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You love your cat, the slow blinks, the sun-drenched naps, the quiet companionship that somehow fills the whole room.
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And you love dogs, too. That open-hearted joy. The tail wags that shake their whole body. The loyalty that never wavers.
But when those two worlds collide? Things can get… complicated.
Some dogs are simply not suited to live peacefully with cats. It’s not their fault; many were bred to chase, herd, or hunt. And while training and time can help, certain instincts are hard to override.
That doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Many cats and dogs form sweet, silly, lifelong bonds. But knowing what you’re getting into, especially by breed, can save everyone a lot of stress.
We’re digging into the dog breeds most likely to clash with cats, from the fast to the fearless to the adorably pushy. And we’ll share smart tips to help both pets feel safe, understood, and maybe even become unlikely best friends.
Because they both deserve that. And so do you.
Read This First: It’s Not Just About Breed
Before we dive into the list, let’s clear one thing up: breed matters, but it isn’t everything.
Yes, some dogs are more likely to chase, herd, or overwhelm cats based on instincts baked in over generations. But environment, training, and the individual animal matter just as much. Some cats are bold. Some dogs are gentle. And sometimes, the most unlikely pairs become inseparable.
That said, if you’re just starting your multi-pet journey, it’s helpful to know which breeds may require extra supervision, slower introductions, or a bit more patience.
No breed is “bad.” But some combinations are harder, and that’s worth talking about.
Real Pets, Real Chaos, Real Talk
I live with two dogs — a Bull Terrier mix who adores cats (even when they’re swatting at him) and a Dachshund who wants nothing to do with them. After years of dog-sitting across Europe, I’ve seen both extremes: Huskies who loathe cats, and German Shorthaired Pointers who nap with them.
It really comes down to early socialization. If a dog grows up with cats, they’re far more likely to accept them as family.
– Emma Braby, Cat and Dog Mom & Love Your Cat Writer
Why Some Dogs Just Don’t Mix With Cats
It’s not personal: it’s instinct.
Many dog breeds were developed for very specific roles: herding livestock, tracking prey, guarding property, or flushing out vermin. These behaviors are deeply rooted in what animal behaviorists call “predatory drift,” a tendency for domesticated animals to revert to instinctive hunting or chasing behaviors, especially when triggered by movement.
In simple terms, your cat darting across the hallway might activate the same chase response a dog would have used on a rabbit 200 years ago. Even if a dog means no harm, that prey drive can be overwhelming, especially in breeds designed for speed, endurance, or control.
That doesn’t make these dogs bad pets, far from it. But if you have a feline at home, it’s worth understanding which breeds are more likely to struggle with impulse control around smaller animals.
Training, early socialization, and environmental structure can help, but in some cases, instinct still wins. Knowing what you’re working with gives you the power to plan, prevent conflict, and create a safer, calmer home for everyone involved.
Why Pet Insurance Matters in Multi-Pet Homes
Even with careful introductions, training, and supervision, living with both cats and dogs carries real risk. Instincts don’t disappear overnight, and accidents can happen in a split second. A startled cat, a sudden chase, a playful nip that goes too far, or a stress-related injury can turn into an emergency vet visit fast.
In multi-pet households, injuries and stress-related health issues often require immediate care, diagnostics, medications, or follow-up treatment. Those costs add up quickly, especially when imaging, wound care, or ongoing treatment is involved.
This is where pet insurance becomes especially important.
Pet insurance can help cover the cost of vet visits, diagnostics, medications, and treatment for new injuries or conditions, making it easier to act quickly if something goes wrong. Instead of hesitating or waiting to see if an injury “gets better,” coverage allows you to focus on safety and proper care right away.
Timing matters. Pet insurance must be in place before an injury or illness occurs to be useful. Once an incident is documented, it’s typically considered pre-existing and won’t be covered.
If you’re planning a home with both cats and dogs, or already navigating one, having insurance in place can provide peace of mind when instincts collide despite your best efforts.
Our in-depth guide to the best pet insurance plans for cats breaks down coverage options, costs, and what to look for before problems arise. You can get a free quote using the form below.
These Dog Breeds Tend to Struggle Most With Cats
Not every dog is a threat to your cat, but some breeds bring instincts to the table that make peaceful cohabitation tough. Herding, chasing, guarding, or just plain bossiness can turn daily life into a battle of boundaries.
Training and socialization help, but with certain breeds, instincts run deep. Below, we’ve grouped together the dogs that most often clash with cats, based on behavior traits, breed history, and real-world pet parent experiences.
High-Prey Powerhouses
These dogs were bred to chase, and they’re fast, focused, and hard to stop once something triggers their instinct. A running cat can flip a switch that even training might not override. If your feline values their personal space (and their life), these breeds require serious caution.
1. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are a breed known for their strikingly gorgeous appearance. These snow dogs were bred to survive some incredibly harsh conditions.
They are survivalists, very skilled hunters, and have exceptionally high prey drives. Huskies have a natural instinct to chase smaller animals, including smaller pets.
It is highly likely that bringing a Husky around a kitty will result in chaos and is not a safe situation for your cat.
- Prey Drive: Extremely high — bred for survival and stamina.
- Behavioral Traits: Independent, energetic, and impulsive.
- Risk Factor: Known to chase or injure small animals, even if socialized.
- Best for Cat Homes? Not recommended unless raised with cats from a very young age and under constant supervision.
2. Weimaraner
This breed is elegant and can get quite large, between 55 and 90 pounds. The Weimaraner is native to Germany. Their nickname is the Gray Ghost due to their elegant appearance and somewhat mysterious background.
They were bred to hunt big game and are agile and very fast. Even as companions, they love to chase small game, and kitties are the perfect prey.
Along with their large size and skilled hunting instincts, Weimaraners are known for their high energy. This breed is also extremely stubborn, extraordinarily persistent, and smart. They will constantly be chasing things, take up a lot of room, and your cat will never feel safe.
- Prey Drive: High — bred for tracking and big-game hunting.
- Behavioral Traits: Smart, stubborn, and extremely persistent.
- Risk Factor: May become obsessed with chasing or cornering cats in the home.
- Best for Cat Homes? Very risky unless raised with cats and extensively trained.
3. Greyhound
Greyhounds are incredibly smart, very agreeable, and highly skilled hunters who make wonderful family pets. They reach between 50 and 85 pounds.
They are, however, incredibly quick and agile. Although this breed is known to be somewhat lazy, Greyhounds are one of the fastest canine breeds around.
Greyhounds are not inherently aggressive, but they may not get along well with smaller animals, particularly cats. Because they are so fast and are naturally bred to be hunters, cats make easy targets for this breed.
- Prey Drive: Exceptionally strong — they’re sighthounds bred to hunt on sight.
- Behavioral Traits: Calm indoors but fast and reactive when something moves.
- Risk Factor: Fast enough to catch a cat before you can blink.
- Best for Cat Homes? Only in very controlled environments and with cat-safe temperament testing (many rescue orgs do this).
4. Afghan Hound
Though gorgeous to look at, the Afghan Hound is one of the worst dogs to have around your purr babies. Afghan Hounds are an incredibly old breed bred to hunt, and they are quite fast, athletic, and agile. They weigh between 50 and 60 pounds, giving them a significant size advantage over cats.
Afghan Hounds are best kept in single-pet households. Because they are such avid hunters, they love to chase small animals, especially cats. Their speed is a huge advantage, and no cat stands a fair chance.
- Prey Drive: High — ancient hunting breed with chase instincts.
- Behavioral Traits: Aloof, graceful, but very fast and hard to recall.
- Risk Factor: Once the chase starts, they’re nearly impossible to stop.
- Best for Cat Homes? Not ideal unless raised with cats and under careful management.
5. Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound is a dog bred to hunt and chase. They follow these instincts to chase smaller animals. Kitties are the perfect size to chase about.
Scottish Deerhounds are impressive animals and can get huge. These pups reach between 75 and 110 pounds on average.
The massive size difference, as well as this, breeds a tendency to chase after things, meaning these Deerhounds are not a great match for homes with felines.
- Prey Drive: Moderate to high — bred for deer hunting.
- Behavioral Traits: Gentle giants with huge size and chasing ability.
- Risk Factor: Large enough to accidentally injure a cat, even while playing.
- Best for Cat Homes? Generally not recommended unless cat-tested and closely monitored.
Herding, Bossy, and Built to Control
These breeds might not want to hunt your cat, but they sure want to manage them. Bred to control livestock or patrol territory, they can be pushy, intense, and reactive. And if your cat doesn’t like being herded like a sheep? Expect friction.
6. Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler)
Australian Cattle Dogs are also called Blue Heelers. These pups are a mix of unique appearances and adorable personalities.
Australian Cattle Dogs are incredible herders, very hardworking, and quite tough. This makes them very popular for farms and ranches. These guys weigh between 35 and 50 pounds and are very powerful.
Australian Cattle Dogs are not ideal for households with smaller animals, like cats. Their high energy, incredible herding nature, and muscular bodies are a great combination, but not if you are a cat.
- Prey Drive: Moderate to high — bred to control livestock through forceful herding.
- Behavioral Traits: Incredibly smart, active, and territorial.
- Risk Factor: May nip at, chase, or try to “herd” cats, which can create chronic stress or conflict.
- Best for Cat Homes? Not a great match unless socialized early and kept mentally stimulated.
7. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are small, extremely energetic dogs. They were initially bred as fox-hunting dogs in England. These guys are small. They reach between 13 and 17 pounds.
Because of their small size, it is often thought that they might get along well with cats. The opposite is true.
Jack Russells are bred to be confident, sturdy, and full of attitude. They are literally bred to chase small animals.
Although they are rarely used for fox hunting these days, the Jack Russell will happily chase cats, mice, squirrels, birds, and any other small animal that crosses their path.
- Prey Drive: Extremely high — one of the most intense small-game hunting breeds.
- Behavioral Traits: Energetic, fearless, and quick to react.
- Risk Factor: Very likely to chase and potentially injure a cat if not heavily trained and supervised.
- Best for Cat Homes? Highly risky — this is one of the least cat-compatible small breeds.
8. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are an adorable breed. They have a very striking appearance, which makes them fairly popular. These pups are small, only reaching between 10 and 20 pounds.
Mini Schnauzers are quite personable around people and tend to get along well with other canines. The same, however, cannot be said for cats. This breed has powerful hunting instincts. This means they love to chase smaller animals, including cats.
Even though the Mini Schnauzer might be the same size as the cat, they still has the upper hand. Schnauzers come in three sizes, and even though only the mini is on our list, any Schnauzer breed is likely to have the same high prey drive and desire to chase your family cat.
- Prey Drive: High — bred to catch rats and other small pests.
- Behavioral Traits: Alert, stubborn, and highly vocal.
- Risk Factor: Known to chase or bark excessively at cats, triggering fear or aggression.
- Best for Cat Homes? Not ideal without early socialization and strong obedience training.
9. Samoyed
The Samoyed is a strikingly beautiful, medium-sized dog breed. These pups stand out due to their gorgeous white coats and faces that appear to be constantly smiling. Samoyeds are medium-sized dogs, weighing between 35 and 65 pounds when fully grown.
Samoyeds love to chase. They will chase anything, anytime. They have a high prey drive and are naturally inclined to hunt and kill small animals.
Unfortunately, this means that the neighborhood wildlife and the pet cat can easily become a target. Because of the risk of injury to your cat, keeping a Samoyed and a cat in the same home is not advised.
- Prey Drive: High — originally bred to hunt and guard in the Siberian wilderness.
- Behavioral Traits: Outgoing, alert, and known to chase anything that moves.
- Risk Factor: Their strong prey instincts and boundless energy can make them stressful companions for cats.
- Best for Cat Homes? Only with careful management and lots of positive reinforcement training.
Small Size, Big Instincts
Don’t let the size fool you. These petite pups come with outsized personalities and deeply ingrained hunting or guarding instincts. They’re fast, feisty, and often fearless, especially around smaller animals that move unpredictably. Like cats.
10. Beagle
Beagles are undeniably charming, friendly, expressive, and usually great with people and other dogs. However, when it comes to cats, that playful personality can suddenly shift into obsessive behavior.
Originally bred as scent hounds for rabbit hunting, Beagles have a strong prey drive and an even stronger nose. If your cat dashes through the room or hides in a corner, that’s all the motivation a Beagle needs to investigate, pursue, and persist, often ignoring your calls to stop.
They rarely mean harm, but their relentless energy and chase instincts can overwhelm more reserved or anxious cats. With early socialization and structure, coexistence is possible, but it’s not always peaceful.
- Prey Drive: High — bred as scent hounds for small game.
- Behavioral Traits: Vocal, friendly, but easily distracted by smells and movement.
- Risk Factor: May chase or harass cats persistently, even playfully, which can escalate into stress or conflict.
- Best for Cat Homes? Only if raised with cats early and trained consistently to redirect instinctive behavior.
11. Bedlington Terrier
These doggies have an incredibly unusual appearance, including tasseled ears, very curly coats, highly arched backs, and pear-shaped heads. They are likely bred from the sighthound family. These pups are small to medium-sized, between 17 and 23 pounds.
They are vigilant and make excellent watchdogs. Though they are on the smaller side, these canines are known to be territorial and chase away anything that comes near them. Bellington Terriers do not like smaller animals and will constantly track the cat.
This breed is also known to get aggressive, even toward other canines, especially those of the same sex. They are big barkers and will become agitated easily.
Although they make wonderful pets and get along well with humans, these kids are not good to have around cats.
- Prey Drive: Moderate to high — has sighthound ancestry and a terrier’s tenacity.
- Behavioral Traits: Spirited, territorial, and very alert.
- Risk Factor: May chase or snap at cats, particularly if bored or overstimulated.
- Best for Cat Homes? Challenging — not recommended unless very well-trained and cat-experienced.
12. Shih Tzu
It is often thought that smaller breeds of dogs always get along well with small animals, but this is a misconception. The Shih Tzu breed is a perfect example. These pups are small, only reaching about 9 to 16 pounds when fully grown.
They get along well with children and other dogs, but kitties are a different story. Shih Tzus are incredibly stubborn and very agile. This breed is also very bossy and tends to be nippy. These traits make them a poor choice for homes with feline family members.
The Shih Tzu is not aggressive towards kitties. Rather, they tend to be highly jealous. The jealousy prompts bad behavior, as well as aggressive behavior directed towards the cat.
- Prey Drive: Low to moderate — but they’re known for jealousy and possessiveness.
- Behavioral Traits: Bossy, stubborn, and attention-seeking.
- Risk Factor: May display aggressive or territorial behavior toward cats, especially if they feel displaced.
- Best for Cat Homes? Possible with patient, attentive owners — but they’re prone to jealousy-fueled outbursts.
13. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies may be small in size, but don’t let the topknot and designer bag rides fool you; these tiny terriers pack a serious attitude. Originally bred to hunt rats in tight spaces, Yorkies are bold, confident, and often completely unaware of their small size.
Their high prey drive, combined with a dominant, sometimes bossy nature, can make life tough for cats, especially those who are shy or slow to assert themselves. Yorkies don’t back down easily and often see movement, including a swishing tail, as an invitation to chase.
While some Yorkies can be trained to tolerate cats, many have a hard time ignoring their instincts. Their relentless energy and desire to be in charge may create a tense environment for feline roommates.
- Prey Drive: High — despite their fashion-dog status, they were bred to hunt rats.
- Behavioral Traits: Confident, bold, and surprisingly dominant.
- Risk Factor: May harass or challenge cats much larger than themselves. Not easily intimidated.
- Best for Cat Homes? Risky — especially with timid cats who won’t set boundaries.
Wild Cards and Controversial Picks
Some of these breeds spark debate. Not all will struggle with cats, but their high energy, stubbornness, or background as working or fighting dogs can introduce unpredictability. It’s not about blame — it’s about awareness, supervision, and being realistic about potential challenges.
14. American Pitbull Terrier
Pitbulls are often misunderstood, loyal, affectionate, and goofy with their people; they can be truly wonderful pets. But their strong bodies and strong instincts mean they aren’t always the safest match for smaller animals, especially cats.
Originally bred for bull-baiting and later dog fighting, Pitbulls carry a legacy of high prey drive and persistence. Even when raised in loving homes, many retain a tendency to chase or fixate on fast-moving creatures — which can be a serious issue in a multi-species household.
That doesn’t mean every Pitbull is a danger to cats; some do great with early socialization and patient training. But their strength, speed, and intensity mean that when things go wrong, they can go wrong fast. Supervision and structure are non-negotiable.
- Prey Drive: High — originally bred for bull-baiting and dog fighting, with strong instincts to chase and grab.
- Behavioral Traits: Energetic, loyal, muscular, and sometimes hyper-focused on moving objects.
- Risk Factor: Can fixate on cats or smaller pets; even play behavior can turn dangerous due to strength and intensity.
- Best for Cat Homes? Only with early socialization, strong training, and consistent supervision. Not ideal for first-time dog owners with cats.
Living the Pitbull + Cat Combo in Real Life
I’ve raised Pitbull mixes alongside cats for over 20 years and never had an issue; they’ve been some of the sweetest, most tolerant dogs in my home. That said, my elderly Pit mix has recently started growling at our cat and getting a bit territorial. These shifts can happen with age, so we’re careful and keep them separated now. Even the best pairings sometimes need adjustments over time.
15. Whippet
Whippets often surprise people. With their elegant frames, quiet personalities, and couch-loving habits, they don’t exactly scream “cat chaser.” But under that calm surface is a finely tuned sighthound — and when something moves, their instincts kick in fast.
Bred for speed and originally used in hunting small game, Whippets are natural sprinters with a lightning-quick chase reflex. Even a friendly attempt to “play” with a cat can quickly become stressful or dangerous if the Whippet gets overstimulated.
Indoors, they’re usually gentle and polite. But outside or in high-energy moments, their drive to pursue anything that runs can take over. Some Whippets do live peacefully with cats, but it depends heavily on early socialization, strong impulse control, and close supervision.
- Prey Drive: Moderate to high — sighthound instincts make them highly reactive to motion.
- Behavioral Traits: Gentle and quiet indoors, but fast, athletic, and eager to chase when outdoors or stimulated.
- Risk Factor: Likely to pursue cats if triggered; can leap fences and dart after small animals in an instant.
- Best for Cat Homes? Possible with early exposure to cats and structured environments, but supervision is essential.
Can Cats and Dogs Really Get Along?
Sometimes they cuddle. Sometimes they act like Cold War roommates. And sometimes, it’s a full-blown turf war over who gets the sunbeam.
The truth? It depends. Some cats grow up thinking dogs are just loud furniture. Others spend a decade plotting your downfall for bringing one home. It all comes down to:
- Temperament: Some pets are chill. Some are drama queens.
- Age & timing: Kittens raised with dogs usually adapt better. Elderly cats? Not so much.
- Introductions: Rushed intros = chaos. Slow intros = slightly less chaos.
With patience, supervision, and a little luck, many dogs and cats can learn to tolerate (or even love) each other. But don’t expect overnight besties. This is more of a slow-burn sitcom friendship than an instant rom-com connection.
Video Proof That Peace Is Possible
Before we get into the training tips and breed drama, take 3 minutes to enjoy this gem of a compilation. It’s equal parts adorable, chaotic, and wildly relatable.
How to Keep the Peace (Without Losing Your Mind)
So, if your cat is giving your dog the stink eye from atop the fridge, don’t panic; it doesn’t mean they’ll hate each other forever (though your cat might act like it). What it does mean is that you’ll need a plan. A slow, thoughtful, possibly treat-bribery-filled plan.
Here’s how to help your pets coexist without turning your home into a fur-flying feud:
- Take it slow: First impressions matter. Start with scent swaps, not face-to-face drama.
- Give the cat high ground: Shelves, cat trees, sacred windowsills — anywhere the dog can’t reach.
- Separate stuff: Beds, bowls, toys. Sharing isn’t always caring.
- Use baby gates: For dogs, not babies. Boundaries build safety.
- Don’t force interaction: If your cat wants to disappear into the void, let them.
- Supervise like a hawk: Especially in the first few weeks or any time things feel tense.
- Reward good behavior: Treats, praise, and your eternal gratitude go a long way.
- Know when to call it: If one pet is stressed, injured, or clearly miserable, separation may be permanent — and that’s okay.
At the end of the day, harmony is possible — but not guaranteed. The best thing you can do is set your pets up for success… and maybe keep a few Feliway diffusers and extra treats on hand. Just in case.
FAQ: Because Cats Don’t Come With Manuals (and Neither Do Dogs)
Still wondering if your dog and cat can coexist without reenacting a wildlife documentary? You’re not alone. These are some of the most common questions from pet parents trying to keep the peace — and the fur on the floor, not flying through the air. If you don’t see yours, no worries, just drop us a line in the comments.
What’s the #1 dog breed that gets along with cats?
The Golden Retriever usually tops the list — gentle, friendly, and eager to please. But even a Golden needs to be trained to respect feline boundaries (no, Whiskers is not a tennis ball).
Can I train my dog to stop chasing the cat?
Yes — in many cases. Training impulse control, using leash-based redirection, and reinforcing calm behavior near the cat can all help. But with certain high-prey breeds, the chase instinct may never fully disappear.
Is it easier to introduce a puppy or an adult dog to a cat?
Puppies are generally easier; they’re still forming associations and haven’t developed deep-set habits. But they’re also chaotic, bitey gremlins. Adult dogs can be great too, especially if they’ve lived with cats before.
My cat hates the new dog — is this normal?
Absolutely. Cats are notoriously anti-change. Hissing, hiding, and dramatic side-eyes are all normal at first. Give it time, give them space, and don’t force interactions. Bribery (aka treats) doesn’t hurt either.
How long does it take for cats and dogs to adjust to each other?
Anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on their personalities, past experiences, and how you manage the transition. Some pairs never fully warm up, and that’s okay. Peaceful co-existence is still a win.
Your Cat Might Forgive You Eventually
Your dog may be the new kid on the block, but let’s not forget who built the block in the first place: your cat. And for many cats, the arrival of a bouncy, slobbery roommate isn’t just an annoyance; it’s a full-blown identity crisis.
Even if things appear peaceful, cats often convey their thoughts in subtle ways. A fixed stare. Flattened ears. A sudden retreat under the bed. According to our guide on facial expressions, these aren’t just quirks; they’re red flags. Your cat might not hiss or swipe, but if their body language says “I’m overwhelmed,” it’s time to hit pause.
Territory, routine, and emotional safety are everything to a cat. When disrupted, especially by a new pet, some cats can even develop signs of depression, like loss of appetite or social withdrawal. So pay attention. A flicking tail, a frozen posture during introductions, or even just disappearing more often than usual could all mean something. Learn the signals, trust your instincts, and give your cat the time, space, and respect they deserve as they adjust.
And if you catch your cat staring at the dog like it just stole their soul, they might be annoyed, or they might just be… gassy. Yes, cats fart. It’s a thing. We checked. At the end of the day, peaceful coexistence is a win, even if it never blossoms into friendship. With patience, awareness, and a little humility, your pets might just find their rhythm. And if not? That’s okay. You’ve done the most important thing: you cared enough to try.
Got a Cat-Dog Saga? We Want the Drama.
Did your cat immediately adopt your dog like a long-lost sibling? Or are they still giving each other side-eye from across the house like bitter exes in a rom-com?
We’d love to hear your story, from the good to the chaotic, and the “my cat slapped the dog for breathing too loudly” moments. Drop it in the comments, because if your fur babies are making your home unpredictable, loud, and full of weird vibes… you’re in great company.
