Welcoming a new furry friend into your home can be an exciting but sometimes challenging experience, especially if you already have a resident feline. While some dog breeds have a natural inclination to chase or be wary of cats, there are plenty of breeds known for their friendly and sociable nature, making them excellent companions for both humans and their feline friends.
Labrador
Labrador Retrievers are renowned for their friendly and outgoing personalities, making them one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide. Their gentle demeanour and easygoing nature make them one of the best dog breeds that are good with cats. Labs are typically eager to please and adaptable, which can help them form positive relationships with feline companions. With proper socialisation and training, Labradors can become loyal and affectionate friends to cats and humans alike.
Quick facts about Labradors
Adv. Adult Height 57cm – 60cm / 22.5in – 23.6in
Adv. Adult Weight 29kg – 36kg / 63lbs – 79lbs
Coat Dense coat with heavy shedding
Hypoallergenic No
Temperament Super friendly, loving, high energy
Exercise Needs High – Minimum 80 minutes of high quality exercise
Find out more about Labradors with these helpful articles and videos.
Video – Labrador Retriever: The Pros & Cons of Owning One / Animal Insider
Article – Is a Labrador right for your family – Greencross Vets
Article – Labrador Retriever – Dog Times
Golden Retriever
Similar to Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers are known for their sweet temperament and gentle disposition. Goldens are generally tolerant and patient, which can be beneficial when introducing them to cats. Their friendly nature and love for companionship make them great additions to households with feline friends. Golden Retrievers are highly trainable dogs that are eager to please their owners. Their trainable nature also makes them well-equipped to learn boundaries and respect the space of their feline housemates.
Quick Facts about Golden Retriever
Adv. Adult Height 56cm – 60cm / 22in – 24in
Adv. Adult Weight 29kg – 34kg / 64lbs – 75lbs
Coat Double coat. High shedding
Hypoallergenic No
Temperament Eager to please, faithful and friendly
Exercise Needs Medium-High – Minimum 60 minutes a day
Find out more about Golden Retrievers with these helpful articles.
Golden Retrievers Facts & Advice – Pet Plan
Can a Golden Retriever live with a cat? – Quora
Are Golden Retrievers good with cats? – Dogster
Beagle
Beagles are energetic and curious dogs with a playful streak, but they also have a friendly and sociable demeanour that makes them compatible with cats. Beagles are often described as “happy-go-lucky” dogs and their cheerful attitude can make them fun playmates for cats who enjoy interactive games.
Quick facts about Beagles
Adv. Adult Height 46-56 cm / 18in-22in
Adv. Adult Weight 9kg – 13kg / 20lbs – 30lbs
Coat Short, dense coat
Hypoallergenic No
Temperament Even-tempered, curious and adaptable
Exercise Needs Moderate. Approx. 1 hour a day.
Find out more about Beagles with these helpful articles.
About Beagles – Dog Times
Beagle at a Glance – Hills Pet
Beagle Dog Breed Facts and Information – Rover.com
Basset Hound
Basset Hounds may not be the first breed that comes to mind when thinking of dogs that get along with cats, but their laid-back and affectionate nature can make them surprisingly good companions for feline housemates.
Bassets are known for their easygoing temperament and gentle disposition, which can help them form strong bonds with cats. While they have a keen sense of smell and may occasionally follow their noses, Basset Hounds generally have a low prey drive and are less likely to view cats as targets.
Quick facts about Basset Hounds
Adv. Adult Height 41cm – 53cm / 16in – 21in
Adv. Adult Weight 18kg – 36kg / 40lbs – 80lbs
Coat Short, tight coat – shedding
Hypoallergenic No
Temperament social, calm, playful
Exercise Needs Moderate. Approx. 1 hour a day.
Find out more about Basset Hounds with these helpful articles.
Basset Hounds: What’s Good About ‘Em, What’s Bad About ‘Em – Your Pure Bred Puppy
Basset Hound Breed Guide – Pawlisy.com
Basset Hound – Purina
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are beloved for their affectionate and gentle nature, making them well-suited for households with cats. These sweet-natured dogs thrive on human and animal companionship, and they often enjoy forming close bonds with feline friends, provided the cat wants to be friends with them! Cavaliers are typically easy to train and eager to please, which can facilitate positive interactions with cats. Their small size and gentle demeanor make them excellent candidates for cohabitating with cats in smaller living spaces.
Quick facts about Cavaliers
Adv. Adult Height 30cm / 12 inches
Adv. Adult Weight 4.5-9kg / 10 – 19 lbs
Coat Long and silky. Moderate shedding. High Maintenance.
Hypoallergenic No
Temperament Gentle and Adaptable
Exercise Needs Moderate – 40-60 minutes a day
Find out more about Cavaliers with these helpful articles.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels – Your Pure Bred Puppy.
Are Cavaliers Good With Kids – I Heart Dogs.
Is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel a Good Family Dog? – My Cavvy.
Shetland Sheepdog
When looking for Dog breeds that are good with cats Shetland Sheepdogs, or Shelties are smart and gentle herding dogs known for their affectionate nature and loyalty to their families.
Their gentle demeanour and non-confrontational attitude means they will generally get along well with cats. Shelties typically thrive in a home environment where they can form strong bonds with all members of the household, cats included.
Quick facts about Shetland Sheepdogs
Adv. Adult Height 46cm – 53cm / 18in – 21in
Adv. Adult Weight 5kg – 10kg / 11lbs – 24lbs
Coat High maintenance. Long straight fur. Shedding.
Hypoallergenic No
Temperament Gentle, affectionate, playful
Exercise Needs Moderate. Approx. 1 hour a day.
Find out more about Shetland Sheepdogs with these helpful articles.
Shetland Sheep Dog – Dog Times.
Shetland Sheepdogs: What’s Good About ‘Em, What’s Bad About ‘Em – Your Purebred Puppy.
Shetland Sheepdog Breed Guide – PetBarn.
While every dog is an individual with its own personality, certain breeds are known for their compatibility with cats due to their friendly and sociable natures and low prey drive.
When introducing a new dog to a household with cats, it’s essential to consider both animals’ temperament and behaviour and facilitate gradual introductions to ensure a positive relationship. With patience, proper training, and plenty of love and attention, dogs and cats can become not just housemates, but true friends and companions.
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