Which Dogs Like Cats?

May 2, 2022

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Having a cat and a dog in the family is a fantastic experience. But many people fear that these two might not get along with one another. If you wish to introduce a new feline or a pup to the family and are concerned about the same thing, don’t be! Sure, cats and dogs are known for their classic rivalry, but you will be surprised to know that many dog breeds tend to get along with cats.

From the playful poodles to the empathetic golden retrievers, take a closer look at some of the best dog breeds that get along with cats quite well!

What Dogs Get Along With Cats The Best?

Golden retrievers are incredibly friendly and can get along with kids and other pets, including cats. This works especially well if you introduce your cat to your dog before the pup turns four. As they grow together, they learn to live with one another.

Despite their hunting background, Beagles also get along with cats quite well. Beagles are naturally curious and friendly and can form a good relationship with your cat. They may end up viewing the cat as a part of its pack, so you can expect some healthy bonding.

Pugs are also great, cat-friendly dogs. Since they have a pretty low prey drive, they are far less likely to chase a cat around or show any hostility. Their gentle nature and small size make them the perfect friend for a feline housemate!

What Dogs Like Cats The Most?

So we know the dogs that are good with cats and get along well. Now, let's discuss in detail all about the dogs that like cats the most.

Top 16 Dogs That like Cats The Most

Labrador Retriever
Poodle
Bichon Frise
Shetland Sheepdog
Basset Hound
Maltese
Boston Terrier
Irish Setters
Pomeranians
Bernese Mountain Dogs
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Boxer
Collie
Newfoundland
Pekingese
Cocker Spaniels

1.Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are the cutest, most energetic, and friendly pups eager to please those around them. This makes them great when it comes to co-living with cats. Fortunately, Labradors are also smart, fast learning pups, so you can teach them to play gently with your cat.

2.Poodle

Poodles' naturally protective instincts will kick in when you introduce a cat to the family. But as soon as they recognize the cat as a part of the family, this protective instinct extends to them as well.

They are generally loving, good-natured, tolerant canines that can quickly learn to get along with cats.

3.Bichon Frise

This enthusiastic yet friendly breed of dogs is great if you are planning on housing a cat with them. Bichon Frise prefers having a companion and hates being alone for extended periods.

This is why they tend to easily get along with other pets, especially cats.

4.Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland sheepdogs or shelties are gentle, playful, and intelligent animals. They also tend to have a strong instinct to herd animals. However, they can quickly be trained to share a home with a cat.

5.Basset Hound

The good-natured basset hound is an excellent companion for both cats and children. They have a long heavy body and short legs and move around slowly, so you won't have to fear them intimidating your cat. Plus, they won’t mind if your cat snuggles next to them while sleeping; they might love it!

6.Maltese

Maltese are naturally affectionate and friendly, so yes, you can expect them to get along with cats. They have a gentle nature and love socializing, meaning they will get along well with other dogs, humans, and cats!

7.Boston Terrier

If you find Boston engaged in chasing your cat, you don't have anything to fear. This is their form of playtime; they won't hurt your feline! This affectionate dog breed loves interacting with cats, so it's safe to say they will get along.

8.Irish Setters

The Irish Setter is a social and affectionate breed that can very easily get along with cats and other pets. However, it may be wise to introduce your pet first and have them both grow accustomed to one another over time because the Irish settler does carry an instinct that will have them running behind small jittery animals.

9.Pomeranians

Pomeranians are a fun-loving lap dog type; therefore, they get along well with cats. They may need some time to adjust to life with a cat at home, but you will have a happy pair once they do!

10.Bernese Mountain Dogs

Bernese Mountain Dogs come next as the best breed that gets along with cats. They are quite responsive to training, so you will find them living peacefully with cats in no time!

It’s also quite likely that your Bernese may grow to love your house cat but still chase outdoor cats.

11.Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a loving and loyal companion. They are also extremely friendly and as sweet. You can expect them to get along with other animals easily, including cats.

12.Boxer

Friendly, pleasant dog breeds like boxers are great to have at home. They are also great at socialization, and if done at an early age, they can live with cats quite peacefully!

13.Collie

Collies can be very affectionate towards their friends and are extremely loyal to their owners. They also have herding tendencies which means they might chase your cat around but are generally non-aggressive.

With some training, they can form an inseparable bond with your cat!

14.Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is another friendly, easygoing pet and is generally not aggressive. They are good-natured, so you can expect them to get along with felines as long as they are properly socialized and trained.

15.Pekingese

The Pekingese is primarily an indoor dog, and some may expect them to be incredibly territorial. However, the reality is quite the opposite; they get along great with cats.

16.Cocker Spaniels

Spaniels are a loving breed, and yes, they love playing with cats! Cats and spaniels get along best if they are introduced to one another at an early age.

What Dog Breeds Are Like Cats?

The Manchester Terrier is a loyal canine breed. While they may seem intimidating, they are incredibly affectionate and will curl up on your lap all day long. That's not all; you may catch them following around rats and insects, some strong cat-like qualities right there!

Another cat-like dog breed is the Papillon, an excellent companion for dog lovers. These will stick close to you throughout the day, and you'll find that they're very friendly towards children and adults. They are also intelligent like cats, sometimes assertive and displaying confidence.

The Basenji is. Next, they are probably one of the most cat-like breeds. Energetic, caring, and yet shy at times, you will find this pup adorable! Basenji is also incredibly loyal, usually sticking close to its master.

What Dogs Look Like Cats?

Image credits: Gấu Mèo Bắc Mỹ

When you mix a bit of each world, you end up with something magical.

The same can be said for Dúi, a mix of a dog breed native to Vietnam and a short-legged dog called Dingo.

Dui has taken the internet by storm owing to his cat-like features and incredibly fluffy hair. Many call it a dog cat hybrid. Just take a look at him and see for yourself!

The Japanese Chin is an excellent example of a cat-like dog breed. It has a quiet, loving nature and has always been bred as a companion pet.

These charming pets won’t bark when a stranger steps in but will greet them at the door. This doting personality is to die for!

The Vizsla is another cat-like breed that you will love! They are incredibly clingy and will trail behind you most of the time. So don't think you can leave them at home for long periods.

Why Do Dogs Like Cats?

While dogs and cats may seem like rivals, it all actually depends on their upbringing. Dogs that tend to like cats are usually introduced to them at an early age. For others, they may inherently learn to cohabitate with cats over time, especially if they socialize. Most dogs simply grow to like the companionship a cat brings to them over time!

Should I Get A Dog If I Have A Cat?

According to a survey by the University of Chicago. Out of the 61% of US pet-owning households, nearly 14% own both dogs and cats. Only 4% carry a combination of other pets.

So yes, you should add to the list of homes that carry this dynamic duo. In most cases, cats and dogs can live together in peace, it may take some patience to get there, but you'll love the results!

Big Dogs That Are Good With Cats

Despite weighing well over 100 pounds, the Great Pyrenees is a great companion for cats. It is a quiet, tolerant dog that will get along with cats well and also protect them from danger.

The German Shepherd is another fantastic example. While it does have a strong prey chasing instinct, they may identify them as friends, not foes, if they start socializing with cats early on.

Dogs That Are Good With Cats and Don't Shed

You may want to house a dog that gets along with cats and yet doesn’t shed. Luckily for you, there are plenty of hypoallergenic canines!

The Bichon Frise we mentioned earlier is a great example! Not only do they get along with cats, but they also don't shed. The calm and loving Poodles are another fantastic example! They are adorable and also fall under the hypoallergenic types.

You also don’t want to miss out on the Maltese, naturally affectionate, friendly, and dander free! All these make best dogs for cats.

Wrapping It Up

That’s all for today! We have introduced you to some of the top friendliest dog breeds great for your home, especially if you already own a cat.

If you want to have a cat and dog mix at your house, don’t worry. Just remember to take your time, be patient, and your pets will form a naturally harmonious relationship!