15 Dog Breeds That Love Cats

Introducing a dog into a home with cats can be risky. While some dogs have an instinct to chase smaller animals, many breeds are known for their ability to get along well with feline friends. Here are 15 dog breeds that are generally known for their love of cats and can make great additions to multi-pet households.
Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly and tolerant nature. They usually get along well with everyone, including cats. Their patient and easygoing temperament makes them excellent friends for cats, often showing a willingness to share space and affection. Golden Retrievers are also very trainable and love to please, which helps them adapt to living with cats.
Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are famously friendly and adaptable, making them great companions for cats. Their friendly nature means they are likely to see cats as potential playmates rather than adversaries. Labs can form strong bonds with feline friends with proper introductions and training. This breed is also known for its patience and intelligence, allowing them to easily adjust to the presence of cats.
Beagle

Beagles are friendly and curious dogs. They are social animals that enjoy the company of other pets, including cats. While they may initially be curious about a new feline companion, Beagles usually adapt well and enjoy having a playmate to share adventures with. Plus, their pack-oriented mentality makes them open to accepting cats as part of their family.
Basset Hound

Basset Hounds are laid-back and easygoing dogs. They often coexist peacefully with cats, as their calm nature makes them less likely to see cats as prey. Basset Hounds are known for their patience and tolerance, qualities that make them excellent friends for cats. Despite being independent, Basset Hounds enjoy having a feline friend to hang out with.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate, gentle dogs known for getting along well with other animals, including cats. These pups have a natural affinity for being around other animals and enjoy the company of cats, making them well-suited for homes with multiple pets. They will respect a cat’s boundaries and be friendly with them.
Poodle

Poodles, whether standard, miniature, or toy, are intelligent and adaptable dogs. They are known for their friendly nature and can be trained to get along well with cats. With proper socialization, Poodles can live and get along with cats. They understand and respect a cat’s space, making them excellent candidates for households with cats.
Collie

Collies are intelligent and gentle pups known for their herding instincts. While their herding behavior may initially concern cats, Collies are usually patient and adaptable, learning to treat cats as part of the family. Collies can form strong bonds with other animals, making them great friends for cats. With proper training and socialization, Collies can become loyal and loving friends to cats.
Maltese

Maltese are known for their affectionate and loyal nature. These little furballs love to be the center of attention and will follow their owners from room to room. Their gentle and playful demeanor makes them ideal companions for people of all ages, including children and cats. With proper socialization, Maltese can coexist peacefully with cats, creating a harmonious multi-pet household.
Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are often called “gentle giants” for a good reason. These massive dogs have an incredible amount of patience and kindness, especially around smaller animals like cats. Their protective nature extends to cats as well, treating them with care and respect. It’s like having a built-in babysitter for your feline friend!
Papillon

Papillons are tiny bundles of energy with huge personalities! These little dogs are known for their friendly and playful nature, making them great friends for both people and animals. Their curious and intelligent minds also mean they’re always up for a game or a new adventure. Whether chasing a laser pointer or cuddling up on your lap, Papillons bring joy and excitement to any home!
Pug

Pugs are affectionate and sociable dogs who love being around people and other animals. Their playful and easygoing nature often allows them to get along well with cats. This breed’s small size and friendly personality also make them less intimidating to cats and other pets. So, if you are looking to add another furry friend to your family, a Pug is a great choice!
Boxer

Boxers are often good with other pets, including cats, especially when introduced at a young age. Boxers are friendly and social dogs, making them great furry friends for multi-pet households. With proper training and socialization, Boxers can develop strong, loving relationships with kittens and adult cats.
English Setter

English Setters are friendly dogs known for their patience and sociability. These pups love being around people and other animals, making them great family pets. Whether it’s playing fetch with the kids or sharing the couch with the cat, English Setters are always up for a good time!
Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are friendly and social dogs that love being around other animals. They get along well with cats because of their adaptable and gentle nature. Shih Tzus naturally seek out companionship and like playing with other pets. Their playful but calm personality helps them respect a cat’s space while still having fun together. With their loving nature, Shih Tzus can build strong bonds with cats, making them great for homes with multiple pets.
Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are friendly and loving dogs that enjoy being with others. They usually get along well with other pets, including cats, and can become friends with them. Their playful and gentle nature makes them great companions for cats. Cocker Spaniels are sociable and tolerant, making them well-suited for living with feline friends.