25 dog breeds which are good at dealing with cats

Cats and dogs can coexist peacefully in most households, depending on the breed of dog you choose.

Introducing cats to dogs can be challenging because “most cats prefer calm and are more solitary” and “they are extremely prone to stress,” notes VCA, one of North America’s largest veterinary clinic chains with more than 1,000 veterinary practices in the United States USA and Canada as well as Japan.

However, some breeds of dogs are more compatible with cats than others, such as: B. Dogs in the athletic group who are friendly and sociable by nature. “These Happy-Go-Lucky dogs are happy to make friends with everyone they meet, including cats,” explains the American Kennel Club (AKC).

“Most dog breeds can live quietly with a cat if they are socialized as puppies and trained to leave the cat alone,” adds AKC.

Below are some breeds of dogs that are good at handling cats, in alphabetical order.

Basset hound

Basset Hounds are known as “loyal, patient, and restrained dogs,” and “their mild outlook on life makes them kind and tolerant of other animals,” notes AKC.

Basset Hounds seen at the Crufts Dog Show in the city of Birmingham in Central England in the UK on March 9, 2018.
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beagle

Beagles are bred in packs for hunting and are usually friendly to other animals. They have a “happy-go-lucky nature” and “probably just see cats as just another member of the pack,” according to AKC.

A Beagle seen at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in London, England in the UK on December 17, 2019
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Border collie

Border Collies are known as “lovers, not fighters,” according to The Spruce Pets, a pet education and advice website. They are “exceptionally gentle with children and most of the family pets, even if cats convince them”.

Three Border Collies at the Sydney Dog Lovers Show 2018 in Australia on August 4, 2018.
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Border terrier

Border Terriers are “good-humored, loving family companions” and can be well suited for homes with multiple pets, including cats, according to Purina, the pet food company.

A border terrier from Great Britain pictured in 2012.
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Boston Terrier

The Boston Terriers’ “intelligence and training ability” make this breed ideal for getting along with feline friends, “advises Rover, a network of animal handlers and walkers.

“They are rather small (but have big, warm personalities) and quickly become friends with the other fur animals in your accommodation,” he adds.

A Boston Terrier seen in Florence, Italy on January 10, 2017.
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Bulldog

While Bulldogs may be heavier than others and appear more intimidating for that reason, they are known for their friendly temperament, according to the AKC.

“Your easygoing personality makes it likely that you will enjoy your cat’s company,” she adds.

A bulldog seen at a news conference with the American Kennel Club and HJ Kalikow & Co. in New York on August 9, 2017.
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Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Originally used as a rancher and farm dog in Cardiganshire in south Wales around 1200 BC. Used today, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is primarily a companion dog and, due to its “balanced, loyal and loving” nature, is ideal for households with several pets after Purina.

A Welsh Pembroke Corgi, one of two breeds of Welsh Corgi (the other is the Welsh Cardigan Corgi), pictured at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in New York City on February 11, 2019.
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The AKC describes Cavalier King Charles Spaniels as “adaptable, loving, and gentle little dogs with a fearless personality”. They are more likely to be intimidated by cats than to piss them off, and are likely to leave cats alone when in the same house.

A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel pictured at the Crufts dog show in Birmingham, England on March 10, 2017.
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collie

Collies are known to love children, and “for some, that love may extend to cats … they are vocal dogs who are tolerant of other family pets,” according to AKC.

A collie pictured at a canine event in New York City on September 28, 2016.
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Corgi

Loving, loyal, and obedient, Corgis are “particularly fond of children and are on good terms with other pets,” notes Purina.

A pair of corgis playing in a park in Brooklyn, New York on August 24, 2019.
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Curly-coated retriever

The gentle temperament of the Curly-Coated Retriever makes them ideal family dogs and, according to Purina, is well suited for pets with multiple pets.

A curly-haired retriever attending the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in New York City on February 16, 2016.
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English springer spaniel

Loving and sociable, these dogs are good-natured, “love (and need) company and get on well with children and other animals,” advises Purina.

A playful English Springer Spaniel and cat pictured in a garden in England, UK in June 2014. Some dog breeds, including the English Springer Spaniel, are more cat-friendly than others.
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German shepherd dog

German Shepherds are “a loving, loyal and balanced family companion who loves children” and, according to Purina, are suitable for pets with several pets.

A German Shepherd dog seen at the American Kennel Club Top Breeds 2014 event in New York City on February 26, 2015.
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Golden retriever

They generally have playful personalities, and “their adaptability and openness make them potentially great cat companions,” according to AKC.

A golden retriever seen in Washington Square Park, New York City on December 3, 2020.
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Irish setter

This “happy, friendly breed has a stable, outgoing temperament, which makes them great family companions,” advises Purina, and is suitable for homes with multiple pets.

A pair of Irish setters at the Crufts dog show in the city of Birmingham in central England, UK on March 11, 2018.
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Labrador Retriever

Labradors Retrievers are described as “friendly and sociable” and are known to get along with anyone they encounter, regardless of the species. They are gentle, intelligent, and eager to please, “says AKC.

A Labrador Retriever at the Crufts Dog Show in Birmingham, England on March 11, 2018.
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Maltese

Rover explains, “Maltese are known for their excellent manners with cats (and maybe their classy bonnet helps in some ways). They really enjoy companionship, but also like to give cats some space to be alone . ” when it is needed. “

A pair of Maltese dogs that were presented at a dog show in Dortmund, West Germany, on May 11, 2014.
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Newfoundland

Dubbed “gentle giants”, Newfoundland dogs are known for their “calm demeanor and lower energy levels” according to The Spruce Pets.

“Newfoundland is great for people of all ages, including children, and pets of all types, including cats,” it adds.

A Newfoundland dog pictured at the Crufts dog show in Birmingham, England on March 8, 2018.
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Papillon

With a “happy and curious nature,” Papillons can “see your cat as a friend,” says AKC.

A Papillon from Belgium posing at the Crufts dog show in Birmingham, England on March 10, 2019.
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Pekinese

This “calm, dignified” breed originally came from ancient China. Pekingese are known for being good-natured and loving, which makes them an ideal companion dog for homes with multiple pets, notes Purina.

A Pekingese pictured at the Crufts dog show in Birmingham, England on March 10, 2018.
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Pomerania

Weighing three to seven pounds, most cats are taller than the Pomeranian. “As a result, these fluffy little members are rarely a threat to cat lovers. They usually live peacefully with other pets, including cats,” explains The Spruce Pets.

A Pomeranian shearer seen at the Mudgee Show Society Inc. dog show in Mudgee, Australia on March 2, 2019.
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poodle

Some poodles can interact with cats while others may just “tolerate” their existence. So it’s important to introduce them as soon as possible to see if their personalities go well together, advises Rover.

A poodle poses for a picture while on May 15, 2020 in New York City.
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pug

Pugs have a lot of personality and love attention, so a cat would be a great companion to keep them company when their owners are not around. “They may be small, but they are tough enough to have a feline playmate,” notes AKC.

A pug at the 2020 Beverly Hills Dog Show in Pomona, California on February 29, 2020.
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Shetland sheepdog

Known as the only cat-friendly breed among herding dogs, Shetland Sheepdogs are very friendly and intelligent, and “actually listen when you tell them not to chase the cat,” according to Rover.

“They are easy to train and loving, and so are the two animals [cats and Shetland Sheepdogs] When introduced the right way, you can be sure that their friendship will really blossom, ”she adds.

A Shetland Sheepdog at the Crufts Dog Show in Birmingham, England on March 8, 2018.
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Silky terrier

With a friendly and lively temperament, Silky Terriers are “playful, curious and eager to please”, which Purina says makes them “extraordinary” companions in a multi-pet household.

A silky terrier (pictured right) with an English spaniel.
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