10 Best Dog Breeds That Get Along With Cats (2026 Guide)
Discover the best dog breeds & cats compatibility rankings. Expert-backed list of 10 cat-friendly dog breeds with temperament data, selection tips, &...
Why Some Dog Breeds Coexist Peacefully With Cats
If you share your home with a cat—or plan to—choosing a dog breed with low prey drive and a calm, sociable temperament is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Not every dog can live harmoniously with felines, even with careful introductions. Genetics, breeding history, and early socialization all play a role in whether a dog views a cat as a family member or something to chase.
This guide ranks the 10 best dog breeds for multi-species households based on documented temperament traits, prey drive levels, breed group tendencies, and real-world owner reports. We'll walk you through selection criteria, provide breed-by-breed breakdowns, and give you a decision framework to match your lifestyle to the right cat-friendly companion.
Each breed on this list was evaluated against five factors:
- Prey drive intensity: Low to moderate prey drive preferred. Breeds with high chase instincts (most terriers, sighthounds) were excluded unless known exceptions exist.
- Breed group tendencies: Toy and non-sporting breeds often rank higher; herding breeds vary. Hounds and working breeds were assessed individually.
- Socialization responsiveness: Breeds that adapt well to environmental training and early exposure to other species.
- Energy level compatibility: Dogs that can coexist in indoor environments without overwhelming a cat through constant high-energy play.
- Documented cat-friendly reputation: Sourced from AKC temperament profiles, breed clubs, and veterinary behaviorist observations.
10 Best Dog Breeds for Homes With Cats
The following breeds are organized from smallest to largest to help you navigate by size preference. Each entry includes the breed's size class, the key trait that makes them cat-compatible, and a concise profile.
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Size: Toy (13–18 lb / 5.9–8.2 kg) | Key Trait: Exceptionally low prey drive and gentle disposition
Bred for centuries as companion dogs rather than hunters, Cavaliers are among the most reliably cat-friendly breeds available. Their soft mouth and desire to be near their people—not chase small animals—makes them ideal for apartment living with feline housemates. They typically weigh 13–18 pounds and stand 12–13 inches at the shoulder, meaning they're unlikely to physically intimidate even a timid cat.
2. Bichon Frise
Size: Small (12–18 lb / 5.4–8.2 kg) | Key Trait: Playful but non-aggressive curiosity
Bichons approach cats with interest rather than predatory intent. Their cheerful, biddable nature means they respond well to redirection training when they get too enthusiastic. At 12–18 pounds, they're small enough that a confident cat can establish boundaries without risk of injury. Their hypoallergenic coat is a bonus for households managing both dog and cat dander.
3. Papillon
Size: Toy (5–10 lb / 2.3–4.5 kg) | Key Trait: Alert intelligence without chase instinct
Papillons are one of the few toy breeds with genuine trainability rivaling larger working breeds. Despite their spaniel heritage, they show remarkably low prey drive toward cats. Weighing just 5–10 pounds, many cats actually outweigh them—which flips the typical power dynamic and often results in cats setting household rules. They're ideal for owners who want a small, portable dog that won't terrorize their cat.
4. Pug
Size: Small (14–18 lb / 6.4–8.2 kg) | Key Trait: Low energy and brachycephalic build limits chase ability
Pugs are physically incapable of sustained high-speed pursuit, which dramatically reduces their threat level to cats. Their brachycephalic (flat-faced) anatomy means they overheat quickly and prefer lounging to chasing. Most Pugs show curiosity toward cats but lack the stamina or drive to make a cat feel unsafe. They're one of the most reliable "lazy coexistence" breeds for cat owners.
5. Golden Retriever
Size: Large (55–75 lb / 25–34 kg) | Key Trait: Soft mouth and retrieving instinct channeled positively
Golden Retrievers have a well-documented reputation for gentleness with all household members, including cats. Their retrieving heritage means they carry things softly rather than bite hard—a trait that translates to careful, non-damaging interactions with cats. At 55–75 pounds, they're large enough that supervision during initial introductions is essential, but their temperament typically results in peaceful cohabitation within 2–4 weeks of structured introduction.
6. Basset Hound
Size: Medium-Large (40–65 lb / 18–29 kg) | Key Trait: Low energy and scent-focused rather than chase-focused
Basset Hounds are scent hounds, not sight hounds—meaning they track by smell at a slow, methodical pace rather than chase by sight at speed. This distinction is critical: a Basset may sniff a cat extensively but rarely pursues one. Their famously low energy level (30–45 minutes of moderate walking per day is sufficient) means they spend most of their time resting, which cats appreciate. Expect a 2–3 week adjustment period where the Basset wants to investigate the cat's scent constantly.
7. Newfoundland
Size: Giant (100–150 lb / 45–68 kg) | Key Trait: Gentle giant temperament with protective rather than predatory instincts
Newfoundlands are among the largest dog breeds, yet they consistently rank as one of the most cat-tolerant breeds in behavioral assessments. Their historical role as water rescue dogs selected for calm judgment and gentleness—not aggression or prey drive. Many Newf owners report their dogs actively protecting household cats. The main risk is accidental injury due to size (a tail wag can knock a cat off a shelf), so environmental management like elevated cat spaces is recommended.
8. Beagle (With Caveats)
Size: Small-Medium (20–30 lb / 9–13.6 kg) | Key Trait: Pack-oriented social nature overrides individual prey drive when socialized early
Beagles are scent hounds with moderate prey drive, so they earn a spot on this list with an important caveat: early socialization (before 16 weeks of age) is essential. Beagles raised alongside cats from puppyhood typically view them as pack members. Adult Beagles introduced to cats for the first time require more careful management. Their compact size and moderate energy (60 minutes of daily exercise) make them manageable in multi-species homes when properly introduced.
9. Bernese Mountain Dog
Size: Large (70–115 lb / 32–52 kg) | Key Trait: Livestock guardian heritage promotes calm coexistence with smaller animals
Bernese Mountain Dogs were bred to work alongside farm animals—including cats—without chasing or harming them. Their guardian heritage selected for calm observation rather than predatory behavior. They're typically gentle with household cats, though their large size and enthusiastic tail wagging require environmental setup (cat trees, high shelves) to give felines escape routes. Note: their shorter lifespan (6–8 years) is a consideration for owners wanting long-term multi-pet stability.
10. Greyhound (Retired Racing)
Size: Large (60–70 lb / 27–32 kg) | Key Trait: Low indoor energy and extensive cat-testing protocols by rescue organizations
This entry may surprise readers, given Greyhounds are sighthounds with chase instincts. However, retired racing Greyhounds adopted through organizations like Greyhound adoption groups undergo formal cat-testing before placement. Greyhounds that pass cat testing are among the most reliable cat-friendly dogs available—they're famously low-energy indoors (earning the nickname "45-mph couch potatoes") and spend 18–20 hours per day sleeping. Only adopt a cat-tested Greyhound; never assume an untested one will be safe.
Breed Comparison: Cat-Friendly Dogs at a Glance
| Breed | Weight Range | Prey Drive | Energy Level | Cat Introduction Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 13–18 lb | Very Low | Low-Moderate | Easy (1–2 weeks) |
| Bichon Frise | 12–18 lb | Low | Moderate | Easy (1–2 weeks) |
| Papillon | 5–10 lb | Very Low | Moderate-High | Easy (1–2 weeks) |
| Pug | 14–18 lb | Very Low | Low | Very Easy (days) |
| Golden Retriever | 55–75 lb | Low-Moderate | Moderate-High | Moderate (2–4 weeks) |
| Basset Hound | 40–65 lb | Low | Low | Moderate (2–3 weeks) |
| Newfoundland | 100–150 lb | Very Low | Low | Easy (1–2 weeks) |
| Beagle | 20–30 lb | Moderate | Moderate-High | Challenging (4–6 weeks) |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | 70–115 lb | Low | Low-Moderate | Easy (1–3 weeks) |
| Greyhound (Cat-Tested) | 60–70 lb | Variable (tested) | Very Low (indoor) | Easy if pre-tested |
Breeds to Avoid in Cat Households
Just as important as knowing which breeds work well is understanding which breeds pose elevated risks around cats. The following breeds have high prey drive or chase instincts that make peaceful coexistence difficult, even with professional training:
- Most Terriers: Jack Russell Terriers, Rat Terriers, and Airedale Terriers were bred to hunt and kill small animals. Their prey drive is deeply genetic and difficult to train out.
- Sighthounds (Untested): Whippets, Salukis, and Afghan Hounds chase by sight and speed. Only adopt a cat-tested individual from a rescue.
- Huskies and Malamutes: Northern breeds have notoriously high prey drive. ASPCA guidelines specifically note these breeds require careful management around cats.
- Weimaraners: Bred as versatile hunting dogs with strong chase and pointing instincts that extend to cats.
How to Choose: Decision Framework
If you're deciding between the top cat-friendly breeds, use this framework to narrow your choice based on your specific situation:
- Apartment living with limited outdoor space? → Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Pug. Both thrive in smaller spaces with 30–45 minutes of daily walking.
- Want a large family dog that's also cat-safe? → Golden Retriever or Newfoundland. Both are gentle with children and cats, though Goldens need more exercise (60–90 minutes daily).
- First-time dog owner with an existing cat? → Bichon Frise or Cavalier. Both are forgiving of training mistakes and have low prey drive that makes introductions straightforward.
- Prefer adopting from rescue? → Cat-tested Greyhound or adult Basset Hound. Rescue organizations often have temperament assessments that reduce risk.
- Have a timid or elderly cat? → Papillon or Pug. Their small size and low chase instinct minimize stress for vulnerable cats.
Regardless of breed, plan for a 2–4 week structured introduction. Keep the dog on leash during initial meetings, provide the cat with elevated escape routes (cat trees, shelves at 5+ feet height), and use positive reinforcement (treats for calm behavior) for both animals. Never force interaction. Consult a certified professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist if you see fixation, stiffening, or lunging that doesn't diminish after 1 week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any dog breed learn to live with cats, or is it purely genetic?
While early socialization can improve cat tolerance in many breeds, prey drive has a strong genetic component. Breeds with very high prey drive (terriers, untested sighthounds) may never be reliably safe around cats regardless of training. Breeds on this list have genetic predispositions that make successful coexistence more likely, but individual variation always exists.
Why is the Beagle on this list if it has moderate prey drive?
Beagles made the list because their pack-oriented social nature often overrides individual prey drive when they're raised with cats from puppyhood. However, this entry comes with the caveat that adult Beagles meeting cats for the first time require more careful, extended introductions (4–6 weeks) compared to breeds with very low prey drive.
How do these breeds compare on grooming and maintenance needs?
Grooming varies significantly: Pugs and Greyhounds need minimal grooming (weekly brushing), while Cavaliers, Bichons, and Bernese Mountain Dogs require professional grooming every 6–8 weeks ($50–$90 per session). Factor grooming costs into your decision—annual grooming for a Bichon can exceed $600.
Which breed should I choose if I have multiple cats?
For multi-cat households, prioritize breeds with very low prey drive and calm energy: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Newfoundland, or Pug. High-energy breeds like Golden Retrievers may overwhelm multiple cats even without aggressive intent, creating chronic stress in the household.
Should I get a puppy or adult dog if I already have a cat?
Puppies (8–16 weeks) typically adapt more easily to existing cats because they haven't developed strong prey responses yet. However, adult dogs from rescues with documented cat-friendly histories can be equally successful. The key is verified temperament data, not age alone.
Beth Carrasco
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
