Dog Breeds Known to Get on Well with Cats

Many dog breeds can live harmoniously with cats, especially when introduced carefully and raised together from a young age. While some dogs have a strong prey drive, which makes them unsuitable around feline friends, others have laid-back, friendly temperaments that promote peaceful cohabitation. This guide explores dog breeds known to get on well with cats and offers helpful tips for responsible owners aiming to share their home with both pets.

Labrador Retrievers

Labradors are known for their friendly, dependable nature and generally low prey drive, making them excellent companions for cats. When properly introduced, they can be gentle playmates and lifelong pals to their feline housemates, providing companionship especially when owners are away. Their loyal and trusting disposition leads to peaceful coexistence in multi-pet families.

Havanese

The Havanese breed rarely shows aggression and is naturally sociable, making them ideal for households with cats. Known for their affectionate nature towards people and other animals, Havanese dogs often form strong bonds with cats, ensuring that both pets enjoy company and comfort together.

Shetland Sheepdogs

Shetland Sheepdogs, or Shelties, are affectionate and family-oriented, though sometimes cautious around very young children. Their herding instinct may occasionally prompt them to round up family members, including cats. However, when raised together with cats from puppyhood, they develop strong bonds that reduce anxiety and promote harmony within the home.

Pugs

Pugs are naturally friendly and laid-back dogs that enjoy interaction with people and other pets. Their gentle and affectionate nature makes them likely to get along well with cats, especially if they grow up together. This companionship is comforting for both animals and offers peace of mind for owners.

Basset Hounds

Basset Hounds are calm characters who prefer a leisurely pace of life. They are patient and tolerant, traits that promote good relationships with cats, particularly in households where they have been raised together. Their amiable nature also makes them excellent family pets.

Coonhounds

Coonhounds are energetic but gentle dogs that tend to interact well with other animals, including cats. While their boisterous playfulness requires supervision, especially around children, coonhounds raised alongside cats often learn to respect and coexist with their feline housemates.

Introducing Dogs and Cats Successfully

Introducing a dog and a cat can be a delicate process. Early socialisation and gradual introduction when both are young greatly improve the chances of a peaceful relationship. Supervising their initial interactions and respecting the distinct temperaments of each animal are essential. Responsible owners should always allow pets to establish boundaries and positive associations at their own pace, promoting lifelong companionship and reducing stress for all involved.

Additional Breed Recommendations

Other breeds known for getting along with cats include Golden Retrievers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Beagles, Bulldogs, Bichon Frises, Poodles, and Collies. Each breed has unique traits that influence compatibility, but personality and proper introduction remain key. If considering adopting a dog or cat, obtaining pets through reputable breeders or ethical rehoming organisations supports responsible ownership and animal welfare.

Conclusion

While individual animals vary, several dog breeds have built reputations for compatibility with cats thanks to their gentle, sociable, and patient nature. Introducing pets when young and carefully supervising interactions foster strong interspecies bonds. Whether choosing a Lab, Pug, or Shetland Sheepdog, owners can enjoy a harmonious multi-pet household by prioritising responsible ownership, patience, and respect for each pet's needs.