10 Best Dog Breeds That Get Along With Cats | Harmonious Home

Living with both a cat and a dog can be rewarding, but not all dogs are naturally comfortable around cats. If you want harmony between your pets, choosing the right dog breed is important.

Some dog breeds tend to have gentle, tolerant attitudes, making it much easier for them to live peacefully with cats. Knowing which breeds usually get along with felines can help you create a calm, happy home for all your animals.

1. Labrador Retriever

If you are looking for a dog that usually gets along well with cats, the Labrador Retriever is a good option. Labs are known for their gentle and friendly nature. They are often good with other animals, including cats.

• Labs are easygoing and patient. This makes them less likely to be bothered by a cat in the home. They enjoy socializing and often fit well into families with other pets.
• Many Labs do not show strong chasing instincts around cats, especially if they are introduced at a young age. Their outgoing personality helps them adapt quickly to other animals in the house.
• Labrador Retrievers are known for being kind and tolerant of pets of all kinds. According to the American Kennel Club, Labs usually get along with many different animals, including cats. This makes them a good choice for mixed-pet homes.

2. Golden Retriever

If you want a dog that usually gets along with cats, you should consider a Golden Retriever. This breed is known for being friendly, patient, and gentle.

• Golden Retrievers often have a low prey drive. This means they are less likely to chase cats or see them as something to be hunted.
• Their calm temperament helps create a peaceful home with cats. Many Golden Retrievers can be trained to respect a cat’s space and boundaries.
• These dogs tend to be easy-going and tolerant, which is important when living with curious or independent cats. People often mention that Golden Retrievers get along well with cats.
• Like any dog, early socialization and positive experiences with cats will help your Golden Retriever accept and enjoy having a feline friend.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

If you want a dog that is gentle and friendly with cats, you may want to consider the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This breed is known for its calm and loving nature. Cavaliers often do well in homes with other pets.

• They are small in size and usually not aggressive. Many owners find that Cavaliers can easily live with cats, especially if they have been introduced at a young age.
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not only adaptable and affectionate but also tend to enjoy the company of both people and animals. 
• With patience and proper introductions, your Cavalier and your cat can become good companions.

4. Boxer

If you are looking for a dog that may get along well with your cat, the Boxer can be a good choice. Boxers are known for their playful and energetic personalities. When they are socialized early, they can learn to live peacefully with cats.

• Boxers often love to play, so they might try to wrestle or chase your cat. It is important to make sure your cat feels comfortable with this behavior. Some cats will set boundaries, while others may join in the fun.
• With the right training and supervision, Boxers and cats can build a strong friendship.
• Boxers are also easy to train, which helps when teaching them to respect your cat’s space.

5. Papillon

If you want a small dog who can get along with cats, the Papillon is a strong choice. This breed is usually friendly and curious, which helps Papillons adjust to living with cats.

• Papillons are playful and active but are not too rough for most cats. They tend to see cats as possible friends or playmates rather than rivals. Many Papillons enjoy games and may even follow your cat around the house.
• Their cheerful and social nature makes it easier for Papillons to blend into a multi-pet home. Reports from Papillon owners suggest they often play with cats and stay gentle during interactions.
• Papillons also come in a small size that is close to many cats. This can help the two animals feel more comfortable around each other.

6. Cocker Spaniel

If you are thinking about bringing a dog into your cat-loving home, the Cocker Spaniel is a breed worth considering. Cocker Spaniels tend to be friendly, gentle, and eager to please, which helps them adapt well to living with cats.

• With proper socialization from a young age, your Cocker Spaniel is likely to accept and respect household cats. 
• Both puppies and adult dogs can learn to live with felines, especially if you give them patient introductions.
• Many people find that Cocker Spaniels enjoy company and like to be part of a group, which can include your cat.

7. Greyhound

Greyhounds might surprise you when it comes to living with cats. Even though they are bred to chase, many Greyhounds are calm and gentle around cats at home.

• Some Greyhounds do well with cats right away. Others need to be tested for cat-friendliness because every dog is different. 
• Organizations often “cat-test” Greyhounds before they are adopted to families with cats.
• Greyhounds usually enjoy napping and keeping their distance, so they may not bother your cat much.

8. Newfoundland

If you are looking for a dog that can get along with cats, the Newfoundland is a good choice. These dogs are known for their gentle and calm personality.

• Newfoundlands are large, but they tend to be very patient around smaller animals like cats.
• They usually ignore cats instead of chasing them, which helps reduce stress in the home. You may notice your Newfoundland being relaxed even if your cat is acting playful or curious.
• Like most breeds, Newfoundlands do best with cats if they learn to respect other pets from a young age. Their easygoing nature makes the process smoother for both you and your cat.

9. Basset Hound

If you want a dog that gets along with cats, the Basset Hound is a breed to consider. Basset Hounds are usually calm and patient, which helps them fit well into homes with cats.

• This breed tends to be friendly and laidback. Basset Hounds often accept other animals easily, including cats. Their gentle nature means they are less likely to chase or bother a cat.
• Basset Hounds are pack animals, so they enjoy having company. Many people find that their Basset Hound and cat develop a relaxed relationship over time. The Basset Hound might even let the cat be in charge.
• Training a Basset Hound can take some patience, as they can be a bit stubborn. However, they generally aren’t aggressive toward other pets. 
• If you introduce your Basset Hound and cat slowly, they have a good chance of becoming comfortable companions.

10. Beagle

Beagles are a popular choice for families with both dogs and cats. They have friendly personalities and are often open to making new animal friends.

• You will notice that Beagles were bred to work in packs alongside other dogs. Because of this, beagles often see cats as part of their group. They tend to adjust well to having feline companions in the same home.
• With early socialization and patience, you can help your Beagle and cat build a peaceful relationship.
• If both your Beagle and cat get used to each other at a young age, the chances of a smooth introduction are much higher. Beagles can become good friends with cats, especially when introduced properly.