambunctious felines but small enough not to intimidate. Bostons are energetic and playful but also adapt well to apartment living.
13. Irish Setter
The Irish Setter’s silky red coat and carefree attitude have long made them a favorite among dog lovers. But these athletic hunting dogs can also make excellent companions for cats. Irish Setters tend to be good-natured and friendly to all.
Setters need lots of daily exercise, but they’re not as high-strung as some sporting breeds. Their easygoing personality helps them adapt to many households. Irish Setters are smart and trainable, so they can learn to respect a cat’s boundaries.
14. Bernese Mountain Dog
Here’s a big hunk of love to add to the collection of best dog breeds for cats. Berners, a mountain dog breed, are sweet-tempered with a gentle disposition. They’re unlikely to chase or harass the family cat.
Bernese Mountain Dogs may be large, but they’re known for being gentle giants. Berners are affectionate and easygoing, content to relax at home with their loved ones – including the feline kind. Just watch that a wagging tail doesn’t accidentally knock over your kitty.
15. Maltese
The Maltese may look like a delicate lapdog, but these little charmers are tougher than they appear. Maltese tend to be gentle, affectionate, sweet-natured, and welcoming to cats and other animals.
Maltese are playful and energetic, always up for a game with their feline friends. At 7 pounds or less, they’re a perfect size match for cats as well. However, the Maltese’s long, silky coat will require extra grooming to prevent tangles and mats.
The 15 dog breeds showcased here are known for their gentle, friendly, and adaptable personalities that tend to mesh well with cats. Of course, every dog is an individual, and proper socialization and training are essential for fostering harmonious multi-pet relationships. With patience, understanding, and the right match, your dog and cat can become the ultimate cuddle buddies.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.