The Best Dog Breeds for Cats: Our Top 10 Picks

You decided to expand your family and get a dog. However, you already have an existing family with a cat in the mix. What are the best dog breeds for cats?

Cats are known to be spicy and interesting creatures that sometimes may not tolerate playful dogs. Of course, cats and dogs can get along, but usually, certain breeds of dogs are the better to cohabitate with. 

But which ones are the best breeds? Temperament, sociability, trainability, and the dog’s and cat’s needs mean some dog breeds are better around cats.

1. Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dogs on this planet. They are friendly, gentle, and tolerant creatures. That’s why, they’ll get along with just about any pet, child or even adult.

Their prey drive is usually low and will be good around other pets including cats. They are sociable dogs that are known for being gentle and good with other animals and children.

2. Beagle

The Beagle used to be a hunting and scent dog that was eventually trained to be a pet. Beagles are friendly, curious and gentle creatures. They have a moderate prey drive that can be managed with training and proper socialization. 

When it comes to sociability, beagles are quite adept to being around other pets (including cats), as they love a laid back environment.

3. Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is another dog that was trained to be a scent dog, but eventually became more of a house pet. Basset Hounds or usually laid back, affectionate and gentle creatures. 

They have a low prey drive and are more interested in sniffing around (due to their genetics in being a scent hound) than chasing other animals. Basset Hounds are very friendly dogs and tend to get along with other animals including cats.

4. Bulldog

Bulldogs are some of the most popular dogs in the world, and for good reason, too. These dogs are calm, easygoing and loyal creatures. They have a low prey drive and are usually not interested in chasing around other animals. 

They prefer to be in comfortable situations, laying around somewhere. When it comes to their sociability, bulldogs are quite good with cats because they’re so laid back.

5. Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are adorable dogs that became famous with the Disney movie Lady and the Tramp. These dogs can be friendly, gentle, and also sociable. They have a load of moderate prey drive, and if you train them, they can also get along with cats. 

The key word there is train. Cocker Spaniels are also social creatures and usually they get along with other pets and even children.

6. Pug

Pugs are funny-looking but adorable dogs that are very popular throughout the world. These dogs are playful, affectionate and extremely friendly. They have a low prey drive because the reality is they are more interested in companionship than chasing other animals. 

If you have a cat, the pug is the perfect dog for you because they are excellent with cats and are naturally easy going.

7. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a cheerful, playful, and gentle creature. They really don’t like to chase other animals and so they will probably get along with your cat quite well. 

They are also social creatures and very friendly — much to the chagrin of your cat if it isn’t very sociable.

8. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a dog originally from China, but now it’s found all over the world. These dogs are affectionate, friendly and outgoing. Their prey drive is low, which means that they are more interested in companionship and play than chasing around other animals. In terms of sociability, they are fantastic with cats because they are gentle and non-aggressive creatures.

9. Boxer

Boxers are energetic, playful, and affectionate dogs. With enough training, they can coexist with cats on a very peaceful level, even though they have a moderate amount of prey drive in them. In terms of sociability, they are usually good with cats, but as stated before, they need a proper introduction and some training.

10. Maltese

The Maltese is a dog that is originally from the Mediterranean area, more specifically from Malta. These dogs are gentle, playful, and also affectionate. They have a low rate prey drive which means that they are usually not interested in chasing and they love companionship instead. When it comes to sociability, they are quite friendly with cats because they are gentle and have a calm demeanor.

Tips for Introducing Dogs to Cats

When it comes to introducing dogs to cats, be smart and patient. Cats can be temperamental and if you don’t do it the right way, your cat’s not going to like it — which could lead to traumatizing the feline. Here are a few tips that you can follow to make sure that the introduction is as seamless and perfect as possible. 

• You should gradually introduce your dog to your cat with controlled, short meetings.
• By introducing positive reinforcement, you will reward calm behavior with treats and praise and make the transition much more seamless.
• Create safe spaces for your cat so that if they need to retreat for some reason, they can do so without any problems.
• Lastly, make sure you monitor all interactions between your dog and your cat so that you know how the relationship is developing.

Bottom Line

You shouldn’t worry about getting a dog when you already have a cat. The companionship that both dogs and cats have is something that is joyful and even loving. Of course, it’s always important to be patient and consistent and foster love and peace between your dog and your cat. 

Choose a breed that will be cat friendly to ensure that fantastic harmonious relationship by considering the individual personalities and needs of both the dog and cat.