Introducing a pet into your home is a significant and joyous decision, but it requires careful thought, especially when considering the harmony between different animals. For cat owners looking to expand their furry family, integrating a dog can pose challenges, particularly with certain breeds known for their prey instincts and territorial tendencies. Our guide, “10 Worst Dog Breeds For Cats That Require Extra Caution,” explores these breeds, highlighting those that may need more attention, training, and understanding to prevent discord. Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or an animal enthusiast, ensuring a peaceful coexistence is crucial for your household’s happiness.
They say opposites attract, but when it comes to dogs and cats, the reality is more like an action-packed chase scene from a cartoon. If you’ve ever seen your cat transform into a parkour expert just to avoid a dog’s overly enthusiastic greeting, you know exactly what we mean. While some pups live happily and share a home with their feline counterparts, others see them as moving squeaky toys; or worse, a personal workout challenge.
From speed demons with a built-in prey drive to stubborn fluff balls that simply refuse to share the spotlight, certain dog breeds make for the worst roommates when a cat is involved. And if you think a small dog automatically means a safer bet, think again; some of the tiniest canines have the biggest attitudes when it comes to their feline housemates.
If you’re considering adding a dog to your cat-filled home, it’s worth exploring breeds that are more likely to embrace the peace treaty. But if you’re determined to test the waters with one of the more challenging breeds, well, let’s just say your cat might start demanding hazard pay.
Worst Dog Breeds for Cats
1. Yorkshire Terrier
If you think size determines attitude, you’ve clearly never met a Yorkshire Terrier. According to PetMD, these tiny dogs have an entertaining and determined personality.
While their silky coats and adorable stature might make them look harmless, don’t be fooled; Yorkies have the heart of a lion and the stubbornness of a toddler refusing to eat vegetables.
When it comes to living with cats, a Yorkshire Terrier sees it as an opportunity to prove their dominance. If your cat dares to receive attention from you, expect your Yorkie to insert itself into the situation; barking, demanding cuddles, and ensuring the feline knows who’s boss.
This small dog breed doesn’t necessarily want to harm the cat, but their nosy, territorial nature makes them a never-ending source of stress for their feline housemates.
If you’re considering adding a Yorkie to your feline-friendly home, be prepared for a daily reality show featuring plenty of drama, loud protests, and an ongoing competition for the role of “most adored pet.”
2. Miniature Pinscher
The Miniature Pinscher may look like a pocket-sized Doberman, but this little dynamo has the confidence of a Great Dane and the energy of a caffeinated squirrel.
Weighing in at just 8-10 pounds, the Min Pin has a big personality that often spells trouble for any cat in its vicinity. If you think a dog this tiny couldn’t possibly be a menace, ask any feline who’s had the misfortune of being cornered by one of these fiery fur missiles.
Bred to chase vermin, this small breed dogs have a strong instinct to hunt anything small that moves; including, unfortunately, your cat. Their lightning-fast reflexes and boundless enthusiasm mean that your cat’s peaceful nap can turn into an impromptu game of chase at any given moment.
And because Min Pins are incredibly stubborn, they won’t give up the pursuit easily. Your cat might eventually find safety on top of the fridge, but the Min Pin will be waiting, barking triumphantly as if it just conquered Everest.
Adding to the chaos is the Min Pin’s love for attention. If you’re determined to have both a Min Pin and a cat under the same roof, be prepared for some serious training and a lot of early supervision.
3. Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier may look like a lamb, but the AKC claimed they are very loyal and attractive. While they may not intend to harm your cat, but their instinct to keep their territory cat-free can send your feline friend into permanent ninja mode.
Aside from their pursuit of cat domination, Bedlingtons are also known for being vocal. If they spot a cat daring to cross their path, get ready for a barking marathon.
And if your house pets are two Bedlington of the same sex, you might just witness a competition to see who can be the most territorial.
For a cat, this means living life on edge; always expecting a surprise ambush or a dramatic standoff at the water bowl. Despite their affectionate side with humans, Bedlington Terriers are all about making the rules, and unfortunately for cats, those rules usually don’t involve peaceful coexistence.
Their terrier heritage gives them a natural inclination to chase, making it tricky to establish a harmonious multi-pet household. Even with early age socialization, these dogs will likely maintain their belief that cats are meant to be kept moving; preferably out of sight.
4. Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is essentially a sleek, four-legged missile with an impressive knack for making cats question all their life choices. Originally bred for hunting, these dogs have a deeply ingrained instinct to chase anything that moves, including your unsuspecting feline.
With their powerful build, boundless energy, and keen alertness, they can turn a quiet household into a high-speed obstacle course in no time.
If your cat enjoys a peaceful existence, the Weimaraner might not be the ideal roommate. These dogs are not just fast; they are ridiculously fast. A squirrel in the backyard? Gone. A rabbit in the distance? Say goodbye. Your cat sauntering across the living room?
Consider it an instant game of tag; except the cat never agreed to play. While early socialization might help, you can’t completely erase the Weimaraner’s natural urge to hunt.
On top of their physical prowess, Weimaraners are also highly intelligent and active; as described by Hills Pet, which means they might not always listen when you tell them to “leave the cat alone.” Even if the Weimaraner doesn’t intend harm, the stress alone might drive your cat into a full-time hiding career.
5. Dachshund
The Dachshund may look like a harmless, pint-sized sausage on legs, but these little wiener warriors have a history of hunting badgers, and they haven’t forgotten it.
With a high prey drive that seems permanently stuck in high gear, a Dachshund might see your cat less as a roommate and more as a furry trespasser in need of a chase.
Their stubborn streak only makes matters worse; once a Doxie decides that your cat is a worthy adversary, good luck convincing them otherwise.
Notorious for their “big dog in a small body” attitude, Dachshunds don’t back down easily. They have a tendency to guard their favorite spots, whether it’s a cozy blanket, a sunbeam on the floor, or, unfortunately, your lap.
If your cat dares to intrude on these claimed territories, expect a dramatic protest that includes barking, grumbling, and possibly some high-speed, low-to-the-ground pursuit.
6. American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a lovable, affectionate medium-sized dog; but tell that to your cat, who will likely see it as an overenthusiastic personal trainer. These muscular pups have an athletic build and a strong prey drive, meaning if it moves, it must be chased.
While they don’t necessarily mean harm, their sheer power and determination can turn your living room into an impromptu episode of “Animal Chase Olympics.”
Despite their reputation, Pit Bulls are incredibly loyal and thrive on companionship. Unfortunately, they sometimes mistake a cat’s aloof attitude as a challenge rather than a clear “stay away” signal.
Early well socialized environment can help, but even the best-trained Pit Bull may still see your cat as something to herd; or, worse, a furry chew toy that runs.
If your cat or other animal enjoys a peaceful existence, pairing them with a Pit Bull might be a recipe for constant chaos. These dogs are known for their enthusiasm, and “gentle” is not always in their vocabulary.
7. Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound may have the regal nickname “Royal Dog of Scotland,” but to your cat, this towering, dignified hunter is more like a four-legged nightmare.
Originally bred to chase down deer, these dogs have an instinct for the chase that’s hard to turn off; even when the “prey” is a very unimpressed house cat.
While they might not have any bad intentions, their sheer size and enthusiasm for a good sprint can make life a constant game of “flee for your life” for any feline in the household.
These gentle giants aren’t exactly known for their obedience skills. With a personality that balances between sensitive and selectively deaf, training a Deerhound to leave the cat alone can feel like trying to convince a toddler that candy isn’t a food group.
Their independent streak means they’re more likely to listen to their instincts than your pleas to “leave the cat alone, for the love of all things fluffy.”
8. Greyhound
The Greyhound is essentially a Ferrari with fur—built for speed and always on the lookout for something to chase. One moment, Whiskers is peacefully lounging on the couch, and the next, he’s in a high-speed pursuit through the house, questioning all his life choices.
With their lightning-fast reflexes and a prey drive that’s been fine-tuned over centuries, these sleek racers see small, scurrying creatures (yes, including your cat) as a challenge they simply can’t resist.
Despite their smooth coat and even-tempered nature, Greyhounds were bred to hunt, which means that their instincts often take over before their brains can say, “Hey, maybe don’t chase the tiny roommate.”
This hunting dog’s impressive speed clocking in at over 40 miles per hour gives them a significant advantage in any impromptu chase scene. If this large dog locks onto a moving target, there’s a good chance that target is about to experience an adrenaline rush it never asked for.
Socialization can help, but giving proper training to a Greyhound not to chase a cat is like trying to teach a shark to be vegan. It might work in theory, but instincts are a powerful thing. Some retired racing Greyhounds may have been trained to ignore smaller animals, but many still have a hardwired desire to give chase.
9. Samoyed
The Samoyed may look like a walking cotton ball with a perma-smile, but don’t let that fluffy coat fool you; this popular breed is a certified nightmare for cats.
Bred as sled dogs, Samoyeds have a hunting instinct to chase anything that moves, and unfortunately for your feline friend, that includes them. If you thought your cat was fast, just wait until you see a Samoyed launch into full pursuit, turning your living room into an impromptu racetrack.
Despite their friendly temperament and sociable nature with humans, these medium-sized muscular dogs are notoriously stubborn. Even if a Samoyed doesn’t mean harm, their sheer size and playful nature can be overwhelming for a cat.
Imagine a bouncing, 50-pound snowball barreling toward a tiny, unsuspecting feline. The result? Your cat seeking permanent refuge in the highest possible location, questioning all its life choices.
If you already have a cat and dream of a Samoyed, be prepared for constant rigorous training, and plenty of high-up escape routes. Otherwise, your cat may start plotting its escape; or at the very least, file an official complaint with HR (a.k.a. you).
10. Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier may look like a cuddly lamb, this dog has a heart full of terrier mischief and an instinct that spells trouble for cats. Alert and good-tempered with mischievous nature, the Bedlington is an excellent watchdog at heart, which means any feline trespasser in its domain is likely to be met with a high-speed pursuit.
While they don’t necessarily want to harm their feline foes, their chase instincts are so strong that your cat might start training for the Olympics just to keep up.
Adding to the drama, Bedlington Terriers are known for their vocal tendencies. If they spot a cat lounging where they believe no cat should be, expect a symphony of barking that will send your cat straight under the couch.
Their tendency to be aggressive toward other dogs of the same sex also means they have a bit of a stubborn streak, and once they decide they don’t like something, like a cat existing peacefully in their space, good luck changing their mind.
Even with early socialization, the Bedlington’s instinct to chase small animals can be hard to suppress. Sure, they can coexist with a cat under the right circumstances, but “coexist” might mean the cat ruling from high ground while the Bedlington issues daily challenges from below.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, dogs will be dogs; and some just can’t resist the thrill of the chasing cats, especially when a fluffy feline is involved. Whether it’s the speedster Greyhound, or the ever-watchful Bedlington Terrier, these breeds bring plenty of personality but might turn your peaceful home into a live-action game of “Cat vs. Dog.” While early socialization and training can help, sometimes instincts win out, and your cat will forever be plotting escape routes.
But let’s be real; every dog, no matter how cat-chasing-prone, has its own charm. Some of the best companions come in the form of these feisty, energetic, and utterly lovable pups. If you’re determined to make a dog-cat duo work, just be ready for some negotiations (and maybe a referee whistle). And if your cat starts writing an escape plan? Well, don’t say we didn’t warn you!
In conclusion, while dogs and cats can often coexist harmoniously, certain breeds possess innate traits that might make them less compatible with feline companions. The ten dog breeds discussed highlight those with high prey drives, strong herding instincts, or territorial inclinations, which could potentially pose challenges in a multi-pet household. However, individual temperaments and early socialization play crucial roles in determining compatibility. Owners should exercise extra caution and provide proper training and supervision when introducing these breeds to homes with cats, ensuring a safe and harmonious living environment for all pets involved.