Dog Breeds That Get Along With Cats in 2025

Dogs and cats. Frenemies since the dawn of kibble. If you’re picturing fur flying and tails puffed, you’re not alone—but the classic showdown isn’t always how these stories end. Some pups have a knack for becoming besties with the resident cat, curling up on the couch rather than chasing whiskers around the living room.

Yes, certain breeds seem to have a “let’s be friends” gene when it comes to meeting a new feline roommate. Others? Let’s just say the old cartoon rivalry lives on. Today’s guide shines a light on why those match-ups can feel so surprising and reveals which dogs might just earn their spot on the good roommate list. If you’ve ever dreamed of a peaceful, pet-filled home, or you’re simply hoping to avoid late-night zoomies and hiss-fests, you’re in the right place.

Personality Over Pedigree: What Matters

Ever met a grumpy Chihuahua and a cuddly Pit Bull? It’s proof that, when it comes to friendship between dogs and cats, breed alone doesn’t call the shots. Many people start their pet search scrolling through breed lists, hoping to find the “right” kind. But under that cute fur is a personality that decides if your living room is a peace treaty or a battlefield.

Photo by Dmitry Egorov

Why Temperament Wins Every Time

A dog’s background doesn’t always predict playdates. Some Golden Retrievers may prefer solo naps, while a feisty terrier surprises everyone by curling up with a cat. Think about it this way: you wouldn’t invite someone to your party just because they share the same birthday as your best friend, right? Personality makes the real difference.

What matters is how a dog reacts to the world around them:

• Low prey drive: Dogs that don’t chase everything that moves are easier cat roommates.
• Curious but cautious: It pays to have a pup that sniffs first, pounces later—or not at all.
• Flexible and patient: The dog who waits out the “hiss and spit” phase often wins a feline friend.

These traits cross breeds, like a patchwork quilt of quirks.

Everyday Odd Couples

Let’s banish the stereotype that only Labradors or Cavaliers make good cat companions. In real homes, you’ll find unexpected BFFs: a sassy tabby snoozing nose-to-nose with a Rottweiler, a sheepdog willing to share a sunbeam with a grumpy ginger cat. It all comes down to social skills and a willingness to share space.

Even experts agree that individual temperament is a bigger factor than pedigree. The American Kennel Club highlights that introducing pets based on energy levels and personality creates better odds for a happy home. You can read about this approach in more detail at the American Kennel Club’s guide to introducing dogs and cats.

The Power of the Introduction

Adjusting expectations can be game-changing. Instead of hunting for a “cat-friendly breed,” look for dogs described as gentle, tolerant, and calm. Even a breed “known” for chasing might surprise you if introduced with patience.

To make the most of introductions:

1. Keep dogs and cats separate at first.
2. Swap scents before face-to-face meetings—think blankets, not awkward handshakes.
3. Watch their body language. Look for loose tails, slow blinks, and relaxed ears.

Sometimes, a dog and cat might act like old rivals at a family reunion. Given time and space, though, personalities can blend perfectly—even if no one’s pedigree predicted it.

Dog Breeds That Tend to Cozy Up With Cats

Looking for a harmonious house where the cat rules the roost and the dog is a perfectly polite sidekick? Some dog breeds genuinely tip the odds in your favor! These four-legged legends have reputations for patience, gentle play, and a fondness for sharing space. If you want the living room to stay a peace zone and not a war zone, these are the breeds that often make it happen—sometimes even curling up with their feline friends like it’s their natural calling.

Photo by Alex Jaison

Laid-Back Legends: Golden Retrievers and Labradors

You don’t need to search far to find a dog-and-cat friendship story featuring a Golden Retriever or Labrador. These classic family dogs wear their easygoing personality like a badge of honor. Their greatest hits? Tolerance for chaos, total lack of ego, and a love of group naps.

• Friendly by nature: Both breeds are known for their gentle play. Goldens often act like big fuzzy babysitters, while Labs enjoy sharing toys and lounging with all household creatures—cats included.
• Patient personalities: They don’t get riled up by quirky cat behavior or a swat from a startled kitty mid-zoomies.
• Trainable and adaptable: These dogs pick up on house rules quickly. With the right rewards, you can teach a Lab or Golden to give cats space or even ignore them completely.

It’s no wonder these breeds consistently land on lists about dogs that are good with cats. If your home needs a calming influence, either breed is an ideal pick. Craving more low-drama breeds? See which pups shine on our playful roundup in the Best Dogs for New Owners guide.

Small and Sweet: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

What happens when you mix charm, gentleness, and a heaping spoonful of sweetness? You get the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel—a breed many cats call “just right.”

• Gentle touch: Cavaliers are masters of calm encounters. Unlike some small breeds that bark loudly or zoom around, these pups prefer to lounge and cuddle.
• Adaptable mood: Whether the cat is shy or social, the Cavalier adjusts. They’re happy to share space and rarely push boundaries.
• Big hearts in small packages: Their affectionate nature makes them the ultimate peacekeepers—imagine a tiny diplomat with big, floppy ears.

With a temperament that rarely startles even the pickiest feline, Cavaliers earn their cat-approved stripes. Their fans call them “the feline of dogs” for good reason.

The Sighthound Surprise: Greyhounds and Whippets

Greyhounds and Whippets might be built for the racetrack, but at home, these pups are all about laid-back luxury. Their calm side shocks many people—yes, even cats.

• Built for speed, yet love to loaf: After brief sprints, they morph into certified couch potatoes. Cats appreciate a nap buddy who respects snooze time.
• Low prey drive at home: Despite their hunting history, most retired racers live in homes with cats and do just fine. It’s about socialization, not speed.
• Quiet company: Sighthounds rarely bark or fuss, which helps skittish cats feel comfortable.

Some people imagine all sighthounds will chase anything that moves. In reality, many coexist with cats without a care in the world. These friendships prove that reputation isn’t everything—sometimes slow and steady is the way to harmony.

Want more info? Peek at the full breed breakdown over at 10 Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats. If you’re after a dog who’s more about snuggles than squabbles, you’re looking in the right direction.