11 Best Dog Breeds That Get Along With Cats

Golden Retrievers are celebrated for their friendly and tolerant dispositions, making them one of the most popular dog breeds in households with cats. Their gentle nature and intelligence enable them to coexist peacefully with feline friends. Early socialization and positive reinforcement can further enhance their ability to live harmoniously with cats. Golden Retrievers are also known for their patience and adaptability, which contribute to their success in multi-pet households.

Labrador Retriever

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Labrador Retrievers share many of the same traits as Golden Retrievers, including a friendly and outgoing personality. They are typically non-aggressive and can adjust well to living with cats. Their affectionate nature ensures that they will treat a cat as part of their pack rather than a rival. With proper introductions and supervision, Labradors can form strong bonds with feline companions, enjoying playful interactions and mutual respect.

Beagle

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Beagles are social and friendly and generally get along well with other animals, including cats. While they have a strong prey drive, their pack-oriented nature often leads them to accept a cat as a fellow member of the group. Proper introductions and training can help mitigate any initial hunting instincts. Beagles’ sociable personalities make them a pleasure to live with, and with the right guidance, they can form lasting friendships with cats.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate, gentle, and sociable dogs that typically get along well with other animals, including cats. Their calm demeanor and adaptability make them excellent companions for multi-pet households. They are not prone to aggressive behavior and are generally patient with other pets. Their small size and friendly nature allow them to coexist harmoniously with cats, often forming close bonds and enjoying each other’s company.

Basset Hound

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Basset Hounds are calm, affectionate, and easygoing dogs, making them excellent cat companions. Known for their laid-back attitude and gentle demeanor, Basset Hounds typically get along well with other pets, including felines. Their low energy levels and patient nature make them less likely to chase or harass a cat. With proper introductions and supervision, Basset Hounds can live peacefully with cats, sharing their space and forming mutual respect.

Bulldog

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Bulldogs are known for their calm and courageous nature, which extends to their interactions with other animals, including cats. Their easygoing temperament makes them less likely to exhibit aggressive behavior toward cats. Bulldogs are typically patient and tolerant, allowing them to coexist peacefully with feline companions. Early socialization and positive experiences with cats can help Bulldogs develop harmonious relationships, ensuring a peaceful household.

Papillon

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Papillons are intelligent, friendly, and adaptable dogs that often get along well with cats. Their small size and gentle nature make them less intimidating to felines. Papillons are curious and social, often seeking companionship from other animals. With proper introductions and supervision, Papillons can form positive relationships with cats, enjoying mutual play and affection. Their lively and affectionate personalities contribute to their success in multi-pet households.

Pug

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Pugs are affectionate and friendly and generally get along well with other animals, including cats. Their easygoing nature and love for companionship make them excellent candidates for multi-pet households. Pugs are typically non-aggressive and enjoy the company of other pets. Early socialization and positive reinforcement can help Pugs develop harmonious relationships with cats, ensuring a peaceful coexistence and shared affection.

Shetland Sheepdog

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Shetland Sheepdogs are intelligent, gentle, and trainable dogs that can coexist peacefully with cats. Their herding instincts are strong but typically non-aggressive and can learn to respect a cat’s space. Early socialization and consistent training can help Shetland Sheepdogs develop positive relationships with cats. Their affectionate nature and desire to please make them excellent companions for feline friends, enjoying mutual respect and companionship.

Maltese

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Maltese dogs are gentle and affectionate and typically get along well with other animals, including cats. Their small size and friendly nature make them less intimidating to felines. Maltese dogs enjoy companionship and can form strong bonds with cats, often seeking each other’s company. Proper introductions and supervision can help Maltese dogs develop harmonious relationships with cats, ensuring a peaceful and loving household.

Poodle

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Poodles, whether Toy, Miniature, or Standard, are renowned for their intelligence and trainability, making them excellent companions for cats. Their friendly and non-aggressive nature ensures that they can coexist peacefully with feline friends. Poodles are also known for their hypoallergenic coats, which can be beneficial for households with allergy concerns. With proper introductions and socialization, Poodles can form strong bonds with cats, enjoying mutual respect and companionship.

The Paw-sitive End To A Tail Of Friendship

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Living with both dogs and cats can be a joyful experience when the right breeds are matched and introductions are done thoughtfully. While these breeds have reputations for feline compatibility, every pet is unique—early socialization and gentle guidance still matter. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, your pets can learn to coexist and even bond in surprising ways. When harmony takes hold, your home fills with the comforting chorus of tail wags and purring—proof that with the right companions, peace, love, and a little fur can all happily coexist.