If you're thinking of bringing a dog and a cat into your home together, it's essential to choose a dog breed that's compatible with cats. Some dog breeds are naturally more cat-friendly than others, thanks to their calm and gentle nature.
Labrador Retrievers, for example, are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, which make them a great match for households with cats. Their high energy levels require plenty of exercise, but they're generally easy-going and won't harass a cat.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are another breed that tends to get along well with cats. They're affectionate and gentle, and their small size means they won't intimidate a feline friend. With proper introduction and socialization, they can become great companions for cats.
Basset Hounds, on the other hand, are relatively low-maintenance and won't mind having a cat around. Their calm and laid-back nature makes them a great choice for households with multiple pets.
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Cat-Friendly Dog Breeds for Pet Owners
If you're a cat owner considering introducing a dog into your home, it's essential to choose a breed that's likely to get along with your feline friend. Breeds like Boxers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known to be cat-friendly.
Dogs who have been bred to hunt or point are more likely to see cats as something to chase, so it's best to avoid these breeds if possible. However, socialization and temperament also play a significant role in determining how well a dog will get along with a cat.
Some dog breeds are more open to felines than others, so it's worth considering breeds like Irish Setters, Newfoundlands, Pekingese, Pomeranians, and Cocker Spaniels. These breeds have been known to coexist peacefully with cats.
Here are some cat-friendly dog breeds to consider:
- Boxers
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Irish Setters
- Newfoundlands
- Pekingese
- Pomeranians
- Cocker Spaniels
Remember, every dog is different, so it's crucial to socialize your dog and introduce them to your cat slowly and carefully to ensure a harmonious household.
Dog Breeds That Get Along with Cats
Some dog breeds are naturally more cat-friendly than others. Golden Retrievers, for example, are known for their friendly and gentle personality, making them a great match for cats. They are highly trainable and can learn to live harmoniously with felines.
Golden Retrievers are not the only breed that gets along well with cats, however. Other breeds like Beagles, Pugs, and Bichon Frises have also been known to form close bonds with felines. These breeds often view cats as part of their pack, making them more likely to get along.
Here are some cat-friendly dog breeds to consider:
- Golden Retrievers
- Beagles
- Pugs
- Bichon Frises
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Cocker Spaniels
- Newfoundlands
- Pekingese
- Pomeranians
Keep in mind that while these breeds may have a predisposition to getting along with cats, socialization and proper introduction are still crucial for a harmonious household.
Border Collie
Border Collies are perhaps the most intelligent dog breed, and they are lovers and not fighters.
They bond well with kitties, and most Collies are very gentle with children and other family pets, even cats.
Collies are a bit calm than some herding breeds, making them a great match for households with cats.
Discover more: Border Collies and Cats
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well
If you're considering getting a dog that gets along with your cat, there are many breeds to choose from. Some of the best dog breeds for cats include Golden Retrievers, which are known for their friendly and gentle personality.
Golden Retrievers are one of the best dogs for cats, and "golden" is a fitting word to describe this classic breed. Kind and empathetic, Golden Retrievers accept cats readily as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on.
Labrador Retrievers are also a great match for cats, as they are exuberant, loving, and gentle. They will happily welcome a cat into their circle of friends.
Beagles are another breed that can get along well with cats, especially if they are socialized properly. They are friendly dogs that typically enjoy the company of both humans and other pets.
Boston Terriers are also known to be polite to kitties as well as other animals. They may engage in chasing the cat, but this is usually out of fun, not prey drive.
Additional reading: Are Labrador Retrievers Good Dogs
Bichon Frises have a happy and entertaining personality, making them ideal siblings and playmates with the cat. However, the Bichon Frise's outgoing personality may be too overwhelming for a cat who likes to be left alone.
Here are some of the dog breeds that can get along well with cats:
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- Beagle
- Boston Terrier
- Bichon Frise
- Border Collie
- Border Terrier
- Miniature Poodle
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Cocker Spaniel
- Poodle
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Basset Hound
- Maltese
- German Shepherd
- Bernese Mountain Dog
Remember, while these breeds have a higher chance of getting along with cats, proper socialization and training are still essential to ensure a harmonious household.
Irish Setter
Irish Setters are a great choice for households with cats and kids because they're calm and easy-going as adults.
They're actually pretty easy to train, which is a relief for first-time dog owners.
Their exuberant, clumsy adolescent stage doesn't last forever, thankfully.
Irish Setters are a popular choice among owners who appreciate their gorgeous, flowing auburn locks.
Adult Irish Setters are a great fit for busy households with multiple small creatures.
Introducing Pets Safely
Careful planning should be a priority prior to introducing a dog and a cat for the first time. Calmer dogs are generally more well-received by cats.
Both pets need to be considered before deciding to put them in the same home together, as they can both be picky in their own ways. The dog needs to be able to tolerate a cat running around.
It's essential to research dog breeds that are known to get along well with cats, such as the nine dog breeds mentioned that are most likely to get along with your cat. These breeds have earned reputations as excellent playmates and tolerant siblings for cats in the same household.
Does Breed Matter in Dog-Cat Relationships?
Breed alone can't guarantee a dog's behavior around cats, but some breeds are more likely to see cats as prey due to their hunting or pointing instincts.
Dogs bred to hunt or point may have a natural instinct to chase or hunt cats, so it's worth considering breeds with a more docile temperament.
If a dog within a breed category has already cohabitated with cats or has a unique temperament, it may not be a deal-breaker.
You can increase your chances of successful canine-feline bonding by choosing a breed known to be more open to felines.
Some breeds are naturally more friendly and open to cats, which can make for a harmonious household.
Specific Dog Breeds
Some dog breeds are naturally more cat-friendly than others. Bernese Mountain Dogs, for example, tend to be friendly and confident, making them a great match for assertive cats. They don't have a strong prey drive, which makes them easier to train to live with cats.
Boxers are another breed that can get along well with cats. They're playful, devoted, loyal, and cheerful, and are great guardian dogs. They're also easy to train, which makes them a great choice for families with cats.
Bichon Frises are known for their friendly nature and gentle temperament, which allows them to bond with cat siblings. They're also very social and love to cuddle, but they can be overwhelming for cats who like to be left alone.
Here are some dog breeds that can get along well with cats:
- Boxers
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
- Bichon Frises
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Newfoundlands
- Pekingese
- Pomeranians
- Cocker Spaniels
Remember, every dog is different, and while breed can be a good indicator of a dog's temperament, it's not a guarantee. Always introduce dogs and cats slowly and under controlled circumstances to ensure a smooth transition.
2: Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a great match for cats, known for their friendly and gentle personality. They can live very well together with cats, enjoying their company without exhibiting predatory behavior.
Golden Retrievers are happy, gentle, kind, and loyal, always looking out for their owners. This lovely breed can get along with your cat just fine under the right conditions.
With proper socialization, Golden Retrievers can peacefully live with a cat friend as long as they are properly introduced. They are very gentle and their friendliness extends not only to people but also to cats.
Golden Retrievers are innately amiable to other people and pets, making them a great choice for families with cats. They are very trainable and are often able to understand the boundaries often set by their kitty companions.
Their loving and gentle nature makes the Golden Retriever one of the best cat-friendly dog breeds. They are sweet-natured and loving, as well as outgoing and adaptable.
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4: Pug
The Pug is a friendly breed that gets along well with cats, as long as the cat lets them into their domain. They have a sweet nature and are usually safe around small animals like guinea pigs.
Pugs love attention and can bond with cats while their humans are out of the house.
#5: Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a wonderful breed to consider if you're looking for a dog that gets along well with cats. They have a happy and entertaining personality that makes them ideal siblings and playmates for felines.
Their outgoing personality can be a bit overwhelming for cats who like to be left alone, so it's essential to introduce them slowly and under controlled circumstances. However, if the cat tolerates or even participates in the Bichon Frise's charming antics, they'll happily accept and befriend each other.
The Bichon Frise is known for their cheerful disposition and love for social interaction, making them a great match for cats who enjoy companionship and playtime. They're also quite gentle, which is perfect for nervous cats who need a calm and non-aggressive companion.
Here are some dog breeds that are known to get along well with cats, including the Bichon Frise:
- Boxers
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Irish Setters
- Newfoundlands
- Pekingese
- Pomeranians
- Cocker Spaniels
The Bichon Frise's friendly nature, gentle temperament, and lazy nature make them a great housemate for cats. They're also relatively small in size, which can be beneficial for households with smaller living spaces.
9: Boxer
The Boxer breed is a very special and well-known one among dog lovers. They are great guardian dogs and are very family-oriented.
Boxers are playful, devoted, loyal, and cheerful dogs. They are great matches for cat owners who want a gentle, easy-to-train, yet energetic dog.
If you're looking for a breed that will get along with your cat, Boxers are definitely worth considering.
For your interest: Boxers Good Apartment Dogs
Sources
- 14 best dog breeds that are cat-friendly (pettsie.com)
- BeaglePro (beaglepro.com)
- dos and don'ts of dog and cat peacemaking (fourpaws.com)
- 15 dog breeds that are good with cats (purelypetsinsurance.co.uk)
- 9 Dog Breeds that Get Along with Cats - Critter Sitters (critter-sitters.com)
- 13 Dog Breeds that are Good with Cats | Pet Parenting (trupanion.com)
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