10 Dog Breeds That Are Actually Friendly To Cats

Cats and dogs fight all the time, right? No. Not necessarily. There is a certain breed of dogs that can get along well with your feline friends.

Good news for cat lovers who are looking into having canine friends as part of the family. It is possible to have them under one roof so long as certain considerations are made.

Do you want to know the best canine companion for your cat? Read on. Here are 10 dog breeds that are actually friendly to cats.

1. Cocker Spaniel

Dog breeds that are friendly to cats: Cocker spaniel and cat are friends
Cocker Spaniels are typically friendly with family members, other dogs, and cats. Image: Wikimedia

This sporting breed can be the best pair for your existing pets because of its passive and affectionate personality.

Cocker Spaniels are eager to please their owners which makes them open to having new friends if that is what their owner wants. If they are not up and about playing, they can be found giving cuddles to family members.

2. Boxer

Dog breeds that are friendly to cats: Boxer dog and cat
Image: Wikimedia

This breed may look tough and muscular but do not get fooled. Boxers are one of the sweetest breeds if trained properly.

They are an ideal family pet even if you have cats as part of that family. It is advised to pair boxers with an adult cat as this canine breed can be rowdy and active. A small kitten may get easily intimidated.

3. Golden Retriever

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSE9Ym9kp4c
Ginger Cat And Golden Retriever Are Craziest Best Friends

This breed has a reputation for being gentle, friendly, and good with kids. It has a nurturing attitude towards family members – including cats.

Golden Retrievers usually have laid-back personalities that make them the perfect match as companions for your cat.

4. Maltese

Maltese Dog Loves Cat

Known for being a lapdog, this cute little pup will steal everyone’s hearts – including your cat’s.

What makes Maltese dogs appealing to your furry felines? Because they will most likely just lie down in one corner and let your cat be.

They do know how to mind their own business! This breed is highly trainable and can be taught to not chase your cats.

Maltese dogs have a very friendly and gentle nature which makes them good cat companions. They are eager to please and make new friends!

5. Pomeranian

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeTobfej91E
Rescued kitten loves Pomeranian dog. After being abandoned by his mother, Pancho the kitten was found alone and with his eyes closed. He was taken in by this caring family, who fed and nursed him to the healthy kitten he is today! While living in his new home, the fearless kitten became attached to Jinxy, an adorable Pomeranian dog. The pair couldn’t be any cuter!

Classified as toy dogs, Pomeranians might pass as cats at first glance. And that is probably why cats don’t mind their presence – well, probably not.

But this breed is friendly and affectionate with cats. They can be good friends if introduced at an earlier age.

6. Pug

Cat And Dog Have The Best Bromance | Luigi the cat and Bandito the dog were each other’s soulmates. They went hiking together, wrestled nonstop and went EVERYWHERE with their dads. Today on Odd Couples, watch how Luigi became so sad when he lost Bandito – and found the most beautiful way to love again.

Pugs are cute little bundles of joy that may look grumpy but are actually full of energy. This trait may be annoying to an overly laid-back cat but can be the best match for a rowdy kitty.

A pug may just look like it but it is not going to attack your cat. Even it wants to, it’s snub snout and stubby paws make it difficult for it to do so.

7. Papillon

Camille the Papillon tries to get some relaxing in, but Lapo the Destroyer once again will not allow.

Its nickname “butterfly dog” actually came from its huge ears resembling the wings of a butterfly. Cats will not see this breed as a threat because most of the time, Papillons are smaller.

They were originally bred to become lapdogs for noblewomen and have no inclination of hunting preys.

8. Labrador

Dogs and cats can be friends! This Bengal Kitten sure does love his Labrador!

Labradors may seem huge but they are very gentle creatures. They are good around kids and cats and they would not mind snuggling next to your feline friends.

Their size can be intimidating especially to small cats but as they get to know each other better, your cat will realize how lovable labs are, says the pet experts over at PurringPal.com

9. Basset Hound

Basset hound loves the cat

These droopy-faced doggos may be stubborn but can be great feline companions. They are friendly with other breeds and animals.

They are not fans of activities and would prefer to take naps after playtime. It won’t mind having those naps with your cat.

They are a good match for adult cats that are more tamed and not too energetic.

10. Bulldog

Cat massages bulldog

If we are to list the common things between bulldogs and cats, the first thing on the list would be naps. They both live for it and they can do it together!
When they are not napping, they can be found playing with family members – including their pets.


Dogs and cats do get along. The notion that they will fight all the time is pure fiction.

There are dogs who were born and bred to be hunters and to them, cats would seem like a good target. This is not the case for all dog breeds.

Cats are the ones that are annoyed with dogs. They are not playful by nature but there are cats that are friendly with dogs and other animals.

If you already have a cat and are planning to get a canine companion, it is best to introduce the two at a young age and to ensure that their personalities would click.

Özgür Nevres
M. Özgür Nevres

I am a software developer and also Veterinary Technician student at the Anadolu University. I take care of stray cats & dogs. This website's all income goes directly to our furry friends. Please consider supporting me on Patreon so I can help more animals!

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