In the world of pets, harmony can sometimes be elusive, especially when cats and dogs are involved. While many households are testament to the amicable coexistence of these beloved companions, others face challenges when certain dog breeds, known for their strong prey drive or territorial instincts, enter the mix. It’s essential for prospective pet owners to be informed about the canine breeds that might struggle to live peacefully with cats. This guide highlights the ten dog breeds that often find it difficult to share space with feline friends, aiming to help you create a serene and balanced home for all its inhabitants.
Ever felt like your cat could moonlight as a drama critic? That sixth sense might come in handy when you’re bringing home one of the not-so-ideal dog breeds for cats! While the idea of dogs and cats living together sounds perfect in theory, reality can get rough.
Some dogs are content to be the Garfield to your cat’s Odie, but others see cats as squeaky toys that move. It’s not their fault—centuries of breeding turned them into professional hunters or herders with an instinct to chase cats at the drop of a whisker.
But don’t forget, even the most determined pooches can learn to share the spotlight with your feline friend. With proper training and a touch of patience, cohabitation can go from claws to applause. Let’s dig into the breeds that might make this mission positively challenging!
10 Worst Dog Breeds for Cats
1. Beagle
|
Barking |
Frequent; loves to vocalize |
|
Temperament |
Friendly, curious, and social |
|
Breed Group |
Hound |
Beagles are small hunting dogs with noses that don’t quit. These little detectives, weighing 20–30 pounds, were bred for tracking and chasing prey like rabbits, notes PDSA. While their strong prey drive is perfect for the hunt, it often means they view cats as something to chase.
Despite their friendly temperament, their instinct to chase small animals makes them a handful around cats and other pets. Beagles are part of the hound group, and their determination can make them hard to distract once they’re on a scent trail.
With their muscular build and smooth coat, Beagles are undeniably adorable, but their energy demands a lot of mental stimulation. If introduced to cats at a very young age, they may learn to coexist peacefully, but it’s no guarantee.
Pet parents considering this popular breed need to commit to proper training and early socialization. Without it, Beagles may be better suited to chasing squirrels than snuggling up with a feline friend.
2. Siberian Husky
|
Barking |
Moderate; known for “talking” |
|
Temperament |
Independent, playful, and energetic |
|
Breed Group |
Working Dog |
Siberian Huskies, with their stunning fluffy coats and piercing eyes, are the supermodels of the dog world. Weighing 35–60 pounds, they’re medium-sized athletes with a knack for adventure—and chasing cats, unfortunately.
As working dogs bred to pull sleds in harsh climates, Huskies have boundless energy and an instinct to chase smaller animals. Their friendly temperament extends to humans, but they may view cats and other pets as prey rather than friends.
Britannica claims that Huskies are highly trainable, but their independent streak can make it tricky. Early socialization is key if you hope for a peaceful relationship between your Husky and a cat.
This energetic breed thrives with a job to do and space to roam. Without it, their mischievous nature might lead to trouble—including pestering your feline companions. Huskies require dedicated pet parents ready to meet their high exercise and training needs.
3. Greyhound
|
Barking |
Rare; generally quiet |
|
Temperament |
Gentle, calm, and affectionate |
|
Breed Group |
Hound |
Greyhounds are sleek, fast, and built for speed. Known for their ability to chase smaller animals, this breed’s roots in racing and hunting make them less-than-ideal for homes with cats. Despite their strong prey drive, Greyhounds are gentle giants who weigh 50–85 pounds.
Their friendly temperament makes them wonderful with humans, but their instinct to chase anything that moves can be overwhelming for other pets. These graceful dogs may even mistake a running cat for a quarry.
Hillspet explains that their smooth coats and laid-back personalities make them easy to care for, but they need mental and physical challenges. Proper training from a young age can help, but their natural tendencies often shine through.
Pet parents who love Greyhounds must keep an eye on interactions with cats and provide ample mental stimulation to prevent boredom. In the right ideal environment, Greyhounds can thrive—just not always with feline friends.
4. American Pit Bull Terrier
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Barking |
Occasional; barks when necessary |
|
Temperament |
Loyal, confident, and protective |
|
Breed Group |
Terrier |
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a muscular dog with an undeniable zest for life. These medium-sized powerhouses weigh 30–60 pounds and are known for their energy and loyalty. However, their high energy and territorial tendencies can make them difficult around cats.
As a medium-sized dog, they were bred for strength and determination, which sometimes translates to challenges with other animals. While they can be trained to get along with cats, their instinct to chase and protect their space can create tension.
PetMD advises that Pit Bulls thrive on proper training and early socialization. If raised with a cat from a young age, they may develop a bond, but careful introductions are a must. Their friendly temperament with humans doesn’t always extend to smaller animals.
This breed is a favorite among pet parents looking for an energetic breed, but managing their behavior around cats and other pets requires consistency, patience, and a solid training regimen.
5. Australian Cattle Dog
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Barking |
Frequent; alert and expressive |
|
Temperament |
Intelligent, energetic, and alert |
|
Breed Group |
Herding Dog |
Australian Cattle Dogs are the geniuses of the canine world. Weighing 35–50 pounds, these medium-sized dynamos are bred for herding, which means they have an instinct to control other animals, including cats.
Their mischievous nature and energy make them a handful, especially if they lack mental and physical challenges. This working dog sees movement as a call to action, and their herding instincts often lead them to “round up” small pets like cats.
With a friendly temperament, they can form bonds with cats when socialized from an early age. However, their tendency to chase smaller animals remains a challenge for many pet parents.
Australian Cattle Dogs need an ideal environment with space to run and tasks to complete. Proper introductions, consistent training, and plenty of stimulation are essential if you’re determined to help them coexist peacefully with feline friends.
6. Border Collie
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Barking |
Frequent; vocal when herding |
|
Temperament |
Intelligent, energetic, and focused |
|
Breed Group |
Herding Dog |
Border Collies are the masterminds of the herding dog group. Medium-sized with a muscular build, they’re bred for brains and endurance, excelling at tasks requiring focus and agility. Their instincts make them exceptional at controlling other dogs and animals—but not so much at being cat-friendly.
Known for their high prey drive, Border Collies may see cats and other pets as targets for their herding behavior. While they’re not inherently dangerous, their intense focus can make dogs and cats uneasy together. Early socialization can help curb this tendency, but it’s not always a perfect fix.
Border Collies’ silky coats and agile frames make them a joy to watch in action. However, they need significant mental and physical stimulation. Without it, they can become mischievous, and their energy may turn toward chasing a small dog breed or feline companion.
If you want a cat-friendly Border Collie, introduce them to other pets at a very young age. With proper guidance, these energetic dogs can channel their brilliance into activities other than pestering cats.
7. Jack Russell Terrier
|
Barking |
Frequent; alerts to everything |
|
Temperament |
Bold, energetic, and playful |
|
Breed Group |
Terrier |
Jack Russell Terriers are small packages of endless energy. Weighing under 20 pounds, this small dog breed is known for its playful antics and tireless curiosity adds Purina. Their hunting instincts, however, make them less than ideal for homes with cats.
These bold little dogs have a high prey drive, meaning they may view cats as quarries rather than companions. Despite their small size, Jack Russells can be aggressive toward other dogs or animals if they feel threatened. They thrive on mental stimulation and activity to channel their energy.
With their short legs and adorable charm, Jack Russells are often chosen by pet parents seeking an active companion. However, they’re not always good with cats, and it takes proper training from a puppy stage to help them coexist with feline friends.
If you’re set on this small breed, be ready for a lot of work. While their feisty spirit is endearing, their love of the chase can make peaceful cohabitation with cats a challenge.
8. Weimaraner
|
Barking |
Moderate; protective |
|
Temperament |
Loyal, energetic, and strong-willed |
|
Breed Group |
Sporting Dog |
Weimaraners, nicknamed the “Silver Ghost,” are large, elegant dogs with a sleek, mouse gray coat. Weighing 55–90 pounds, these hunting breeds are designed for speed and stamina. Their strong instincts make them exceptional at tracking and pursuing prey—including cats, unfortunately.
As a large dog, Weimaraners are fiercely loyal and protective, often serving as excellent watchdogs. While they can be loving toward their families, their high prey drive makes them a challenge in households with small animals like cats.
These dogs need a lot of exercise and thrive in homes where their intelligence and energy are put to good use. Socialization at a very young age is critical if they’re to live peacefully with other pets, but their natural tendencies often shine through.
For pet parents seeking a striking and energetic companion, the Weimaraner is hard to beat—but be cautious when introducing them to cats or other dogs. Their powerful instincts may require careful management.
9. Schipperke
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Barking |
Frequent; loves to alert |
|
Temperament |
Curious, fearless, and energetic |
|
Breed Group |
Spitz Family |
Schipperkes are little dynamos, often referred to as the “Little Black Devil” for their spirited personality. Weighing only 10–16 pounds, this small breed comes from the Spitz family and has a bold, confident demeanor.
According to Orvis, their hunting instincts make them natural chasers, and they’re known for being territorial. This means they may see cats or other animals as intruders rather than friends. Despite their size, Schipperkes are excellent watchdogs, always alert to their surroundings.
With their compact frame and playful energy, they’re often seen as the perfect little dog for active households. However, they may not be cat-friendly, especially without early exposure to feline companions.
If you love their mischievous and fearless nature, be prepared to invest in early-age training and lots of activities. Schipperkes are small but mighty, with a big personality that might be overwhelming for your cat.
10. Afghan Hound
|
Barking |
Rare; generally quiet |
|
Temperament |
Aloof, elegant, and independent |
|
Breed Group |
Hound |
Afghan Hounds, with their flowing silky coats and regal stance, are the aristocrats of the dog world. Weighing 50–60 pounds, this hunting breed is built for speed and agility, often compared to greyhound greyhounds for their grace.
Bred to hunt deer and other game, Afghan Hounds have a high prey drive and an instinct to chase smaller animals. Their aloof temperament can make them seem distant, but they form strong bonds with their families. However, cats may not fall into their “friend” category.
These hound dogs require frequent grooming to maintain their luxurious appearance and mental stimulation to keep their sharp minds engaged. They are independent thinkers, making training a challenge even at a very young age.
If you’re looking for a cat-friendly dog, the Afghan Hound may not fit the bill. However, in a patient and carefully managed home, their unique charm can shine without causing too much feline distress.
Conclusion
When it comes to pairing dogs and cats under one roof, not all breeds are created equal. From the persistent prey drive of Greyhounds to the bold antics of Jack Russell Terriers, understanding a dog’s instincts is essential for peaceful coexistence. Even the smartest breeds, like Border Collies, can struggle to resist herding your feline friend!
Of course, it’s not just about the breeds we’ve discussed. Honorable mentions like Pharaoh Hounds, Irish Wolfhounds, and even the ever-dapper Bedlington Terrier come with their challenges when it comes to harmony with cats. Many dogs, including guard dogs like Dobermans, share similar struggles without early socialization.
On the flip side, some smaller, calmer breeds like the Shih Tzu can be surprisingly cat-friendly, proving that size isn’t everything. Whether you’re dealing with a medium-sized muscular dog or a pint-sized pup, personality matters more than pedigree.
Ultimately, the key lies in training, patience, and understanding each pet’s needs. While dogs and cats don’t always get along, with effort and early introductions, even the most unlikely companions might learn to share their kingdom!
In conclusion, while many dog breeds can live harmoniously with cats, certain breeds, due to their strong prey instincts or high energy levels, may find it challenging to coexist peacefully. Breeds such as Greyhounds, Jack Russell Terriers, and Siberian Huskies are known for their chase instincts, which can overwhelm a timid or less socialized cat. Moreover, breeds with territorial tendencies might see cats as interlopers rather than companions. However, with proper training, socialization, and supervision, even these breeds can learn to live amicably with feline friends, underscoring the importance of understanding each pet’s unique personality and needs.