The Best Dogs for Cat Owners

"Fighting like cats and dogs" conveys a relationship of perpetual animosity between the two species. While it is true that many dogs view cats as prey, it is not unusual for cats and dogs to co-exist peacefully in the same household. Almost any dog with a low prey drive can become feline-friendly if introduced to cats while still young. However, some breeds tend to tolerate, or even bond, with cats.

  1. Shih Tzus

    • Even their name conveys a hint of the feline: shih tzus were named for a creature of Chinese mythology, the Lion Dog. These dogs are known for their friendliness to both humans and other animals, although dog experts do recommend careful supervision when introducing your shih tzu to a cat. If a shih tzu grows up with a kitten, the two animals will accept each other more easily.

    Labrador Retriever

    • A larger dog breed noted for getting along with everyone and everything, Labrador retrievers can be a good choice to join a household with cats. Many Labrador owners report their dogs playing easily with cats, and even helping to raise kittens. Often the cat in such relationships assumes the more alpha role, teaching the larger animal about boundaries. As with any dog-cat relationship, introducing the dog as a puppy helps balance out the power dynamic of one animal being significantly larger than the other.

    Welsh Corgis

    • These dogs have a strong desire to please their owners and thus usually will respect other pets in the household. The breed began as a working dog and their responsibilities often included herding farm animals, and driving off outside dogs. Because of this, they do have a tendency to behave aggressively toward unfamiliar cats and dogs.