Creating a harmonious home environment where both your feline and canine companions can thrive is a common goal for pet owners. But choosing the right dog breed that can coexist peacefully with cats is crucial. In this guide, we explore seven small dog breeds renowned for their cat-friendly dispositions. From the gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to the cheerful Bichon Frise, these breeds are not only adorable and manageable in size but are also known for their sociable and friendly nature. Discover how these delightful dogs can become the perfect addition to your multi-pet household, ensuring peace and companionship for all.
Did you know that millions of U.S. households own both a cat and a dog? Despite the classic rivalry, many small dog breeds are surprisingly great with feline companions, often forming close bonds built on mutual respect—and sometimes even shared nap spots!
While some dogs have a natural chase instinct, others are social butterflies, eager to make friends with animals of all kinds. If you’re hoping to create a harmonious multi-pet home, choosing the right dog breed can make all the difference.
The key to a successful dog-cat relationship lies in temperament. Breeds that are gentle, adaptable, and low in prey drive tend to be the best companions for cats. Understanding these traits can help set the stage for a peaceful household.
If you adore compact canines, you might also love teacup dog breeds, which share similar friendly traits. In this guide, we’ll explore the best small dog breeds that get along with cats and how to introduce them successfully.
Small Dog Breeds Good with Cats
1. Poodle
Elegant, intelligent, and highly adaptable, Poodles are one of the best small dog breeds for homes with cats. Available in toy, miniature, and standard sizes, the smaller varieties are especially good matches for feline companions due to their comparable size and affectionate nature.
Their playful yet gentle temperament makes them less likely to chase cats, and their intelligence allows them to quickly learn boundaries.
Unlike some high-energy dog breeds, Poodles are known for their balanced temperament—they can be lively during playtime yet calm and well-mannered indoors. According to PetMD, their protective instinct extends to all family members, including feline friends, making them excellent companions in multi-pet households.
Unlike certain dog breeds that were bred to hunt, Poodles have a moderate prey drive, making them less likely to engage in unwanted chasing behavior.
Poodles also thrive on social interaction and mental stimulation, which means they’re less likely to exhibit unwanted behaviors that might startle or disturb a cat.
Regular exercise and positive reinforcement training help ensure a harmonious household, allowing both pets to peacefully coexist. With their affectionate nature and low-shedding coats, Poodles are an excellent choice for families looking for a cat-friendly dog breed.
2. Papillon
With their butterfly-like ears and bright personality, Papillons are tiny dogs with big hearts—making them an ideal breed for homes with cats. These sociable and intelligent pups are naturally friendly and enjoy companionship, whether it’s with humans or other pets.
Their small size and playful temperament make them less intimidating to cats, and they often see their feline housemates as potential play buddies rather than prey.
Papillons belong to the toy breed group and are known for their adaptability and ability to thrive in both active and relaxed households. Unlike some terriers or herding breeds, they don’t have a strong instinct to chase, which allows them to form close bonds with cats.
They also have a reputation for being easy to train, making it simpler to establish ground rules and encourage positive interactions between pets.
Since they are lap dogs at heart, Papillons love to snuggle up with their favorite humans or fellow pets, often enjoying cozy nap sessions side by side with cats. If you’re looking for a small dog breed good with cats, the Papillon is a fun and affectionate choice.
3. Tibetan Spaniel
If you’re looking for an independent and calm dog that gets along with cats, the Tibetan Spaniel is a fantastic option. Originally bred as watchdogs in Tibetan monasteries, these small yet confident pups have a gentle and easygoing temperament, making them well-suited for multi-pet households.
Unlike some small dog breeds, Tibetan Spaniels are not overly yappy or excitable, which can help create a peaceful environment for cats.
One of the most cat-like traits of the Tibetan Spaniel is its love for high perches. Much like a feline surveying its kingdom, these fearless little dogs enjoy climbing onto furniture or window sills to observe their surroundings. Their independent nature means they aren’t overly demanding, allowing cats and dogs to coexist without constantly vying for attention.
Despite their independence, Tibetan Spaniels are also loyal and affectionate with their families. PetMD says that they form strong bonds with both humans and fellow pets, including cats.
With proper introductions and a safe space for each pet, this breed can adapt well to feline companionship. If you want a small breed that respects boundaries yet enjoys companionship, the Tibetan Spaniel is a great match.
4. Pug
The Pug is a charming, affectionate companion that thrives on companionship, making it an ideal small dog breed good with cats. Known for their playful and easygoing nature, these compact dogs rarely exhibit a strong prey drive, meaning they’re far less likely to chase cats.
In fact, Pugs often see their feline housemates as playmates or even cuddle buddies, especially when their humans are away.
According to PDSA, this breed’s sociable and adaptable personality helps them peacefully coexist with other pets, including cats. Pugs don’t require a lot of space, making them a good match for apartment living or multi-pet households. Their love for naps and relaxation pairs well with a cat’s laid-back lifestyle, ensuring minimal disruptions in the home.
While Pugs are sturdy little dogs, they are also gentle and affectionate, meaning they’re unlikely to engage in rough play that might upset a cat.
However, due to their need for human attention, ensuring they have a safe space and plenty of interaction can help them feel secure. With proper introductions, a Pug and cat duo can develop a strong bond, bringing double the fun and companionship to a home.
5. Bichon Frise
If you’re looking for a cat-friendly dog breed with a cheerful and outgoing nature, the Bichon Frise is an excellent choice. These sociable and affectionate dogs love making friends—whether with humans, other pets, or their feline housemates.
Their gentle temperament and playful energy make them one of the best dogs for multi-pet households, though their enthusiasm might be a bit much for an older cat who prefers a quieter environment.
One of the Bichon Frise’s standout traits is its adaptability. They can adjust well to different living situations and quickly learn how to respect a cat’s safe place.
Unlike herding breeds or dogs with a high prey drive, the Bichon Frise is more interested in companionship than chasing. Their playful nature can help keep a younger cat entertained, while their friendly demeanor makes them easy to train and socialize.
Due to their intelligent and eager-to-please personality, Bichons respond well to training, which helps in establishing harmonious relationships with other pets. If you’re considering adding a new pet to a household with a cat, the Bichon Frise’s friendly and non-threatening demeanor makes it a great match. With proper introductions and supervision, a Bichon and a cat can become lifelong furry friends.
6. Maltese
The Maltese is a gentle and affectionate toy breed that makes a wonderful companion for both humans and other pets, including cats. Weighing 4 to 7 pounds, they are around the same size as a feline friend, making interactions less intimidating.
Unlike herding breeds or dogs with a strong prey drive, the Maltese is more interested in lounging than chasing, making them a great choice for a multi-pet household.
This cat-friendly dog breed is known for its loving nature and strong desire for companionship. Maltese dogs enjoy being around their family, often curling up next to a cat for warmth and security.
Their gentle and playful temperament allows them to interact calmly, making them a good match for older cats that prefer peace.
Due to their small size and soft personality, Maltese dogs rarely overwhelm their feline counterparts. However, their long, silky coat can be tempting for playful paws, so regular grooming is essential. With proper introductions and a safe space for each pet, the Maltese can develop a lifelong friendship with a cat.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the best dogs for homes with cats and other animals. Weighing 13 to 18 pounds, these toy breeds are affectionate, adaptable, and eager to bond with their furry companions.
According to Britannica, their low prey drive and gentle temperament make them unlikely to chase or bother a cat, ensuring a peaceful coexistence.
Originally bred as lap dogs, Cavaliers thrive on companionship and dislike being alone for long periods. A cat can be a great companion when their human is away, helping them feel more secure. Their friendly and playful nature allows them to engage in gentle interactions without overwhelming a cat’s space.
Unlike other breeds that may be territorial, Cavaliers are naturally sociable, often forming strong bonds with other pets. They respect boundaries and will happily snuggle up next to a cat for naps.
With proper introductions and a safe place for both pets, Cavaliers and cats can become inseparable friends, sharing warm spots on the couch and creating a harmonious household.
Conclusion
Creating a harmonious home with both cats and dogs is easier when you choose a breed known for its gentle nature and adaptability. From the affectionate Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to the sweet-natured Maltese, certain small dog breeds are naturally suited to living alongside feline friends. Their friendly temperaments, low prey drives, and playful yet respectful personalities make them great companions for cats.
But small dogs aren’t the only ones that can get along with feline housemates—some honorable mentions include the Beagle, known for its social and pack-friendly nature, the Basset Hound, with its calm and easygoing demeanor, and larger breeds like Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers, famous for their gentle and loving personalities.
Ultimately, the key to a successful multi-pet household is patience, proper introductions, and a little bit of luck. Whether your new dog and cat become inseparable snuggle buddies or simply learn to peacefully coexist, choosing a cat-friendly breed is the first step. And who knows? Maybe your Australian Shepherd and cat will become the next unlikely best friends, stealing hearts—and maybe even the couch—together!
In conclusion, selecting a dog breed that coexists peacefully with cats is essential for a harmonious household. The seven small dog breeds highlighted are known for their amiable temperaments and adaptability, making them ideal companions for feline friends. Breeds such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, and Maltese possess friendly and gentle natures, promoting a peaceful coexistence. By choosing the right breed and ensuring proper introductions and training, pet owners can cultivate a loving environment where both dogs and cats thrive, enhancing the joy and companionship in a multi-pet home.