If you’ve already got a cat and are wondering if you could add a dog to the family as well, the answer is definitely yes you can! However, some dog breeds are a better fit for a household with a cat than others. Very large or energetic dogs may not be the best fit since they could accidentally injure a small animal such as a cat. Also, dog breeds with hunting instincts may not be the best match.
For any breed, make sure that you train and socialize the dog well to ensure it gets along with other animals and listens to your commands around your cat. You should also consider the temperament of your cat. Some cats get along with other animals better than others, and you know your cat’s personality best!
After you choose your perfect puppy, put together a plan for introducing the dog and cat to each other. Give each pet their own space and gradually introduce them to each other. Make sure you supervise these early introductions and don’t expect them to love each other right away. They may need some time to get used to each other. Make sure the cat has a place to escape and that the cat’s food and litter are off limits to your puppy so that the cat doesn’t feel like space is being taken over.
When you consider the personality of your pet and have plenty of patience and attention, your kitty and puppy can become great friends! Below are some breeds that often get along well with cats:
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Pomeranians are part of the toy group and weigh between 3 and 7 pounds. You won’t need to worry about your cat being intimidated by your new dog’s size if you get a Pomeranian as your cat might be larger! Pomeranians are friendly and affectionate, so can get along well with other animals. And since they are extroverted and enjoy attention, they’ll love a cat buddy!
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Labrador Retrievers have high energy, but are also friendly and kind. They are known for their sweet personality and ability to get along with everyone, including other dogs and cats.
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Pugs are cheerful and adaptable and were bred to be companions.While Pugs are a comical breed that enjoys some fiesty playtime they are often one of the best choices for a home with a cat. This sweet breed will enjoy the companionship a cat might offer in cuddling and good-nature play
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Although German Shepherds can weigh up to 90 pounds, they are highly trainable, affectionate, and great with kids and cats. While most people know the German Shepherd as a superior herding and working dog, their sweet and sensitive nature towards their humans is typically bestowed on the other animals in the home, including cats. They will treat a cat as a member of the family to protect but also enjoy their companionship. German Shepherds are also highly trainable and intelligent enough to pick up on a cat's boundaries and respect them.
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Poodles come in three sizes, so no matter what size suits your cat best, you can find the right Poodle for them. Poodles are not aggressive and form strong family bonds. Poodles are also good-natured and highly intelligent. They can be easily trained and learn when your cat is not in the mood to play or cuddle. Also, while you might have to deal with all the cat fur and dander, a Poodle won't add to that since they are an allergy-friendly and minimal shedding breed.
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These dogs are cheerful and affectionate and are great with kids and cats. This spirited breed makes friends easily whether they are human or animal. The Bichon would do well with a cat that enjoys playtime and a good cuddle just as much as they do. While they are good with our furry feline friends, their bouncy personalities might overwhelm a cat that suffers with anxiety.
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Even though Golden Retrievers can weigh up to 75 pounds, they are gentle and sociable. It’s no wonder they make great guide dogs, therapy dogs, and service dogs. They are also patient and affectionate and are sweet with both kids and cats.
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Bulldogs are gentle and affectionate, which make them perfect companions for cats. They are low energy, so won’t scare or startle your cat with high activity. They love being around others, so your Bulldog will love spending time with your cat!
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Bernese Mountain Dogs are large (weighing up to 115 pounds) but are loving and gentle. Their patience and calm nature make them great for families with children or cats.They are quick learners and devoted dogs.
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Newfoundland
Even though Newfoundlands are large (weighing up to 150 pounds), they are affectionate and gentle. They are patient and tolerant and are great with children and other animals, including cats.Newfies tend to take on the nanny roll in the house. They will keep an eye on everyone to make sure everything is in order and still provide gentle playtime.
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Shetland Sheepdogs are usually under 25 pounds and are gentle, quick learners. They are great with children and other pets, including cats. While they are a small herding breed, they would be less likely to attempt to herd your cat. The Sheltie becomes very attached to their family and will consider other pets to be members of that inner circle. They do require plenty of mental stimulation and an outlet to work off any pent-up energy. A bored Sheltie can become vocal and hyper in the home which your cat might not find amusing.
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Maltese are gentle and affectionate dogs, and are easy to train. They are in the toy group and weigh under 7 pounds, making them safe to be around cats of any size. The Maltese is known for being a sweet breed that can even charm the crankiest of cats. While they enjoy their playtime, they're cheerful, gentle, and not overly hyper. Since the Maltese is also a toy breed, they are typically smaller or the same size as a cat which makes them less intimidating.
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These dogs, in the toy group, weigh between 13 and 18 pounds, making them the perfect size to be a cat companion.They are friendly and affectionate and get along with everyone, including other pets and children. They aren’t aggressive or nervous and are quiet and gentle.
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Papillons are affectionate and love being around others. This happy breed has a very curious nature so they would tagging a long with the cat to inspect something new. They are very smart and love to play even when it is initiated by the cat. Their small stature also makes them a good-sized companion for a cat.
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Beagles are friendly and affectionate with humans and cats alike! Since Beagles are inquisitive, they can be a great companion and playmate for your cat and help keep your cat stimulated and engaged. Beagles are a gentle breed and are rarely aggressive, which makes them great for homes with cats. Beagles also love company, so having another pet such as a cat to spend time with improves the Beagle’s daily life as well!
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Basset Hounds love the company of others - including strangers, children, and cats. They don’t like being left alone, so a home with a cat is perfect for them. Basset Hounds are low energy, so won’t startle your cat of interrupt their long afternoon naps. Since Basset Hounds are couch potatoes, they’ll probably join your cat on those naps! They are patient and tolerant, so are even a good companion for a frisky kitten.
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With the Collie being a larger member of the herding ground, you wouldn't think they would be a great fit with cat. Nothing could be further from the truth. While this breed does require both mental and physical stimulation, the love companionship just as much. The Collie can be vocal about what they want but they are also sweet, intelligent, loyal, and tolerant.
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If you’re looking for the perfect puppy companion for your cat, browse our available puppies or contact us today!
