Dogs and cats are stereotypically enemies. However, there are tons of dog breeds that do get along with cats. Often, these dogs were bred to be companions and didn’t have a significant prey drive. Therefore, they aren’t going to chase cats quite as much as other breeds.
Still, with any breed, socialization is important. Dogs that grow up around cats tend to chase them the least.
Let’s go over some of the best dogs that are good with cats.
The 20 Dogs That Are Good with Cats
1. Golden Retriever
Origin: | Scotland |
Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
Height: | 21–24 inches |
Golden Retrievers are known for being extremely friendly. In fact, they are one of the friendliest dog breeds around. Their friendliness extends to cats, as well, especially when they are well-socialized.
These dogs are also very intelligent and eager to please. They’re exceptionally easy to train, making them a good choice for new dog owners.
2. Labrador Retrievers
Origin: | Canada |
Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
Height: | 21–24 inches |
Labs are also exceptionally friendly, though maybe not quite as much as Golden Retrievers. They do get along with cats when properly socialized. However, some of them do have chase instincts. It’s important to socialize your dog with cats from an early age.
These canines require plenty of exercise. Therefore, they work best for more active families.
3. Beagles
Origin: | England |
Lifespan: | 10–15 years |
Height: | 13–15 inches |
Despite being hunting dogs, Beagles don’t have much of a chase instinct. Instead, they’re incredibly social and get along with just about everyone. When socialized with cats, they get along well.
Plus, they’re a very manageable size. Beagles can be as small as 12 inches at the shoulder, though some are larger. Be sure you know what size Beagle you’re getting.
4. Pug
Origin: | China |
Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
Height: | 10–13 inches |
Pugs are very adorable and bred to be companion dogs. They aren’t very active and spend most of their time sleeping. These dogs are also exceptionally easygoing, which allows them to get along with cats.
These are also relatively low-energy, so they work well in an apartment. These dogs work well for new dog owners, too.
5. Bichon Frise
Origin: | Tenerife |
Lifespan: | 14–15 years |
Height: | 9–11 inches |
The Bichon Frise isn’t incredibly popular. However, they can be wonderful companion animals. They’re people-oriented and love to follow their people around. They also get along well with cats and other dogs.
These dogs don’t shed very much at all. They do need quite a bit of grooming and trimming, though. Therefore, we only recommend them for those who have plenty of time on their hands.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Origin: | England |
Lifespan: | 9–14 years |
Height: | 12–13 inches |
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very people-oriented dogs that tend to be exceptionally good with cats and other dogs. They are a bit more active than most other small breeds. However, they also tend to be gentle and laid back. A quick walk around the block is often enough for these dogs.
Because these dogs are relatively small, they also do well in smaller homes.
7. Shih Tzu
Origin: | China |
Lifespan: | 10–18 years |
Height: | 8–11 inches |
Shih Tzus are very popular. They get along with most cats and dogs, especially if they are well-socialized. They are very laid back, allowing them to get along with cats relatively easily.
They are very low-energy. They do well in apartments and small homes for this reason. Their flowing hair is a huge draw, but it does require tons of grooming. Make sure you know what you’re getting into before you adopt one of these dogs.
8. Bulldog
Origin: | England |
Lifespan: | 8–11 years |
Height: | 14–15 inches |
Bulldogs may look tough, but they are surprisingly laid back. They are calm, friendly dogs who get along well with just about anyone. They’re also very low-energy, making them a great option for more sedentary families. They’re exceptionally laidback with cats, too, allowing them to thrive in multi-pet households.
Socialization is important, though. Without it, these dogs can be aloof and may be untrusting of cats.
9. Basset Hound
Origin: | France |
Lifespan: | 10–13 years |
Height: | 11–14 inches |
Basset Hounds are stereotypically very laid back. They’re also very accepting of cats, and their smaller size makes them much more manageable, too. We highly recommend them for more laidback households.
However, their long backs are prone to injury, and they may get more ear infections than other dogs. We don’t necessarily think they’re a great option for small children, as children may accidentally hurt their backs.
10. Yorkshire Terrier
Origin: | England |
Lifespan: | 13–16 years |
Height: | 7–9 inches |
Yorkies are some of the smallest dogs around. Therefore, they work great for families in apartments or with smaller homes. Because they’re so small, they’re also prone to injury. Therefore, we don’t recommend them in homes with small children. Clumsy toddlers and small Yorkies don’t get along well.
Surprisingly, these dogs are more active than many people believe. Their small size does make them pretty easy to exercise, though. They often exercise well inside, though outside exercise is always preferable.
11. Maltese
Origin: | Malta |
Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
Height: | 8–10 inches |
The fuzzy Maltese is very similar to the Shih Tzu. However, they have a slightly different temperament. They have long fur like a Shih Tzu, and they require quite a bit of grooming. Luckily, you can get their fur trimmed short to cut down on grooming requirements.
These dogs are known for their loving nature. They are very people-oriented, so they’re great for those who want a lot of companionship.
Malteses are laid back enough to get along easily with cats. They don’t have a prey drive, though we still recommend plenty of socialization.
12. Boston Terrier
Origin: | United States |
Lifespan: | 7–11 years |
Height: | 15–17 inches |
Boston Terriers are one of the few American breeds. As their name suggests, they developed around Boston. They’re companionship dogs and tend to be exceptionally affectionate. They tend to be exceptionally playful, though. Therefore, we highly recommend them for more active families.
However, they are much less active than larger dogs. Therefore, they can still work well in apartments and small living spaces if you give them enough exercise.
13. Papillon
Origin: | France |
Lifespan: | 14–16 years |
Height: | 8–11 inches |
Papillons may look small and fragile. However, they are actually exceptionally sturdy. They have butterfly-shaped ears, which is where they got their name from.
These dogs are people-oriented, so they’re very cuddly and tend to follow their humans around the house. They also get along well with cats and other dogs, especially when well-socialized. They’re very friendly with people, too.
14. Dachshund
Origin: | Germany |
Lifespan: | 12–16 years |
Height: | 8–9 inches |
Dachshunds are hounds, but they can get along well with cats when well-socialized. They are also pretty small, with some cats being even larger than them. Therefore, they don’t tend to see cats as prey animals.
These dogs are pretty commonly unhealthy, sadly. Their long backs tend to get damaged, which can potentially cause paralysis. While these dogs tend to live long lives, most don’t make it through without some chronic condition.
Keep in mind these dogs don’t get along with cats all the time. It can depend on their breeding and socialization. Therefore, be sure to choose a quality breeder and socialize your dog well.
15. Collies
Origin: | Scotland |
Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
Height: | 22–26 inches |
Collies are herding dogs, so they weren’t bred to chase. Therefore, they tend to get along well with cats, especially when they are well-socialized. They absolutely adore children, too. In fact, they are commonly considered one of the best family dogs around.
That said, these dogs are athletic. They love to play and run around, so we recommend them for more active families (or those with lots of children). They may chase cats in the name of play, as well. However, proper training and socialization can prevent this.
These dogs are also very tolerant of other dogs and people.
16. Newfoundland
Origin: | Canada |
Lifespan: | 8–10 years |
Height: | 26–28 inches |
These massive dogs are known for their long naps and calm nature. They’re nicknamed “rug dogs” because they tend to spend much of their time lying around, like a rug. Their low activity level moves “chasing cats” to the bottom of their to-do list. When well socialized, they’re more likely to see cats as members of the family than prey animals.
That said, these dogs are very big. Their large size can be intimidating to many, and they require a bit more work than other breeds. They aren’t for the faint of heart, so be sure you can handle them before adopting a puppy.
17. Bernese Mountain Dog
Origin: | Switzerland |
Lifespan: | 7–10 years |
Height: | 23–28 inches |
Similar to Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs are pretty large and gentle. They were bred to be livestock guardian dogs, so they don’t have a prey drive. Dogs from working lines may be less prone to chasing cats than pets, though.
That said, socialization is important. Your puppy should be around cats plenty if you want them to get along. Otherwise, they may see cats as prey animals or intruders. Just like they need to be socialized with livestock, you also need to socialize them with cats.
18. Chihuahua
Origin: | Mexico |
Lifespan: | 15–20 years |
Height: | 5–8 inches |
When raised and bred properly, Chihuahuas can be very friendly. They can be confident little dogs with outgoing personalities, and their very small size makes them suitable for most cats. In many cases, you’ll be worried about the cat hurting the Chihuahua, not the other way around. If you have a friendly cat, a Chihuahua can be a safe addition to your household.
However, it is important that these dogs are raised and trained well. Otherwise, they can be anxious and fearful. This fearfulness can lead to them being snappy and aggressive with both people and cats.
19. English Cocker Spaniel
Origin: | England |
Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
Height: | 14–17 inches |
Spaniels may be hunting dogs, but English Cocker Spaniels are surprisingly good with cats when properly socialized. These dogs are both playful and gentle, calming down a lot as they age. They’re friendly with just about anyone, and this friendliness can quickly pass over to cats, too.
They’re pretty adaptable dogs and easy to train. Therefore, they are a good choice for inexperienced dog owners and families. They get along with other dogs, too.
20. Border Terrier
Origin: | Scotland |
Lifespan: | 12–14 years |
Height: | 14–16 inches |
Border Terriers are one of the rarer dogs on this list. While these dogs are terriers (which means they often like to chase things), they are relatively small. Therefore, they tend to get along better with cats than larger, more intimidating dogs. Cats tend to be less afraid of them, especially when properly socialized and introduced.
While these dogs do require a bit of exercise, they are very low-maintenance. Their coats pretty much take care of themselves, so their grooming needs are low. However, they can be noisy at times, so they aren’t a good choice for those in apartments.
Final Thoughts
While not all dog breeds readily get along with cats, there are many breeds that have a pretty good chance. Of course, temperaments can vary from dog to dog. Just because a breed as a whole tends to get along with cats doesn’t mean all dogs within the breed will. It’s important to do your research and speak with your chosen breeder.
Socialization plays a big role in whether or not a dog will get along with cats. If a dog grows up around friendly cats, they’re much less likely to see them as prey animals. Similarly, if a cat grows up around dogs, they’re less likely to be fearful of them.
You want both parties to be confident and socialized. It only takes one to upset the balance.
Featured Image Credit: Chendongshan, Shutterstock
Contents
- The 20 Dogs That Are Good with Cats
- 1. Golden Retriever
- 2. Labrador Retrievers
- 3. Beagles
- 4. Pug
- 5. Bichon Frise
- 6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- 7. Shih Tzu
- 8. Bulldog
- 9. Basset Hound
- 10. Yorkshire Terrier
- 11. Maltese
- 12. Boston Terrier
- 13. Papillon
- 14. Dachshund
- 15. Collies
- 16. Newfoundland
- 17. Bernese Mountain Dog
- 18. Chihuahua
- 19. English Cocker Spaniel
- 20. Border Terrier
- Final Thoughts