Best Small Dog and Cat Friendly Breeds: 10 Picks for Multi-Pet Homes
Discover 10 small dog and cat friendly breeds that thrive in multi-pet homes. Compare temperaments, energy levels, and prey drive to find your ideal match.
Why Some Small Dogs Get Along With Cats (And Others Don't)
Bringing a small dog into a home with a cat — or vice versa — is one of the most common multi-pet challenges I help owners navigate. The good news? Many small breeds were never selected for high prey drive, making them naturally more compatible with feline housemates. But compatibility isn't random. It comes down to breed history, individual temperament, and how you manage introductions.
This guide breaks down the 10 best small dog and cat friendly breeds based on documented temperament traits, historical function, and real-world multi-pet success rates. Whether you're adopting your first dog into a cat household or adding a cat to your small dog's territory, you'll find actionable guidance here.
Every breed on this list meets all five of the following criteria:
- Low-to-moderate prey drive: Bred for companionship or herding rather than hunting small game
- Adult weight under 25 lb (11 kg): True small-breed classification per AKC size standards
- Documented sociability: Breed club temperament descriptions include terms like "friendly," "gentle," or "adaptable"
- Trainability: Responsive enough to learn "leave it" and recall commands critical for cat coexistence
- Non-terrier lineage: Most terriers were bred to chase and kill small animals, creating inherent risk with cats
The 10 Best Small Dog and Cat Friendly Breeds
These breeds are grouped by size class — from the tiniest lap dogs to sturdy small companions — so you can match a breed to your living space and lifestyle.
Toy Breeds (Under 12 lb / 5.4 kg)
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Size class: Toy (12-18 lb / 5.4-8.2 kg)
Key cat-friendly trait: Exceptionally low prey drive — bred purely as a lap companion for centuries
Profile: Cavaliers are among the most cat-tolerant dogs you'll find. Their breed standard describes them as "affectionate" and "gentle," and in practice, most Cavaliers show curiosity rather than chase instinct when meeting cats. They're content to share a sofa with a feline sibling.
Why this breed made the list: The Cavalier's complete lack of working-dog prey drive makes it the gold standard for cat households. According to the AKC breed standard, their temperament is "friendly, affectionate, and gentle" — traits that translate directly to peaceful cat coexistence.
2. Bichon Frise
Size class: Small (12-18 lb / 5.4-8.2 kg)
Key cat-friendly trait: Playful but non-aggressive; views cats as potential playmates rather than prey
Profile: Bichons bring cheerful energy without the sharp prey drive that plagues many small breeds. Their history as circus and companion dogs means they're oriented toward social interaction rather than chasing. Most Bichons will invite a cat to play rather than pursue it.
Why this breed made the list: Bichons consistently score well on temperament tests. Their non-confrontational nature and eagerness to please make training "leave it" around cats straightforward.
3. Papillon
Size class: Toy (5-10 lb / 2.3-4.5 kg)
Key cat-friendly trait: High intelligence with low chase instinct — they observe rather than pursue
Profile: Don't let the delicate appearance fool you. Papillons are among the smartest toy breeds, which means they learn household rules quickly, including "the cat is off-limits." Their alert nature makes them watchful of cats without triggering pursuit behavior.
Why this breed made the list: Papillons rank among the top toy breeds for obedience intelligence, making them highly trainable around cats despite their small size and high energy.
4. Japanese Chin
Size class: Toy (7-11 lb / 3.2-5 kg)
Key cat-friendly trait: Cat-like personality — independent, dignified, and unbothered by feline roommates
Profile: The Japanese Chin is often described as "cat-like" in its behavior: fastidious, independent, and fond of high perches. This breed doesn't just tolerate cats — it often mirrors their behavior, making introductions remarkably smooth.
Why this breed made the list: Bred for over a thousand years as a companion to nobility, the Chin has zero working-dog instincts that conflict with cat cohabitation.
Small Companion Breeds (12-20 lb / 5.4-9 kg)
5. Havanese
Size class: Small (7-13 lb / 3.2-5.9 kg)
Key cat-friendly trait: Velcro-dog temperament — stays close to owner rather than roaming to chase
Profile: Havanese dogs shadow their owners from room to room, which means they're less likely to independently patrol the house looking for the cat. Their soft, non-confrontational nature and moderate energy level make them natural peacekeepers in multi-pet homes.
Why this breed made the list: As Cuba's national dog and a breed developed entirely for companionship, the Havanese lacks any hunting lineage that would trigger prey drive toward cats.
6. Bolognese
Size class: Small (5.5-9 lb / 2.5-4 kg)
Key cat-friendly trait: Serious, calm demeanor — rarely shows excitability that triggers chase behavior
Profile: The Bolognese is less common in the US but worth seeking out for cat owners. This Italian companion breed is notably more sedate than its cousin the Bichon Frise. They form deep bonds with their families — including the cat — and rarely display the frantic energy that leads to chasing.
Why this breed made the list: Centuries of selective breeding purely for companionship has eliminated nearly all prey-driven behavior from this breed.
7. Pomeranian
Size class: Toy (3-7 lb / 1.4-3.2 kg)
Key cat-friendly trait: Size parity with cats reduces intimidation; confident but not predatory
Profile: At 3-7 lb, a Pomeranian is often smaller than the household cat, which creates an interesting dynamic: the dog rarely feels the need to assert dominance, and the cat doesn't feel threatened. Poms are bold and curious, but their Spitz heritage manifests as alertness rather than prey drive toward animals their own size.
Why this breed made the list: While Poms descend from larger Spitz dogs, generations of downsizing have diminished their working instincts. Most modern Poms view cats as peers rather than prey.
Sturdy Small Breeds (15-25 lb / 6.8-11.3 kg)
8. Miniature Poodle
Size class: Small (10-15 lb / 4.5-6.8 kg)
Key cat-friendly trait: High trainability — learns household boundaries faster than almost any other breed
Profile: Miniature Poodles are the second-most intelligent dog breed according to canine neuropsychologist Stanley Coren's rankings. This means they pick up "leave the cat alone" commands with remarkable speed. While their Standard Poodle ancestors were water retrievers, the Miniature line was developed primarily for companionship, reducing prey drive significantly.
Why this breed made the list: Intelligence plus biddability equals a dog that can be trained to coexist peacefully with cats, even if initial curiosity is present.
9. Coton de Tulear
Size class: Small (9-15 lb / 4-6.8 kg)
Key cat-friendly trait: Clownish, non-aggressive personality — diffuses tension with playfulness
Profile: Madagascar's royal dog is a relative newcomer to the US but has earned a devoted following among multi-pet households. Cotons are notably non-aggressive and tend to respond to cat swats with confused retreat rather than escalation. Their "cotton" coat and clownish antics often amuse cats rather than provoke them.
Why this breed made the list: The Coton's breed standard emphasizes a stable, non-aggressive temperament. According to the AKC, they are "affectionate, intelligent, and playful" without any mention of prey drive.
10. Chinese Crested (Powderpuff)
Size class: Toy/Small (8-12 lb / 3.6-5.4 kg)
Key cat-friendly trait: Extremely gentle and sensitive — avoids confrontation with all species
Profile: Chinese Cresteds, particularly the coated Powderpuff variety, are among the gentlest small breeds available. They're sensitive dogs that startle easily, which means they're far more likely to flee from a cat than to chase one. Their moderate energy and strong attachment to their owners keep them focused on human companionship rather than animal pursuit.
Why this breed made the list: Bred exclusively as a companion for centuries, the Chinese Crested has no working or hunting history to trigger prey behavior toward cats.
Breed Comparison: Cat-Friendly Attributes at a Glance
| Breed | Weight | Prey Drive | Trainability | Energy Level | Cat Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 12-18 lb | Very Low | Moderate | Low-Moderate | ★★★★★ |
| Bichon Frise | 12-18 lb | Low | High | Moderate | ★★★★☆ |
| Papillon | 5-10 lb | Low | Very High | Moderate-High | ★★★★☆ |
| Japanese Chin | 7-11 lb | Very Low | Moderate | Low | ★★★★★ |
| Havanese | 7-13 lb | Very Low | High | Moderate | ★★★★★ |
| Bolognese | 5.5-9 lb | Very Low | Moderate | Low | ★★★★★ |
| Pomeranian | 3-7 lb | Low-Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | ★★★★☆ |
| Miniature Poodle | 10-15 lb | Low-Moderate | Very High | Moderate-High | ★★★★☆ |
| Coton de Tulear | 9-15 lb | Very Low | Moderate-High | Low-Moderate | ★★★★★ |
| Chinese Crested | 8-12 lb | Very Low | Moderate-High | Low-Moderate | ★★★★★ |
Small Dog Breeds to Avoid in Cat Households
Not every small dog is a good fit for a home with cats. These breeds are popular but carry elevated risk due to their breeding history:
⚠️ High-Risk Breeds for Cat Homes
- Jack Russell Terrier: Bred to chase and kill small animals in burrows. Even well-socialized JRTs may reflexively pursue a running cat. Prey drive is hardwired, not a training problem.
- Rat Terrier: The name says it all — this breed was developed to kill rats and other small rodents. Cats that run will trigger chase instinct.
- Dachshund: Originally bred to hunt badgers. Their tenacity and strong prey drive toward small animals make cat introductions risky, especially with standard-size Dachshunds.
- Yorkshire Terrier: Despite their tiny size, Yorkies are terriers with genuine prey drive. Many Yorkies chase cats relentlessly, and their boldness means they won't back down from a cat swat.
- Miniature Schnauzer: Another terrier-lineage breed with vermin-hunting instincts. While some individuals coexist with cats peacefully, the breed tendency is toward chasing small, fast-moving animals.
Note: Individual dogs of any breed may defy these generalizations. However, if you're choosing a puppy or dog sight-unseen, avoiding terrier breeds significantly reduces your risk.
How to Choose: A Decision Framework for Your Home
With 10 strong candidates, how do you narrow it down? Use this framework based on your specific living situation:
Decision Flowchart: Match Your Situation to a Breed
- Do you live in an apartment under 800 sq ft?
- YES → Choose Japanese Chin or Bolognese (lowest exercise needs, quietest breeds)
- NO → Continue to step 2
- Is your cat elderly, shy, or easily stressed?
- YES → Choose Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Chinese Crested (calmest, least intrusive temperaments)
- NO → Continue to step 3
- Do you want a dog that will actively play with your family?
- YES → Choose Miniature Poodle or Papillon (highest trainability and interactive energy)
- NO → Continue to step 4
- Are you home most of the day and want a constant companion?
- YES → Choose Havanese or Coton de Tulear (strongest velcro-dog tendencies)
- NO → Choose Bichon Frise (most independent of the companion breeds listed)
Top 3 Head-to-Head Comparison
If you're deciding between the three most popular picks — the Cavalier, Havanese, and Bichon Frise — here's how they stack up on the factors that matter most in daily life:
| Factor | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Havanese | Bichon Frise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grooming cost/year | $600-900 (brushing + professional trims) | $800-1,200 (high-maintenance coat) | $900-1,400 (frequent professional grooming) |
| Exercise needs | 30-45 min/day | 30-45 min/day | 45-60 min/day |
| Health concerns | Mitral valve disease (affects ~50% by age 5 per Merck Veterinary Manual), syringomyelia | Generally healthy; patellar luxation, cataracts | Generally healthy; allergies, patellar luxation |
| Puppy price range | $2,500-5,000 | $2,000-4,000 | $1,500-3,500 |
| Barking level | Low | Moderate | Moderate-High |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years | 14-16 years | 14-15 years |
Introducing a Small Dog to Your Cat: A Practical Protocol
Even the most cat-friendly breed needs a structured introduction. Here's the protocol I recommend, based on positive reinforcement methods and ASPCA introduction guidelines:
Phase 1 — Scent Exchange (Days 1-3): Keep the dog and cat in separate rooms. Swap bedding between them so each animal acclimates to the other's scent without visual contact. Feed both animals treats near the closed door to build positive associations.
Phase 2 — Visual Introduction (Days 4-7): Use a baby gate or cracked door with a secure barrier. Let them see each other at a distance. Reward the dog for calm behavior (sitting, looking away from the cat) with high-value treats like freeze-dried chicken. If the dog fixates, lunges, or whines, increase the distance and try again.
Phase 3 — Supervised Proximity (Days 8-14): With the dog on a leash, allow them in the same room. Keep sessions short (5-10 minutes). Reward the dog heavily for ignoring the cat. Let the cat approach if it chooses — never force interaction.
Phase 4 — Unsupervised Access (Weeks 3-6): Only remove barriers once you've observed at least 10 consecutive supervised sessions with zero chase behavior. Always provide the cat with escape routes and elevated spaces the dog cannot reach.
Before allowing unsupervised access, your dog should reliably respond to these commands even with distractions:
- "Leave it" — dog disengages from whatever it's focused on
- "Come" — reliable recall even when the cat is moving
- "Place" or "Go to your bed" — dog goes to a designated spot and stays
Use only positive reinforcement (treats, praise, play) to teach these commands. Force-free training builds trust and reliability far more effectively than aversive methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a small dog and cat share a food bowl?
No. Dog food and cat food have different nutritional formulations — cat food is higher in protein and fat, which can cause pancreatitis in dogs if eaten regularly. Additionally, resource guarding over food is a common trigger for inter-species aggression. Feed them in separate locations on separate schedules.
What if my cat is declawed? Does that change which breed I should pick?
Yes — declawed cats are more vulnerable and cannot defend themselves effectively. Stick with the calmest breeds on this list (Cavalier, Japanese Chin, Bolognese) and extend the supervised introduction period by at least two additional weeks. Provide extra elevated escape routes since your cat cannot climb as effectively.
Are mixed-breed small dogs cat-friendly?
It depends entirely on the breed mix. A Cavalier-Poodle mix (Cavapoo) is likely to be very cat-friendly since both parent breeds have low prey drive. A Chihuahua-Terrier mix, however, could inherit strong chase instincts. When adopting a mixed breed, ask the rescue organization about the dog's observed behavior around cats during foster care — this real-world data is more reliable than breed guessing.
How much does it cost to own one of these breeds annually?
Budget $2,200-$4,500 per year for a healthy small companion dog, including food ($300-500), grooming ($600-1,400 depending on breed), routine veterinary care ($500-800), pet insurance ($400-700), and supplies/medications ($200-400). Breeds prone to heart disease like the Cavalier may incur additional cardiology costs of $500-2,000 annually after diagnosis.
Should I get a puppy or an adult dog for a cat household?
For first-time multi-pet households, an adult dog (2-5 years old) with a known temperament is often the safer choice. You can evaluate the dog's actual reaction to cats before committing. Puppies are more adaptable but also more unpredictable — their prey drive may not fully manifest until maturity at 1-2 years. If you choose a puppy, prioritize breeds at the top of this list and invest in professional positive-reinforcement training during the first six months.
Aaron Whyte
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
