The following 14 dog breeds have appeared to be excellent choices for cat households. Again, you can never be 100% sure because any dog (or cat) can be an exception to the breed.
These best dog breeds for cats are mostly calm and sweet-natured, and their owners have nothing but praise.
1. Basset Hound
The first one on the cat-friendly list of dogs is the Basset Hound. This dog breed is also a natural hunter, but it prefers evening hunts with the owners instead of going after the cat.
Basset Hounds have a laid-back personality, which is considered the most important trait when it comes to living with cats. However, these dogs can be quite difficult to train.
Basset Hounds are otherwise great for cats, and their easy-going temperament frequently ends in cuddle time with the cat.
2. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are considered one of the friendliest dogs to have around cats. They’re almost like cat lovers. These dogs are extremely popular as family dogs and as dogs who get along well with cats.
Labrador Retrievers are known for their loyalty, love, and ability to bond with kids. This might be the ideal dog breed for you if you want a large dog that gets along very well with your cat.
3. Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog is another dog breed that can be safely introduced and kept along with cats. Despite being a member of the herding dog category, the Shetland Sheepdog is well known for its friendliness to cats.
This dog breed is an excellent choice for cat owners because you can easily train them, and they’ll stay obedient and loyal to you. Not only will this dog breed be good for your cat, but having a cat will be good for the dog as well.
Your Sheltie will be entertained when you’re not around, and this will keep them from barking and feeling bored.
4. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers, along with Labradors, are considered some of the best dog breeds for cats. They’re loving and empathetic, and they welcome cats into their home. However, at a young age, these dogs should be taught not to chase kittens around.
Once you do that, this cheerful dog will, without a doubt, be your cat’s best friend. Golden Retrievers are also naturally tolerant of all animals and people.
5. The Boston Terrier
This is the only one of the Terriers that is good for cats. Usually, there’s a rule that all Terriers are best kept away from cats. However, the Boston Terriers are safe.
They might sometimes chase cats around, but that’s usually as a part of playtime and not because of a prey drive. Boston Terriers are calm and gentle towards cats and other animals.
6. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are extremely popular overall and are getting more and more popular among cat owners. This toy-dog breed is distinguished by its friendly personality and small size.
They don’t have any special requirements when it comes to caring for them and are extremely tolerant of cats. Also, Pomeranians have lots and lots of energy, so their playtime can only be better with a cat buddy.
If you’re searching for a smaller dog that gets along well with cats, then the Pomeranian cutie is the one for you!
7. Beagle
Beagles are known to have been bred for hunting in packs, so many cat owners are concerned about whether a Beagle is a good choice.
Beagles are considered cat-friendly, particularly because of their ‘hunting in packs’ mentality, for they will see your cat as their friend, a member of the pack. Friendly Beagles will appreciate cats, but you should own only one Beagle.
When Beagles are together, they will form their own pack, which won’t have a spot for your cat. However, if you own one Beagle, it will most likely bond with the cat. These dogs are also family-friendly and tolerate other animals as well.
8. Poodle
Poodles are available in three sizes, and each of them gets along very well with cats. This dog breed is intelligent and easy to train. Poodles naturally get along very well with other house pets, including cats.
Poodles are highly energetic too, and they are on their best behavior when provided with lots of activities and attention, so playtime and walks together with the cat are recommended.
9. Collie
Collies are popular for their fondness for children. They are energetic and active dogs that need a lot of exercise and attention so they love to spend time with their owners. These dogs tend to be loud and are usually very tolerant of other pets in the house.
10. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises have interesting, cheerful personalities, and they are an excellent choice for a furry cat sibling. Their extroverted nature might be too much for cats who like their privacy, but in most cases, it works out great.
Every introvert needs an extroverted friend, right? As a result, any cat that tolerates dogs will definitely make friends with a Bichon Frise.
11. Maltese
The Maltese will certainly be gentle to your cat, especially since, like all laid-back dogs, it prefers to nap in its bed than chase after a cat. Your cat, on the other hand, might pose a threat lol.
Cats might take advantage of the Maltese’s kind and gentle nature. These two can live together peacefully unless your cat decides to mess with the Maltese. If you decide to introduce the two, keep an eye on them to make sure they’re getting along.
12. Pug
The Pug is the ultimate example of a friendly dog breed. Pugs get along with cats very well and they are known to be great friends with cats (if the cat allows it). If your cat tolerates dogs, then the Pug is a great choice.
The two can play and keep each other entertained while you’re not home. With a Pug, there’s no need to worry about chasing and hunting. Pugs are naturally very friendly and generally safe around other small animals.
13. Bull Dog
Bulldogs are big and heavy and can be quite intimidating to cats. But never judge a book by its cover because Bull Dogs are actually known for their gentle nature.
These dogs are sweet and friendly to other animals, and their laid-back temperament is what makes them great for cats. They’re likely to enjoy, and even appreciate, the company of a feline friend.
14. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a calm, sweet, and loyal dog breed. These dogs like to play and are extremely friendly to anyone. Their joyful nature and curiosity will most likely result in seeing any cat as their friend.