When you’re considering adding a dog to your home where you already have cats, it’s important to select a dog breed that is compatible with feline companions. Not all dog breeds naturally get along with cats, and some may have high prey drives or territorial instincts that can make cohabitation difficult. However, there are many small dog breeds that are known for their friendly, adaptable, and cat-friendly temperaments. These breeds are often more patient and tolerant, making them great companions for your feline friends. In this article, we will explore the top 10 best small dog breeds that are known for being good with cats.
Top 10 Best Small Dog Breeds for Cats in the World
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the most beloved small dog breeds, not only for their affectionate nature but also for their ability to get along well with other pets, including cats. These dogs are friendly, calm, and non-aggressive, which makes them excellent companions for cats. Their gentle demeanor and sociable nature mean that they often enjoy the company of other animals and are typically quick to adapt to a home with both dogs and cats.
This breed’s small size, sweet temperament, and low energy levels make them an ideal choice for households with cats. Cavaliers are also quite tolerant of other pets and are more likely to approach new situations with a calm, curious attitude rather than fear or aggression.
Key Traits:
- Affectionate and friendly
- Calm and adaptable
- Small size (13–18 pounds)
- Sociable and good with other pets
2. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are known for their calm and easygoing personalities, making them an excellent choice for homes with cats. Although they do have a strong scent drive, Basset Hounds are generally not overly aggressive or territorial, and they are usually able to coexist peacefully with cats. Their laid-back nature and tendency to enjoy lounging around rather than constantly running or chasing make them more compatible with cats that prefer a quieter, less hectic environment.
These dogs are also highly social and love being around their family members, making them a great addition to multi-pet households. While it’s always important to introduce any dog and cat carefully, Basset Hounds’ gentle nature can help ease the transition.
Key Traits:
- Calm and laid-back
- Easygoing and friendly
- Small size (40–65 pounds, but they can often appear smaller due to their short stature)
- Enjoys companionship with other pets
3. Pug
Pugs are an incredibly popular small dog breed known for their affectionate and social nature. They are typically good with cats, particularly if they are raised in the same household. Pugs are fun-loving, playful, and tend to get along with all pets, including cats. Their happy-go-lucky attitude and outgoing personality make them great companions for both humans and animals alike.
These dogs are small and manageable, which makes them ideal for apartments or homes with limited space. Pugs are also known for their low maintenance, which can be an added bonus when considering the overall dynamic with cats in the home. They are more likely to want to cuddle up and nap with their feline housemates rather than causing trouble.
Key Traits:
- Social and affectionate
- Playful but not overly energetic
- Small size (14–18 pounds)
- Generally adaptable to living with other pets
4. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are known for their calm demeanor, affectionate nature, and adaptability, all of which make them a good choice for homes with cats. They are non-aggressive and enjoy the company of other animals, including felines. Shih Tzus are small and compact, which makes them easy to manage, even in smaller homes or apartments.
These dogs are generally not prone to chasing or harassing cats, and they tend to respect boundaries, which is essential in creating harmony in a multi-pet household. Shih Tzus are also known to be friendly and can often form strong bonds with their cat companions, sharing spaces peacefully.
Key Traits:
- Calm and non-aggressive
- Affectionate and gentle
- Small size (9–16 pounds)
- Good with other pets, including cats
5. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are known for their gentle and friendly nature, which extends to other pets, including cats. These dogs are typically calm, loving, and sociable, making them a great choice for homes with multiple animals. Their affectionate temperament allows them to form close bonds with both humans and cats, and they are often patient and tolerant of feline behaviors.
Cocker Spaniels are active but not hyperactive, and their moderate energy levels make them suitable for households where both cats and dogs can coexist peacefully. With proper introduction and training, Cocker Spaniels can learn to respect the boundaries of cats and interact with them in a friendly manner.
Key Traits:
- Gentle and affectionate
- Good with children and other pets
- Small to medium size (20–30 pounds)
- Moderate energy levels
6. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are energetic, friendly, and intelligent dogs that generally get along well with cats, especially when raised together. While they are alert and have a protective nature, they are typically not aggressive toward other animals. Schnauzers are highly trainable, which makes it easier to teach them how to behave around cats and understand boundaries.
Their small size and low shedding make them ideal for homes with cats, as they won’t overwhelm your feline companion. These dogs are typically friendly and social, which can help them form good relationships with cats and other pets in the household.
Key Traits:
- Energetic and alert
- Friendly and social
- Small size (11–20 pounds)
- Intelligent and trainable
7. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are known for their relaxed and easygoing nature, which makes them an ideal companion for cats. These dogs are generally calm, affectionate, and friendly, and they enjoy being around other pets. Their small size and low energy levels make them ideal for apartment living, where cats may need more space to roam freely.
French Bulldogs typically don’t have a strong prey drive and are unlikely to chase or harm cats. They tend to prefer lounging around with their family members, which includes feline companions. With early socialization, French Bulldogs can get along very well with cats and often form deep, affectionate bonds with them.
Key Traits:
- Calm and laid-back
- Affectionate and friendly
- Small size (16–28 pounds)
- Good with other pets, especially when socialized early
8. Border Terrier
Border Terriers are affectionate, gentle, and friendly dogs that tend to get along well with cats. Although they are terriers, which are generally known for their high prey drive, Border Terriers are an exception. They have a calmer demeanor than many other terrier breeds and are often willing to share space with cats without feeling the need to chase or hunt them.
These small dogs are not only good with cats, but they are also social and playful, making them wonderful companions for other pets. Border Terriers enjoy companionship and are generally well-behaved in multi-pet households.
Key Traits:
- Gentle and friendly
- Affectionate and playful
- Small size (11 pounds or less)
- Low prey drive, making them suitable for homes with cats
9. Havanese
Havanese dogs are cheerful, friendly, and affectionate, making them one of the best small dog breeds for homes with cats. These dogs have a loving disposition and are naturally inclined to get along with other pets, including cats. Havanese are known for their playful nature, but they are also quite patient and gentle, which helps foster positive relationships with feline companions.
They are small in size and enjoy the company of both humans and animals, making them ideal for households where cats are present. Havanese dogs are also intelligent and easy to train, meaning that they can learn how to behave appropriately around cats, which can help prevent any potential conflicts.
Key Traits:
- Cheerful and friendly
- Patient and adaptable
- Small size (7–13 pounds)
- Great with other pets, especially cats
10. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are small dogs with big personalities. Despite their feisty and sometimes bold nature, they can get along well with cats when properly socialized. Yorkies are affectionate and loyal, and they often form strong bonds with their feline companions, especially if they have been raised together.
Due to their small size and low prey drive, Yorkies are unlikely to pose a threat to cats. With the right introduction, they can live peacefully with cats and even become good friends. Their active and playful demeanor can be a good match for cats that enjoy engaging in playful interactions.
Key Traits:
- Feisty yet affectionate
- Small size (4–7 pounds)
- Low prey drive
- Friendly and social when properly introduced
Conclusion
Choosing the right small dog breed for a household with cats is crucial to maintaining harmony between the two species. The breeds listed above are known for their friendly and adaptable personalities, making them well-suited to live with feline companions. Whether you’re looking for a calm, patient dog or a playful pup who enjoys the company of cats, these breeds can offer a great balance of companionship for both you and your cats. With proper introductions, training, and socialization, these small dogs can become wonderful additions to your home and make excellent companions for your feline friends.
You Might Be Interested In:
