13 Dogs That Are Surprisingly Good With Cats
13 Dogs That Are Surprisingly Good With Cats
Though pop culture has socialized us to think that cats and dogs are mortal enemies, many of them actually get along well and can become close friends. But some dog breeds are better with cats than others. For example, the American Kennel Club notes that dogs in the toy and sporting groups are often known for being sociable, affectionate, and friendly, while dogs in the terrier group, which were bred to hunt, might mistake a cat for prey.
Even if you have or choose to get a dog in one of the "cat-friendly" groups, it's important to keep in mind that the cat-dog compatibility often depends a lot on the individual personalities of the dog and cat. Pet owners can help set their animals up to be best friends by properly introducing them, and making sure the cat always has an escape route from the room, according to the AKC.
With the right socialization and training — and some patience — a cat and dog might grow to love each other just as much as they love you. Here are 13 breeds of dogs that are good with cats.
1) Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are people pleasers at heart, and if having a cat in the family will make you happy, odds are it will make them happy too. Rover notes that they will need some training early on so they know not to chase the cat, but otherwise they'll likely be very excited to have a new best friend.
2) Basset Hound
The American Kennel Club describes Basset Hounds as "low-key," and it's this relaxed personality that makes them great cat companions. They might not be as excited about it as the Golden Retriever, nor will they be as easy to train, but they won't throw a fit over their new feline family member.
3) Beagle
Beagles were bred to hunt in packs, so they don't mind being around other animals, according to the AKC. You might want to be careful about bringing a cat around two or more beagles, though, because then they're more likely to develop a "pack mentality" and might be more prone to chasing the cat, according to BeaglePro.
4) Pug
Pugs have a friendly personality and usually like being around other animals, according to Rover. They also love attention, and would likely find a cat friend comforting while their humans are away.
5) Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
King Charles Spaniels love being around other animals, according the AKC. They're also known for their fearless personalities, so they won't let a cat push them around just because they're on the smaller side.
6) Labrador Retriever
Labradors are gentle giants. They're known for being great with kids because they're incredibly patient and tolerant — two characteristics that also make them good with cats, according to SitStay.
7) Maltese
The Maltese is a very sociable dog who will likely be happy to have a cat companion. Rover recommends keeping an eye on them when they're still getting to know each other, just to make sure the cat doesn't take advantage of the friendly Maltese.
8) Collie
According to the AKC, the "Lassie dog" might be able to love cats almost as much as it loves kids. The question likely isn't whether a Collie will tolerate a cat, VetStreet notes, but whether a cat will tolerate a Collie's attempts to herd them and any other animals you have around the house.
9) Papillon
Papillons are family-oriented dogs who will likely be curious and happy about having a new feline friend, according to the AKC. But the Papillon, like many other dog breeds, can become aggressive or suffer from separation anxiety if it isn't properly exercised and socialized prior to a the family bringing home a new cat.
10) Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is great with cats in part because it's easy to train, according to Rover, but also just because it is friendly and outgoing.
11) Dachshund
Known as a big dog in a little dog's body, the Dachshund isn't going to take any crap from your cat just because they're little. Dachshunds will stand up for themselves without being aggressive, and their determination could mean they will do their best to win over even the most skeptical cat.
12) Bulldog
Bulldogs, though big, are "renowned for their kind temperament," according to the AKC. They're easygoing and generally won't mind having a cat in the house – they might even become close friends.
13) Poodle
Poodles can have a range of reactions to cats,"with some actually playing with them and others merely tolerating their existence," according to Rover. They bond closely with their human families and will likely at least try to do the same with any new cat family members.
They might even become the best of friends.