10 Worst Dog Breeds for Cats (and 10 of the Best) with Pictures and Info

If you have cats and are considering adding a dog to your family, it’s common to wonder which breeds are more prone to chasing or attacking cats, and which are predisposed to calling them ‘friend’. With more than 200 breeds to choose from, looking into each one can be an extremely tedious undertaking, so we’ve done the hard work for you.

We’ve scoured the list and selected 10 dogs that are considered to be less-than-suitable companions for cats, and 10 that are known for being particularly feline-friendly.

The Selection Process

Cartoons throughout the ages would have us believe that cats and dogs are natural enemies, and sometimes, that is the case. However, some dogs form closer bonds with cats than other canines, and if there’s one rule to keep in mind about cats and dogs, it’s that there is no single rule that applies to all cats and dogs.

We know that the behavior and temperament of both dogs and cats are influenced by breeding and genetics. However, it is their training, socialization, and what they experience during their first few months that have the greatest impact, particularly for dogs. This means that you can never accurately predict how an individual dog will react when faced with a cat, and just because a breed is featured on our list of ‘worst dogs for cats’, it doesn’t mean that it is a foregone conclusion that all members of that breed are ill-suited to feline cohabitation. Equally, the breeds found on our ‘best dogs for cats’ list aren’t guaranteed to become besties with your resident cat.

The two lists we have created here are comprised of dog breeds that, due to the type of roles and work they have been historically bred to perform, may be either naturally predisposed towards chasing, hunting, or catching animals like cats, or submit, cuddle up, or extend a paw of friendship to your cat.

The 10 Worst Dog Breeds for Cats

The following dogs typically have a high prey drive or low tolerance for other animals. There are always exceptions, and behavior is never guaranteed, but these dogs have instincts that, at worst, could put your cat at risk of serious harm, or at best, expose them to constant irritation.

1. Greyhound

The Greyhound is an extremely fast hunting dog that has been used in the sport of racing for over a century. Historically, these dogs have been selectively bred to have a high prey drive and super speed, making them superior athletes but potentially dangerous to small animals like cats. A Greyhound may capture an unwary feline before it has even thought about it, so strong is their instinct to chase. Their close relatives, the Whippet, have similar tendencies. This doesn’t mean that these dogs are inherently aggressive or dangerous, but their genetics mean they may cause serious harm to small animals purely by acting on instinct.

2. Scottish Deerhound

The Scottish Deerhound is a hunting dog that owners often use to hunt deer. Unsurprisingly, these dogs have a strong prey drive and will likely chase after cats and other small animals even if they don’t intend to hurt them. Early socialization can help reduce the risk of injury, but your cat is unlikely to enjoy being chased.

3. Chihuahua

You’re probably wondering what harm could come from introducing your cat to a Chihuahua, and the answer is: probably none. However, these pint-sized pups love to be the center of attention, and aren’t opposed to chasing away or barking their heads off at anyone who tries to steal their limelight. Not only that, but a well-aimed swipe of a fed-up feline’s claw could mean big trouble for those protuberant Chihuahua eyes.

4. Samoyed

The Samoyed is a medium-sized dog that has facial features that make it appear to be smiling. However, these dogs tend to chase small animals despite their happy face and will likely kill them if they can catch them. This cold weather sled dog likely had to hunt small animals for food in the wild.

5. Bedlington Terrier

Bedlington Terriers are an alert breed, which makes them excellent watchdogs. Unfortunately, this sharp eye over their domain rarely allows intruders like cats to roam free. They will usually chase these animals away even if they have no desire to injure them. This breed will also frequently bark and become aggressive toward other dogs of the same sex.

6. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is another small dog breed that can easily fit into many of the cat's hiding places, causing it to be a larger threat than you might think. Much like the tiny Chihuahua, the main motivating factor for aggression in Shih Tzus is jealousy. Shih Tzu dogs like a lot of attention and will not be happy about you petting a cat, and may try to chase it away as a result. Also like the Chihuahua, the Shih Tzu’s large eyes can be easily damaged if your cat decides it’s had enough.

7. Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog is a medium-sized, muscular dog that is intelligent, fast, and has endless energy. This breed will often try to herd your other pets, which can be quite disruptive to them, causing increased tension. The Australian Cattle Dog doesn’t naturally tend towards aggression, but if they are not properly socialized or given enough enrichment to keep their mind and body active, they can become frustrated and act out.

8. Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier is a small breed with plenty of energy for chasing cats across long distances. It’s very determined and stubborn and can hound a cat it has trapped for several hours. Early socialization will help get the dog used to other pets, but it will likely always chase yard animals.

9. Manchester Terrier

The Manchester Terrier is a ratting dog, so it should be no surprise that it not only chases small animals but is good at catching them. Since ratting is in their genes, it won’t be easy to ensure the safety of your cats, even with plenty of early supervision. You will also need to get a good fence to keep animals out of your yard, or this dog is likely to catch them.

10. Pharaoh Hound

The Pharaoh Hound is a popular breed because of its dignified appearance and friendly temperament. However, it can also be stubborn and strong-willed. It often feels strongly about chasing small animals and will ignore your commands while in pursuit, even when it’s an adult. Its fast speed and large size can make it quite dangerous to cats and rabbits.

The 10 Best Dog Breeds for Cats

Now you know which breeds are not considered to have feline-friendly instincts, here are some dogs that have a natural affinity for making friends with cats.

1. Labrador

Historically bred as working gun dogs, the Labrador is universally recognized as one of the most readily trained dogs around. They can be pretty boisterous as puppies, but their willingness to please and social disposition often make them ideal family members that fit in well with kids and cats alike.

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The quiet and gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is among some of the softest and easiest to live with in the world. They do suffer from several heritable health complaints, including heart disease and spinal malformation, so careful research is strongly advised. Do not be surprised to find them cuddled up alongside your kitty in their favorite bed.

3. Golden Retriever

Similar in many respects to the Labrador, the Golden Retriever is a well-rounded family dog who loves company, whether it's canine, human, or feline.

4. Basset Hound

The Basset Hound makes our list, not because they’re particularly affectionate towards cats, but because they’re likely to just ignore them! Life is all about following their nose, and although they’re not as cuddly as some other dogs, the Basset likes to be near the action. They’re not the most patient of dogs, but when it comes to cats, the Basset approach often seems to be that ‘if it doesn’t bother them, they won’t bother it’!

5. Pug

The adorable Pug is a classic lapdog, happy to chill out and spend time in the company of those he holds dear – particularly if there is food involved. You do need to take care of those buggy Pug eyes, and it’s a good idea to trim your cat’s claws before making introductions, just in case.

6. Newfoundland

These gentle giants might tower over your feline, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be friends. Provided the two are socialized well, Newfoundlands can be surprisingly gentle, even providing a soft place for confident cats to cuddle up to.

7. Cocker Spaniel

Considered by some to be the perfect mix of chaotic and calm, the Cocker Spaniel does enjoy a good run and game of chase, but also loves to chill out and relax. Some working lines may be a bit barky around cats, but many just go about their business, not overly bothered by their feline family.

8. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bred to guard flocks against attack, the Bernese Mountain Dog has become an extremely popular family pet, known for being gentle yet playful. They tend to be great around kids, cats, and other animals. Provided they are well socialized and get plenty of exercise, the Bernese can be a great option for a home with cats.

9. German Shepherd

You might be surprised to see the German Shepherd on our list of feline-approved breeds, but their high trainability and willingness to please make the GSD particularly responsive to early socialization. They’re incredibly smart and learn pretty quickly how to behave around cats, rarely challenging their superiority.

10. American Pit Bull Terrier

Despite their undeserved reputation for being aggressive, these days the American Pit Bull Terrier is recognized as having a loving and affectionate temperament. Although their large size and powerful jaws make them physically capable of inflicting serious injury, many modern Pit Bull lines have been bred with temperament in mind and are more likely to smother your cat with cuddles and kisses than deliberately cause them harm. Early socialization and close supervision are essential.

Conclusion

If you share your home with cats, or are thinking about doing so, it’s important to make sure you keep them safe and free from stress. For many cats, living alongside dogs is as natural as curling up beside another cat, but certain canine traits make some dogs less suitable for this arrangement.

Dogs that have a naturally high prey drive are going to want to chase anything that moves quickly, even if they don’t intend it any harm. This can make them potentially dangerous to cats, either by causing physical injury or stress. Even dogs that aren’t into hunting can be unsuitable for life with cats if they compete for attention, chase them away, or assail them with unending barking.

Then there are dogs that are unbothered by cats, or even seem to enjoy their company.

It’s important to remember that every dog is different, and belonging to a certain breed does not guarantee that it is going to spend its life chasing your cat, or that it is certain to enjoy their company. Early socialization, strict training, and careful supervision are essential when introducing cats and dogs, no matter the breed.

Hopefully, these two lists will help steer you in the right direction, but remember, it’s important to do your research and take things slowly if you want to make sure your cats and dogs don’t fight like…well, you know!

See Also:

• Dogs Breeds That Act Like Cats (With Pictures)

• Why Does My Cat Hate My Dog? Possible Reasons & Vet-Approved Tips

Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock