I know introductions and training are huge factors, but are there dog breeds with lower prey drives that do well with cats?
I am not planning to get dog soon , but I am concerned that if I do, it might chase my cats, which makes me feel unprepared to handle that situation.
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I have a King Charles cavalier spaniel, 5 months and 6 pounds who is getting along well with my cat, 4 years old and 12 pounds, who has lived alone.
I suppose it helps that the puppy is little and quiet.
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I have a CKCS, and he gets along with my cat. They playfully chase one another but do not snuggle or lie together. They cohabit, which is great with me. The cat is a bit irritable, so the dog has done nothing wrong. I highly recommend this breed for a household with a cat.
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Me too. Mine thinks he is a cat. They play and cuddle all the time.
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Yes, a family member of mine has a CKCS. The dogs have a lovely demeanor, but I would not recommend them to anyone. It is just not ethical to breed them (or to encourage their breeding by purchasing them). OP, if you want a cavalier King Charles spaniel, look into the breed’s mitral valve disease, CM, and SM rates.
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I chose rough Collies since they are reputed to be friendly with cats. And it’s worked out beautifully; my elderly, declawed cat, who can’t jump properly, is relaxed around them. It took some control throughout the pup years, but it was really to keep her from being stressed, not because she was in danger.
If you can find a breeder with a cat, that’s even better.
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I have a smooth collie, and one of the main reasons we chose the breed was their kind nature with tiny animals. The comfort and safety of our cats were a top factor in making that decision, as was the fact that we have waterfowl with which the dog would interact. He mostly ignores the waterfowl and one of the cats (this cat has made it known that he is not interested in the dog), but he has a nice rapport with the other cat, and they groom each other on occasion.
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I love Smoothies. My family showed Rough and Smoothie
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Same. Our rough collie is bffs with the cat. They play together, it’s cute.
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Any breed that grows to roughly cat size is quite nice. I introduced an elder Chihuahua to my cat, and they are almost the same size, so I don’t have to worry about things getting out of hand when they play. They enjoy chasing each other around the home.
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If you plan to get a dog Labrador would be a good idea because it is wonderful with my cats.
I own one and a cat. One of the cats is 18, she rules the roost and he knows it.
Yes, there are several dog breeds known to generally get along well with cats. However, keep in mind that individual personalities and proper introductions play a huge role in how well they get along. Some breeds that are typically more cat-friendly include:
- Golden Retrievers: These dogs are known for their gentle and friendly nature, making them more likely to get along with cats.
- Labrador Retrievers: Similar to Golden Retrievers, Labs are friendly, social, and tolerant, often forming good relationships with cats.
- Beagles: Although they have a strong prey drive, Beagles can be friendly and sociable, and with proper training, they often get along well with cats.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: Known for their affectionate and calm demeanor, they usually coexist peacefully with cats.
- Poodles: Poodles are intelligent and adaptable, often getting along with cats, especially if they are raised together.
Remember, successful coexistence often depends on the temperament of both the dog and the cat, as well as the way they are introduced to each other. It’s always a good idea to supervise their interactions initially and ensure they have their own spaces to retreat to if needed.