Guest Blogger Miranda from PurringPal fills us in on the best dog breeds to get along with your cat.
Thinking of becoming either a cat person or a dog person? Well, here’s a newsflash for you: you can be both!
All you need to do is to make sure that you pair personalities that would complement each other. If you already have a feline companion and are looking to add a canine friend, there’s no need to worry.
There are certain dog breed groups that could play well with others and knowing the perfect match for your kitty will help you in having a harmonious home environment.
Cats and dogs do not have to fit into the stereotype – at least not your cat and dog. They can learn to tolerate one another and be the best of mates in the process!
Here are 7 best dog breeds that can coexist with your cats.
1. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are loyal, friendly, and low-key dogs. They are a bit stubborn and difficult to train but are mild-mannered and tolerant of other animals.
They do not need a lot of physical activities and they do love naps. Sounds familiar? That is why it can be a great companion for your cat.
They both can curl up next to each other and take a good, long nap. They belong to the scent hound group and although they are hunters by nature, they prefer to hunt food rather than cats.
2. Beagle
Another member of the scent hound family is the Beagle. It is known to be a gentle dog with a very good temperament.
Originally, beagles were raised to be pack dogs so chances are, when made to live under one roof, they would take your cat as part of the pack.
They are a fun-loving breed that has the energy to spare. An addition of a feline companion may be a good thing for them to help prevent boredom.
But you have to remember that they howl a lot – a good thing to keep in mind if your kitty gets easily spooked by sudden and loud noises.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are playful, affectionate, highly adaptable, and eager to please. These qualities pretty much ensure that they can mingle well with other animals.
They are similar to the size of a large cat breed or not much bigger which makes their size just perfect.
They give a non-threatening vibe so cats are not likely to get intimidated.
This toy dog breed can sure capture anybody’s heart with its beauty and grace!
4. Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers, or commonly known as just Labrador, are very gentle yet large-sized dogs. They are so kind and gentle that most families with small children prefer to have them as their pet.
They are also the preferred breed of people with disabilities as they are patient, devoted, good-tempered and intelligent. This breed is one of the best there is if you are planning to have multiple pets at home – they pretty much get along with everybody!
5. Bichon Frise
This toy dog is dear to many due to its jolly and affectionate nature, plus it is very cute! It is always packed with energy and ready to play with your cat.
Once tired, this breed needs extended periods of rest. What good way to bond with its feline friend – they both can play and take naps together.
What makes it better companions for your cats is the fact that this breed does not like to be left alone. A perfect match for your curious and playful kitty!
6. Golden Retrievers
If there is one dog that you might find in almost every list, it is the Golden Retriever. This easy-going and patient breed is very much flexible with its environment.
So if you introduce your golden retriever to your cat, chances are they would be best buddies in no time. This is generally a breed considered as a family dog.
7. Border Collie
The Border Collie is a medium-sized dog that is part of the herding group. It is well known for obedience and intelligence and because of these traits, it is highly trainable to live peacefully with your cat.
This breed, just like the Australian Shepherd, is highly reliable with other animals as it was trained to work with them. Watch out though; your cat may find it annoying to be herded by your collie and that might create some problems.
Do not worry. That can be addressed with training.
Cats and dogs are supposed to be oil and water; never can be together. Well, that is not always the case.
Dogs and cats can peacefully coexist with one another. The list mentioned above are generalisations and shouldn’t be taken at face value. The biggest factor in a good relationship between cats and dogs are their personal temperaments. Introducing them at a young age will also go along way, allowing them to bond.
As a general rule, introduce your kitty to your new dog before it reaches its 4th month.
Pet owners should realise the responsibility of having multiple pets. Never should they be left unsupervised during the early stage of the relationship and it takes training and discipline to ensure that they become life-long mates, but rest assured once they do, they’ll be pals for life.
