Last Updated on 11/25/2021 by Veronica Jones
Despite the fact that dogs and cats have a reputation for being mortal enemies, it’s entirely possible for a dog and a cat to coexist happily under the same roof. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. There are man dog breeds that don’t get along with cats, and will love nothing more than chasing and terrorizing your cute kitty at every opportunity. So if you’re looking for a canine friend for your cat, these are the 10 worst dog breeds for cats.
Top Ten Worst Dog Breeds for Cats
1. Beagle
The Beagle has a hard-earned reputation as an excellent family dog.
He’s friendly, cheerful and inquisitive, and he’ll usually get on like a house on fire with all the human members of his family.
But that doesn’t mean he’ll be your cat’s best friend. Beagles were developed in England, where they were bred as pack hounds to hunt rabbits. Their pack hunting origins made them quite social animals, but they also resulted in a breed with a strong prey drive.
It’s that prey drive that means many a Beagle gets a thrill out of chasing cats and other small animals. And while that can be a whole lot of fun for your Beagle, it can be downright terrifying for your precious kitty.
If you’re keen to welcome a Beagle into your family, it’s important to remember that these are intelligent, energetic dogs.
By giving your dog regular exercise and mental stimulation, and by introducing him to your cat from a young age, you’ll maximize the chances of a successful inter-species relationship.
2. Greyhound
It probably won’t come as a major surprise to see the Greyhound on this list.
If you’ve ever seen a Greyhound race, you’ll know just how motivated these majestic dogs are to chase small, fluffy animals.
Greyhounds are an ancient breed with a history dating back to ancient Egypt. Originally bred to hunt in harsh desert surrounds, they boast a top speed that’s unrivalled in the canine world.
And with a very strong prey drive, there’s a very good chance your Greyhound will love setting off in hot pursuit of your cat.
But while Greyhounds aren’t a cat-friendly breed, many people don’t realize that they can actually make a wonderfully loving pet. They’re sweet-natured and gentle, and they don’t require as much exercise as you might think.
In fact, they’re commonly recommended as a great breed for apartment living. If you don’t have a cat, a Greyhound might just be the perfect pet.
3. Jack Russell Terrier
Before we look at why the Jack Russell Terrier isn’t the best choice for a cat owner, let’s get one point of confusion out of the way.
While the breed was originally known as the Jack Russell Terrier, it has since evolved into two separate breeds: the Parson Russell Terrier and the Russell Terrier.
While there are differences between the two breeds, they’re both brave and spirited terriers. They’re alert and full of energy, and despite their small stature are usually big on personality.
Unfortunately, they also have a reputation as not being a great choice for cat owners. Because their ancestors were developed for the sport of fox hunting, these adorable little canines have a strong desire to chase small animals.
Combined with their terrier tenacity and independent streak, this means they’ll struggle to live happily in a home with cats.
4. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is a working breed that’s as tough as they come. Bred to herd cattle in harsh Australian conditions, these smart and resilient dogs will happily work all day long. They’re also known for their loyalty, and form very strong bonds with the people they care about. But they’re not usually known for forming strong bonds with their feline counterparts.
Unlike many of the other breeds on this list, Australian Cattle Dogs weren’t bred to hunt small animals. But thanks to their natural instincts, there’s a high likelihood your four-legged friend will try to herd your cats.
Herding cats is a notoriously difficult pastime, but the Australian Cattle Dog is an excellent herder and one very determined fellow. He loves being given a job to do, so don’t be surprised if he decides he needs to chase your cats and round them up.
This can be a stressful and downright frightening experience for your kitty, so it’s pretty easy to see why the Australian Cattle Dog is one of the worst dog breeds for cats.
5. Schnauzer
Next on our list of the 10 worst dog breeds for cats is the undeniably adorable Schnauzer. With his gorgeous facial hair and devoted nature, he can make a wonderful family pet.
Schnauzers are also intelligent and active, and they’re a great companion for children. There are Miniature, Standard and Giant versions available as well, so there’s a Schnauzer size to suit just about everyone.
The only problem is that Schnauzers have a strong tendency to chase small animals. Bred in Germany as all-purpose farm dogs, the earliest Schnauzers performed a wide range of duties to help out their masters. One of the key responsibilities was to eliminate vermin from the farm, so Schnauzers are known as skilled ratters.
That’s bad news for any rats your Schnauzer comes across and just as disappointing for your cat. He may be cute, loyal and loving, but the Schnauzer isn’t the ideal choice if you’re looking for a dog to share a home with a cat.
6. Whippet
The graceful Whippet looks a lot like a Greyhound, only smaller. This sweet-natured and easy-going breed may not be as big as the Greyhound, but he’s still pretty damn fast.
And he is also the dog breed not good with cats.
Whippets are capable of running at speeds of up to 35mph and they love plenty of regular exercise.
But when they’re not running at blinding speed, these lovable dogs are the ultimate couch potatoes — if you’re settling in for a night of watching TV on the couch, your Whippet will want to be right there beside you.
The Whippet retains a strong prey drive to this day. This means these dogs love chasing small animals of all varieties, and often won’t think twice before setting off in hot pursuit of your poor, unfortunate kitty.
7. American Pit Bull Terrier
The Pit Bull is one of the most recognizable breeds in all of dogdom — and unfortunately, it’s often not for the right reasons.
Originally bred for the barbaric sport of bull baiting, the Pit Bull was later used as a fighting dog once bull baiting was outlawed.
With such brutal origins, the breed has become a magnet for irresponsible owners over the years and has something of an unenviable reputation.
However, this reputation ignores the fact that Pit Bulls are amazingly sweet-natured and affectionate dogs. When properly socialized and trained, the American Pit Bull Terrier absolutely adores people and has plenty of love to share with its humans.
Unfortunately, the breed also has a very strong prey drive, which can spell danger for your cat. While a Pit Bull can make an excellent companion for the right owner, the safest option is to keep your dog well away from any cats.
8. Irish Wolfhound
A huge breed that grows to a minimum height of 30 inches, the Wolfhound is generally seen as one of the gentle giants of the canine world.
Amiable and affectionate, this gorgeous pooch is quite happy to take each day as it comes. He also loves people of all ages and thrives when included as a part of the family.
But the Irish Wolfhound is also a sighthound that was bred for many years to hunt and bring down game.
These included elk and later wolves, which are obviously a whole lot larger than your cat, but this still means your Irish Wolfhound may have a strong desire to chase small animals.
In reality, some Irish Wolfhounds won’t have any problems with cats. But others will, so this breed isn’t recommended for cat owners.
9. Weimaraner
You’d be hard pressed to find any other dog as strikingly beautiful as the Weimaraner. With that silver coat and amber or blue-gray eyes, this “gray ghost” is one breed that really stands out from the crowd.
Today, the Weimaraner is best known as a friendly and devoted family member.
When you welcome one of these gorgeous dogs into your life, you’re rewarded with a pet that’s easy to train, easy to groom and easy to love.
Weimaraners also get along well with children and relish every opportunity they get to spend time with their humans.
If they get plenty of exercise and jobs that challenge their intelligent minds, these big dogs will fill your life with joy. What they won’t do, however, is get on well with the family cat.
The Weimaraner was developed in 19th-century Germany as a big-game hunter. Originally tasked with taking down bears, wolves and mountain lions, the Weimaraner would later excel at hunting a wide range of game.
So if you welcome a Weimaraner into your home, you need to be aware that you’re adopting a dog with a high prey drive.
And if you already own a cute kitty, this probably isn’t the right breed for you.
10. Manchester Terrier
Last but not least in our selection of the dog breeds cats hate is the Manchester Terrier.
Named for the English city where he was developed, this fine-looking fellow is one athletic and fearless dog.
Alert and inquisitive, the Manchester Terrier is always on the lookout for action and adventure. He thrives with regular exercise, is highly intelligent and loves nothing more than pleasing his people.
What he doesn’t love is your cat. That’s simply because he was bred for two main tasks: Killing rats and Hunting rabbits.
The Manchester Terrier was highly adept at both of these skills, and he retains his strong hunting instincts to this day.
While this may be great news if you happen to have a problem with vermin at your home, it’s terrible news if you’re a cat owner.
Manchester Terriers and felines simply don’t mix, so this lively and loving dog is best suited to life in a cat-free home.
What About Other Dog Breeds?
1. Are Corgis good with cats?
On the whole, corgis and cats get along well. Cat owners know that kitties are adventurous and love to play. They will have a lot of fun with this breed of pup. Corgis tend not to like sharing their food though, so keep their food separate and make sure your cat knows not to invade your dog’s dining area.
2. Are Pitbulls good with cats?
The best way for Pitbulls and cats to live together harmoniously is if they are introduced to each other and bought up together as babies. Pitbulls are historically bred to hunt, so it’s not a good idea to introduce an adult pup to a cat and expect them to be best friends.
3. Are Australian cattle dogs good with cats?
As with many dog breeds, the Australian cattle dog has a high prey drive which may make it difficult to keep an Australian cattle dog and cats together. It is possible for them to live in a household with cats if they are raised together from a young age, however there are other more cat-friendly dog breeds to consider.
4. Are Labrador retrievers good with cats?
Labradors and cats can be friends. This popular canine breed is typically well-behaved and friendly towards other pets such as felines. Labrador retrievers are very intelligent and good at learning new commands, which will come in handy if you’re introducing a cat as a new family member. Their prey drive is low, so your kitty won’t get fed up of being chased around the house.
5. Are Siberian huskies good with cats?
Siberian huskies and cats do not make a good mix. This breed of pooch has fierce predator and survival instincts which can make it difficult for them to get on with small animals such as cats. It’s possible that some huskies can be trained to be cat-friendly, it’s not worth putting your kitty at risk.
6. Are Cavalier King Charles spaniels good with cats?
This friendly breed of pup is known for being tolerant, making them a good option if you need a dog that will get along with cats. Cavalier King Charles spaniels and cats can become excellent playmates. This pup is known for being timid so won’t bark excessively or scare your feline friend off.
7. Are Shiba Inu good with cats?
Shibas are highly territorial dogs that typically won’t react well to having to share their home with a feline companion. Cats have a provocative nature, which can tempt Shibas to behave badly. This breed of dog was originally bred as a hunting dog so it’s not a good idea to keep Shiba Inus and cats together.
8. Are Australian shepherds good with cats?
Most Australian Shepherds and a German Shepherd will get on well with cats, but that doesn’t mean that all of them will. This intelligent, well-behaved and friendly breed of dog makes a good companion for cats. It’s more likely that your kitty won’t want to make friends and they may keep their distance from each other. Other herding dogs tend to make good feline companions because they are not well-disciplined and won’t be interested in herding cats unless told to do so.
9. Are Dobermans good with cats?
If you’re interested in getting a Doberman it’s important to know that this doggy breed is naturally predatory towards other animals, including cats. Even though your Doberman and cat might not be best friends, it is possible to train your canine and kitty to tolerate each other. If your Doberman has been around cats from a pup, it’s much more likely that they can live harmoniously in the same house.
10. Are Samoyeds good with cats?
Samoyeds are known for enjoying a game of chasing cats which doesn’t make them a great choice of dog breed to keep with cats. Samoyeds can get bored easily and may turn to pestering your kitty to entertain themselves. You can train this affectionate breed of dog to live with other pets, but they shouldn’t be left unsupervised with a feline. To summarise, Samoyeds and cats are not a good mix.
11. Are Great Danes good with cats?
Despite their size, these gentle giants are often friendly towards other animals including kitties. It’s important that dogs are socialized and trained from a young age so they get used to the company of other animals. Provide your cat with areas in the house that they can escape if the playing gets too much for your cat. It’s important that your Great Dane and cat know the boundaries to ensure a happy life for everyone.
12. Are Chihuahuas good with cats?
In general, Chihuahuas make good companions for cats. In most cases your cat will be bigger than your pup, so you may have to stop the kitty from chasing the dog. Don’t make the mistake of surprising your Chihuahua by bringing a cat home though. You need to make sure your pup is socialized and well-trained before gradually introducing him to a feline companion.
13. Are Boston Terriers good with cats?
Yes, Boston Terriers and cats can be suitable cat companions if introduced from a young age. Bostons have a kind and loving nature, making them a good choice of family dog in a home with other pets. Your Boston Terrier or pit bull may want to chase small animals or your kitty, but this is more out of fun than for hunting.
14. Are Pomeranians good with cats?
Most Pomeranians and cats will get on well. Pomeranians and cats are similar in size and they can become good friends with the right training and supervision. The happy-go-lucky personality of Pomeranians means that they will live happily alongside other animals and won’t get territorial. You might find that your kitty tires your pup out, so make sure they each have somewhere to go for some space and downtime away from each other to keep the relationship on good terms.
15. Are Akitas good with cats?
Well-trained and socialised Akita dogs can get along with cats, but sometimes their strong prey instincts can be unpredictable. Akitas don’t like to be disturbed when eating, which means they won’t like a feline invading his personal space while having their breakfast. If you want to keep Akitas and cats, the best way is to raise them together from a young age.
16. Are Goldendoodles good with cats?
Goldendoodles are known for being extremely friendly towards children and cats. Their easy going nature and low prey drive means your kitty won’t be a hunting target. As with all dog breeds, it’s important that Goldendoodles are introduced to cats at a young age so your Goldendoodle and cat can live harmoniously with each other.
17. Are Jack Russells good with cats?
Like other dogs, Jack Russels are hunting dogs. This means it’s not a good idea to keep a Jack Russel and cat in the same house, or with other small animals such as birds or rabbits. If you want to get another pet, Labradors and Golden Retrievers make good companions for a Jack Russell Terrier as they have a laid back temperament and won’t mind a smaller dog being in charge.
18. Are Chow Chows good with cats?
Chow Chows have similar personalities and temperments to cats, which means they can get on well together. A Chow Chow and cat should be introduced from a young age to ensure the best possible relationship. It’s important to ensure your Chow Chows prey drive has been curbed through training and socialisation before introducing them to your kitty.
19. Are Cocker Spaniels good with cats?
Most of the spaniel breeds will get on well with cats, especially the Cocker Spaniel. Historically, spaniels were bred to hunt birds instead of mammals, meaning that your feline won’t be seen as prey. Their friendly disposition and willing temperament means that a Cocker Spaniel and cat can live in the same house, and even become friends.
20. Are Puggles good with cats?
Most dogs aren’t naturally feline friendly, and that includes Puggles. However, it is possible for a Puggle and cat to at least tolerate each other. Your Puggle needs to understand basic commands such as ‘sit’, ‘stay’ and ‘leave’ so you know that you can maintain some house rules to ensure he can tolerate cats.
21. Are Weimaraners good with cats?
It’s not recommended to keep Weimaraners and cats together because of the dog’s high prey drive. Even with extensive training you may find your cat being a hunting target, so it’s not a good idea. Weimaraners are also known for their high energy levels and love for rough play, neither of which mix well with a family cat.
22. Are Italian Greyhounds good with cats?
A cat that likes to play will make a good match for the Italian Greyhound, however you shouldn’t let your pup pester your kitty. Cats can do some serious damage to a dog’s delicate skin and eye area if provoked. Training your greyhound not to chase cats or other animals is an essential step in ensuring a harmonious relationship between your pets. Make sure your feline friend has places to go where your dog can’t get to them, for example a cat tower.
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