Choose Dog Breeds That Like Cats

Can you really mix dogs with cats in one household without creating mayhem? Absolutely. There are many dog breeds that like cats, so they can often be ideal for mixed pet households. The goal is to create a home that’s comfortable and safe for each pet. Many dogs will need some training, especially if you’re thinking of getting a puppy.

Some dogs may quickly form a bond with cats and become best buddies and playmates. Many breeds of dogs tend to be lovers, not fighters, so they make great companions and will easily accept cats. On the other side of the spectrum, there are types of dogs that are bred to hunt. Aggressive, highly active breeds will often have a territorial or predatory nature or even a herding mentality, so a fast-moving cat could trigger the animal’s predatory instincts.

Of course, these are all simply generalizations. The temperament and personality of each pet will play a large role in their relationships in a multi-pet household. There are many dog breeds that get along with cats. However, most well-socialized dogs will get along just fine with cats and live in harmony. But if you’re thinking of adding a dog to your furry family, consider these nine dog breeds that like cats as potential options.

1. Golden Retrievers: Social, loving, and sometimes goofy, goldens are known for getting along with most people and pets, and they’re always eager to make friends. Goldens are known to be very good with cats and tend to be gentle in nature. They’re also smart enough to know when to back off and leave a cat alone.
2. Labrador Retrievers: These gentle giants are the epitome of lovers, so they’ll easily accept cats as part of their family pack. Labs are easy to train and are not territorial, so they’ll often share spaces with other dogs and cats.
3. Beagles: These floppy-eared pups were bred to hunt in packs, and most beagles have a sweet and loving nature. Their natural pack mentality means they’ll likely consider the cat as part of their crew. Something to keep in mind: if you add another beagle into the mix, they are more likely to gang up on the cat, so one is enough.
4. Pugs: These bouncy little guys are friendly and love attention, so they’ll make good playmates and companions for cats, especially while you’re away from home. Since they also like to lounge around, they’re less likely to chase the cat around the house and more likely to form a lasting affectionate bond.
5. Shetland Sheepdogs (Shelties): While Shelties are members of the Herding Group, they’re very smart, easygoing, and trainable, so once they learn how to act around the cat, there shouldn’t be many issues. Since Shelties will bark when they’re bored, having a cat sibling is a great way to keep them engaged and happy.
6. Basset Hounds: While Bassets were bred for hunting and instinctively love to chase, they’re generally laid back and friendly towards other animals, including cats. They can be stubborn during training sessions, but underneath it all, they’re really just big floppy lovers that many cats love to cuddle.
7. Poodles: Although they’re an active breed requiring regular exercise, poodles of all sizes tend to live peacefully with their feline counterparts. Toy size pups will tend to play with cats as they’re around the same size. Miniatures tend to be less playful but will tolerate a cat being around. Most Standard Poodles will simply ignore the cat’s existence. 
8. Bichon Frises: With happy and entertaining personalities, Bichons are ideal siblings and playmates with cats. Bichons will usually accept and be best buddies with any cat who tolerates or partakes in their bouncy antics. One caution: Bichon’s outgoing personality may be too much for a cat who likes to be left alone.
9. Boston Terriers: While they’re in the Terrier Group, Boston Terriers are good-natured and devoted to their family pack. Since the hunting drive has been largely bred out of them, they tend to play and chase for fun, so feistier cats will enjoy their company.Depending on the individual personalities, any of the nine dog breeds we’ve listed will often thrive in a multi-pet household with cats. But if you’d like to see more, click here to see a list of 25 dog breeds that get along with cats!