Best Dog Breeds to Live With Cats (Vet-Recommended)

You love your cat. You also love dogs. Can you have both?

The answer is yes—but choosing the right dog breed makes ALL the difference. Some dogs see cats as family. Others see them as prey. Here's what you need to know about selecting a cat-compatible canine.

Why Breed Matters (But Isn't Everything)

The Prey Drive Factor

Dogs have varying levels of prey drive—the instinct to chase, catch, and potentially kill small, fast-moving animals. High prey drive breeds are dangerous for cats.

High prey drive breeds to avoid with cats:

• Greyhounds and other sighthounds (unless specifically cat-tested)
• Terriers (Jack Russells, Rat Terriers, etc.)
• Huskies and Malamutes
• Border Collies and herding breeds (may nip/herd cats)
• Beagles and other scent hounds
• Any Northern breed

Low prey drive breeds generally safer:

• Most companion breeds (Cavaliers, Pugs, etc.)
• Many retrievers and spaniels
• Certain giant breeds
• Breeds developed for human companionship rather than hunting

Individual Matters More Than Breed

Even within "safe" breeds, individual dogs vary enormously. A gentle Golden Retriever might be perfect with cats while another Golden might have unusually high prey drive. The AKC expert advice section covers breed temperament and multi-pet introductions in depth.

Always:

• Meet the specific dog before adopting
• Ask about their history with cats
• Introduce carefully regardless of breed

Top 10 Cat-Friendly Dog Breeds

1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Why they work: Bred purely for companionship, Cavaliers have virtually no prey drive. They're gentle, adaptable, and rarely intimidate cats.

Size: 12-18 lbs Energy: Moderate Considerations: Some may chase if cat runs; need socialization

2. Basset Hound

Why they work: Despite being scent hounds, Bassets are too lazy to bother chasing cats. Their laid-back temperament makes them tolerant roommates.

Size: 40-65 lbs Energy: Low Considerations: May track cat scents obsessively but won't pursue

3. Golden Retriever

Why they work: Gentle giants with mouths bred to be soft. Goldens are generally patient and accepting of other animals.

Size: 55-75 lbs Energy: Moderate-high Considerations: Puppies may play too rough; adults settle well

4. Maltese

Why they work: Tiny toy breed with zero hunting instinct. More likely to be intimidated BY a cat than to threaten one.

Size: 4-7 lbs Energy: Moderate Considerations: May be too fragile if cat plays rough

5. Pug

Why they work: Pugs were bred to be companions, not hunters. Their friendly, laid-back nature extends to cats.

Size: 14-18 lbs Energy: Low-moderate Considerations: Breathing issues limit any chase behavior anyway

6. Bichon Frise

Why they work: Happy, gentle companion breed with no hunting background. Love making friends with everyone, including cats.

Size: 12-18 lbs Energy: Moderate Considerations: May want to play; cats may find them annoying

7. Labrador Retriever

Why they work: Easy-going temperament and soft mouths. Labs were bred to fetch, not kill—they generally accept cats as family.

Size: 55-80 lbs Energy: High Considerations: Puppyhood is intense; adults calmer

8. Newfoundland

Why they work: These gentle giants have incredibly sweet temperaments. Too laid-back to bother chasing anything.

Size: 100-150 lbs Energy: Low Considerations: Size may accidentally intimidate cats

9. Shih Tzu

Why they work: Ancient lap dogs bred for palaces, not hunting. Shih Tzus coexist peacefully with everyone.

Size: 9-16 lbs Energy: Low Considerations: May not tolerate rough cat play

10. Papillon

Why they work: Despite their spaniel heritage, Papillons are companion dogs first. Smart enough to learn cat manners quickly.

Size: 5-10 lbs Energy: Moderate Considerations: Tiny; cats could injure them

Breeds to Avoid With Cats

These breeds have high prey drive and/or poor impulse control that makes them risky around cats:

Sighthounds (see movement, must chase):

• Greyhounds
• Whippets
• Afghan Hounds
• Salukis
• Italian Greyhounds (yes, even tiny ones)

Terriers (bred to kill small animals):

• Jack Russell Terrier
• Rat Terrier
• Airedale Terrier
• Fox Terrier
• Most terrier types

Northern/Spitz Breeds:

• Siberian Husky
• Alaskan Malamute
• Akita
• Shiba Inu

Herding Breeds (may chase/nip):

• Border Collie
• Australian Shepherd
• Australian Cattle Dog

Adopting an Adult Dog vs. Puppy

Adult Dogs

Pros:

• Cat-test before adopting
• Temperament is known
• Already past destructive puppy phase
• Shelters often note "good with cats"

Cons:

• Unknown history
• May have learned bad habits
• Introduction still needed

Puppies

Pros:

• Can be raised with cats from start
• Cats can establish themselves as "not prey"
• Socialization window open

Cons:

• Puppies are obnoxious and cats hate them
• Can't predict adult temperament 100%
• 6-18 months of chaos

Recommendation: For cat households, adult dogs with known cat history are often safer.

The Introduction Process

Even the most cat-friendly breed requires careful introduction.

Week 1: Scent Swapping

• Keep pets in separate areas
• Swap bedding between them
• Feed on opposite sides of closed door

Week 2: Visual Introduction

• Baby gate between rooms
• Brief visual access, then separate
• Reward calm behavior

Week 3+: Supervised Together

• Short sessions only
• Dog on leash initially
• Always supervise
• End on positive note

Ongoing

• Never leave unsupervised until 100% confident
• Continue managing for months
• Respect the cat's space

Cat Personality Matters Too

The best dog breed won't help if your cat is:

• Very fearful
• Elderly/fragile
• Has history of dog trauma
• Aggressive toward dogs

Some cats will never accept a dog. Consider your cat's needs honestly.

Signs It's Working

Good signs:

• Cat doesn't hide constantly
• Dog ignores cat most of the time
• Calm coexistence in same room
• Play bows (not chasing)
• Mutual grooming eventually

Bad signs:

• Cat won't come out of hiding
• Dog fixates on cat
• Chasing behavior
• Cat stopped eating or using litter box
• Aggression from either

The Bottom Line

The right dog breed makes multi-species households possible—but breed alone doesn't guarantee success. Individual temperament, proper introduction, and ongoing management all matter.

Choose a low-prey-drive breed, meet the specific dog, introduce slowly, and supervise carefully. With patience, your cat and dog can become unlikely friends.

Related: Introducing a New Cat to Your Dog Related: Managing a Multi-Pet Household

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any dog learn to live peacefully with a cat?

While breed tendencies matter, individual temperament and early socialization play a bigger role. Dogs raised with cats from puppyhood are more likely to coexist peacefully regardless of breed. However, breeds with very high prey drives (like Greyhounds and terriers) pose a fundamentally higher risk and require much more careful management.

How should I introduce a new dog to my resident cat?

Keep them completely separated for the first 1-2 weeks, allowing them to smell each other through a closed door. Then do short, controlled visual introductions with the dog leashed and the cat having a clear escape route. Never force interaction—let the cat set the pace. This gradual process typically takes 2-4 weeks for a safe introduction.

What are warning signs that a dog is not safe around cats?

Watch for intense fixation (staring, stiffening, trembling when seeing the cat), lunging or straining at the leash toward the cat, high-pitched whining while fixated, and a stiff, forward body posture with raised hackles. If the dog cannot break focus from the cat when called, or shows any predatory stalking behavior, professional help from a behaviorist is essential.