Dogs are amazing companions for those who can cater to their needs, but quite a lot of Americans face the same problem – they already have a loving cat and want to expand the family.
Those who have enough love in their hearts to adopt both dogs and cats will need to know which dog breeds cats get along with. Some dog breeds possess unique temperaments that will ensure harmony in your household.
From gentle giants to miniature lapdogs, these breeds show that compatibility with cats is less bout species rivalry and more about personality, social intelligence, and mutual respect.
Golden Retriever
We had to start this list off with Golden Retrievers. They are one of the most popular and well-known breeds in America for a good reason. They are praised for being gentle and patient breeds that just want to please their adopters.
They also thrive with other species, including house cats. In houses where cats are the bosses, golden retrievers are often peacemakers, adapting their playstyle to suit their feline friends.
They have a low prey drive, which means they reliably form strong bonds with cats, which are a part of the family dynamic.
Basset Hound
Although Basset hounds do have a lineage in hunting down small prey, they are surprisingly good with cats. They have a laid-back and slow demeanor to them, making them unlikely to startle any felines or go chasing after them.
They are the couch potatoes of the dog world and are so relaxed that cats often treat them as part of the furniture, quite literally! Some cats will snuggle up to this breed and nap by them for warmth.
The Basset hound’s patience and tolerance will go a long way in winning over even the grumpiest or most aloof cats, ensuring harmony in a multi-pet household.
Beagle
Beagles were originally bred to hunt in packs, meaning that they have exceptional social intelligence.
Although many other hunting breeds can associate cats with prey, the Beagle is completely different and sees the common house cat as a part of their pack. They are a cheerful breed with a lot of energy, which allows them to put up with a lot of cat antics.
The pack mentality that they have means that not only will they get along with your cats, but they will also rush to their aid if anything threatens them, making them an amazing cat-friendly breed.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small breed with a big personality. They are extremely affectionate thanks to their history as royal lapdogs and despite their size, are unphased by cats and can even form deep bonds with them.
Their history as dedicated companions rather than hunting dogs means they have almost no prey drive and prefer making friends over conflict.
Many believe that small dogs don’t get along with cats because they can feel threatened, but the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel challenges this notion, showcasing that it isn’t the size that matters but the breed itself.
Collie
Collies are some of the most wonderful companions for humans. They were originally bred as herding dogs and are often thought to be too energetic to keep around cats.
Despite collies having endless energy, they live to serve their caretakers and their intellect means they know to be gentle when equally loved felines are around.
They know that they are important to you, so they know not to cause conflict. Collies may try to herd their feline friends, but their approach is more about inclusion rather than control. With proper socialization, collies make amazing dogs in cat-dominated households.
Maltese
The Maltese is another bite-sized dog, yet they are known for their calm and affectionate demeanor. When it comes to cats, they are more likely to snuggly up beside them than to chase them.
This makes them great additions to households that already have a shy or older cat that doesn’t like a lot of energy. The Maltese is exceptionally gentle and has little to no prey drive, which defies the expectations of small dogs being yappy or threatened by cats.
They often try to fulfill the role of peacemakers in homes and would rather be friendly than aggressive.
Pug
Pugs are often called the silliest dog breeds, and they only make up a fraction of their clownish personalities and love of companionship, no matter the species.
They are highly social dogs that are affectionate by nature, meaning that they often see cats as equals. They often try to engage in play with cats or cuddle up to them when it’s cold.
Some cats may not like their overeagerness to play, but cats that don’t mind make great, energetic little companions. Pugs can coexist peacefully with nearly any pet, not just cats, and always aim to be silly and please their owners.
Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog, often just called Shelties, are intelligent breeds that are also highly sensitive. These traits make them good at reading a cat’s mood and backing off if they are overstepping their boundaries.
They may start trying to herd house cats, but with the proper discipline, they are very obedient and will listen to commands. Shelties are a breeze to train and, if properly socialized, can live comfortably with cats.
They can even form strong bonds with their feline friends, making them part of one big family.
Mini Goldendoodle
The Mini Goldendoodle is a unique breed that’s a cross between a golden retriever and a Miniature Poodle.
This breed combines the best traits from its heritage, offering intelligence, sociability, and a low prey drive, which is ideal for a household full of pets. They are great with cats, which shows that cross-breeds can create desired temperaments for multi-pet households.
They love to please their owners, and it’s not uncommon for them to become friends with any cats that share their living space.
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