18 Dog Breeds That Get Along With Cats (With Pictures)
By Misty Layne
Updated on
You’ve heard the phrase “fighting like cats and dogs,” but how much truth is there to it? Do cats and dogs truly never get along? Don’t worry; that’s absolutely incorrect! While some dog breeds, admittedly, won’t get along with felines, plenty of canines can be perfectly buddy-buddy with kitties. So, if you want to have both dogs and cats in your home, there’s no problem.
However, you need to choose the right dog breed. But what breeds get along with cats? Here are the top 18 dog breeds that get along with felines—ones you can safely bring into your home with no worries. Keep reading to learn all about them!
The 18 Dog Breeds That Get Along With Cats
1. Barbets
These adorably shaggy pups are incredibly sweet-natured and laidback, so they make excellent companions for kitties, provided they’ve been properly trained. And with all that dense fur, these dogs probably wouldn’t even notice if your cat began kneading them, which would surely thrill the kitty to no end. Just be sure you meet the exercise needs of the Barbet; otherwise, it might get a bit too exuberant for your cat!
2. Basset Hounds
These droopy-eared dogs are super friendly and able to get along with almost everyone, including felines. And, as they tend to be just a bit on the slow side, they make good housemates for cats (versus high-energy pups) because Basset Hounds are less likely to accidentally spook the cat. The Basset Hound is low-key enough that any cat should be a fan!
3. Bichon Frises
These cuties are social and love to make new friends! So, they’ll see your favorite feline as a playmate almost immediately. Honestly, you’re more likely to have issues on the cat’s side with the Bichon Frise—if the kitty is a bit stand-offish, it might not take to these dogs’ friendliness at first. But if that’s the case, these pups should quickly learn the boundaries your cat is placing around itself.
4. Bulldogs
Bulldogs don’t make friends easily with other canines, but that isn’t the case for felines. Bulldogs are more than welcoming to cats, and chances are they’ll get along because they have things in common. What are those? Well, like kitty, the Bulldog isn’t a fan of water and loves to nap! If you get this breed, your dog and cat can cuddle up and snooze the day away.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was created to be a friendly, loving, affectionate lap dog, so it shouldn’t be surprising that it’s one of the breeds that has no trouble getting along with cats. In fact, these pups can get along with just about any person or animal around! Because the Cavalier King is so gentle and sweet, even if your cat doesn’t love it, kitty and dog will be able to live together without squabbles.
6. Cocker Spaniels
The Cocker Spaniel may have originated as a hunting dog, but since it mostly hunted birds, it shouldn’t go after any felines. Cocker Spaniels also have temperaments that go exceptionally well with a feline’s; with this pup, you’ll likely find your cat and dog becoming best friends and teaming up for mischief. Be prepared to deal with a handful if you adopt this breed!
7. Collies
Collies are well-known for getting along well with children, and for some of this breed, that extends to cats, too. Though vocal, this breed does tend to get along with (or at the least) tolerate other animals. You’ll do well to make sure these pups get plenty of exercise, though. Collies are incredibly athletic, so they require lots of exercise each day to keep them physically and mentally stimulated!
8. Golden Retrievers
And, of course, these lovely pups make the list of cat-friendly canines! Golden Retrievers are one of the best cat-friendly breeds around, as these dogs are kind, gentle, friendly, and incredibly loyal to their families, including the cat members. And these goofy pups are playful and adaptable, so they and kitty should have no trouble becoming BFFs!
9. Irish Setter
Irish Setters are often social and friendly, making them a good breed to have around your cats. However, these pups can be a little clumsy due to their size, so you’ll want to keep a close eye on feline/canine interactions until your Irish Setter figures out how to move around the kitty. You’ll also need to train your dog, starting from when you bring it home, to be calm and obedient. Do this, though, and your cat and Irish Setter should get along just fine!
10. Labrador Retrievers
Labradors are well-known for getting along with anyone and anything, and that extends to felines! And because these silly pups adore their families, they’ll adore any cats in the home as well. Of course, you’ll need to train your Lab to see kitty as a member of the family, but once you do, the two should get along famously.
11. Maltese
One reason the Maltese can get along with cats is that it is roughly the same size as one. This helps the kitty feel less intimidated by the dog. Other than that, it’s simply the Maltese’s lively and charming personality that will win your cat over! And not only will a feline and Maltese have a blast running around together, but kitty can snuggle up to the dog’s warm, cozy fur on cold days for nap time!
12. Newfoundland
It’s a misconception that large breed dogs and felines can’t get along, which the Newfoundland proves. These gentle giants are calm, laidback, and patient with everyone in the family, including other animals in the house. And because these giant pups tend to be on the lazier side, they shouldn’t intimidate your kitty as much as a large, active dog would. Plus, think of all the amazing pictures you’ll be able to get of your giant dog snuggled up with your itty-bitty kitty!
13. Papillons
These cute little pups with butterfly ears are another breed that’s close in size to a cat, which means it could get along better with kitty than most larger breeds. Papillons are also happy-go-lucky and curious about everything, so they quickly see everyone they meet as a new friend. Plus, these pups like to join in on family fun time, and since kitty is a part of the family, it should lead to some fun playtime for both!
14. Pomeranians
The Pomeranian can be a bit high-spirited at times, which your cat may not enjoy, but your kitty will greatly appreciate the Pomeranian’s small size. Since it’s smaller than most felines, this dog doesn’t pose a threat at all. And because the Pomeranian is affectionate, it often gets along with all pets in the home, including the cat.
15. Poodles
Poodles are not only highly intelligent, but they tend to be incredibly mild-mannered, making them a good fit for homes with felines. These dogs are also quite protective of their loved ones, and that protection should extend to the cat once the Poodle understands it is part of the family unit. Overall, you shouldn’t have many issues between a Poodle and a cat!
16. Pugs
These small but tough dogs make excellent playmates for felines. Pugs have tons of personality and plenty of love to go around, plus they’re quite fond of attention. So, if your cat decides the Pug is worth its time, the dog will love the attention it gets. And a cat can keep these pups entertained while you’re away from home, which the Pug will greatly appreciate.
17. Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs are extremely loyal and fond of their families, including other animals in the home. And felines can keep these dogs entertained with their daily zoomies, which the Shetland will love. The only issues that might arise with these pups are the dog’s barking (especially when bored) and herding instincts. However, for the herding, at least, you can alleviate that by ensuring your dog is getting enough daily exercise and plenty of mental stimulation in the form of puzzles and games.
18. Tibetan Spaniel
This small breed isn’t a big barker, so it shouldn’t scare kitty by being loud. The Tibetan Spaniel is also incredibly devoted to its people, very laid back, and just a touch independent. These pups often enjoy hanging out in higher places like felines, so they and your cat will have that in common at the least. Chances are, though, given a little time, a Tibetan Spaniel and a cat will become best friends and co-rulers of your home!
Conclusion
There you have it—18 dog breeds that get along with cats. If you’re considering getting a new cat or dog but already have one or the other, you shouldn’t have many issues between them as long as you have a cat-friendly dog breed. It might take kitty a bit of time to warm up to a canine, but once they do, you’ll probably end up with a dynamic duo fond of causing mischief around the home!
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Featured Image Credit: Chendongshan, Shutterstock
