Are you a cat lover thinking about adding a dog to your family? Finding the right dog breed that gets along well with cats can be a challenge, but it’s definitely possible. Some dog breeds are naturally more sociable, gentle, and less prey-driven, making them ideal companions for your feline friend. Whether you have an energetic kitten or a laid-back senior cat, choosing the right dog can help foster a peaceful and loving environment in your home.
In this guide, we’ll explore the 7 best dog breeds for cats, based on their temperament, adaptability, and behavior around other animals. From playful retrievers to gentle hounds, these dog breeds are known for their cat-friendly nature and ability to form strong interspecies bonds. If you’re ready to bring home a dog that will become your cat’s new best friend, keep reading to discover which breeds top the list and why they’re perfect for multi-pet households.
1. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are one of the most cat-friendly dog breeds due to their gentle, friendly, and tolerant nature. These dogs are known for their patience and sociable temperament, which makes them perfect companions not just for humans but also for other animals, including cats. Golden Retrievers usually avoid aggression and enjoy making new friends, so they are unlikely to view a cat as a threat or prey.
Their loyalty and eagerness to please also mean they respond well to training, which can help in creating a peaceful environment between them and a feline housemate. With early socialization and positive reinforcement, a Golden Retriever and a cat can easily become the best of friends, often seen cuddling or playing together. They thrive in homes where they get attention and affection from both their human family members and their furry companions.
2. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are another excellent choice for households with cats. These dogs are famously easygoing, friendly, and highly trainable, which makes it easier to introduce them to feline friends. Labradors generally have a high tolerance level and are not quick to anger, making them less likely to chase or harm a cat. Because of their high intelligence, Labradors understand commands and boundaries, which is useful when teaching them to be gentle and respectful toward cats.
Their playful personality can actually match well with the energy levels of some cats, especially younger or more active ones. As long as the introduction is done gradually and positively, Labradors and cats can form a strong, lasting bond, sharing the home peacefully and even enjoying shared nap spots or play sessions.
3. Beagle
Beagles, despite being hounds with a strong sense of smell and hunting instincts, are surprisingly good with cats. Their friendly, curious, and social personalities help them adapt well to a multi-pet household. Beagles are pack animals by nature and usually enjoy the company of others, including felines. While they can be a bit stubborn during training, with proper guidance and early socialization, Beagles can learn to coexist happily with cats.
They tend to be more tolerant of other animals and enjoy companionship, so a cat can serve as a great playmate or nap partner. However, it’s important to supervise early interactions to ensure that the Beagle’s natural instincts don’t turn into playful but unwanted chasing behavior. With the right training and patience, Beagles make wonderful dog companions for homes with cats.
4. Poodle
Poodles, whether standard, miniature, or toy, are known for their intelligence, obedience, and affectionate nature, which makes them a great match for cats. These dogs are quick learners and eager to please, which means they can be trained easily to behave calmly around cats. Their adaptable personality allows them to adjust to different environments and cohabit peacefully with other pets.
Poodles are also less likely to show aggressive or territorial behavior, reducing the risk of conflicts with feline companions. Since they are not typically prey-driven, they usually won’t chase or intimidate cats. With their calm demeanor and sociable nature, Poodles can form close bonds with cats over time. Additionally, their hypoallergenic coats make them a good choice for households concerned about pet dander and allergies.
5. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are laid-back, easygoing dogs that often do well with cats due to their calm and non-confrontational nature. Known for their droopy ears and soulful eyes, these dogs have a mellow attitude that contrasts with more excitable breeds. They are not known for being particularly energetic or aggressive, which makes them less likely to chase or harass a cat.
Basset Hounds are generally tolerant and can live peacefully alongside feline friends, especially when they’ve been introduced properly. They enjoy companionship but don’t demand constant attention, which suits a cat’s independent personality. Despite being scent hounds, Bassets are more interested in lounging around than actively hunting, which contributes to their compatibility with cats. Their slow, gentle nature helps create a relaxed and harmonious home environment.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate, gentle, and loving dogs that typically get along very well with cats. They are known for their friendly personality and ability to bond with almost anyone, including other pets. These small dogs are very people-oriented and enjoy being part of the family, whether it’s a human or a feline member. Their calm and sweet nature helps them interact peacefully with cats, making them ideal companions in a multi-pet home.
Cavaliers do not have a high prey drive, which makes them unlikely to chase cats around the house. With early exposure and proper socialization, they can develop a close and affectionate relationship with a cat. Their small size also makes them less intimidating, helping shy cats feel more comfortable and at ease.
7. Collie
Collies, especially the Rough and Smooth varieties, are well-known for their loyalty, intelligence, and kind nature. These traits make them excellent companions for cats. Collies are sensitive dogs that are deeply devoted to their families and are usually good at understanding boundaries. They are gentle and calm, making them less likely to act aggressively toward smaller animals. With proper socialization, Collies can live harmoniously with cats, respecting their space while still offering companionship.
Because of their herding instincts, some Collies might try to “herd” cats, but this behavior can often be corrected through training. Their high intelligence makes them responsive to commands and adaptable to new social situations, including forming strong interspecies friendships. A Collie and a cat can easily share a home without conflict, and may even become inseparable companions.
Bottom Line
Choosing a dog that gets along well with cats is key to a happy, stress-free household. The breeds listed above—Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Beagles, and more—are known for their friendly temperaments and gentle behavior around other pets.
While individual personality and early socialization also matter, starting with a breed that naturally bonds well with cats can make the transition much smoother. If you’re planning to adopt or bring home a dog to join your cat family, these seven breeds are a great place to start. With patience and proper introductions, cats and dogs can live in harmony and even become lifelong companions.
FAQs
Can dogs and cats really get along?
Yes, many dogs and cats can form close bonds if properly introduced and given time to adjust to each other.
What’s the best age to introduce a dog to a cat?
Introducing them at a young age, especially as puppies and kittens, often leads to better long-term relationships.
How do I safely introduce my dog to my cat?
Start with slow, supervised introductions, use baby gates or leashes, and reward calm behavior in both animals.
Are small dog breeds better with cats?
Not necessarily. Personality matters more than size. Many large breeds, like Golden Retrievers, are very cat-friendly.
Aaron is a dedicated pet enthusiast and writer with a special passion for dog breeds and animal care. With years of hands-on experience and research, he shares practical advice, fun facts, and heartwarming stories to help pet owners better understand and care for their furry companions. Whether you're a first-time pet parent or a lifelong dog lover, Aaron’s insights are here to guide and inspire.