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🔄 Updated: This guide was last reviewed on January 3, 2026 for accuracy.
There are Dog Breeds That Get Along with Cats you must know!
So, you’re thinking about adding a dog to your cat household? I remember when I first introduced a rescue dog to my two senior cats – let’s just say there were some interesting moments! The old saying about cats and dogs being natural enemies is mostly a myth. In reality, many dogs can become wonderful companions for cats, and some even form bonds that’ll melt your heart.
Here’s what I’ve learned after years of helping pet owners create harmonious multi-pet homes: it’s all about the right match. Some breeds just naturally “get” cats, while others might need a bit more guidance. The good news? With patience and the right approach, you can create a peaceful household where everyone gets along.
At PetsFilled.us, we’ve seen it all – from initial hissing matches to eventual cuddle piles. In this guide, I’ll share 30 dog breeds that tend to do well with cats, plus some hard-won tips from my own experience and from helping countless other pet parents.
Whether you’re looking for a gentle giant who’ll let your cat take the best sunbeam, or a small companion who won’t stress out your feline overlord, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s find the perfect dog for your cat-friendly home!
Why Some Dogs Get Along with Cats (And Some Don’t)
I’ve watched dogs and cats become inseparable friends, and I’ve also seen relationships that required more work. What makes the difference? It’s not just about breed – it’s about personality, history, and that magical something we call “temperament.”
Here’s what I look for when helping clients choose a dog that will likely get along with cats:
- ✅ Low Prey Drive – This is the big one. Dogs that don’t instinctively chase small animals are much easier to introduce to cats. I remember a Border Collie client who couldn’t stop herding the cat – cute at first, stressful long-term.
- ✅ Calm Energy Level – A hyper dog can overwhelm even the most confident cat. I’ve found that dogs with a more relaxed vibe give cats the space they need to feel safe.
- ✅ Good Social Skills – Dogs who read other animals’ body language well tend to do better. They understand when the cat’s had enough and back off appropriately.
- ✅ Trainability – Being able to teach “leave it” or “gentle” makes all the difference. Some breeds just pick up on these cues faster than others.
The most successful introductions I’ve overseen had one thing in common: patience. Cats especially need time to adjust at their own pace. If you’re feeling nervous about that first meeting, I wrote a guide that might help: 8 Ways to Keep Your Dog Calm Around Cats. It’s based on what’s actually worked in real homes, not just theory.
Top 30 Dog Breeds That Are Cat-Friendly
Let me be honest – I’ve made mistakes with introductions too. Early in my career, I assumed all gentle-looking dogs would be fine with cats. Experience taught me that looks can be deceiving, and breed tendencies matter more than I realized.
That said, here are 30 breeds that, in my experience, tend to do particularly well with cats. Remember: individual personality always trumps breed stereotype, but these are good starting points.
Here are some of the top cat-friendly dog breeds and why they’re great for homes with felines:
1. Basset Hound
My experience: These guys are the couch potatoes of the dog world. I’ve rarely met a Basset who wanted to chase anything more exciting than a treat. Their laid-back attitude is perfect for cats who want a calm companion.
2. Beagle
My experience: Beagles love company – any company. I’ve seen them treat cats like part of their pack. Just watch the food – Beagles are food-motivated and might try to share the cat’s dinner!
3. Labrador Retriever
My experience: Labs are adaptable to almost any situation. I’ve worked with Labs that gently played with kittens and others that respectfully ignored grumpy senior cats. Their friendly nature usually wins cats over.
4. Golden Retriever
My experience: Goldens have special patience. I remember one Golden who would let a kitten climb all over him without moving a muscle. They seem to understand that cats need gentle handling.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
My experience: These are true lap dogs who see cats as potential snuggle buddies. I’ve introduced several to cat households, and they usually just want to be near their feline friends.
6. Bulldog
My experience: Bulldogs have a “take it or leave it” attitude that cats appreciate. They’re not easily offended if a cat ignores them, which reduces tension.
7. Pug
My experience: Pugs are clowns who just want everyone to be happy. I’ve seen them make funny faces at cats until the cats finally give in and play.
8. Papillon
My experience: Smart little dogs who match a cat’s intelligence. They tend to figure out cat rules quickly and respect boundaries.
9. Collie
My experience: There’s a gentle wisdom to Collies. They often take on a protective role with smaller animals, including cats.
10. Shih Tzu
My experience: These are cats in dog form. Their calm energy meshes well with feline households – they understand the importance of a good nap.
11. Maltese
What I’ve seen: Tiny but tough when they need to be. I’ve worked with Maltese who stood their ground with confident cats but were gentle with shy ones.
12. Newfoundland
What I’ve seen: True gentle giants. I’ll never forget a Newfie who would literally step over a sleeping cat rather than disturb it. Their patience seems endless.
13. Boxer
What I’ve seen: More energetic than some on this list, but their playful nature is usually cat-friendly. I’ve seen Boxers learn to tone down their play for feline friends.
14. Poodle
What I’ve seen: Smart enough to learn cat etiquette quickly. Poodles often figure out what a particular cat will tolerate and adjust accordingly.
15. Irish Setter
What I’ve seen: Friendly to everyone and everything. I’ve rarely seen an Irish Setter show anything but curiosity toward cats.
16. Shetland Sheepdog
What I’ve seen: Gentle herders who often transfer their protective instincts to cats. They seem to understand that cats aren’t sheep to be herded.
17. Cocker Spaniel
What I’ve seen: Sweet-natured dogs who want to be friends with everyone. Their soft temperament usually meshes well with cats.
18. Bernese Mountain Dog
What I’ve seen: Big, calm, and patient. I’ve seen Bernese dogs tolerate kittens climbing on them with what looks like bemused patience.
19. Great Pyrenees
What I’ve seen: Natural protectors who often include cats in their “flock.” Their calm demeanor is perfect for cat households.
20. Dachshund
What I’ve seen: This depends on the individual. I’ve seen some people form strong bonds with cats, while others maintain a respectful distance. Early introduction helps.
21. Havanese
What I’ve seen: Social butterflies who believe everyone should be friends. Their cheerful attitude can win over even skeptical cats.
22. Keeshond
What I’ve seen: Fluffy and friendly without being overwhelming. They tend to match the household energy, which works well with cats.
23. Finnish Spitz
What I’ve seen: Playful but usually not aggressive. I’ve found they do best with confident cats who don’t mind some playful energy.
24. Australian Shepherd
What I’ve seen: Trainable and intelligent. With proper guidance, they can learn to coexist beautifully with cats.
25. Old English Sheepdog
What I’ve seen: Calm and protective. I’ve seen them become particularly attached to the cats in their household.
26. Japanese Chin
What I’ve seen: Essentially cat-like dogs. They understand feline body language in a way few breeds do.
27. Samoyed
What I’ve seen: Friendly and gentle despite their energy. I’ve seen them form beautiful friendships with outgoing cats.
28. Whippet
What I’ve seen: Couch potatoes who save their speed for outside. Indoors, they’re usually content to lounge with cat companions.
29. Standard Schnauzer
What I’ve seen: With training, they can be excellent with cats. They’re smart enough to learn the rules of the household.
30. Chihuahua
What I’ve seen: Can work well, especially if the cat is confident. I’ve seen some hilarious friendships between Chihuahuas and cats who seem to understand each other’s “small but mighty” mentality.
How to Introduce a Dog to a Cat (Without Losing Your Mind)
Here’s the truth: even with the most cat-friendly breed, introductions can be tricky. I’ve managed enough of these to know that rushing is the biggest mistake people make.
Here’s the step-by-step approach that’s worked best in my experience:
1. Start with Scent-Swapping
This is my first step with every introduction. Swap bedding between the animals for a few days before they meet. It helps them get used to each other’s scent in a non-threatening way. I’ve had cats who went from hissing at a blanket to curiously investigating it.
2. Use Baby Gates for Visual Introduction
The baby gate is your best friend here. It allows them to see each other without the pressure of direct contact. I usually do this during feeding times – positive associations are everything.
3. Reward Calm Behavior
Treats, treats, and more treats. When either animal is calm in the other’s presence, reward them. I’ve used everything from tiny training treats to bits of chicken – whatever motivates that particular pet.
4. Never Force Interaction
This is where most people mess up. Let the cat decide when they’re ready. I’ve had introductions where the cat hid for a week, then suddenly decided the dog was interesting. Patience pays off.
5. Provide Escape Routes for the Cat
Cats need vertical space. Make sure they have high perches they can retreat to. I’ve set up cat trees, shelves, and even cleared off the top of bookcases. A cat who feels trapped is stressed.
6. Supervise Initial Face-to-Face Meetings
First meetings should be short and sweet. I keep the dog on a leash initially, and I’m ready to separate them if needed. Reading body language is key here – learn what stress looks like in both species.
7. Be Patient and Consistent
Some pairs become friends in days. Others take months. I worked with one pair that took six months to comfortably share space. They eventually became inseparable, but it took time.
For more detailed tips, I put together a comprehensive guide: Introducing Dogs to Cats.
Common Questions I Get Asked
Can Dogs and Cats Live Together in Peace? Absolutely. I’ve seen it happen hundreds of times. It’s about matching personalities and managing introductions properly.
Breeds That Get Along with Cats & How to Introduce a Dog to a Cat – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What if my dog chases my cat?
This happens more often than you’d think. Stay calm – your pets will pick up on your anxiety. Use a firm “leave it” command if you’ve trained it. If not, redirect with a favorite toy. If chasing becomes a pattern, you might need professional help. I’ve worked with trainers on specific cases where this was an issue.
Q: Can kittens and puppies grow up together?
Some of the best friendships I’ve seen started this way. They learn each other’s language from the beginning. That said, supervision is crucial – puppies play rough, and kittens are delicate. I always recommend separate spaces they can retreat to when they’ve had enough.
Q: Are smaller dogs safer with cats?
Not necessarily. I’ve seen tiny terriers terrorize cats and giant breeds become their protectors. Size matters less than temperament and training. Some of the most successful pairings I’ve seen were between cats and large, gentle breeds.
Final Thoughts – Dog Breeds That Get Along with Cats
Creating a peaceful multi-pet home is one of the most rewarding experiences for a pet owner. I’ve seen initial skepticism turn into beautiful friendships that last for years.
The key is remembering that every animal is an individual. While breed tendencies give us a good starting point, it’s the specific dog and specific cat that matter most. Take your time with introductions, respect each animal’s personality, and be prepared for some adjustments along the way.
At PetsFilled.us, we’re here to help with real-world advice from people who’ve been through this themselves. Because happy pets make for happy homes – and that’s what it’s all about.
