Skip to main content

These 11 dog breeds get along with cats (most of the time)

Despite what films like Cats & Dogs want you to think, it is possible to find feline-friendly dog breeds capable of living peacefully with your cat. Some dogs, such as working breeds, were bred specifically to guard other animals. As a result, they instinctively protect their family members, including Mr. Whiskers. Similarly, many breeds were bred to work together in packs, making them friendly toward other dogs and even cats. Small dogs are also a great option, as they’re usually more concerned with demanding your attention than noticing what the family cat is doing.  

A siamese kitten snuggling a tricolor puppy.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Which dog breeds get along with cats?

While creating a peaceful household for your dog and cat definitely depends on the individual animals’ personalities, here are a few breeds that usually get along well with cats. Some of them might surprise you. 

Recommended Videos

Golden retriever

According to the American Kennel Club, golden retrievers are the fourth most popular dog breed in America as of 2020. Known for their sweet dispositions and gentleness, it’s no surprise that goldens are among the best breeds if you have cats. Goldens are highly intelligent and eager to please, so you can easily train most goldens to accept your cat as a cherished member of the family. Goldens can be somewhat mischievous as puppies, so you might want to keep an eye on things if you have a particularly temperamental cat. 

Newfoundland

Despite their massive size, these gentle giants are famous for their patient, laid-back demeanor. Newfies are playful as puppies, but they mellow into calm adults, so they shouldn’t frighten your cat. Because of their protective instincts, Newfies are a wonderful option if you have small children or other pets. Some cats may find their size intimidating, so we recommend keeping your fur babies apart until they’re more comfortable with each other. 

Beagle

Classified as scent hounds, these entertaining, playful pups tend to get along with just about everyone. Beagles were originally bred to hunt in packs alongside horses, so the ability to get along with other animals is deeply ingrained in their genetic code. That being said, they might chase your cat due to an instinctive drive to flush out prey. Your beagle will probably think of it as a game, but your cat might not be too thrilled. 

Poodle

Forget all the poodle stereotypes. They’re actually extremely clever and relatively easy to train. All three sizes — standard, miniature, and toy — can learn to live peacefully with cats, but the smaller sizes will be less intimidating for your feline friend. Toy poodles are affectionate and friendly, so it’s not uncommon for them to befriend their similarly sized cat family members. 

A white kitten sitting on a blue chair with a white puppy.
JackieLou DL from Pixabay

Pug

If you’re looking for a dog that will bond with every member of the family, you should consider a pug. Small, happy-go-lucky, and just a bit lazy, pugs make ideal housemates for cats. Because of their laid-back personalities, they’re extremely unlikely to chase your cat around the house. Pugs are also extremely social puppers, so you’re likely to find your dog curled up beside your cat … as long as your cat doesn’t mind company.

Collie

Some herding breeds tend to be hyperactive and prone to herding members of their own family — cats included. However, collies are a sweet, gentle breed, and they’re a lot less excitable than most herding breeds. Collies make excellent family pets if you have other dogs, small children, and even cats. That being said, it’s possible that your collie won’t be able to resist the instinctive urge to herd the family. The good news is that they aren’t an aggressive breed, so they’re unlikely to snap at your cat. 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These adorable lapdogs will cuddle with anyone, including their new feline roommate. Their sweet demeanor makes them patient playmates for a cat, though they’ll pair best with a kitty who’s just as gentle. If not, Cavs are forgiving but consistent at standing their ground, so your feisty feline will get the idea to play nice sooner or later. Plus, how cute are these cat-sized cuddle bugs?

Labrador retriever

These mild-mannered pups are America’s most popular dog breed, according to the American Kennel Club. They’re known and loved for their sweet, athletic personalities that mesh well with many homes. This also makes them great friends for a cat, whether they’re lazy, curious, or downright crazy. Labs are also wonderful with training, so you know you’ll be in control when your cat and dog meet.

Irish setter

Many pet parents find Irish setters to be a lovable balance between dignified and rambunctious. They’ll go all-in during playtime, but they’ll be happy with some time to chill by themselves as well. Although they have a prey-hunting background, they’re generally friendly toward cats and small children because of their middle-of-the-line energy levels.

Corgi

These short and stout pups are superfriendly, which is just one reason why they’re so popular as pets. They’re alert, outgoing, and active, which many cats will find approachable. Because corgis need more stimulation than most dogs (via Purely Pets), a feline companion will help them stay calm and contained.

Pomeranian

Most Poms are actually smaller than your average cat, making them a fantastic choice for cat lovers. These little bundles of fluff are playful and personable, so they typically get along with every member of the family. One thing to note is their tendency to bark. If you have a particularly anxious cat that has issues with noise, you’ll need to train your Pom not to bark so your cat won’t stress out as much. 

A tabby cat snuggling a tan dog in the grass.
Snapwire from Pexels

Breeds you’ll want to avoid

As much as we want our fur babies to get along, some dog breeds don’t play nicely with cats. Nordic breeds tend to have strong prey drives, which can be bad news for flighty felines. Energetic herding breeds like Australian cattle dogs might not give your cat a moment’s rest if the urge to herd the flock takes over. Some terriers are a bit too hyper, and because many terriers were bred to kill their prey, it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

Taking the proper steps to introduce your pets goes a long way in creating a peaceful household. Use a favorite toy or blanket to allow your fur babies to get used to each other’s scent before you introduce them, and they’ll be more likely to accept the other animal as family. Opt for gentle, calm cats and dogs, and you’ll be amazed by how easily they can learn to live together. 

Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
70 cute dog names for every vibe: From cottagecore to Y2K
These unique dog names are inspired by aesthetics, like barbiecore
A corgi dog standing in front of a pink background looks up and to the side with big eyes

If you spend enough time on social media -- particularly sites like TikTok, Pinterest, or Tumblr -- you'll become familiar with "aesthetics." These are moods or styles that influence art, clothing and decor choices, and even what someone posts online. Any vibe can be an aesthetic if it drives your style choices, so why not let your favorite aesthetics inspire your new dog's name as well?

These canine monikers range from timeless to eccentric (and everything in between), but they all have one thing in common: They're all sure to put a smile on your face. Whether they remind you of something adorable, something nostalgic, or something totally epic, these cute dog names are the perfect wealth of information to start your search with. We hope this list leaves you feeling inspired!
Cottagecore dog names inspired by the cute, woodsy aesthetic

Read more
Beagle 101: Key things to know before getting one as a pet
What makes beagle dogs so special
Little girl playing with a beagle

Beagles are lovable dogs who melt hearts with their soulful eyes and long, silky ears. They conjure up images of a pack of hounds out on a hunt, a playmate hanging out with a kid, a hiking companion, or even a cuddle buddy at the end of an adventurous day. The beagle dog breed is certainly all of these wonderful things and more.

It’s believed that the ancestors of the people-loving beagle were small hunting dogs that English gentlemen used to track hares in the 1500s. Today, two varieties of beagles are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC): the 13-inch beagle and the 15-inch beagle. The smaller dogs are under 13 inches in height, while the larger ones can measure over 13 and at or under 15 inches. Both have short coats and come in a variety of colors, with the most common being the tri-colored black, white, and tan. The other colors of the beagle dog breed are white and red, and the less common lemon and white. However, there is so much more to this dog than its looks.

Read more
What are the 7 breed groups and where does my dog fit in?
The American Kennel Club dog groups and the breeds that fit in them
A group of dogs sits on the sidewalk during their walk

We know dogs came to us from wild canines (likely wolves) and probably domesticated themselves rather than the other way around. In the process, different types of pups came about, possibly splitting into groups more than 5,000 years ago! To categorize all these beasties, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has a list of recognized breeds, each of which fits into one of the seven groups. We'll walk you through the breed groups so you can determine where your pooch fits best.
How do you classify dogs?

Dogs came from wolves and still share 99% of their DNA with their foreparents. Within the scientific world, dogs share a genus Canis with wolves, coyotes, and jackals. However, we generally don't recommend mixing these animals since our pets have become something totally unique.

Read more