Dog breeds that get along with cats prove that the old saying “fighting like cats and dogs” doesn’t have to be true. In reality, many dogs and cats can become best friends. The key is choosing a dog breed with the right temperament and social tendencies to create a peaceful, multi-pet household.
In this guide, we highlight the best dog breeds known to get along well with cats, and share tips for building a peaceful multi-pet household.
Top Dog Breeds That Usually Get Along with Cats
1. Golden Retriever
- Friendly, calm, and highly trainable
- Loves companionship of any kind—including cats
- Rarely shows aggression or strong prey drive
Great choice for families with multiple pets
2. Labrador Retriever
- Gentle, social, and eager to please
- Gets along with cats, kids, and even strangers
- Adapts well to structured introductions
Ideal for energetic households with both dogs and cats
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Small, affectionate, and easygoing
- Low prey drive and great lap companions for you and your cat
- Doesn’t mind sharing attention
Perfect for apartments or smaller spaces
4. Bichon Frise
- Happy, playful, and non-aggressive
- Gets along well with cats when raised together
- Doesn’t dominate or overwhelm shy cats
Great for first-time dog owners
5. Poodle (Toy, Miniature, or Standard)
- Intelligent and quick to learn respectful behavior
- Generally calm and well-mannered indoors
- Less likely to chase or harass other animals
Choose size based on your home and cat’s comfort
6. Papillon
- Small but smart and confident
- Very adaptable and friendly with cats when socialized early
- Loves companionship and interaction
Great small dog for cat owners
7. Collie
- Gentle herding breed with a strong loyalty to family
- Typically calm around smaller animals
- Can be trained to leave cats alone easily
Excellent for peaceful, stable households
8. Boxer
- Energetic but playful, not aggressive
- Friendly to all family members, including cats
- Needs early socialization and good training
Works well in families that offer structure and activity
9. Maltese
- Sweet, small, and calm indoors
- Doesn’t have a strong prey instinct
- Enjoys cuddling and companionship—can bond with cats
Great low-energy companion for mellow cats
10. Boston Terrier
- Fun-loving, social, and usually respectful of cats
- Small and manageable with a good temperament
- Gets along well with other pets when introduced properly
Ideal for multi-pet urban homes
Breeds to Be Cautious With
These breeds can still live with cats—but may need extra training and supervision due to strong prey drive:
- Terriers (e.g., Jack Russell, Fox Terrier) – bred to chase small animals
- Sighthounds (e.g., Greyhound, Whippet) – instinctively chase anything that moves
- Herding breeds (e.g., Australian Shepherd, Border Collie) – may try to herd or nip at cats
- Huskies – independent and often have a high prey drive
That said, individual personality and early socialization matter more than breed alone.
Tips for Introducing a Dog to a Cat
- Start slow – use gates or crates for the first few days
- Let them sniff each other through a barrier
- Watch for body language: wagging tails, stiff posture, growling
- Keep dog on leash during first interactions
- Reward calm behavior with treats and praise
- Give your cat escape routes and high spaces
Conclusion
Final Thoughts on Dog Breeds That Get Along Well with Cats
With the right breed and a thoughtful introduction, dogs and cats can absolutely coexist—and even become best friends. Whether you prefer a gentle Golden or a clever Poodle, choosing a cat-friendly dog can set the stage for harmony in your home.
Want a printable Cat-Friendly Dog Breed Chart? Visit our Pet Compatibility Center for downloadable guides, breed match quizzes, and training tips for multi-pet households.