Today we’re talking about top dog breeds that get along with cats. Everyone knows that cats and dogs are eternal arch enemies, right? They’ve even made numerous kids’ movies about the ongoing war! While it’s true that some dogs and some cats REALLY don’t get along, that’s not ALWAYS the case. When raised around each others, cats and dogs get along quite well. Still, some dog breeds do tend to get along better with their feline housemates. Let’s talk about those!
Related: Cats & Dogs: Natural Born Enemies or BFFs? It’s All in How You Introduce Them!
Top Dog Breeds That Get Along with Cats
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly and tolerant nature, making them a great match for homes with cats. Their easy-going temperament allows them to coexist peacefully with feline friends, and their playful demeanor can lead to harmonious interspecies interactions.
AKC Group: Sporting
Height: 21.5-24 “
Weight: 55-75 lbs
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Coat Type: Dense, water-repellant double coat
Hypoallergenic?: No
Good with kids?: Yes
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are another breed known for their gentle and loving disposition. They are typically very social and enjoy the company of other animals, including cats. Their patient and adaptable nature makes them excellent companions in multi-pet households.
AKC Group: Sporting
Height: 21.5-24.5 “
Weight: 55-80 lbs
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Coat Type: Short, dense double coat
Hypoallergenic?: No
Good with kids?: Yes
Beagle
Beagles are known for their curiosity and friendly behavior. Their playful yet gentle nature means they can get along well with cats, especially if introduced properly. Beagles enjoy having company, and a cat can be a great playmate for them.
AKC Group: Hound
Height: 13-15 “
Weight: 20-30 lbs
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Coat Type: Short, smooth coat
Hypoallergenic?: No
Good with kids?: Yes
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate and friendly dogs. They are known for their calm and gentle demeanor, which makes them excellent companions for cats. Their small size and adaptable nature also contribute to a peaceful cohabitation with feline friends.
AKC Group: Toy
Height: 12-13 “
Weight: 13-18 lbs
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Coat Type: Medium-length, silky coat
Hypoallergenic?: No
Good with kids?: Yes
Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are cheerful and playful, yet they also have a calm side that can make them great companions for cats. They are generally friendly and sociable, and their small size and gentle nature make them a good fit for homes with cats.
AKC Group: Non-Sporting
Height: 9.5-11.5 “
Weight: 12-18 lbs
Life Expectancy: 14-15 years
Coat Type: Curly, dense coat
Hypoallergenic?: Yes
Good with kids?: Yes
Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs, or Shelties, are intelligent and gentle dogs. They are known for their loyalty and affectionate nature, which can extend to cats. With proper introduction and training, Shelties can form strong bonds with their feline housemates.
AKC Group: Herding
Height: 13-16 “
Weight: 15-25 lbs
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Coat Type: Long, dense double coat
Hypoallergenic?: No
Good with kids?: Yes
Maltese
Maltese dogs are known for their sweet and gentle nature. They are typically friendly and can get along well with cats. Their small size and calm temperament make them suitable companions for feline friends, and they enjoy the company of other pets.
AKC Group: Toy
Height: 7-9 “
Weight: Under 7 lbs
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Coat Type: Long, silky coat
Hypoallergenic?: Yes
Good with kids?: Yes
Boxer
Boxers are energetic and playful, but they also have a friendly and affectionate side. They can get along well with cats, especially if they are raised together from a young age. Boxers are loyal and protective, and their playful nature can lead to fun interactions with cats.
AKC Group: Working
Height: 21.5-25 “
Weight: 50-80 lbs
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Coat Type: Short, smooth coat
Hypoallergenic?: No
Good with kids?: Yes
Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are known for their friendly and outgoing personality. They are typically very social and enjoy the company of other animals, including cats. Their small size and adaptable nature make them good companions for feline friends.
AKC Group: Non-Sporting
Height: 15-17 “
Weight: 12-25 lbs
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
Coat Type: Short, smooth coat
Hypoallergenic?: No
Good with kids?: Yes
Collie
Collies are known for their intelligence and gentle nature. They are often very friendly and can form strong bonds with cats. Their calm and loyal demeanor makes them excellent companions for multi-pet households.
AKC Group: Herding
Height: 22-26 “
Weight: 50-75 lbs
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Coat Type: Long, dense double coat
Hypoallergenic?: No
Good with kids?: Yes
Tips for Helping Dogs and Cats Get Along
- Gradual Introductions: Start by keeping your new pets in separate rooms and allowing them to get used to each other’s scent. Gradually introduce them under controlled circumstances to minimize stress.
- Positive Reinforcement: Reward both your dog and cat with treats and praise when they behave calmly around each other. This helps them associate positive experiences with one another.
- Safe Spaces: Ensure your cat has plenty of high places or secluded areas to retreat to when they need a break. This helps them feel secure and reduces the likelihood of conflict.
- Supervised Interactions: Always supervise initial interactions between your dog and cat. This allows you to intervene if necessary and helps prevent negative experiences.
- Separate Feeding Stations: To avoid disputes over resources, consider using separate automatic feeders for your cat and dog. This can reduce territorial behavior and ensure that both pets have access to their essentials without competition.
- Training and Commands: Teach your dog basic commands such as “leave it” and “stay.” This can help you control their behavior around the cat and ensure a peaceful coexistence.
By following these tips, you can create a harmonious environment where both your dog and cat can thrive together.
Honestly, any pup can become one of the top dog breeds that gets along with cats, as long as you take the time to introduce each furry friend properly. Let your dog know that the new kitty is a family member and not a threat. Often, it’s harder to get an old cat to accept a new dog than it is to get an old dog to accept a new cat! Maybe we should talk about which breeds of cats get along best with dogs!
Do you have any of these top dog breeds that get along with cats? How about another breed that loves his feline friend? How did you introduce them to each other? Tell us in the comments.
