Are you thinking about adding a dog to your furry family and you have a cat? There are a few things to consider before adding a new furry member to the family.
Different dog breeds are dangerous to keep with cats. It’s good to know about those doggos before making the decision.
Let’s go over some dog breeds that you don’t want around cats because of the nature of the dog’s breed traits:
- Manchester Terrier
- Whippet
- Australian Cattle dog
- Afghan Hounds
- Schipperke
- Smooth Fox Terrier
- Standard Schnauzer
- Irish Wolfhound
- Bedlington Terrier
Basically, some dogs can’t help themselves if their nature says to chase anything that has fur.
The list of dog breeds includes dogs that are prone to chasing cats and it also includes few dog breeds that can’t tolerate cats because of jealousy.
Let’s look at the breeds more further.
1. Manchester Terrier
These dogs are well-mannered pets for the family as they are cute, devoted, remain clean and independent. It was first bred to control vermin, which it excelled.
Because they are habitual to hunt rats and small critters we use such habits for our benefit. The bad thing is their behavior to attack cats.
A moderate walk on a daily basis is enough for them to keep them healthy and active.
2. Whippet
Whippets were bred to hunt by sight in open areas at high speeds. In England, they were developed as race dogs and hunting dogs due to their fast speed.
Because they have the instinct to chase anything that has fur, it’s not a great fit for a cat owner.
People love to keep them as pets because they are quiet, not prone to barking, and require regular exercise. Despite being bred for racing, they can be couch potatoes too.
3. Australian Cattle dog
A highly energetic and extremely intelligent breed of dogs is an Australian cattle dog. These dogs remain active for working the whole day. They have a natural ability to control stubborn cattle movements due to their strength, agility, and courage.
Australian cattle dogs are good at solving problems and they also need something to do to keep them busy at home. They cannot tolerate cats if they are not raised with them. Better to keep them in a cat-free home because of their strong ability to prey on cats.
4. Afghan Hounds
Afghan Hounds are natural hunters. During ancient times, Afgan Hounds hunted rabbits, wolves, and snow leopards due to their strength and speed to hunt prey. They can chase prey for a long time due to their extraordinary stamina.
Afghan Hounds are highly interested in catching and chasing cats.
These doggos have long shiny hair and are kept as show dogs as well. They need some regular grooming for the maintenance of their beauty. A cat-free environment would be best for these beauties.
5. Schipperke
Schipperkes are kept as watchdogs due to their highly active nature and they are also vermin hunters. They love to be involved in what’s happening around them. Schipperkes are adaptable to both city and village life due to their participation in agility activities.
Due to their hunting instinct, they cannot be kept with cats at home.
Schipperkes are obedient pups and adaptable to their environment. There is no need for extra grooming other than weekly brushing and occasionally bath.
6. Smooth Fox Terrier
Farmers loved Smooth Fox Terriers because of their breed qualities. Farmers needed to ensure their farm free of vermins and foxes even in underground dens and these doggos were best for the job. Nowadays their use as a hunter is rare but their instinct is still there.
They are brave, love to play, and need regular exercise to keep them active. Smooth Fox Terriers are protective and great watchdogs but it’s best not to keep cats with them.
7. Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer breed was originated from Germany. They were kept for the protection of families and farms free from vermin. All and all Standard Schnauzer are highly affectionate and social with children.
They are strong and extremely intelligent dogs but need training and daily exercise for obedience. Due to their instinct for prey and fearless nature, they should not be kept with any other small pet.
8. Irish Wolfhound
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The tallest dog breed, an amazing companion, and a friendly companion. Irish Wolfhounds are used for hunting too as they prey on any small animal including cats.
Due to their strength and size, it seems impossible to stop an Irish Wolfhound from hunting your cat. They can enjoy living with cats if they are raised and trained with them. It’s good to keep in mind that Irish Wolfhounds can still attack cats at any time in the future.
9. Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington terrier looks like a little lamb but when they get ferocious they can attack any other animal near to them. They are very unusual but can be kept as a pet.
When they chase their prey they become very fast like a whippet. They can attack any animal of their size or smaller so it might be impossible to keep cats safe with them.
How to keep dogs and cats at home together
Dogs and cats can live together but sometimes dogs start growling, barking, and practically chasing cats. If you want to have a dog and a cat in the family, consider these few point:
- Match the personality of your dog and cat.
- Try to avoid dog breeds that chase cats.
- Choose an energetic playful cat with a playful dog breed.
- Teach your pup a few basic commands to divert their attention from the cat. These commands could be: sit, stay, leave it and come.
- If your dog discovers the fun of chasing cats then it will be almost impossible to stop your dog. For diversion try to give treats to your dog when the cat is in the same space.
- Keep your dog entertained and busy by going for a daily, do a training session or play some games.
- Play with your cat because an energetic cat tries to pounce on the dog and will trigger prey habits. Use some attractive toys to divert their attention.
Dog breeds that can be kept with cats
Few dog breeds can be kept with cats easily due to their friendly nature. These dog breeds are:
Beagle
These dogs were bred for hunting in packs and they are friendly to other animals. Their nature is happy which makes them a great companion for you and your cat.
Basset Hounds
Bassets are loyal, low key and patient dogs. Training of these dogs can be difficult due to their stubbornness but they can tolerate other animals.
Bulldog
These dogs can prey on cats but due to their kind temperament, they can be kept with cats. They are friendly towards all creatures and their loving behavior makes them enjoy living with cats.
Collie
This doggo is a member of the Herd group and it’s famous for his love for children. Collie is an athletic dog and needs a lot of exercise and companionship. Their love can extend to cats and they can tolerate any other animals.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
They are cute little dogs with a fearless personality that is highly adaptable, gentle, and affectionate. Their size is not bigger than a cat and doesn’t intimidate cats. They are not only loving but also a wonderful companion.
Golden Retriever
These dogs have playing behavior and they accept cats as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained early on not to chase after the cat.
Pug
Pugs pack a lot of love into a little body. These small dogs have a ton of personality and they love attention. A cat can help keep them company when their humans are away. They may be small, but they are tough enough to have a cat companion.
Papillon
These butterfly-eared dogs are about the size of a cat, but their happy and curious nature means they could see your cat as a friend. These dogs like to join in on whatever fun the family is having, even if it involves a cat.
Labrador Retriever
These enthusiastic dogs are far larger than a cat, but they have more than enough love to give. Labs are kind and outgoing and are known to get along with everyone they meet, regardless of species. They are gentle, intelligent, and eager to please.
Conclusion
All dog breeds are not suitable to live with cats because of the dog’s breed traits. Some of these dogs are highly affectionate and social with children but they have the instinct to chase anything that has fur.
It’s better to focus on dog breeds that get along with cats and don’t have a strong chasing instinct.