15 Dog Breeds That Are Great with Cats and Kids

Finding a dog that gets along with both kids and cats isn’t always easy, but some breeds are naturally better at blending into busy, multi-pet households. These dogs tend to be patient, gentle, and good at picking up on social cues, making them great companions for children and feline friends alike. Here are 15 dog breeds known for fitting in well with cats and kids.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are the classic family dog for a reason—they’re friendly, calm, and love being part of the action without overwhelming anyone. Their patience makes them wonderful with kids, and their easygoing nature helps them get along with cats, too. They don’t usually chase or roughhouse too hard, which makes them one of the safest choices for homes with little ones and furry siblings of all kinds.

Labrador Retriever

Labs are energetic and social but also incredibly gentle when it matters most. They have a playful side that matches a child’s energy, but they also know when to relax around quieter pets like cats. With the right training and some early socializing, Labradors are one of the easiest breeds to blend into a household that has both children running around and a cat watching from the sidelines.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These small dogs are known for being affectionate and calm, which makes them a perfect fit for families that want a gentle dog who won’t ruffle feathers—literally or figuratively. They don’t have a strong prey drive, so they’re less likely to chase cats, and their soft personalities make them patient with kids who are still learning how to treat pets respectfully.

Beagle

Beagles have a playful, curious spirit that matches well with active kids and inquisitive cats. They were bred to be pack dogs, so they enjoy having company and are more likely to see cats as companions than competition. Their energy can be a lot at first, but with regular walks and attention, they settle into being loyal, fun, and surprisingly tolerant family members.

Boxer

Boxers are full of love and energy, but they’re also surprisingly sensitive and protective, especially with children. Their goofy nature makes them fun for kids, and with the right introduction, they can learn to respect a cat’s space. Because they’re eager to please and very social, Boxers often do well in homes where there’s a mix of noise, playtime, and different types of pets.

Basset Hound

Basset Hounds are mellow and easygoing, which means they won’t bother cats much and are happy to lounge near kids without getting riled up. Their slow-moving nature and gentle temperament make them great companions for a household that doesn’t need high-energy chaos. They do enjoy a good sniffing adventure, but they’re not aggressive, and they bond well with just about anyone—including cats.

Poodle

Poodles come in all sizes and are known for their intelligence and adaptability. Whether you choose a toy, miniature, or standard Poodle, you’re getting a dog that can be trained easily and taught to get along with both kids and cats. They’re not known for being aggressive, and they pick up on household routines quickly, making them a smart and gentle choice for family life.

Collie

Collies are famously loyal and gentle, especially with children, thanks to their history as herding dogs. They tend to be watchful and careful without being rough or hyper. While they might keep an eye on the cat out of habit, they’re rarely aggressive and often treat feline family members with the same quiet respect they show kids. They’re also great listeners, which helps in multi-pet homes.

Newfoundland

Despite their massive size, Newfoundlands are very soft-hearted and famously gentle, especially with young children. They’ve even earned the nickname “nanny dog” for their calm, protective behavior. They don’t have a strong prey drive, so they usually get along fine with cats, and their slow, thoughtful movements help them blend into the home without overwhelming smaller pets or younger kids.

Maltese

Maltese dogs are small, cuddly, and very people-oriented, which means they tend to get along with anyone who treats them kindly—including cats. They’re not rough players, and they’re usually content to curl up on a lap or share a sunny spot with a feline friend. Their gentle demeanor makes them a safe and sweet choice for families who want a little dog with a big heart.

Shetland Sheepdog

Often called “Shelties,” these dogs are smart, loyal, and quick learners who love to please their family. Their herding instincts make them gentle with kids, and they’re typically respectful of other animals if introduced properly. Shelties enjoy companionship and will often try to include the cat in their routines, making them more like an organizer than a chaser when it comes to family life.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are large but incredibly loving, often forming close bonds with kids and other animals in the home. Their calm nature makes them gentle giants, and while their size might seem intimidating at first, they’re very aware of how to move around smaller beings like cats and children. Their loyalty and soft energy make them a natural fit for warm, busy households.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are affectionate and responsive, and they enjoy being part of the pack—whether that means hanging out with the kids or peacefully coexisting with a cat. They don’t have a strong chasing instinct and tend to be more curious than confrontational. Their sweet, patient personality makes them ideal for homes where the vibe is more about cuddles and calm than chaos and noise.

Papillon

Don’t let their small size fool you—Papillons are alert, friendly, and very social. They tend to get along well with cats because they’re not pushy or aggressive, and they’re gentle enough for older kids to handle with ease. Their high intelligence makes them quick learners, and they adapt well to new routines and housemates, including the feline ones that like to keep to themselves.

Irish Setter

Irish Setters are full of life, but they’re also incredibly friendly and easy to train, which makes them good family dogs. Their enthusiasm is often directed more at people than animals, so they’re less likely to bother cats once they settle into the home. They enjoy being part of the family and will often match their energy level to whoever they’re with—calm with the cat, playful with the kids.