35 Dog Breeds That Live Well With Cats

In general, the smaller the canine, the better when it comes to pairing dog breeds with cats.

35 Dog Breeds That Live Well With Cats

Everyone knows that dogs and cats aren’t natural friends, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get along. When pairing these pets in a household, it’s a good idea to consider several factors on the canine side.

Almost any breed of dog can play well around a cat with the proper training, especially if the two animals meet when the dog is a puppy. Essentially, Fido just needs to learn to leave Mittens alone, which is much easier said than done. Beyond that, there are definitely dog breed groups that get along better with felines, but the rules are hardly steadfast.

In general, the Toy and Sporting breed groups will be best around cats. Both of these breed groups, according to the American Kennel Club, are friendly and sociable, which is the perfect demeanor for domestic bliss. Terriers, hounds and herding breeds tend to be worse housemates with cats, based on their general hunting and chasing instincts. With all this in mind, here are 35 dog breeds from every major group that are best for a cat (or five).

Basset Hound

What makes this breed so good for cats is that Bassets are patient and calm. When it comes to other animals, that translates to friendly and tolerant.

The main drawback here is that Bassets can be a challenge to train, as they can be quite stubborn.

Basset Hound Summary

Temperament: Charming, Patient, Low-key

Height: Up to 15 inches

Weight: 40-65 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-13 years

* All breed information is sourced from the American Kennel Club.

Beagle

Beagles have such a positive and loving approach to life that they often view cats as just another member of the pack or, in this case, the household. So, you can generally expect Beagles to look past any differences and treat any cat as an equal.

Plus, it’s really hard to make a Beagle sad, which makes them a wonderful companion dog for both cats and humans.

Beagle Summary

Temperament: Friendly, Curious, Merry

Height: 13 inches and under, 13-15 inches

Weight: Under 20 pounds (13 inches & under), 20-30 pounds (13-15 inches)

Life Expectancy: 10-15 years

Bulldog

Bulldogs are one of the animal kingdom’s most accepting members, showing affection and respect for all creatures.

Cats will love the kindness of Bulldogs, as their stout and heavy frame belies an easy-going approach to life.

Bulldog Summary

Temperament: Friendly, Courageous, Calm

Height: 14-15 inches

Weight: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 8-10 years

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cats will love this breed, which is known for loving back. Cavaliers can do well in almost any living situation and are about the same size as an average housecat.

But they don’t scare easily, which is the perfect demeanor for a jittery feline. Instead, Cavaliers are gentle, affectionate and fearless.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Summary

Temperament: Affectionate, Gentle, Graceful

Height: 12-13 inches

Weight: 13-18 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Collie

Despite their natural tendency to herd, Collies are the ideal family pet for several reasons. One, they love kids and often that extends to other members of the household, such as cats.

Second, they crave playtime and exercise, so they won’t be constantly bugging Mittens. Tolerance is one of the Collie’s strongest characteristics.

Collie Summary

Temperament: Devoted, Graceful, Proud

Height: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)

Weight: 60-75 pounds (male), 50-65 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers seem to do it all. They are one of the most popular breeds in America because they’re just such great companions, and that extends all the way to their approach to other family pets like cats.

This playful breed is adaptable and outgoing, which are perfect traits for getting along with felines.

Golden Retriever Summary

Temperament: Friendly, Intelligent, Devoted

Height: 23-24 inches (male), 21.5-22.5 inches (female)

Weight: 65-75 pounds (male), 55-65 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Labrador Retriever

Americans love their Labs, and for good reason. This breed is the quintessential pet, full of love to give and great around humans and other animals.

Labs are also known for being gentle giants, which works well around a scaredy cat, and they are smart, willing and able.

Labrador Retriever Summary

Temperament: Friendly, Active, Outgoing

Height: 22.5-24.5 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female)

Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Papillon

The little butterfly of France might be diminutive — about the size of a domestic cat — but they make up for it with spunk and a positive attitude.

The size similarity means this breed and your cat should hit it off fairly easily, and Papillons won’t disturb peculiar felines like some other dog breeds.

Papillon Summary

Temperament: Friendly, Alert, Happy

Height: 8-11 inches

Weight: 5-10 pounds

Life Expectancy: 14-16 years

Pug

Even your persnickety little cat will be hard-pressed to resist the charms of these little guys. Pugs are all about personality and affection, but they also crave attention.

That’s why having a cat around is actually great for a Pug because it gives them a companion when the humans are away.

Pug Summary

Temperament: Charming, Mischievous, Loving

Height: 10-13 inches

Weight: 14-18 pounds

Life Expectancy: 13-15 years

Poodle

No matter their size, Poodles are whip smart and relaxed in the home environment. That makes them purr-fect pals for your cat, as they won’t stir the domestic pot too much and will value co-existence over constant fighting.

Plus, with all the grooming they require there isn’t much time left to mess with Mittens.

Poodle Summary

Temperament: Active, Proud, Very Smart

Height: Under 10 inches (toy), 10-15 inches (miniature), over 15 inches (standard)

Weight: 10-15 pounds (miniature), 60-70 pounds (male standard), 40-50 pounds (female standard)

Life Expectancy: 10-18 years

Maltese

This breed is one of the ultimate lap dogs, keen on being lazy and ignoring the world around them.

So, while they will likely just ignore the family cat, if they do notice Mittens, their natural instincts to be gentle and caring will kick in, and domestic bliss will ensue.

Maltese Summary

Temperament: Gentle, Playful, Charming

Weight: 4-20 pounds

Height‎: Up to 11 inches

Life Expectancy: 10-15 years

Newfoundland

Newfies are gentle giants who would be fine being hugged and worshipped all day. This desire for affection coupled with their protective tendencies makes them excellent family pets that are good around other animals, including cats.

Newfies’ patient and calm demeanor pairs purr-fectly with the personality quirks of felines.

Newfoundland Summary

Temperament: Sweet, Patient, Devoted

Height: 28 inches (male), 26 inches (female)

Weight: 130-150 pounds (male), 100-120 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 9-10 years

Pomeranian

One of the reasons Pomeranians are great for cats is that they are so small and unintimidating. They also like other animals and will do their part to keep the peace.

These engaged and active little guys might even crack through the aloof exterior of the feline housemates and engage in a little cross species playtime.

Pomeranian Summary

Temperament: Inquisitive, Bold, Lively

Height: 6-7 inches

Weight: 3-7 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-16 years

Cocker Spaniel

This might be the perfect match for a cat, as Cocker Spaniels are extremely social, medium in size and have plenty of love to give both humans and felines.

This affectionate breed might cuddle up with you or the cat; it doesn’t really matter to them as long as it’s another warm body nearby.

Cocker Spaniel Summary

Temperament: Gentle, Smart, Happy

Height: 14.5-15.5 inches (male), 13.5-14.5 inches (female)

Weight: 25-30 pounds (male), 20-25 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 10-14 years

Boxer

Don’t let that gruff exterior fool you: The boxer is a sweetheart of a breed that plays well with other animals, including cats.

However, if your kitty is a bit timid this might not work. Boxers are energetic and sometimes unaware of their size and surroundings, which can startle some cats.

Boxer Summary

Temperament: Bright, Fun-Loving, Active

Height: 23-25 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female)

Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), 50-65 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Bichon Frise

Bichons are widely considered the best companion animal for cats because they have a friendly and welcoming disposition and are just the right size for felines.

Cats who love to play will get along famously with the happy-go-lucky Bichon, which is always on the lookout for a good time with a willing partner.

Bichon Frise Summary

Temperament: Playful, Curious, Peppy

Height: 9.5-11.5 inches

Weight: 12-18 pounds

Life Expectancy: 14-15 years

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are the quintessential toy dog, and this type of breed is perfect for kitties. Chihuahuas love to play and wrestle, and outgoing cats will find this pleasing because this little doggy isn’t big enough to do any damage.

And when playtime is over, they can snuggle up together and rest up for the next adventure.

Chihuahua Summary

Temperament: Charming, Graceful, Sassy

Height: 5-8 inches

Weight: Not exceeding 6 pounds

Life Expectancy: 14-16 years

Dachshund

Dachshunds are members of the hound family, which generally speaking isn’t always a great feline match, but they are the tiniest members and thus match up well with cats.

Dachshunds love to play and have a huge personality that might become annoying for some cats, but they also share commonalities and will stand up for the cat if another animal is bullying them.

Dachshund Summary

Temperament: Friendly, Curious, Spunky

Height: 8-9 inches (standard), 5-6 inches (miniature)

Weight: 16-32 pounds (standard), 11 pounds and under (miniature)

Life Expectancy: 12-16 years

German Shepherd

This breed is perhaps the perfect canine — not only for cats but in general. They are very smart and actually want to be trained.

German Shepherds are also incredibly obedient, which makes them the perfect watchdog and the perfect housemate. They will respect all other animals in the home if told to do so by their humans.

German Shepherd Summary

Temperament: Confident, Courageous, Smart

Height: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)

Weight: 65-90 pounds (male), 50-70 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 7-10 years

Shetland Sheepdog

Sweet, smart and warm toward humans and other animals, Shelties are the ideal housemate for your felines. Their only downside is a tendency to act out their natural herding instincts when left alone.

But this could produce some fun interactions between cat and dog that will hopefully be captured on your Nest cam.

Shetland Sheepdog Summary

Temperament: Playful, Energetic, Bright

Height: 13-16 inches

Weight: 15-25 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Boston Terrier

Most terrier breeds will have a hard time getting along with cats, but that’s not the case for Bostons. They are smart and easily trained, which are perfect traits for feline harmony.

And it helps that they are about the size of a cat and approach life with warmth and friendliness.

Boston Terrier Summary

Temperament: Friendly, Bright, Amusing

Height: 15-17 inches

Weight: 12-25 pounds

Life Expectancy: 11-13 years

Australian Shepherd

Aussies are one of the canine kingdom’s true stars. They are the perfect family pet because they get along with everyone, including cats, and are easily trainable.

They are a herder breed, however, and that might not work for everyone or every cat. But felines like the Aussie’s independent nature and playful side.

Australian Shepherd Summary

Temperament: Smart, Work-oriented, Exuberant

Height: 20-23 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female)

Weight: 50-65 pounds (male), 40-55 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Pit Bull

Perhaps the world’s most controversial breed, Pit Bulls are actually big sweethearts that crave acceptance. They are affectionate and make friends easily, which means they can get along with cats and even kittens — just check out YouTube for proof.

Plus, they really might benefit from having another animal around to watch over.

Pit Bull Summary

Temperament: Strength, Confidence, Joie de vivre

Height: 18 to 21 inches (male), 17 to 20 inches (female)

Weight: 35-60 pounds (male), 30-50 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 13-15 years

Welsh Corgi

With heaps of love to give, Corgis are a terrific dog for other animals like cats.

For one thing, they are very attuned to their surroundings and will quickly adapt to the nuances and behaviors of the cat, always aiming to keep the peace above all else.

Welsh Corgi Summary

Shih Tzu

Perhaps it’s fitting that this breed was once the preferred lap dog of Chinese aristocracy because they hold themselves in high esteem. In fact, they consider themselves so distinguished from other family pets that they won’t even bother acknowledging that a cat exists.

So, while your feline and Shih Tzu might never be best friends, they will coexist like champs.

Shih Tzu Summary

Temperament: Affectionate, Playful, Outgoing

Height: 9-10.5 inches

Weight: 9-16 pounds

Life Expectancy: 10-18 years

Border Terrier

These pups love to be trained and are quick learners, which means you can tell Fido to leave Mittens alone and eventually he’ll get it.

But if they do end up becoming friends and playing together, both cat and dog should be fine, as Border Terriers are small and affectionate.

Border Terrier Summary

Temperament: Affectionate, Happy, Plucky

Height: 12-15 inches

Weight: 13-15.5 pounds (male), 11.5-14 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

English Springer Spaniel

It should only take a day or so of annoyance for your cat to let your exuberant Springer know who’s boss. And once that happens, expect a pretty great working relationship between the two.

Springers are energetic and need a lot of exercise, and that type of personality sometimes clashes with cats but is generally tolerated.

English Springer Spaniel Summary

Temperament: Friendly, Playful, Obedient

Height: 20 inches (male), 19 inches (female)

Weight: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Irish Setter

When young, Irish Setters can be a pawful that you and your cat might not be prepared to handle. But this stage soon passes, and a well-trained Setter will become an obedient, calm and serious adult that any cat will love.

And the Setter will love them right back, probably more than even wanted.

Irish Setter Summary

Temperament: Active, Outgoing, Sweet-natured

Height: 27 inches (male), 25 inches (female)

Weight: 70 pounds (male), 60 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Portuguese Water Dog

As its name might suggest, this energetic breed is right at home in any type of water situation. It will also chew through just about anything and get all up in your business or that of your cat.

But Portuguese Water Dogs are also smart and friendly, with a happy disposition. They’re great for a household with multiple animals and children.

Portuguese Water Dog Summary

Temperament: Affectionate, Adventurous, Athletic

Height: 20-23 inches (male), 17-21 inches (female)

Weight: 42-60 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 11-13 years

Silky Terrier

Silkies are a terrier breed that can handle living with other animals, especially cats, because they are actually a lot like cats.

While they might not sleep 15 hours a day, they will happily lay around for that long and never demand to go for a walk or play outside. Cats love this attitude.

Silky Terrier Summary

Temperament: Friendly, Quick, Keenly Alert

Height: 9-10 inches

Weight: Around 10 pounds

Life Expectancy: 13-15 years

Japanese Chin

Unlike most toy dogs, Chins are super-chill and love to snuggle up with a human or animal, making them ideal dogs for cats.

The two might even climb together, although they probably won’t play together much, which is actually a good thing for everyone’s sanity.

Japanese Chin Summary

Temperament: Charming, Noble, Loving

Height: 8-11 inches

Weight: 7-11 pounds

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Pekingese

Here’s a breed that won’t demand much exercise and can thrive in a small living environment, even when it has multiple animals.

With proper training, Pekingese get along with cats and most other dogs thanks to their calm demeanor.

Pekingese Summary

Temperament: Affectionate, Loyal, Regal

Height: 6-9 inches

Weight: Up to 14 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Chinese Crested

Your cat might look cross-eyed at these little furballs, with their distinguished looks and grooming, but they will get along just fine. Cresteds are small and affectionate, warming up to animals and humans alike in no time.

Just hope yours isn’t too clingy, which might not jive well with Mittens.

Chinese Crested Summary

Temperament: Affectionate, Alert, Lively

Height: 11-13 inches

Weight: 8-12 pounds

Life Expectancy: 13-18 years

Barbet

The Muppet of the dog world, Barbets are distinguished and lovely dogs who will make fast friends with little kitties. They are just as happy in a cramped apartment as an open house as long as they are provided plenty of outdoor time for exercise.

Letting loose improves their outlook on life and behavior around people and other animals.

Barbet Summary

Temperament: Friendly, Bright, Sweet-Natured

Height: 19-24.5 inches

Weight: 35-65 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Havanese

Cuba’s favorite canine companion is also a great little doggy for kitties when well-trained. Havanese are as lively as a night out dancing in Havana’s Old Town, and they love to recruit others into their little world of big games. That very much includes cats when they’re part of the household.

Training is the key here, but luckily, Havanese take to lessons with ease.

Havanese Summary

Temperament: Intelligent, Outgoing, Funny

Height: 8.5-11.5 inches

Weight: 7-13 pounds

Life Expectancy: 14-16 years