5 Dog Breeds That Like and Are Good With Cats

Which Breeds of Cats and Dogs Get Along?

We've all heard the phrase "fighting like cats and dogs," but that doesn't always have to be the case. I have treated a lot of corneal lacerations over the years because people think that any old dog is suited for any old cat, but if you put care into the type of dog or cat you select, there are plenty of great pets out there willing to share their beds and blankets with other species.

Below, you'll find:

• a list of dogs that may get along with cats,
• a list of dogs that usually don't, and
• the three cat breeds that are most likely dog-friendly.

The 5 Most Cat-Friendly Dogs

Often, those dog breeds that are known for being good with kids are also good with cats, though not necessarily—there is still a lot of debate in this area. The list of cat-friendly dogs here is not perfect, but it does reflect my personal experience. None of the dogs I have met from these breeds have had a problem with cats, but as I said, there are always sure to be exceptions.

So what are the five dog breeds that get along best with cats?

1. Beagle
2. Boxer
3. Bichon Frisé
4. Golden Retriever
5. Maltese

1. Beagle

This small scent hound was originally bred to be a hunter, but beagles do amazingly well with cats. While they will usually chase cats while out in the yard, they treat cats gently inside the house and will snuggle up contentedly with any cat that shares their living space.

However, keep in mind that a beagle is not the right breed for everyone. They are okay as watchdogs but make friends too easily to be guards. They are also not easy to train, so if you are looking for a dog to obediently follow household commands, you need to search elsewhere. Beagles are famous for ignoring anyone calling them home when they have found an interesting scent and are following it where it leads.

This breed is also vocal; although they do not bark much, they do tend to howl. A lot. If you cannot handle the howling, you might look for another dog breed that will get along with your cats.

Another thing to keep in mind is that this breed tends to get overweight without exercise. If you get a beagle, make sure to exercise him daily.

2. Boxer

This great dog breed will more likely wrestle with your cat than try to do her any damage. However, most boxers are strong and lively, so they need a tough cat to play with.

Unlike the beagle, this dog can serve as a good guard dog. Boxers are also fairly easy to train and almost always respond to their owners. If you want a big dog who is good with the family and great with your cat, this breed is a good choice.

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3. Bichon Frisé

This is a very happy, very social dog breed that will likely view a cat as just another small playmate. Just make sure that you have a playful cat. For very laid-back cats, you will need to supervise their interactions closely, since the bichon may be a little too happy at times when the cat wants to be left alone. If the cat is not a cuddler, a bichon might find himself a canina non grata. Several sites also list this dog as one of the best breeds for a family. In fact, they are so loving, my main worry about the Bichon is that he might miss you too much when you're not around.

The bichon frisé is a small dog, and his white coat doesn’t shed much but does need to be taken care of. These dogs need to be trimmed and brushed like a poodle and bathed regularly; if they are ignored, they can develop some serious matts and skin diseases. They are easy to train, fun to have around, and will not bark excessively once they get to know the visitor.

Do you want a small companion to keep your house busy and your young cat occupied? The bichon might be a great choice.

4. Golden Retriever

This dog is one of the best dog breeds with kids and is also tolerant around most other pets in the household. They are excellent with cats of all sizes and ages. The golden retriever is unlikely to be rough with your cat even when playing, and, like most dogs, will just consider the cat part of his family if they are introduced while he's still a puppy.

They are not good guard dogs but they will protect a kitten that they have decided to nurse and raise. Goldens are considered one of the easiest breeds to obedience train and are willing to do almost anything, sometimes to the point of exhaustion. If you want a great family dog, a hard worker, and a good companion, the golden is an excellent dog.

Maltese dogs are so small they can share any space with a cat.

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5. Maltese

The smallest of the dog breeds that likes cats, the Maltese is a slacker who sometimes just lies around on the couch and ignores anything else going on, including the activities of a cat. In fact, maybe this dog does not really like cats; he just knows better than to ask the cat to move off of his favorite spot. That is a good thing. It would take a tough Maltese to take on even a lazy cat.

Normally they are small lap dogs that don’t care for much more than hanging out, which makes them one of the best breeds for a first-time dog owner. However, if they have an opportunity to play and their opponent does not outweigh them ten to one, the Maltese can be an entertaining member of the household. This is a great dog breed for both new and old cats, because they are unlikely to mess with a new member of the family but are also fine with a cat that just wants to be left alone.

Worst Dog Breeds Around Cats

My personal observation is that almost any dog is willing to accept cats in his environment, as long as the cat is willing to accept him. When I owned Siberian Huskies, even they would leave the cats alone because my cats were able to move around our garden and remain aloof. Terriers have a bad reputation when it comes to cats, but I have often spoken with owners of Westies and Cairn terriers that get along fine with mellow cats.

The sighthounds might be an exception to the rule, since they have been bred with a very strong prey instinct, but I have heard stories of retired greyhounds that do okay with cats in their house. It is important that the cat does not run and act like prey; some dogs never seem to understand the concept that all pets are part of the family.

It Depends on the Dog, But Be Careful With These Breeds

Anyway, although there are sure to be plenty of people who disagree, here is my list of dog breeds that do not usually do well with cats:

• Sled dogs (Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, etc)
• Sighthounds (Whippets, Salukis, Azawakh, and some others)
• Terriers (Jack Russel Terrier, Rat Terrier, etc)
• Guard dogs (this can vary a lot but some breeds like the Presa Canario, Cane Corso, and Fila Brasileiro usually do not do well with small animals in their territory.)