Dog Breeds That Get Along Best With Cats

What Makes a Dog Breed "Cat Friendly"?

Before we dive into specific breeds, it helps to understand the traits that separate dogs that like cats from those that… really don't. Not every dog within a breed will behave the same way, of course, but genetics do play a meaningful role in temperament.

Cat friendly dog breeds generally share a few key characteristics. They tend to have a low to moderate prey drive, meaning they're less likely to see a darting cat as something to chase. They're often calm or adaptable in their energy levels, which helps them respect a cat's personal space. And they usually have a sociable, eager-to-please temperament that makes them responsive to training — including learning to leave the cat alone when needed.

• Low prey drive — Breeds historically bred for companionship rather than hunting tend to coexist better with cats.
• Gentle or calm demeanor — An overly boisterous dog can stress a cat, even without aggressive intent.
• Good trainability — Dogs that learn boundaries quickly are easier to integrate into a multi-pet home.
• Sociability — Breeds that genuinely enjoy the company of other animals (not just humans) adjust faster.
• Appropriate size match — While not a dealbreaker, a 120-pound dog with zoomies near a 7-pound cat can be risky.

Top 12 Dog Breeds Good With Cats

We've compiled this list based on breed temperament standards, veterinary behaviorist insights, and thousands of real-world stories from multi-pet families. If you're searching for dog cat friendly breeds to welcome into a home that already has a feline ruler, these are your best bets.

1. Golden Retriever

It's hard to find a "best of" dog list without the Golden, and for good reason. Golden Retrievers are famously gentle, patient, and eager to please. Their moderate energy and soft mouths (bred for retrieving game without damage) translate beautifully to living with cats. Most Goldens will happily nap beside a cat on the couch once the initial introductions are done.

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Bred as a lapdog for centuries, the Cavalier is one of the most affectionate, gentle small breeds you'll find. They're calm indoors, adaptable, and genuinely enjoy companionship — whether human, canine, or feline. Their small size also means they're less physically intimidating to cats.

3. Labrador Retriever

America's most popular breed earns its spot here thanks to a reliably friendly temperament, excellent trainability, and a social nature that extends to other animals. Labs can be a bit exuberant as puppies, so early training around the cat is important, but they typically settle into wonderful multi-pet companions.

4. Basset Hound

Low-key, low-to-the-ground, and utterly laid-back — Basset Hounds are dogs that like cats primarily because they're too relaxed to bother them. While they do have a scent-driven nose, their prey drive rarely manifests as chasing. They're content to share a sunny spot on the floor with a cat.

5. Pug

Pugs are clownish, affectionate, and remarkably adaptable. They're small enough not to intimidate cats, and their main ambition in life seems to be cuddling on someone's lap — even if that "someone" is a cat. Their playful energy is rarely aggressive, making them a natural fit for cat households.

6. Beagle

Beagles were bred to work in packs, which means they're hardwired to get along with other animals. They're sociable, friendly, and have a merry disposition that most cats learn to tolerate — and eventually enjoy. Just be mindful of their vocal nature; some cats may need time to adjust to that signature Beagle bay.

7. Bichon Frise

The Bichon's cheerful, non-aggressive personality makes them one of the most reliable cat friendly dog breeds among small dogs. They're gentle players and rarely show resource-guarding behavior, which is a big plus when sharing a home with cats.

8. Papillon

Don't let the dainty butterfly ears fool you — Papillons are smart, athletic, and surprisingly confident. Their size makes them non-threatening to cats, and their intelligence means they learn household "rules" (like respecting the cat's tree) quickly.

9. Shetland Sheepdog

Shelties are gentle, sensitive, and incredibly trainable. Their herding background means they have a desire to keep the "flock" together — and in a multi-pet household, that flock includes the cat. They may try to gently herd a cat at first, but they respond beautifully to redirection.

10. Maltese

Another classic lapdog breed, the Maltese is calm, sweet, and happiest curled up near their favorite people (or pets). Their diminutive size and gentle nature make them among the least threatening dogs a cat could encounter.

11. Collie (Rough & Smooth)

Think Lassie — loyal, gentle, and protective of their family. Collies have a calm, nurturing instinct that often extends to cats. They're patient with smaller animals and rarely show aggressive behavior. Many Collie owners report their dog becoming genuinely protective of the family cat.

12. Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are known for their happy, waggy-tailed disposition. They're gentle with children, friendly with strangers, and typically accepting of cats. Their moderate energy level means they won't overwhelm a feline housemate, and their soft temperament makes introductions relatively smooth.

Breeds to Be Cautious About

While any individual dog can learn to live peacefully with a cat, certain breeds have strong prey drives or intense chase instincts that make the process significantly harder. This doesn't mean it's impossible — it just means you'll need to invest more time in training and supervision.

• Greyhounds and Whippets — Sighthounds bred to chase small, fast-moving animals. Some retired racers can coexist with cats, but careful cat-testing is essential.
• Terriers (Jack Russell, Rat Terrier, etc.) — Originally bred to hunt small vermin, many terriers have a hard-wired chase instinct.
• Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes — High prey drive and intense energy can be a dangerous combination around cats.
• Akitas and Shiba Inus — Independent and often cat-aggressive, these breeds require experienced handling in multi-pet homes.
• Weimaraners — Athletic hunting dogs with strong prey drive who may view cats as something to pursue.

How to Introduce a Dog to Your Cat (Step by Step)

Choosing one of the dog breeds good with cats is a great start, but the introduction process matters just as much as the breed itself. A rushed introduction can create fear or aggression that takes months to undo. Here's a proven approach that veterinary behaviorists recommend.

1. Scent swapping (Days 1–3): Keep the dog and cat in separate rooms. Swap bedding or rub a cloth on each animal and place it near the other so they become familiar with each other's scent.
2. Feeding on opposite sides of a closed door (Days 3–7): This builds positive associations — good things (food!) happen when the other animal is nearby.
3. Visual introduction through a baby gate (Days 7–10): Let them see each other without direct contact. Keep the dog on a leash and reward calm behavior with treats.
4. Short supervised meetings (Days 10–14+): Allow brief, controlled face-to-face time. Keep the dog leashed and make sure the cat has easy escape routes to high ground.
5. Gradually increase freedom: As both animals remain calm, extend the duration. Remove the leash only when you're confident the dog won't chase.
6. Maintain safe spaces: Always ensure your cat has dog-free zones — cat trees, high shelves, or a room with a cat door the dog can't fit through.

Tips for a Peaceful Multi-Pet Household

Once introductions are done, the work isn't quite over. Maintaining harmony in a dog-and-cat home takes a bit of ongoing management — but it's absolutely worth it when you see them napping together for the first time.

• Separate feeding stations: Dogs often eat cat food (it smells irresistible to them), and cats may feel threatened eating near a dog. Feed them in different rooms or at different heights.
• Protect the litter box: Dogs are notorious for raiding litter boxes. Use a covered box, a baby gate, or place it in a room only the cat can access.
• Provide vertical space for your cat: Cat trees, shelves, and high perches give your cat a sense of security and control — essential in any home with a dog.
• Exercise your dog adequately: A well-exercised dog is a calm dog. Excess energy often fuels the kind of chasing and rough play that stresses cats out.
• Reward peaceful coexistence: When your dog is relaxing near the cat without fixating, offer praise and treats. Positive reinforcement goes a long way.
• Watch body language: A stiff, staring dog is not "just looking" — that's fixation, and it can precede a chase. Redirect immediately.

What About Mixed Breeds and Rescue Dogs?

We'd be doing you a disservice if we only talked about purebreds. Many of the best dogs that like cats are wonderful mixed-breed rescue dogs. The key is assessing the individual animal rather than relying solely on breed labels.

When adopting a rescue dog for a home with cats, ask the shelter or foster family these questions:

• Has the dog been cat-tested? What was the result?
• Did the dog live with cats in a previous home or foster?
• How does the dog react to small animals on walks (squirrels, rabbits)?
• Does the dog have a known history of prey drive or reactivity?
• Can you do a slow, controlled meet-and-greet with your cat before committing?

Many rescues and shelters specifically note whether a dog is "cat-friendly" or "no cats" in their profiles. Take these notes seriously — they're usually based on real behavioral assessments.

Celebrate Your Multi-Pet Family

There's something uniquely heartwarming about watching a dog and cat become genuine friends. Those first tentative nose-touches, the shared sunbeam naps, the moment your cat starts grooming the dog's ears — these are the moments that make multi-pet life magical.

If you've successfully built a peaceful dog-and-cat household (or you're working toward one), it's worth celebrating. Some families commission photos, others create social media accounts for their pets — and some turn their beloved animals into the stars of their own personalized storybooks with PetTales. Imagine your Golden Retriever and tabby cat going on an illustrated adventure together — it's a keepsake the whole family can enjoy.

Whatever breed you choose, remember that patience, proper introductions, and realistic expectations are your greatest tools. The perfect dog-cat friendship doesn't happen overnight, but when it clicks, it's absolutely worth the wait.