Dog breeds for cats?! But dogs and cats are said to be mortal enemies! Actually, dogs and cats living together are more like human siblings, who may fight once in a while, but can be taught to get along most of the time! You would be surprised at how close some dogs and cats can be! So if you are thinking of adopting a dog, but are afraid your cat may not get along with a dog coming into your home, you can put your mind at ease. Here are our top ten dog breeds that are can make a perfect match for your cat!
What are the best dog breeds for cats?
1. Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers, sometimes called Goldies, are known for their gentle temperament and being highly empathetic. Traditionally working dogs, they are called “retrievers” with good reason: this breed is innately good at following and fetching things. You should make sure to train your new golden retriever pup not to chase your cat around the house. Once that is accomplished, you will be surprised as to how accepting golden retrievers are. They are accepting of both humans and animals and make one of the best dog breeds for cats!
2. Labrador Retriever
Known to be one of the sweetest breeds, labrador retrievers could also be a great companion to your feline friend. Labs, much like Goldies, are known to be gentle giants and can be very accepting and calm around cats and children. They are great pets for your kids as well as your kitties! Labradors do not mind sharing their personal space with cats, but let us cross our fingers that the cats won’t mind sharing theirs, too!
3. Beagle
Beagles are another calm dog breed that could be a perfect match for your cats! Although they are bred for hunting, they are not known for being predatory or vicious: beagles are a great feline companion because they will see the cat as part of their ‘pack’! Imagine your cat and new beagle pup teaming up to go mouse-hunting!
4. Pug
A pug is another friendly breed that you can introduce to your cats. This smaller dog breed is known for being chill and lowkey, sometimes even lazy, so you would be unlikely to have problems with your pug running and chasing the cat around the house. Do be aware, however, that pugs can face lots of health problems so they might not be the ideal low-maintenance dog.
5. Bichon Frise
This small dog breed is known to be very affectionate and friendly to humans, even strangers! Although younger bichons can be highly energetic and may overwhelm older cats who prefer to just relax and chill in the house, you could certainly introduce a kitten to an older, well-trained Bichon-Frise: with the proper training, these similar-sized pets would happily get along.
6. Shetland Sheepdog
Although they are known to be with herds, Shetland sheepdogs are also good with cats! This dog breed is one of the best dog breeds for cats because it is highly trainable and has a very mild temperament. Sheepdogs of all kinds are known for their high intelligence, and they need lots of mental stimulation: a cat could be a great friend to keep your dog busy at home when you need to go out!
7. Basset Hound
Although basset hounds are known as hunters, they possess a very chill personality which would be very easy for your cat to get along with, similar to beagles. Basset hounds are great cuddle buddies, too! You would love seeing your cat enjoying cuddles with a furball of cuteness!
8. Poodle
Poodles of all sizes are the perfect feline companion in your household. Toy poodles are excellent playmates for cats, the Miniature Poodles do not mind having some cats around, and the Standard Poodles, although they are large, won’t pose any danger to a friendly cat. Poodles are great household pets known for being highly protective of their family or pack — yes, that includes the cats, too!
9. Maltese
With Maltese’s mellow personality, your cat would not mind having this dog breed around the house. Maltese is surely too busy dozing off and resting on your sofa rather than annoying your cat. However, your cat may be too playful with this dog breed and play with its long hair. But we know you take your dog for regular grooming anyway! A well-behaved Maltese terrier could be the perfect furry partners in crime for your housecat!
10. Boston Terrier
Another dog breed that you can bring home to your cat is the Boston terrier. This dog breed is both playful and mellow, depending on the temperament of the household and is one of the best dog breeds for cats. Mostly good-tempered, and sometimes lazy, Boston terriers would not mind lying around with your cat under the sun.
Cats and Dogs as BFF’s
We all know the phrase “fighting like cats and dogs” but the truth is you don’t need to worry if your cat can live with a dog in the house. All of the above-mentioned dog breeds are great partners for your feline friends. It is about time to put an end to the myth that dogs and cats do not get along. When they have been properly introduced and receive good training the right canine and feline breeds can eventually become an inseparable duo in your house. At the end of the day, you may find yourself with a dog and cat who love each other like soulmates!