There are many arguments about cats or dogs and which pet is better. We’d like to think that there can be households where one doesn’t have to be crowned king, and both can be adopted and taken care of as part of one loving family.
Unfortunately, dogs can be a problem around cats, especially if they haven’t been brought up with them. Some breeds just don’t get along well with cats, and it would be negligent to have them in the same house due to their high prey drive.
Thankfully there are some dog breeds that are naturally friendlier and are fonder of cats. Bear in mind that every dog has its own unique personality that plays a huge role in their temperament, but these breeds are good guidelines if you want a harmonious household that includes both of these amazing pets.
Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers are one of the most popular breeds in America for a reason: they are praised for their careful and calm demeanor. They typically try to befriend everything, from family friends to most animals.
They have a relatively low prey drive and an eagerness to please their owners, making them adapt well to households with cats in them. They also have a lot of patience which means they can accomodate spaces with shy or territorial cats.
Golden retrievers do not like conflict, and rarely instigate it. Their integration with cats can be smoother if they are brought up with them.
Beagle
Beagles may not seem like cat-friendly animals due to their heritage as hunting dogs, but their social personalities make them surprisingly good with felines.
When brought up with cats, they look at them as part of the family pack and are far less likely to chase them compared to wild animals like squirrels and other rodents. If they get a chance to bond with their feline friends, this will only serve to intensify their image as a pack member.
Beagles are also of a manageable size which makes them a little less intimidating to cats and less likely to run away out of fear. Beagles are prone to barking, and it may startle cats, so a good training regime is important to keep your beagle from being a nuisance.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are an affectionate dog breed that are highly adaptable to their environment. They are a small breed, which already means cats won’t feel as intimidated by them, and they won’t feel that much more powerful.
They are laid-back dogs that are great for households with all sorts of different pets. All they want is their owner’s affection and care for little else. Their love for humans can often spill over onto cats, and it helps them bond as they see you affectionate to their feline friends.
Routine playtime and gentle play are crucial to fostering a strong friendship between dogs and cats. One thing to look out for is separation anxiety in this breed, as they bond intensely with their owners.
Basset Hound
Basset hounds are a short-legged breed, meaning their eye level will be close to a cats, making them less imposing. They are known for their patience and mild temperament and are not likely to bother or bully cats.
They can be stubborn breeds which means that training is key to keeping order in a household. They are calm animals and have a slow-pace, meaning they are unlikely to chase a cat and also won’t startle cats through any quick motions.
Basset hounds are ideal for households with cats that are equally laid-back. Keeping up exercise with this breed is important to keep them stimulated.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers are another favorite among households across the United States. They are an intelligent breed that is playful by nature, making them great with cats who love play and interaction. They are easygoing animals, which means they will tolerate even boisterous cats.
They are already a popular pick for cat-dog households, and since they are so easy to train, they can be easily taught to be gentle around cats and considerate of their personal space, which cats often prefer.
Socialization early in life will make integration much easier than trying to teach an older dog. Labs love stimulation and active households, meaning they need a lot of engagement to keep them happy.
Papillon
The Papillon is a small dog with a lot of energy and confidence. They are social by nature and have a fearlessness about them, making them great companions. They will not react to bossier cats and will stand their ground in a non-aggressive way.
Their small stature means that they don’t stand too tall above a cat, making intimidation less likely. They have butterfly ears which add to their calm and gentle appearance.
Papillons do require frequent maintenance like grooming and should be trained at an early age to avoid over-attachment to their owners, which can lead to jealousy. They must also be taught to respect their feline friend’s boundaries.
Pug
Pugs are adorable and playful animals that love to please their owners. Their loving nature means they can often form close bonds with cats in the same household.
Pugs love cuddling on the couch and may even snuggle up with a cat for warmth. They can be a breed that demands attention not just from their owners but possibly also cats. Training them to respect boundaries will help prevent them from getting into any trouble or upsetting felines that share their space.
Pugs are great for households with cats that can tolerate their playful nature. However, they do need regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy and prevent them from becoming overweight.
Collie
Collies are known for being loving parts of families, which even include cats. They are one of the breeds that are the most eager to please and won’t do anything that their owner forbids, including bullying or chasing cats.
They do need proper training to ensure that they don’t herd cats as part of their instinct. Once they recognize that cats are important parts of your family, they will bond much deeper with them. Collies are a gentle breed that is particularly good with children and other pets, which means they can foster a protective environment.
Their intelligence means they are responsive to their owner’s commands and can stop what they are doing instantly if you give them the right vocal command.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small and affectionate breed that thrives in close-knit family environments. Their small size means that they are not threatening and won’t startle even aloof cats.
They can have a clinginess that can be trained out so they don’t extend this to their feline friends, who may want personal space. Bichon Friches prefer gentle interactions, which should suit most felines just fine.
They may need to be trained to be calm and respectful to cats to avoid overwhelming them. Regular grooming is recommended to keep their fur from getting out of hand.
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