Despite a long reputation as enemies, dogs and cats can live together in harmony! The key is knowing which breeds are compatible. If you are interested in introducing a new dog to a cat or vice versa, making an informed choice on the breed can help create that harmony.
Here are ten breeds to consider as your cat’s new potential companion.
10. Boston Terrier
Friendly and amusingly fun, Boston Terriers view everyone as their best friend. These lovey-dovey dogs are polite to all, and kitties are no exception. Boston Terriers are very playful, and chasing the cat is more of a game than a hunt. They’re eager to please and easy to train.
9. Maltese
The Maltese is a mellow dog breed that’s happier chilling on the couch than meddling in the cat’s affairs. What’s more likely is for the cat to take advantage of the gentle and sweet personality of the Maltese. Nonetheless, interactions between these two should be supervised to ensure your kitty doesn’t tease the little pup too much.
8. Poodle
Poodles are among the most intelligent dog breeds. These friendly dogs come in four varieties based on size: Standard, medium, miniature, and toy. Standards ignore felines, miniatures tolerate them, and toys tend to play with cats. They love families, and young children, and are good with other dogs when socialized.
7. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are loving, friendly, and intelligent dogs. They are eager to learn and easy to train. Pomeranians are active and curious. These tiny balls of fur want to be part of everything. They can make excellent companions for cats, especially if introduced at a young age.
6. Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs, otherwise known as “Shelties,” have a reputation for being cat-friendly. They love just about everyone. Because they’re very intelligent, they are easy to train how to behave around kitties. A cat as company is the perfect remedy to keep your Sheltie from barking when it’s all alone and bored.
5. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are friendly toward everyone, including young children and other animals. These peppy pooches are playful and curious. While they can be the ideal sibling and playmate for a cat, their energy can be overwhelming. Especially for finicky felines who prefer their solitude. Still, these sweet dogs can adapt and befriend any cat.
4. Beagle
Beagles are an amicable and merry breed. Since these dogs were bred to be part of a “pack,” beagles tend to view a companion cat as a fellow member of the group. Beagles are energetic and playful. Be forewarned, with two beagles they could use that pack mentality, and gang up on the kitty.
3. Pug
The poster child for friendly dogs is the pug. As long as your cat will tolerate the pug in its domain, all is golden. Pugs love attention, so they’ll enjoy a little play with your kitty. And because pugs have a limited tolerance to activity, you don’t have to worry about too much cat chasing going on.
2. Labrador Retriever
Since 1991, the Labrador retriever has been the most popular dog breed in America. These dogs are known for being friendly, intelligent, and patient. They love everyone, including cats. These gentle giants are easy to train to behave around kitties. With their even temperament, they’ll get along famously with felines.
1. Golden Retriever
The ultimate family dog, golden retrievers are intelligent, friendly, and devoted. They’re known for their tolerance of young children and other animals. Goldens are happy-go-lucky, kind dogs that accept cats as part of the family. However, golden retrievers should be trained early to socialize with and not chase the kitty.
Read More: 9 Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds for Busy or First-Time Owners
