Pet ownership is at an all-time high. The rate of pet ownership has particularly grown over the past 30 years. In 2022, around 70% of all households in the US own at least one pet.
This is a significant jump from 56% in 1988. A similar trend is apparent worldwide. This is also the case with owning more than one pet. More and more people are adopting more than one pet.
While dogs usually get along well with other animals, including other dogs, the same cannot be said for cats. Cats have a different disposition. It is important to consider the right kind of dog for you if you are already a cat owner.
How Do Cats And Dogs Differ?
First, let us examine how the two species differ. Generally speaking, dogs are loyal, friendly, and easy to train. Dogs also crave attention and love, which aids in training a dog. Cats, on the other hand, are best deceived as being apathetic. They do not form attachments like dogs. Cats can be affectionate and friendly.
However, they do not seek approval the way dogs do. As with many dogs, you will rarely find that your cat suffers from separation anxiety. Cats are curious creatures. They also like having alone time and exploring their surroundings.
These personality differences can make it challenging for cats and dogs to co-exist. Yet, many people keep both and the two can live together peacefully. There are some breeds of dogs that are more agreeable around cats.
So, if you are contemplating getting a dog while you already have a cat, it is better to do some research first.
Dog Breeds That Get Along With Cats
Most dogs are friendly and social. However, some breeds of dogs are much more accommodating and agreeable around others. Dog breeds with calm and demure energy are suited for households with cats. Here are some of our recommended dog breeds for cat owners:
Beagles
Beagles are some of the friendliest and most loyal dog breeds. They have a loving nature and are very social. Beagles have a strong pack mentality. They like being around others. This makes them great team players and perfect for a house with other pets.
Even if your cat has an attitude you can tell on a Beagle not to get fazed. Beagles are full of energy and like to live a carefree life.
Bulldogs
This one may be surprising. After all, Bulldogs have a domineering appearance and can come off as intimidating. Contrary to their looks, Bulldogs are exceptionally calm and gentle creatures.
Do not let their frame fool you, Bulldogs are lovable and friendly. This is why so many people prefer Bulldogs as they make excellent family dogs.
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is amongst the most popular breeds of dogs among dog owners. The reason is simple, Golden Retrievers are known for their fierce loyalty and empathy.
They are caring, dedicated, and loving. One too of all this, Golden Retrievers are always down for having fun. They are playful and anyone, even your cat, will enjoy their company. Above all, Golden Retrievers adapt easily to changes and are very accommodating.
Labrador Retrievers
Yes, Labrador Retrievers are known for their abilities as rescue dogs; they are perfect as house pets. Labradors have an innate ability to empathize and help others.
They are very kind. Their large size will not be seen as a threat by you as they are very gentle and display affection openly.
Papillon
If you want a small-sized dog so your cat can easily adjust to the change, look no further than Papillons. Cute as a button, this dog breed is the perfect cat companion.
They are happy and energetic. Their size means your cat will not be intimidated and their warm features will surely endear them to your cat. Being similar in size, your Papillon can become a suitable playmate with your cat. The two can share belonging, like toys, beds, and blankets.
Corgi
Corgi, like the Beagle, is a pack dog. They like to move about and live in packs. this makes them more inclined towards loving alongside others.
They are also very calm and peaceful creatures and like to play with others. Finding an animal that does not get along well with the lovable Corgi is hard.
Pug
Pugs are a perfect match for cats. They are small, friendly, and lazy. That is right, Pugs are lazy but that is a good thing since it is a community they will share with your cat.
Furthermore, Pugs despise fighting and any kind of conflict. Even if your cat is annoying and acting out, you can rest assured that a Pug will calmly handle the situation.
Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are the least aggressive of all dog breeds. They may even be amongst the top least aggressive animals in the world. These long-eared dogs have pure hearts and mild tempers.
They are not just man’s best friend but everyone’s best friend. With a Basset Hound around you can be sure to have a loving, loyal companion. Basset Hounds are also known for their love of rest. They are not the most active dogs. This means there is no need to worry about your dog getting feisty with your cat.
Selecting A Dog Friend For Your Cat
Aside from the ones mentioned above, plenty of other dog breeds make for great pets around cats. Instead of picking a specific breed first, it is necessary to study the personality of each breed.
Usually, you can divide the breeds into aggressive and non-aggressive breeds. Aggressive breeds of dogs make for dog-hunting dogs and work well as guard dogs. They are very helpful and reliable in certain situations.
However, it is best to go for a gentle breed of dog around other pets, like cats. Instead of framing the question as Italian Greyhound vs a Whippet, study the personality trait of a specific breed in-depth. Only once you have acquainted yourself well with the personality of each type of breed you are interested in you can move on to the next step.
The next stage is matching the dog breed with your cat’s personality. The two must not have a contrasting personality to the point that it is a source of conflict. Selecting a dog with a unique personality that complements your cat’s disposition rather than opposing it is best.