Breeds of Dogs Compatible With Cats

Most dogs, regardless of breed, can be good companions with cats when living in the same household, provided they are raised together from a very young age. There are, however, some breeds that are generally better with cats than others, due to their temperament. This is particularly true when a full-grown dog is introduced into a home where a cat already lives, or a cat is introduced into a home with an already grown dog. Breeds that are less aggressive are generally a better choice.

  1. Golden Retriever

    • According to Stanley Coren's "The Intelligence of Dogs," golden retrievers are the fourth-most intelligent dog breed. They are typically gentle, loving, playful, happy and easy to train. They are not aggressive, making them an excellent breed for cohabitation with cats. Although they are very playful and may strike up a game of chase with a cat, they are not likely to harm it. If the golden retriever does get a little too rough, the cat will normally hiss or claw at the dog, letting it know to back off.

    Labrador Retriever

    • Labrador retrievers are popular family dogs, as they are an intelligent, playful and easygoing breed. They are very social with people, other dogs and other animals alike; they do well with other dog breeds as well as cats. Labs have a reputation as gentle souls and are unlikely to harm smaller household pets.

    Great Pyrenees

    • Regardless of its huge size, the Great Pyrenees is a welcome dog for families with other animals. They often serve as guardian dogs for breeders of animals such as alpacas and will faithfully protect the other animals they live with, including cats and other dogs. They are intelligent, easy to train and patient. According to the American Kennel Club, "The Great Pyrenees is a quiet and tolerant dog".

    Bichon Frise

    • The Bichon Frise is a small dog with a happy, friendly, playful disposition. It gets along well with people and other animals, making it a wise choice for people with cats. This breed loves being with people and other animals, preferring not to be by itself, thus making it good company for a family and an excellent playmate for a cat. Because it is small, a Bichon Frise is not intimidating to most cats, so they can get along peacefully together.