8 Dog Breeds That Love Cats
While cats and dogs are often portrayed as natural rivals, many dog breeds coexist peacefully—and even affectionately—with feline family members. With proper introductions and thoughtful supervision, several breeds consistently show gentle, tolerant, and sometimes downright fond behavior toward cats. Here are eight standout breeds known for their cat-friendly temperaments.
Sussex Spaniel
Don’t let their serious expression fool you—the Sussex Spaniel is a cheerful, easygoing companion with a naturally tractable disposition. Bred for companionship and gentle field work, they’re highly adaptable to multi-pet households.
“The Sussex is one of the slower Spaniel breeds and wouldn’t be as tempted to chase a cat as, say, a Saluki,” explains Lisa Peterson, spokesperson for FurPetVo. They enjoy leisurely walks, thrive in family settings, and get along well with children, other dogs, and household cats alike.
Golden Retriever
Intelligent, eager to please, and deeply empathetic, Golden Retrievers are among the most versatile and cat-tolerant breeds. Their friendly nature and strong desire to bond make them ideal for homes where harmony between species matters.
“The breed’s friendly temperament and trainability, along with regular exercise, could lead to a very happy home life with a cat,” says Peterson. With consistent positive reinforcement and early socialization, Goldens often form genuine, respectful bonds with resident cats.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Originally bred for drafting and herding livestock in the Swiss Alps, the Bernese Mountain Dog brings that same calm dedication to modern family life. Their gentle, steady demeanor makes them exceptionally patient with smaller or more reserved animals—including cats.
They love being close to their people and adapt readily to shared spaces. Though large, they move thoughtfully indoors and rarely display impulsive prey-driven behavior—making them a trustworthy presence in mixed-species homes.
Bichon Frise
Small, sturdy, and endlessly cheerful, the Bichon Frise shines in homes where affection and adaptability are prized. Their soft, white double coat matches their sweet, non-confrontational personality.
Naturally gentle and eager to please, Bichons respond beautifully to training and can learn to respect feline boundaries early on. With consistent guidance, they often develop playful, affectionate relationships with cats—especially when raised together from puppyhood.
English Setter
With roots in bird hunting, English Setters are both graceful and grounded—adaptable, affectionate, and highly attuned to human cues. Their gentle nature extends easily to other pets, including cats.
“They’re playful and friendly toward children and require plenty of daily exercise to keep up with their energetic personality,” notes Peterson. When properly introduced and given space to build trust, English Setters often become calm, respectful companions to feline housemates.
Poodle
Far more than just a stylish showdog, the Poodle is exceptionally intelligent, athletic, and socially adept. All three sizes—Standard, Miniature, and Toy—were developed for cooperative work alongside humans *and* other animals.
The Standard was bred as a water retriever, the Miniature likely assisted in truffle hunting, and the Toy delighted audiences in performances—each role demanding focus, restraint, and teamwork. “Life with a cat shouldn’t be a problem for any of them,” Peterson affirms. Their high trainability and low prey drive make them outstanding candidates for peaceful multi-species households.
Pekingese
Regal, intelligent, and deeply loyal, the Pekingese is a compact yet confident companion perfectly suited to apartment or country living. Their quiet, observant nature means they rarely feel compelled to chase or disturb a cat.
“Because of their size, the breed fares well in both the city and the country and is loving and loyal to its owners,” says Peterson. “They are relatively inactive indoors, so it’s rare that they’d chase a cat.” Daily walks satisfy their modest exercise needs—and leave plenty of time for quiet coexistence.
Pug
With their expressive faces and outgoing charm, Pugs win hearts across species lines. Playful, affectionate, and remarkably adaptable, they settle comfortably into diverse living environments—including homes with cats.
Like every breed on this list, successful integration depends on thoughtful introduction and ongoing supervision. “Although these breeds can all live with cats, successfully introducing cats and dogs often depends on the personality and temperament of the individual animals involved,” Peterson emphasizes. “The two should always be introduced and monitored under the owner’s supervision.”
Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement go a long way—whether you're welcoming a new Pug into a cat-centric home or adding a kitten to a Pug-loving household. At furpetvo.com, we support every step of your multi-pet journey with science-backed guidance and compassionate resources.
