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The breeds below are often promising candidates because they tend to be sociable, adaptable, trainable, or relatively easygoing. They still require a controlled introduction and ongoing supervision—especially when the dog is large, energetic, excitable, or inclined to chase moving animals.
10 dog breeds that may get along well with cats
These are not guarantees or rankings. The best match depends on both animals. A confident, dog-experienced cat may cope well with a playful dog, while a fearful, elderly, or easily stressed cat may need a quieter companion.
1. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are typically outgoing, adaptable, playful, and socially motivated. Those qualities can help them accept a cat as part of the household, particularly when the dog is taught that chasing is not an acceptable game.
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A Golden Retriever needs substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation. Without it, a young dog may direct its energy toward the cat. An adolescent Golden can also overwhelm a timid or elderly cat simply by being enthusiastic and physically exuberant.
2. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are generally friendly, intelligent, eager to please, and responsive to training. That makes cues such as leave it, stay, and settling quietly especially useful around a cat.
Labs are large, energetic dogs. A Labrador does not need to be aggressive to hurt a cat: rough play, jumping, or an enthusiastic chase can cause an accidental injury. Choose an individual with a manageable temperament and provide plenty of exercise away from the cat.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are adaptable, affectionate, gentle, and usually friendly with other animals. They can suit both active families and quieter homes, making them a possible match for cats that prefer a relatively calm dog.
Cavaliers still retain scenting and hunting instincts. Their small size and sweet temperament do not make a cat automatically safe around an unsupervised Cavalier. Watch for fixation, chasing, or persistent attempts to follow the cat.
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4. Beagle
Beagles were bred to hunt in packs and are often sociable with other animals. Their outgoing, companionable nature may help them accept a cat as another member of the household.
However, sociable does not mean low prey drive. A Beagle may chase a running cat or become intensely distracted by scent. Secure introductions, recall practice, and supervision are essential, particularly if the cat tends to sprint when frightened.
5. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are often patient, loyal, low-key, and tolerant of other animals. Their slower, more relaxed demeanor can suit a cat that dislikes noisy or boisterous dogs.
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Bassets are not necessarily easy to train. Their independent streak and powerful sense of smell can make them selective about responding. Basic impulse-control training still matters, even if the dog appears calm. A Basset should not be allowed to pursue a cat simply because it moves slowly.
6. Bulldog
Bulldogs are generally easygoing and friendly, and many can live successfully with other pets. A relatively relaxed temperament may make a Bulldog a reasonable candidate for a cat-friendly home.
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Size and strength remain important. A Bulldog can intimidate a cat or injure it accidentally during play, even without hostile intent. Keep interactions supervised, provide the cat with elevated escape routes, and interrupt body-slamming, pawing, blocking, or chasing.
7. Pug
Pugs are affectionate, people-oriented companion dogs that often enjoy company. Their small size and generally sociable nature can make them suitable for some multi-pet households.
Individual Pugs can also be persistent, excitable, or attention-seeking. A dog that repeatedly follows, barks at, or paws at a cat is creating stress, even if it appears playful. The cat needs dog-free resting areas where it can eat, sleep, and use its litter box without being followed.
8. Papillon
Papillons are small, curious, happy, and active companion dogs. Because they are comparable in size to many cats, some may view a cat as a potential playmate rather than something to fear.
Small does not mean harmless or calm. A fast-moving Papillon may bark at, chase, or continually harass a cat. Teach the dog to disengage and reward quiet behavior. The cat should always have a route to leave rather than being forced to defend itself.
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9. Collie
Collies are often sociable, family-oriented, and tolerant of household pets. With appropriate training, they may become gentle companions for cats.
Collies are herding dogs, so watch for staring, stalking, blocking, circling, or nipping at a moving cat. These behaviors may not be intended as attacks, but they can be highly stressful. Redirect the dog before the pattern becomes a daily routine.
10. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally placid, affectionate, eager to please, and often reported to get along well with people and other animals. Their calm nature can make them a possible match for a confident cat.
A Bernese Mountain Dog is still a very large animal. Early socialization, obedience training, and careful supervision are particularly important when the other pet is much smaller. Even a friendly Berner can knock over or frighten a cat by approaching too quickly.
How to choose the right individual dog
Breed tendencies are useful only as a starting point. Before adopting or buying a dog for a cat household, assess the individual animal.
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- Ask about a verified cat history. A foster or rescue dog that has calmly lived with cats may be more predictable than a dog selected solely because of its breed. Ask what happened when cats ran, hissed, or swatted—not just whether the dog was “good with cats.” Past experience is useful evidence, not a guarantee with a different cat in a different home.
- Look for relaxed behavior. Loose body language, the ability to take treats, and the ability to look away from a cat are encouraging signs. Stiff posture, intense staring, whining, barking, lunging, and attempts to chase indicate excessive focus.
- Match energy levels. A lively retriever may suit a confident adult cat but be a poor match for a nervous senior. Similarly, a very active cat may frustrate a dog that cannot cope with constant movement.
- Do not assume a puppy is safest. Puppies can be inexperienced, mouthy, and difficult to control. A kitten’s running and play can trigger chasing, and rough puppy play can injure a cat accidentally.
- Consider management before bringing the dog home. Plan where the cat will eat, sleep, hide, and use the litter box. If the home cannot provide reliable separation, the pairing may not be safe regardless of breed.
How to introduce a dog and cat safely
Do not put the new dog in the room and expect the animals to “work it out.” A bad first encounter can make future interactions much harder. Introductions may take weeks or months.
- Separate them at first. Give each animal its own area, food, water, bedding, and retreat space. A closed door or secure gate prevents an accidental chase.
- Exchange scents. Swap bedding or use a cloth carrying each animal’s scent. This lets them investigate one another without the pressure of face-to-face contact.
- Feed on opposite sides of a closed door. Begin far enough from the door that both animals will eat normally. Gradually move the bowls closer as they remain relaxed. This builds a positive association with the other animal’s presence.
- Allow brief visual contact. Use a sturdy barrier, such as a tall gate, and keep the dog on a leash. The cat must be free to retreat and should never be held in place for the dog to sniff.
- Reward calm behavior. Give the dog treats for looking away, responding to its name, sitting, or settling. End the session immediately if the dog fixates, lunges, barks persistently, or tries to chase.
- Increase access gradually. Move to short, controlled sessions in the same room only after repeated calm barrier meetings. Keep the leash attached initially, but do not use it to drag the dog toward the cat.
- Create permanent cat-only spaces. Use a gated room, cat door, shelves, or a tall cat tree. Escape options should be available even after the animals appear comfortable.
- Continue supervision. Do not leave the dog and cat alone until their behavior has been consistently calm. For some pairings, permanent separation when nobody is home is the safest option.
For more guidance, see the AKC’s advice on teaching dogs and cats to live together and Best Friends Animal Society’s dog-and-cat introduction guidance.
Signs the pairing needs more distance
| Dog behavior | Why it matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed staring, stiff posture, closed mouth | The dog may be overly focused or aroused. | Increase distance and redirect to an easy cue. |
| Whining, barking, lunging, or pawing at a barrier | The dog is not calm enough for closer contact. | End the session and return to an earlier step. |
| Chasing or cornering | The cat cannot control the interaction and may be injured. | Separate immediately; do not permit another chase. |
| Hiding, refusing food, hissing constantly, or avoiding the litter box | The cat is experiencing significant stress. | Restore a dog-free area and slow the introduction. |
If the dog repeatedly attempts to catch the cat, or the cat remains severely stressed despite careful management, consult a qualified veterinary behaviorist or experienced force-free behavior professional. Safety takes priority over making the animals become friends.
Common myths about dogs and cats
- “Dogs and cats are natural enemies.” Not necessarily. Many coexist peacefully; differences in body language and individual instincts can create conflict, but hostility is not inevitable.
- “A cat-friendly breed will automatically be safe.” Breed describes tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary substantially.
- “Small dogs are automatically safer.” Toy breeds can still chase, bite, or harass cats. Size alone does not measure prey drive or self-control.
- “Early socialization guarantees success.” Early exposure can improve the odds, but temperament, training, supervision, and the specific pairing still determine the outcome.
- “They should be left to sort it out.” This is unsafe. Gradual, controlled introductions reduce the chance of injury and help both animals feel secure.
FAQ
What is the best dog breed for a home with cats?
There is no universally best breed. Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Cavaliers, Basset Hounds, Bulldogs, Pugs, and several other breeds may be good candidates, but an individual dog’s prey drive, energy, training, and history with cats matter more than the breed label.
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They can, but it is not guaranteed. Puppies may chase or play roughly, while kittens often run in ways that trigger pursuit. Use barriers, supervision, training, and permanent escape areas for the cat.
How long should a dog and cat be separated after adoption?
There is no fixed timetable. Keep them separated until both are relaxed with scent and barrier contact, then progress through short supervised meetings. Introductions may take weeks or months.
What should I do if my dog chases my cat?
Separate them calmly and prevent another chase. Return to barrier-based introductions, increase distance, and reward the dog for disengaging. Repeated chasing or attempts to catch the cat warrant help from a qualified behavior professional.
The Bottom Line
Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Beagles, Basset Hounds, Bulldogs, Pugs, Papillons, Collies, and Bernese Mountain Dogs can all be promising choices for cat households. None is automatically safe. Choose the individual dog carefully, introduce the animals gradually, train calm behavior, and give the cat permanent escape spaces. Peaceful coexistence—not forced friendship—is the right goal.
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