Can cats and dogs really get along? Many people think it’s impossible, but I have a different theory. There are certain breeds that are a delight to have along with cats in your home.
There are other dogs you’d never want to see around your feline friends. Some dog breeds simply don’t agree with cat breeds, due to their high energy or personalities.
The following dog breeds are considered bad for cats. However, you need to keep in mind that there can always be exceptions. Just as I always say that every cat is unique, the same goes for dogs.
Every dog is different, and whether it will be a cat-friendly dog or will despise cats has a lot to do with its upbringing and socialization skills. Most dogs can be taught to tolerate cats if trained from an early age.
1. Afghanistan Hound
Afghan Hounds are born hunters. Hunting is in their nature as they used to hunt wild animals, even wolves, in the past. They are very fast and strong and are known as cat-chasers, which is why they’re at the top of the list of worst dog breeds for cats.
The Afghan Hound is a beautiful, show-quality dog breed and is much loved, especially because of its silky hair. A lot of people love them, despite their grooming requirements, but they are just not suitable for cat households.
2. Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound was bred for hunting, and prey drive is the main thing that will affect your decision when it comes to which dog breed to own along with a cat. Their strong prey drive might make your cat look like prey to them.
Italian Greyhounds are otherwise very loyal and obedient, and they love a quiet environment. Despite this, when they see a moving animal, they will most likely try and hunt it.
However, whether your Italian Greyhound will get along with a cat will primarily depend on their training and socialization skills. How you train your dog and if a cat is introduced to it at a young age is the most important thing.
If you happen to introduce your Italian Greyhound to a cat while it’s just a puppy, you’ll have a great opportunity for them to grow up together as friends.
3. Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound is quite large but it is actually extremely affectionate and loving to its owners, and to people in general. However, Scottish Deerhounds and cats are a no-no.
These dogs are natural hunters, and their high prey drive poses a great threat to your cat(s). A Scottish Deerhound is best with an experienced owner, just like most other large dog breeds.
You need to keep them under control and prevent them from engaging in inappropriate behavior, such as hunting cats. There is a possibility you can train your Scottish Deerhound to get along with your cat, but he may still see other cats as prey.
The best chance for your Scottish Deerhound and your cat to get along well is if they’re raised together from an early age.
4. The Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer was bred for the purpose of protecting families and their livestock. They were bred to hunt vermin and all rodents. The Schnauzers are friendly and highly affectionate, especially towards kids.
These dogs are also extremely intelligent, but they require obedience training as well as daily playtime and exercise.
Standard Schnauzers aren’t meant to live with cats, mostly because they have a strong prey drive and are quite fearless in nature.
5. The Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dogs are extremely smart and energetic, they’re always up for games and playtime. They are strong and brave, so much so that they can easily control even the most stubborn cattle.
Great at solving problems, but they still require entertainment to keep them occupied inside a home. In some cases, Australian Cattle Dogs can tolerate felines, but that’s only if they were raised with them.
These dogs have a strong prey drive as well, and it’s better not to try and make them be friends with cats.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are small dogs, but their personalities are considered large. These little dogs have enormous egos, it’s like they believe that the world needs to revolve around them.
Yorkshire Terriers don’t really want to share their owners with anyone else, let alone a cat. If you were to bring a cat into your home, your cute little Yorkie would see that as an obstacle to happiness, lol.
In addition, they could even harm your cat simply because they would feel threatened by it. Even though Yorkies are small, they can pose a threat to your cat.
7. The Greyhound
Greyhounds are considered to be the world’s fastest dogs. Originally, they were bred to chase and hunt smaller prey, which is why they’re considered bad for cat households.
It’s a common misconception that all Greyhounds chase after cats whenever they see one. There are some Greyhounds who instinctively chase cats and other small animals, while others have been reported to learn to tolerate cats pretty quickly.
Greyhounds are excellent as family dogs, but they simply don’t do well in cat households. They are extremely fast and agile, and there is a strong chance that a Greyhound will not only chase after but also catch your beloved cat.
8. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers originated in England when hunting was extremely popular. This dog breed used to hunt foxes, and it quickly became a favorite dog breed for hunters. Nowadays, they’re still highly praised, even though they don’t hunt as much.
Jack Russell Terriers have a strong prey drive, a higher one than most other terriers, possibly because of their hunting past. This is why they’re considered a bad dog breed for cats. Once they start the chase after your cat, they’re not likely going to stop.
9. Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are great family pets, despite the fact they’re one of the tallest dogs in the world. They simply want to be everyone’s friend and play with everyone they encounter.
However, Irish Wolfhounds have been used for hunting in the past, which is why they were also called sighthounds. They are likely to consider your beloved pet cat (or any other smaller animals) as their prey.
The Irish Wolfhound is extremely big and strong, and they’re most likely to succeed when they set off to hunt down an animal.
This poses a huge threat to your cat, but on the other hand, there are some Irish Wolfhounds who learn and enjoy sharing their habitat with a cat.
This is possible if you raise them together, but there’s still a slight chance that your cat will be attacked at some point.
10. Toy Manchester Terrier
Toy Manchester Terriers were primarily bred as hunters of mice and rats, which is what earned them the nickname “rat terriers”. These dogs are extremely loyal, affectionate, and overall great family pets.
However, they can be extremely jealous and aren’t exactly willing to share their owners with other pets. Additionally, they are known to be dogs who aren’t fond of cats, so they’re not to be trusted with cats or other small animals.
Even if you manage to train them and suppress their natural instincts, your Toy Manchester Terrier would probably still be jealous of your cat, and that would not end well.
You wouldn’t be able to enjoy your pets, but more probably have trouble with them.
11. The Samoyed
Samoyeds look soft and fluffy, and that’s exactly how their hair feels to the touch!
They’re also extremely cute and cuddly. To some people, they even look like large toys, but actually, they come from Siberian working dog bloodlines and have a strong prey drive and herding instinct. They are, without a doubt, excellent family pets.
Samoyeds adore everyone, but we can never be sure when it comes to cats. Every dog is unique, just like every cat, which is why we cannot know for sure what your Samoyed will be like.
Some Samoyeds see cats as prey, and some adore them. However, as I see it, with a Samoyed, you can never be 100% sure that your cat is safe, and that’s not good.
12. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are stunning dogs who are notorious for demanding attention. That is the main reason they’re not suitable for inexperienced dog owners or any family that has other small pets.
The hunting instinct of Siberian Huskies is what endangers small animals, particularly cats. Only if you adopt a puppy and a kitten together, your Siberian Husky will grow accustomed to its kitty pal, and your cat won’t feel threatened.
It is your job to give them the opportunity to meet in a friendly environment and to encourage positive behavior.
13. The Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu, aka the Chinese Lion Dog, is a loving dog breed that adores its humans and expects all the love in return. These dogs are well-known for being friendly pets who get along with other animals very well.
However, they are also very likely to feel threatened by other pets, and their desire for attention can result in jealous deeds. While they may not harm your pet cat, your Shih Tzu might suffer from depression and unhappiness if they feel ignored.
You need to introduce the two gradually in order for them to get along. If you don’t have the time to train and look after your cat and a Shih Tzu, you shouldn’t adopt both of them.