Bringing a dog into a home that already has a cat or vice versa is one of the most anxious moments a pet owner can face. You love both animals. You don’t want chaos. The good news? Many dogs good with cats, and the outcome has more to do with breed choice and how you handle the introduction than luck. This guide covers the best dog breeds for cat owners, what makes certain dogs naturally safer around cats, and exactly how to set the relationship up for success from day one.
⚡ Quick Answer Yes, many dogs are good with cats especially breeds with low prey drive like Golden Retrievers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Basset Hounds. The key factors are breed instinct, early socialization, and a careful first introduction. Most dogs and cats can coexist peacefully with the right approach.
Table of Contents
1. Why Some Dogs Good With Cats (And Others Aren’t)
Not every dog is naturally wired to chase small animals but some absolutely are. Understanding why helps you make a smarter choice before you bring a new pet home.
It’s About Prey Drive, Not Personality
Prey drive is the instinct that makes dogs want to chase, catch, and sometimes grab fast-moving animals. It’s not aggression it’s just hardwiring. Breeds like Greyhounds, Jack Russell Terriers, and Siberian Huskies were selectively bred for high prey drive. Put one of those near a bolting cat and the instinct can kick in before your dog even thinks about it.
Low-prey-drive breeds were bred for very different jobs companionship, retrieving gently, or herding with control. Those dogs are far more likely to be dog breeds that get along with cats without any drama.
The Role of Early Socialization
According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, dogs exposed to cats during the socialization window (roughly 3–12 weeks of age) are significantly more likely to accept them as companions later in life. Even a high-energy breed can learn to live peacefully with cats if the exposure happens early and positively.
That said, socialization isn’t a magic fix for a dog with very strong chase instincts. Breed matters too.
2. The 10 Best Dog Breeds That Get Along With Cats
These are the best dogs for cat owners breeds consistently reported to coexist well with feline housemates. Each has traits that make them safer, calmer, and less likely to stress your cat out.
Low Prey Drive Favorites
These breeds are the go-to choices when someone searches for dogs that don’t chase cats:
- Golden Retriever Gentle, patient, and social. Goldens treat cats like slightly weird friends they’d love to sniff.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel One of the most cat-tolerant dogs around. Small enough not to intimidate, calm enough not to spook.
- Basset Hound Slow-moving and easygoing. Your cat will probably ignore him. He’ll probably ignore your cat back.
- Bichon Frise Playful but gentle. Great with cats that don’t mind a little company.
- Maltese Tiny, affectionate, and non-threatening to most cats.
Calm Giants That Cats Tend to Tolerate
Big dogs can work beautifully with cats — especially these gentle dog breeds for cats:
- Labrador Retriever — Friendly with everyone, including feline housemates, when properly introduced.
- Newfoundland — Gentle giants with low prey drive and a calm temperament.
- Great Pyrenees — Bred to protect, not chase. Often remarkably patient with smaller animals.
- Pug — Low energy, low prey drive, and too busy breathing to bother chasing anyone.
- Irish Setter — Energetic but people-focused, with a gentle mouth and a naturally social personality.
Breed Comparison Table
| Breed | Prey Drive | Energy Level | Cat-Friendly Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Retriever | Low | Medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Very Low | Low | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Basset Hound | Low | Low | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Labrador Retriever | Low-Medium | High | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Pug | Very Low | Low | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Newfoundland | Low | Low | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Irish Setter | Medium | High | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Bichon Frise | Low | Medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Great Pyrenees | Low | Low-Medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Maltese | Very Low | Low | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
If you’re still deciding on a breed, our guide to the top lazy dog breeds for apartments covers some of the calmest, most cat-compatible options in more detail.
3. What Makes a Dog Safe Around Cats?
Not all dog breeds that get along with cats are safe for the same reasons. Three specific traits separate the good candidates from the risky ones.
Three Traits to Look For
1. Low prey drive. This is the biggest one. Dogs that don’t feel a strong pull to chase are naturally easier to manage around cats.
2. Impulse control. Some dogs are curious but can stop themselves. A dog that freezes and looks at you when a cat runs is very different from one that bolts immediately.
3. Prior exposure. A dog that’s already lived with cats or was raised alongside them is almost always a safer bet than one with zero small-animal experience.
| Trait | Why It Matters for Cat Safety |
|---|---|
| Low prey drive | Reduces the urge to chase or grab |
| Impulse control | Dog can stop and redirect even when excited |
| Small animal exposure | Prior positive experiences reduce novelty-triggered reactions |
| Calm baseline temperament | Less likely to overwhelm a nervous cat |
| Trainability | Responds to ‘leave it’ and ‘stay’ commands reliably |
4. How to Introduce a Dog to Your Cat
The introduction stage is where most multi-pet households either succeed or create months of stress. Getting this right matters more than breed alone.
The First Week Is Everything
Keep your dog and cat completely separated for the first few days. Let them smell each other under a closed door. Swap bedding between rooms so they get used to each other’s scent without a face-to-face confrontation.
After 2–3 days, use a baby gate or cracked door for brief visual contact your dog on leash, your cat free to leave at any time. Keep sessions short. End on calm behavior, not chaos.
Signs the Introduction Is Going Well
Look for these positive signals from your dog:
- Sniffs the door or gate and then disengages
- Lies down calmly when the cat is visible
- Responds to ‘leave it’ when the cat moves
And from your cat:
- Stays in the room voluntarily (rather than hiding for days)
- Hisses once and then returns to normal behavior
- Approaches the gate out of curiosity
A 2019 study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that cats introduced to dogs in the first year of either animal’s life showed significantly fewer signs of stress during cohabitation. Early matters but a slow, patient introduction helps at any age.
5. When the Friendship Isn’t Working
Not every pairing works out, and that’s worth knowing before you commit. Some dogs and cats genuinely cannot be safely housed together.
Red Flags to Watch For
Contact your vet or a certified animal behaviorist if you notice:
- Your dog stares fixedly at your cat and can’t be redirected this is predatory fixation, not curiosity
- Your dog has lunged or snapped at your cat, even once
- Your cat is hiding constantly, not eating, or showing signs of chronic stress (over-grooming, house-soiling)
- Your dog ignores ‘leave it’ commands entirely when the cat is present
These aren’t just training problems. Predatory fixation in particular can escalate quickly, and a bite from even a small dog can seriously injure a cat. Don’t wait to see if it improves on its own.
🐾 When to See a Professional: If your dog shows stalking behavior, resource guards against the cat, or has made physical contact aggressively consult a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) or a veterinary behaviorist. This isn’t a DIY fix. Your cat’s safety depends on getting the right advice fast.
FAQ
What dog breeds are best for homes with cats? Golden Retrievers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Pugs, and Labradors are consistently the best dogs for cat owners. These breeds have low prey drive, calm temperaments, and adapt well to living alongside feline housemates. Early socialization makes a good match even better.
Can you train a dog to get along with cats? Yes to a point. You can train a dog to ignore or be calm around cats, especially with commands like ‘leave it’ and ‘stay’. But training works best alongside a naturally low prey drive. A dog with strong chase instincts will always need active management, even after months of training.
What dog breeds should I avoid if I have a cat? Breeds with high prey drive tend to be riskier around cats: Greyhounds, Whippets, Jack Russell Terriers, Siberian Huskies, and most terrier breeds. That doesn’t mean it can never work but these pairings need extra caution, more time, and careful management from day one.
How long does it take for a dog and cat to get along? Most dogs and cats reach a stable, relaxed coexistence within 2–4 weeks when introduced properly. Some pairs become genuinely affectionate within days. Others take 2–3 months. True friendship is a bonus calm tolerance is the realistic goal and usually enough for a happy household.
My dog keeps chasing my cat what should I do? Stop free access between them immediately. Go back to basics: separated spaces, scent swapping, and leashed introductions only. Work on ‘leave it’ and reward your dog heavily for looking away from the cat. If the chasing continues after two weeks of structured work, bring in a professional trainer.
Are male or female dogs better with cats? There’s no strong evidence that sex alone determines how a dog gets along with cats. Prey drive, breed, individual personality, and early socialization matter far more. Neutered or spayed dogs of either sex tend to be slightly calmer overall, which can help but it’s not a deciding factor.
The Bottom Line
Finding dogs that are good with cats isn’t a gamble when you know what to look for. Choose a breed with low prey drive, introduce them slowly, and give both animals time to adjust on their own terms. Most dogs and cats can share a home peacefully some even become inseparable.
If you’re leaning toward a calm, low-energy companion that’s also likely to be easy on your cat, take a look at our guide to lazy dog breeds for apartments many of those breeds made this list for a reason.
Zingi is a digital content creator and pet enthusiast with a passion for helping animal lovers make smarter, more informed decisions. With hands-on experience researching dog breeds, pet care routines, and tech products, Zingi writes guides that cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters for everyday pet owners and tech users.
