Best dog breeds for cats

Mortal enemies since time immemorial, cats and dogs will stop at nothing until the other species is wiped off the face of the earth. Or so it was once thought. But for those of us who love both cats and dogs, is there a possibility that the two could co-exist? Perhaps even love each other? It might please you to learn that the answer is a strong maybe. 

If you live in a cat household, but you’re thinking of introducing a dog or puppy, there are a few things worth knowing. We’ll look at the top 10 best dog breeds for cats, followed by some helpful tips for introducing them while limiting the senseless violence. 

For households with different pets, including a mix of species, see if you could save money by taking out multi-pet insurance. 

What makes a dog good for a cat? 

Before we get stuck in, it’s worth mentioning what qualities make a dog good for cat companionship. And conversely, what qualities are best avoided. 

It’s best if the breed doesn’t have a strong prey drive or herding instinct. This means they’re less likely to see the cat as a target, or any other small pet for that matter. It also helps if the breed is friendly, gentle and tolerant generally. 

On the other hand, hunting breeds aren’t great for smaller pets for obvious reasons. And herding breeds may try to herd the cats, which can be incredibly stressful. In addition, some breeds with strong protective instincts may not give cats an especially peaceful life. 

But regardless of the breed, early socialisation is absolutely essential if you intend them to live peacefully with cats. 

Top 10 best dog breeds for cats 

1. Basset Hounds 

Being a very laid-back breed works in the Basset Hound’s favour. They’re very peaceful and tolerant, and have a low prey drive (for a scent hound). Plus they’re affectionate. A great potential pal for a cat, possibly. 

2. Beagles 

Beagles may not seem like the obvious choice, given their background in hunting. But it’s worth noting that they were bred to hunt in packs, and are more likely to see other members of the household as part of the pack. They’re also friendly and sociable, which helps. Although it’s definitely worth socialising them early to be on the safe side. 

3. Bichon Frise 

These little pups are known for being cheerful and sociable. Bichons tend to be friendly to both people and pets. Their playful, non-aggressive demeanour makes them good feline housemates. And they’re intelligent too, so will quickly learn to respect a cat’s boundaries. 

4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels 

Cavaliers are generally a very low-temperature breed. They’re calm and gentle, plus they’re adaptable. They’re also dinky enough not to be too intimidating for most cats. And they love company, so there’s a good chance they’ll become fond of your cat or cats. But will the feeling be reciprocated? 

5. Golden Retrievers 

Everybody loves a Golden Retriever. They’re friendly, gentle and eager to please. Plus they’re typically very tolerant, easygoing and sociable, which makes them great companions for cats. Perhaps they’ll even become best pals. 

6. Labradors 

The same goes for Labradors. They’re friendly, outgoing and affectionate, which is a good start. They also have a low prey drive, and – while being energetic – they’re smart enough to respect a cat’s boundaries. 

7. Maltese 

Sweet-tempered and low on prey drive, Maltese dogs are more likely to be curious than confrontational, making peaceful cohabitation with cats a likelihood. Crosses such as Maltipoos are also a good fit for cats, being calm and gentle, plus a cross between two cat-positive breeds. 

8. Papillon 

It obviously helps that Papillons are cat-sized, so are likely to be less intimidating. But they’re also friendly and happy, winning everyone over with their good nature – maybe even your cat included. Plus they’re smart enough to respect cats’ boundaries, so really they tick all the boxes. 

9. Poodle 

Intelligent and easy to train, Poodles are generally polite and calm around other animals. This is especially the case when socialised from a young age. Might your cat and Poodle become best pals? 

10. Shih Tzu 

Shih Tzus are small, gentle companion dogs – while also being outgoing and confident. But also cuddly. This is the personality sweet spot for cats, so there’s a good chance they’ll get along. 

Introducing your cat and dog 

Introducing a dog and cat can be tricky, and it’s best not to expect them to get on wonderfully at first. There are some steps you can take to hopefully make things go smoothly, starting before they first meet. 

1. Start with scent swapping 

Before the initial face-to-face meeting, let your pets get used to each other’s scent. You can try swapping bedding, or gently rubbing a cloth on one pet and place it near the other. This can help them associate the new scent with something familiar and non-threatening. 

You could also offer treats during this stage. This can create a positive link with the smell of the other animal. 

2. Create safe spaces 

Your cat probably has high spots that they can retreat to already. But it’s important to make sure they have spaces for themselves, because for a little while at least, it’s likely that the floor will be lava. 

3. Control the first introduction 

When it’s time for them to meet, keep your dog on a lead, allowing your cat to move freely. This lets the cat approach or retreat as they feel comfortable. Keep the interaction short, calm and positive. 

Again, using rewards can help. Keep your tone soothing to encourage relaxed behaviour from both pets. As always, positive reinforcement is key. Reward positive behaviour, but avoid punishing either pet if anything goes wrong. 

4. Watch body language carefully 

Pay close attention for signs of stress or aggression. If your dog lunges, barks excessively or fixates on the cat – or if the cat hisses or hides – it’s a sign to slow down. Give them more time apart and try again later. 

Positive progress may be slow, but forcing interactions can cause lasting tension. 

5. Be patient and consistent 

As mentioned, not all dogs and cats become instant friends. Some may only learn to tolerate each other, and that’s OK. With regular, calm exposure and consistent training, many pets will adjust over time. Supervise their time together until you're confident they can co-exist peacefully. 

Does the cat and dog’s age make a difference? 

Yes, the dynamic is likely to be different depending on the age of the pets: