Dog Breeds That Get Along Exceptionally Well with Cats
When it comes to expanding your family with both a dog and a cat, finding the right dog breed that will peacefully coexist with your feline friend is crucial. While many people envision the classic "cat-dog rivalry," the truth is that with the right match, dogs and cats can become best buddies, enjoying each other's company, playing together and even curling up for a nap side by side. Not every dog breed will naturally get along with cats, but some breeds are known for their cat-friendly temperament.
In this article, we will explore five dog breeds that are known for being great companions to cats. These breeds are often more tolerant, patient and sociable, making them ideal for multi-pet households where a dog and cat need to share space. So, whether you're bringing a dog into your existing cat household or vice versa, these breeds are great choices to ensure a harmonious home.
1. Golden Retriever: The Friendly, Patient Companion
Golden Retrievers are universally loved for their gentle nature and friendly disposition. These dogs are known for being great with children, other pets and of course, cats. Golden Retrievers are often described as "social butterflies" due to their outgoing personality and love for human and animal companionship.
Why They’re Great with Cats: Golden Retrievers are known for their patience and calm demeanor. They are generally easy to train and are naturally inclined to be tolerant of other animals. While some dogs may be too energetic or excitable around cats, Golden Retrievers tend to be calm and respectful, giving cats the space they need to feel safe. If you're introducing a Golden Retriever to a cat for the first time, their friendly nature can help establish a peaceful relationship.
How to Ensure a Good Relationship: It's important to introduce a Golden Retriever to a cat slowly and under supervision. Ensure that the dog is well-trained, especially in terms of impulse control, so that it doesn't chase or try to provoke the cat. Golden Retrievers can easily learn to respect boundaries with proper training.
Ideal Cat Companions: Golden Retrievers pair well with calm and social cats, such as the Ragdoll, Siamese and Burmese. These breeds are typically more laid-back and affectionate, making them less likely to be stressed by a dog’s presence.
2. Basset Hound: The Laid-Back, Low-Energy Friend
Basset Hounds, known for their droopy ears and soulful eyes, may not have the same energetic nature as other breeds, but their relaxed and easygoing temperament makes them ideal companions for cats. These dogs are not overly demanding in terms of exercise and enjoy lounging around, making them a good fit for homes with cats that prefer a more relaxed atmosphere.
Why They’re Great with Cats: Basset Hounds are known for their calm nature, which translates well when they meet other pets like cats. They are not usually aggressive or territorial, which makes it easier for them to share space with a feline. While they are bred for hunting, their laid-back demeanor means they’re less likely to chase or harass a cat.
How to Ensure a Good Relationship: Because Basset Hounds are scent hounds, it may take a little while for them to get used to the idea of living with a cat, especially if they are not familiar with them. However, once they understand that the cat is part of the household, they tend to coexist peacefully. Gradually introduce them to each other and always supervise their interactions during the first few days.
Ideal Cat Companions: Basset Hounds get along well with low-key cats like the British Shorthair, Persian, or Maine Coon. These breeds are usually calm and less likely to be intimidated by the slow-moving affectionate nature of a Basset Hound.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: The Sociable and Affectionate Playmate
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a toy breed that is famous for its affectionate, friendly nature. These dogs are incredibly social and love being around other pets, including cats. Their gentle disposition and calm behavior make them an excellent choice for a family pet in a household that already includes a feline friend.
Why They’re Great with Cats: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are naturally calm, sociable and less inclined to chase or engage in aggressive behavior. Their friendly and affectionate nature makes them easy to introduce to new animals, including cats. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels enjoy companionship and once they bond with a cat, they are likely to become best friends.
How to Ensure a Good Relationship: Introduce the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to the cat in a controlled environment allowing the dog to approach at its own pace. Their playful and affectionate demeanor can help them build a relationship with a cat quickly. Make sure to provide positive reinforcement for both the dog and the cat to encourage good behavior and peaceful coexistence.
Ideal Cat Companions: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels pair well with social and easygoing cats like the Sphynx, Birman and Scottish Fold as these cats tend to be friendly and adaptable, which complements the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s personality.
4. Irish Setter: The Playful and Energetic Companion
The Irish Setter is a highly energetic and playful dog breed that may not immediately come to mind as a "cat-friendly" breed, but their friendly, outgoing and sociable nature makes them great companions for many cats. These dogs are known for their high energy levels, love for outdoor activities and joyful personalities, which means they tend to get along with most animals, including felines.
Why They’re Great with Cats: Irish Setters are highly social and are generally comfortable with being around other animals. Their joyful and friendly nature means they don't have the same territorial or aggressive tendencies that other high-energy dogs may display. While they can be a bit exuberant, their gentle personality allows them to form solid relationships with cats.
How to Ensure a Good Relationship: While the Irish Setter’s energy can be a bit overwhelming for some cats a calm and patient introduction can help them become fast friends. Provide plenty of space for the cat to retreat to if needed and make sure the dog is well-exercised to avoid hyperactivity around the cat. Positive reinforcement for both pets can ensure they bond over time.
Ideal Cat Companions: The Irish Setter pairs well with active and confident cat breeds like the Abyssinian, Oriental Shorthair and Bengal. These cats tend to have energetic personalities and won’t shy away from the playful Irish Setter.
5. Shih Tzu: The Affectionate and Adaptable Companion
The Shih Tzu is another toy breed that is known for its sweet and affectionate nature. These little dogs are friendly, low-maintenance and adaptable, making them perfect companions for cats. Despite their small size, Shih Tzus are confident dogs that enjoy companionship and thrive in homes with other pets, including cats.
Why They’re Great with Cats: Shih Tzus are generally gentle and calm and they enjoy being part of a family dynamic. They don't have a strong prey drive, which means they’re unlikely to chase or harm a cat. Their friendly nature allows them to bond well with feline friends and they usually enjoy sharing space and affection with their cat companions.
How to Ensure a Good Relationship: While Shih Tzus are calm and social, they still need to be properly introduced to a new cat. Gradual introductions, where the dog and cat can see each other but not immediately interact, will help both pets get comfortable with one another. Shih Tzus respond well to positive reinforcement, so rewarding good behavior during introductions can strengthen the bond between the two.
Ideal Cat Companions: Shih Tzus are great with easygoing cats like the Exotic Shorthair , Ragdoll, or Maine Coon. These cats tend to enjoy calm companionship and don’t get easily stressed by the gentle affectionate nature of a Shih Tzu.
Tips for Introducing a Dog and Cat to Each Other
No matter how cat-friendly a dog breed is, the introduction process plays a crucial role in how well your dog and cat will coexist. Here are some tips for introducing your dog and cat to ensure a peaceful relationship:
- Start Slowly: Gradually introduce your dog and cat to each other allowing both animals to adjust to each other's scent first before any face-to-face interaction.
- Keep the Dog on a Leash: For the first few meetings, keep your dog on a leash to prevent them from getting too close to the cat too quickly.
- Give the Cat a Safe Space: Ensure that your cat has access to a safe place where they can retreat if they feel overwhelmed.Cats need to feel like they have control over their environment.
- Positive Reinforcement: Reward both animals for calm and friendly behavior. Positive reinforcement can encourage them to form a bond more quickly.
- Patience Is Key: Don’t rush the process. It may take some time for your dog and cat to become comfortable with each other, but with patience, you can build a lasting friendship.
Final Thoughts: Making Great Playmates
Finding the right canine companion for your cat is an important decision that requires careful consideration. Some dog breeds, like the Golden Retriever, Basset Hound, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel , Irish Setter and Shih Tzu are naturally inclined to get along well with cats, thanks to their calm, sociable and affectionate nature. However, each animal is an individual and proper introductions and training are key to a successful relationship.
By selecting one of these cat-friendly breeds and following proper introduction techniques, you can foster a harmonious household where both your dog and cat can live happily together.