You are about to become the proud parent of your very own pup, or perhaps you've fostered an older dog in need of a new home. You’ve spent days researching the perfect food and most comfortable bed, mooched for must-have pet gadgets and doggy coats, and bought the smartest collar and lead you could find. You are now ready to introduce your furry friend to their new home!
But there is one thing standing in your way, and it’s currently staring at you, daring you to bring one of those muddy, dirty creatures into its kingdom. You don’t want to get this wrong, and your dog will need a calm environment for their new home, so you need to find out about dog and cat compatibility! What are the most cat-friendly dogs? Are there small dogs that are good with cats? Are there many dogs that get along with cats? These are all normal questions to ask, and we're on hand to answer them!
As well as gathering a list of the top dogs that get along with cats, we've paired up with Dr Emma Scales-Theobold, PhD Veterinary Medicine and Science, to answer your most common queries, ensuring all furry friends shack up nicely. Once man, dog and cat are living harmoniously, why not reward the pack with a getaway to a pet-friendly cottage? Click the button below, prep your dog's holiday checklist and start exploring our collection.
Cat-friendly dog breeds FAQs
While personalities vary in every hound, some of the most cat-friendly dogs include golden retrievers, beagles, cavalier King Charles spaniels, bichon frises, collies, pugs, papillons, and Maltese dogs.
Yes, certain dog breeds tend to get along better with cats, and this depends on the dog's temperament, energy levels and social nature.
Dogs with a low prey drive like golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers are very cat-friendly dogs, as are dogs with a calm temperament like cavalier King Charles spaniels and bichon frises. Mellow breeds like the Maltese and the papillon are more likely to get on with cats, and so too are dogs with a friendly nature, like beagles and collies.
Cats can be, and often are, friendly with dogs, but this depends on the cat's personality, the dog's temperament, and how they first meet.
Outgoing and social cats like Ragdolls, Maine coons and Siberians are known for their tolerance and social nature, so are well-suited to living with dogs. However, more independent or shy cats like Persians, Russian blues and British shorthairs may be less comfortable around dogs and could start behaving in a territorial manner.
Yes, it is more than okay for cats and dogs to live together; in fact, many do! However, your success in bringing all pets under one roof will depend on several factors. These include the temperament and breed of both animals; are they patient and social-natured, or are they independent and more likely to clash?
Cats or dogs who have been raised with other pets are likely to adapt to change quicker, as are puppies and kittens, who are more adaptable and could even regard each other as siblings if introduced at an early age.
Best breed groups
Certain dog breed groups are more inclined to tolerate or dare we say it, even love the feline member of the family. Ultimately, however, the relationship between a cat and dog is very much dependent on the character of both concerned and how the two are introduced and managed. But which are the dog breeds that best get along with cats?
Two ideal types of dog breed groups for cat lovers are the toy and sporting groups. The Toy group includes smaller dogs such as King Charles spaniels, papillons, and Maltese dogs that make for sociable and affectionate companions. The Sporting group is generally made up of spaniels and retrievers, and these are friendly and outgoing dogs ideal for sharing a home with a cat.
Good to know
Remember that some terriers and dogs from the hound and herding groups tend to be less cat friendly as they were bred for a purpose. However, you will find that many dogs from these groups live in perfect harmony with their feline counterparts, so don’t be put off by breed stereotypes as these are only a general guide.
The beagle
You may think that being a hunting dog, a beagle will not be up for sharing their home with a cat. Not so. Bred to hunt in packs can be a distinct advantage when it comes to cohabiting with other species. Enthusiastic beagles may be tempted to chase a cat outdoors, but when indoors, this easy-going and affable breed will be keen to snuggle up with even the grumpiest feline.
The golden retriever
Cuddly and patient, golden retrievers are great examples of dogs that get along with cats. Adaptable and playful, they’ll often become best buddies with all types of cats. Rarely offended, they’ll happily oblige when their snooty sibling needs some alone time by retreating to their dog bed and waiting for hostilities to thaw.
The basset hound
This doleful-eyed breed is competition for the most stubborn house cat. More inclined to worry about how much sleep they are getting than playing chase, these cat-friendly dogs are unlikely to cause many problems. Just make sure that you don’t give your cat too much attention, or you’ll be treated to that pitiful basset howl no neighbour wants to hear!
The cavalier King Charles spaniel
This affectionate and sociable breed was bred to be a companion dog rather than a hunter, so makes for a great example of small dogs that are good with cats. As happy on their owner’s lap as out and about, the laid-back nature of these fearless little dogs means that they won’t be bothered by a cat or two around the home. Good for those with bossier cats, as they are unlikely to be intimidated, these spaniels are definitely dogs that are good with cats.
The pug
Another popular breed of small dogs that are good with cats, pugs are the perfect choice if you have a moggy or three about the house as they count the cat as one of their own! This bundle of fun can often be found snuggling up next to a feline companion, using it as a source of warmth and comfort. These cat-friendly dogs love to play and tease, so they are better with cats who are not put off by the pug’s uninvited advances.
The Labrador retriever
Playful and willing to learn, the gentle and sweet Labrador retriever is a popular breed for anyone looking for dogs that get along with cats. In fact, they'll get on with pretty much anyone! Eager to please and full of fun, this intelligent breed is perfectly suited for those cats who think they are dogs. Apt to put up with difficult felines, this popular dog will tolerate much more than other breeds, making them one of the best dogs for cats.
The bichon frise
If small dogs that are good with cats are what you're after, then bichon frises – little balls of fluff – are very cat-friendly dogs. Small enough to not be intimidating, they are loving and very affectionate. Often found chilling out with their feline brother or sister, they just want to love, and expect that in return. Bichons can become a little too clingy, however, and the more aloof feline may find their neediness a little off-putting.
The Shih Tzu
This pretty little companion dog is perfect for the feline home. Originally the prized lap dogs of Chinese emperors, they are well tolerated by their feline siblings because they consider themselves far too important to get involved in unnecessary skirmishes with the lower orders of the house.
The papillon
The sweet and tiny papillon (butterfly in French) is a friendly soul. More than happy to include any members of the house in their games, they are the ideal cat companions. These small dogs are very good with cats – just make sure you have a willing cat who understands the papillon’s joie de vivre!
The humble mongrel
One of our favourite types of dog; you will find cat-loving crossbreeds in many UK homes. Bringing three or four breeds together to make up the perfect mixed package, they can often be easier to train, especially around cats.
Without the intense instincts that a particular breed may have, such as hunting or herding, you will often find it easier to manage or train a crossbreed, as their instinct isn’t always as strong. Of course, this is dependent on the type of crossbreed you choose as well as proper training and positive reinforcement.
Dr Emma's advice
Dr Emma Scales-Theobold is a long-term consultant and friend of Canine Cottages with a vast understanding of canine behaviour, and we've asked her to answer some of your most common questions about introducing new dogs to cats.
What's the best way to get a cat used to a dog?
Dr Emma explains that the best way for a cat to get used to a dog is through advanced preparation and gradual introduction. This helps stop your cat from getting overwhelmed by too much change and helps your new dog settle quickly.
Dr Emma's top tips
- Safe room: Create a safe room for your cat (which the dog will not have access to) that has all your cat’s essentials – a bed, water, food and a litter tray. Have this in place at least a week in advance, so your cat can get used to it.
- Dividers: Stair gates or crates are ideal ways to separate your cat and dog while allowing them to still smell and hear each other. Set this up in advance so the cat is used to it before the dog arrives.
- High places: Ensure there are high places where your cat can escape to in the room where you plan to introduce both pets, ensuring they're out of reach of each other if needed. Install these in advance if you don’t already have some.
- Diffusers: Calming diffusers that emit calming pheromones can help keep your cat and dog calmer and happier. It’s recommended to put this on a few days in advance of the introduction for best effect.
- Cat crates: If you feel that your cat is safest in a crate for the introduction, make sure they’re happy using a crate first and view it as their safe space – because many cats dislike crates. Put their bed in it and cover it slightly so that it is dark and cosy for them.
- Eating space: Set up where you would like to feed your new dog in a separate place from where your cat eats and drinks. You might need to start feeding your cat in an elevated spot so your new dog will not be tempted to eat the cat’s food.
How should I introduce my dog to my cat?
Dr Emma says that it’s important to introduce your new dog to your cat slowly, always making sure that there’s a safe place for each pet to hide and avoid the other.
Dr Emma's top tips
- Walkies first: Give your new dog a big walk to allow them to burn off excess energy, this will help them to be calmer for the introduction.
- Time apart: It's important to keep them separate at first, this will also allow time for your dog to decompress and become settled in their new home.
- Positive association: Offer your dog treats to reward smelling your cat and calm behaviours like sitting, lying down and smelling other parts of the house.
- Calming treats: Some treats can get your dog overexcited; calming treats are great rewards, whilst also helping to mellow your dog.
- Scent swapping: Stroke each pet (without washing your hands in between) so that you put the scent of one on the other, helping them with the transition.
- On the lead: Allow them to approach each other at their own pace. It's best to keep your dog on a lead so you can manage the situation, particularly if you have an excitable puppy.
- Short introductions: Allow your pets to freely interact for only a few minutes at first, ending on a positive note if possible. Allow for a gradual introduction by slowly increasing the amount of time they are together.
- Signs of stress: If your dog or cat seems overwhelmed, nervous or aggressive about the interaction, you can always go back a few steps and separate them again for longer.
How long does it take for a cat to be ok with a dog?
Dr Emma explains that many cats can quickly become ok with a dog and tolerate them in no time, and that with a smooth introduction and a calm dog, it may only take a few hours. To achieve this, it is important for your new dog to ignore your cat, as this will help the cat feel safe.
To train your dog to ignore your cat, offer your dog some high-value treats to reward calm behaviours and keep the focus on you instead. For example, every time they sit, lie down, turn away from the cat and look at you, offer them a treat. If your dog is less food-motivated, offer them a toy to distract them. Start training when your dog is still separated from the cat during the initial introductions and continue to reinforce once they are allowed to meet.
How long it takes to train your new dog to ignore cats can vary depending on their age, breed and past experiences with cats. Every dog is unique, and breeds with high prey drive may find this especially difficult to master. Some dogs will pick this up in hours, while some may take weeks and will need to be watched closely.
Remember to allow your new dog time to decompress and adjust to their new home. This can take a few days, weeks, or even months for some older rescue dogs.
Book a pet-friendly holiday cottage
We hope that our guide to cat-friendly dogs has answered your questions and concerns, and motivated you to bring all furry friends under one roof! To reward your new pack down the line, why not book a stay in one of our pet-friendly holiday cottages?
Whether you're a canine-owning couple, an animal-mad family or a group of friends-turned-dog owners, our collection of pet-welcoming holiday properties is sure to have what you're looking for. Just click the button below to start planning your holiday today.
Emma Scales-Theobald PhD MSc
A canine behaviour and nutrition consultant who provides regular expert advice to Canine Cottages on the subjects of canine health and behaviour. She holds a PhD in Veterinary Medicine and Science from the University of Surrey, as well as an MSc in Animal Behaviour from the University of Exeter.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.