Sign up now and get a code for a free instant online consultation!

8 charming dog breeds that get along with cats

If you say two people get along like cat and dog, that's not a compliment. Most cartoons show cats and dogs as sworn enemies, not to mention the whole "dog person" versus "cat person" divide. But are cats and dogs really opposites, and can they ever get along?

The truth is that plenty of cats and dogs can live together happily. The key is choosing a dog breed that gets on well with cats, and properly socialising both pets so there's no friction. In today's article we've put together 8 dog breeds that would get along brilliantly with cats!

1. Golden Retriever

These friendly dogs are known for their broad smiles and gentle nature. They make wonderful family dogs because they're patient with children and other pets alike. Just make sure they get plenty of exercise!

Golden Retriever and cat on a bed

Photo: ©Irina Kashaeva - Getty Images

2. Labrador Retriever

These sporty dogs are clever and adaptable, which makes them well suited to multi-pet households. They love running and playing and are eager to please, which means they're likely to respond well to positive reinforcement that encourages good behaviour towards the cat.

Labrador and cat

Photo: ©GK Hart/Vikki Hart - Getty Images

3. Pug

These goofy dogs love sitting on the sofa. Their lower energy levels and laid-back nature make them suited to living with independent cats who wouldn't appreciate a more energetic dog in their personal space. In fact, you might catch them napping together on the sofa.

Pug and cat

Photo: ©paul mansfield photography - Getty Images

4. Beagle

Beagles were bred to work together in packs as hunting dogs. This tends to make them friendly and sociable with other animals. Although Beagles tend to have a high prey drive, with proper socialisation this shouldn't be a problem. You can also factor in the size of both animals - if they're roughly the same size, the Beagle is likely to see the cat as an equal.

Cat cuddling a Beagle

Photo: ©KERRYWHO - Getty Images

5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These silky-coated dogs aren't much bigger than cats themselves, so they're unlikely to bully a cat on account of size. Cavaliers are gentle, affectionate and patient, which makes them a great choice both for first-time dog owners and for homes with children or other pets.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and cat in a basket

Photo: ©Liliya Kulianionak - Getty Images

6. Collie

Collies are athletic and intelligent and are well known for getting on well with children. They love company, but they're herding dogs, so they may want to be in your cat's personal space.

Collie dog and cat

Photo: ©yanjf - Getty Images

7. Bichon Frise

These curly-coated, fluffy little bundles are not only hypoallergenic and great for flats, but they're also very company-oriented pets. Like Cavaliers, they're a similar size to (or even smaller than) most cats and are gentle and calm by nature.

White Bichon Frise

Photo: ©Anita Kot - Getty Images

8. Poodle

These stylish little dogs come in sizes from toy to standard, but they can put up with cats regardless of their size. Poodles are super clever and easy to train, so you should be able to teach them how to get along with other animals. Poodles also tend to be good-natured, ideal for putting up with all kinds of feline mischief.

Poodle and cat on a chair

Photo: ©Chankyung Lee - Getty Images

Do you like this kind of content? Check out our Blog section! You can also follow HAPPY PET NET on social media, where we post interesting and fun pet-related content every day!

Follow HAPPY PET NET on Facebook Follow HAPPY PET NET on Instagram