When it comes to choosing a furry companion that can coexist peacefully with cats, certain dog breeds have proven to be more adaptable and friendly towards their feline counterparts. This list of 26 dog breeds known to get along well with cats will provide you with insights into their unique traits, history, and what makes them perfect for a multi-pet household. Whether you’re a dog lover, a cat enthusiast, or both, these breeds might just be the perfect addition to your home.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers, known for their friendly and tolerant attitudes, often make wonderful companions for cats. Their gentle demeanor and eagerness to please humans and other pets alike create an atmosphere of harmony.
With a playful spirit and a love for social interactions, they can engage in friendly playtime with feline friends. Their intelligence and patience are key factors in building a positive relationship with cats.
Historically bred as working dogs, Golden Retrievers have a natural ability to get along with various animals, making them an ideal choice for multi-pet households.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are famously friendly and sociable, making them great partners for cats. Known for their easygoing personality, they adapt well to living with other animals.
Their playful nature combined with a patient temperament allows them to coexist seamlessly with cats. Labradors are known for their intelligence, which helps them understand boundaries and respect feline friends.
Whether playing in the backyard or relaxing indoors, the Labrador’s playful yet gentle approach creates a welcoming environment for any cat. Their history as family dogs ensures they fit well in diverse animal families.
Basset Hound
The Basset Hound, with its long ears and soulful eyes, shares a profound love for companionship. Their calm and laid-back attitude makes them wonderful friends for cats.
Despite their hunting background, they have a gentle soul and a nose more interested in sniffing along leisurely walks than chasing feline friends. Bassets enjoy lounging and cuddling, often seeking comfort alongside their kitty buddies.
Patience and a loving nature define this breed, allowing them to coexist happily with cats, making them excellent additions to multi-pet homes.
Beagle
Beagles, with their curious noses and wagging tails, are known to be friendly, cheerful, and sociable. Their lively nature and inquisitive spirit make them engaging companions for cats.
Beagles often thrive in environments where they have plenty of company, whether it’s human or feline. They enjoy play and exploration, and their pack-oriented mentality allows them to bond well with cats.
Despite their energetic demeanor, Beagles are gentle and affectionate, often seeking out their cat friends to share in their adventures or relax after a playful day.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their affectionate and gentle nature, making them great companions for cats. Their love for snuggling and closeness creates a warm and inviting environment for feline housemates.
These dogs are naturally friendly and enjoy being part of a family, including any cats that share their home. Their mild temperament allows them to coexist peacefully without causing stress to more reserved feline pals.
The breed’s history as a companion lap dog shines through in their ability to bond with cats, making them an ideal choice for multi-pet families.
Papillon
Papillons, with their distinctive butterfly-like ears, are lively and intelligent, often forming strong bonds with cats. Their small size and playful spirit make them an adaptable companion in a multi-pet household.
Known for their agility and curiosity, Papillons enjoy engaging with feline friends in playful antics. Their intelligence allows them to quickly learn boundaries, ensuring harmonious relationships.
Though they are energetic, Papillons are gentle and affectionate, often seen cuddling with their cat buddies after a day of playful exploration. Their friendly disposition makes them suitable for homes with cats.
Collie
Collies, famous for their herding instincts and loyalty, are gentle giants around cats. Their protective nature extends to feline friends, often looking out for them as part of their herd.
With a calm demeanor and intelligent nature, Collies easily adapt to living with cats, respecting their space and independence. Their patience and understanding foster a peaceful coexistence.
Whether enjoying a game of chase or simply lounging together, Collies’ loving nature and keen awareness make them ideal companions for cats, forming bonds that are both strong and gentle.
Poodle
Poodles, known for their intelligence and trainability, often form positive relationships with cats. Their friendly nature and sociable disposition allow them to become fast friends with feline housemates.
Their adaptability to different environments, coupled with a playful spirit, makes them suitable for multi-pet homes. Poodles’ ability to learn quickly helps them understand boundaries with cats, ensuring a harmonious relationship.
Elegance and energy characterize the Poodle’s demeanor, attracting both human and feline companionship. Their affectionate personality makes them a wonderful choice for families with cats.
Bulldog
Bulldogs, with their distinctive flat faces and stocky build, exude a calm and gentle demeanor that appeals to cats. Their laid-back personality makes them perfect couch companions for feline friends.
Despite their tough exterior, Bulldogs are known for their affectionate and loving nature, often seeking out their cat buddies for companionship.
Their patient attitude and ability to adapt to a slower pace of life allow them to get along well with cats, enjoying shared moments of relaxation and mutual comfort. Bulldogs’ mellow temperament makes them a favorite among multi-pet households.
Newfoundland
Newfoundlands, with their large size and gentle nature, are often referred to as gentle giants. Their protective instincts and patient demeanor make them excellent companions for cats.
Despite their size, Newfoundlands are gentle and caring, often watching over their feline friends with a watchful eye. They enjoy the company of other animals and are known for their loyalty and kindness.
Whether playing in the yard or resting indoors, Newfoundlands’ nurturing spirit and gentle approach foster a peaceful and loving relationship with cats, making them ideal for multi-pet homes.
Pug
Pugs, with their charming features and bubbly personality, often form close friendships with cats. Their playful and affectionate nature makes them delightful companions.
Known for their sociable demeanor, Pugs enjoy interacting with other pets and are often seen playing or resting with their feline housemates. Their compact size and gentle nature allow them to coexist peacefully with cats.
Their unique personality and love for companionship create a warm and friendly environment, where both dogs and cats can thrive together, enjoying each other’s company.
Boxer
Boxers, known for their energetic and playful nature, are excellent companions for cats who enjoy a bit of action. Their lively spirit and affectionate demeanor make them great friends.
Often described as fun-loving and loyal, Boxers enjoy playing and interacting with cats in a way that’s both engaging and respectful. Their intelligence and eagerness to please help them understand and respect feline boundaries.
Whether playing a game of tag or simply lounging together, Boxers’ spirited nature and loving heart create a joyful environment for cats and dogs alike.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus, with their long flowing coats and regal demeanor, are known for their affectionate and friendly nature. Their love for companionship extends to cats, making them wonderful multi-pet family members.
Their gentle disposition and desire to be close to their furry friends make them perfect nap partners with cats. Shih Tzus enjoy being part of the family, including their feline friends, in all activities.
Their small size and loving nature create an environment where cats feel comfortable and cherished, allowing both to enjoy harmonious companionship.
Sheltie (Shetland Sheepdog)
Shelties, known for their keen intelligence and herding instincts, have a natural affinity for caring and companionship, including with cats. Their nurturing nature allows them to bond well with feline friends.
With a watchful eye and gentle approach, Shelties often take on a protective role, ensuring their cat companions feel safe and secure. They enjoy playing and relaxing together, fostering a strong bond.
The Sheltie’s affectionate and loyal demeanor makes them an excellent choice for families with cats, providing a loving and caring environment for all pets.
Maltese
Maltese dogs, with their fluffy white coats and cheerful personalities, are known for their ability to get along well with cats. Their gentle and friendly nature makes them perfect companions.
These small dogs enjoy cuddling and playing with their feline friends, often sharing toys and spaces in a loving manner. Their easygoing temperament and adaptability make them well-suited for multi-pet homes.
Maltese dogs’ affectionate behavior and playful spirit create a warm and joyful atmosphere for cats and dogs alike, fostering friendships that are both sweet and enduring.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians, with their fluffy coats and vibrant personalities, are known to form close bonds with cats. Their playful and lively nature makes them engaging companions for feline friends.
Despite their small size, Pomeranians are full of energy and curiosity, often involving their cat buddies in playful antics. Their bold and spirited demeanor keeps things lively and fun.
Whether exploring or resting, Pomeranians’ friendliness and affection create an inclusive and joyful environment, where both dogs and cats can thrive in harmony.
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels, with their expressive eyes and gentle disposition, are known for their friendly and affectionate nature towards cats. Their playful yet relaxed demeanor makes them ideal companions.
These dogs enjoy engaging in playful activities with their feline friends, fostering bonds that are both fun and tender. Their ability to adapt to different environments supports a harmonious living arrangement with cats.
Cocker Spaniels’ endearing personality and love for companionship create a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for families looking to include both dogs and cats.
American Eskimo Dog
American Eskimo Dogs, with their fluffy white coats and intelligent nature, are known to be friendly and playful with cats. Their energetic personality adds joy to multi-pet households.
These dogs enjoy interacting with feline friends, often engaging in playful pursuits that both find entertaining. Their intelligence and trainability make them quick learners, respecting boundaries with cats.
The American Eskimo Dog’s lively spirit and affectionate nature create a dynamic and joyful environment, encouraging positive interactions and friendships with their cat companions.
Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers, known for their tuxedo-like appearance and lively nature, often form strong bonds with cats. Their amiable and playful demeanor allows them to engage positively with feline friends.
These dogs enjoy playtime with cats, showing off their spirited and affectionate side. Their ability to adapt to different situations makes them well-suited for living in harmony with felines.
Whether playing with toys or simply relaxing, Boston Terriers create a joyful and friendly environment, where both dogs and cats can enjoy each other’s company.
Samoyed
Samoyeds, with their fluffy white coats and friendly smiles, are known for their sociable and gentle nature, which extends to their interactions with cats. Their playful and loving personality makes them perfect companions.
These dogs enjoy engaging in activities with their feline friends, often participating in playful antics that delight both. Their gentle demeanor and intelligence allow them to coexist peacefully with cats.
The Samoyed’s affectionate and outgoing nature creates a warm and welcoming environment for cats, ensuring harmonious relationships and joyful living together.
Great Dane
Great Danes, often referred to as gentle giants, are known for their calm and friendly disposition towards cats. Their towering stature contrasts with their tender-hearted demeanor.
Despite their size, Great Danes are gentle and patient, often watching over their feline friends with care. Their sociable nature allows them to form strong bonds with cats, respecting their space and preferences.
Whether in play or rest, Great Danes’ loving nature and gentle approach foster a peaceful and nurturing environment, ideal for multi-pet households.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards, with their large size and gentle disposition, are renowned for their affectionate nature towards cats. Their calm and patient demeanor makes them ideal companions.
These dogs enjoy relaxing with their feline friends, often sharing warm and cozy spaces. Their nurturing spirit and protective instincts create a sense of security and comfort for cats.
The Saint Bernard’s loving nature and ability to adapt to various environments make them perfect for families looking to include both dogs and cats in their household.
Whippet
Whippets, known for their sleek build and affectionate nature, often form close bonds with cats. Their gentle and friendly demeanor makes them wonderful companions.
These dogs enjoy engaging in play with their feline friends, showcasing a lively yet gentle personality. Their ability to adapt to different living situations ensures peaceful coexistence with cats.
The Whippet’s loving and playful nature creates an inviting atmosphere, where both dogs and cats feel at ease, enjoying each other’s company in harmony.
Havanese
Havanese dogs, with their silky coats and cheerful personalities, are known for their friendliness towards cats. Their playful and affectionate nature makes them ideal companions.
These small dogs enjoy interacting with their feline friends, often engaging in playful antics that are both entertaining and endearing. Their adaptable nature and intelligence help them respect boundaries with cats.
Havanese bring warmth and joy to any home, creating a harmonious environment where both dogs and cats can thrive together, enjoying mutual companionship.
Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises, with their fluffy white coats and cheerful demeanor, are known for their ability to get along well with cats. Their playful and loving nature makes them perfect companions.
These dogs enjoy cuddling and playing with their feline friends, often sharing toys and spaces in a loving manner. Their easygoing temperament and adaptability make them well-suited for multi-pet homes.
Bichon Frises’ affectionate behavior and playful spirit create a warm and joyful atmosphere for cats and dogs alike, fostering friendships that are both sweet and enduring.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers, with their small size and lively personality, often form strong bonds with cats. Their energetic and spirited nature makes them engaging companions.
Despite their tiny stature, Yorkies are full of life and curiosity, often involving their cat buddies in playful pursuits. Their bold and independent demeanor keeps things lively and fun.
Whether exploring or resting, Yorkshire Terriers’ friendliness and affection create an inclusive and joyful environment, where both dogs and cats can thrive in harmony.