10 Dogs To Avoid If You’ve Got Cats At Home

Bringing a new dog into a home where cats rule the roost can be a thrilling experience. However, not all dog breeds are compatible with feline friends. Some dogs have strong prey drives or territorial instincts, which can lead to tension and trouble. Understanding which breeds might pose a challenge can save you and your pets a lot of stress. Here are ten dog breeds to be cautious about when you have cats at home.

1. Greyhounds: The Speedy Hunters

Greyhounds are renowned for their incredible speed and agility, traits that make them excellent racing dogs. However, this speed comes from their innate prey drive. Greyhounds were originally bred to chase game, which includes small animals like rabbits. In a home with cats, this instinct to chase can be problematic. While they can be gentle and loving, it’s essential to understand that their nature might lead them to see your feline friend as something to pursue. With proper training and supervision, some Greyhounds can adapt, but it’s always a gamble.

2. Siberian Huskies: The Energetic Explorers

Siberian Huskies are beautiful, with their striking eyes and wolf-like appearance, but they have a reputation for being high-energy and independent. They were bred to pull sleds across icy terrains, which means they have endurance and a strong work ethic. Unfortunately, their independent nature can sometimes translate into a lack of regard for smaller animals, including cats. Huskies have been known to chase and even harm cats, so introducing them to a feline household requires careful planning and constant vigilance.

3. Jack Russell Terriers: The Spirited Terriers

Jack Russell Terriers are small but mighty, with a zest for life that can be both endearing and exhausting. They are terriers through and through, which means they have a pronounced prey drive. Originally bred to hunt foxes, these dogs have a persistent nature that can lead to unrelenting pursuits of smaller animals, including cats. Their size might make them seem less of a threat, but their tenacity is to be taken seriously. Proper training might help, but their instincts often overshadow lessons taught.

4. Alaskan Malamutes: The Strong-Willed Companions

Much like their relatives, the Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes are known for their strength and endurance. They are pack animals, which means they have a hierarchical nature. While they can be loving family pets, their size and strength can be daunting for a cat. Malamutes have a history of hunting, and some may see cats as potential prey. Their strong-willed nature means they require an owner who can assert leadership and provide consistent training, especially in a multi-pet household.

5. Belgian Malinois: The Agile Workers

Belgian Malinois are celebrated for their intelligence and agility. Often used in police and military roles, these dogs are incredibly focused and driven. While they excel in tasks that require precision and obedience, their prey drive is not to be underestimated. Cats can become an unintended target for their attention. If you have cats, ensuring that a Malinois is well-socialized and trained from a young age is crucial. Even then, supervision is necessary to maintain harmony in the home.

6. Weimaraners: The Elegant Hunters

Weimaraners are known for their sleek appearance and boundless energy. Bred as hunting dogs, they have a natural instinct to track and chase. This can be problematic in homes with cats, as their hunting drive might be triggered by the presence of a smaller animal. Weimaraners are loyal and can be affectionate, but their single-mindedness when it comes to chasing prey is something potential owners should consider. Keeping them mentally and physically stimulated can help, but caution is always advised.

7. Scottish Terriers: The Determined Diggers

Scottish Terriers, or Scotties, are small dogs with big personalities. They are known for their independence and determination, traits that served them well as vermin hunters. This determination can sometimes manifest as a strong prey drive, making them less than ideal companions for cats. Scotties may be small, but they have a tenacious nature. Ensuring they are well-trained and socialized can help, but their instinct to chase is deeply ingrained.

8. Afghan Hounds: The Aristocratic Pursuers

Afghan Hounds are known for their regal appearance and flowing coats. They are sighthounds, which means they hunt primarily by sight and are known for their speed and agility. This makes them excellent hunters, but it also means they are prone to chase anything that moves, including cats. Afghan Hounds can be aloof and require careful training to coexist peacefully with other animals. Their independent nature means they might not always listen, making supervision essential.

9. Airedale Terriers: The Energetic Guardians

Airedale Terriers are the largest of the terrier breeds and are known for their intelligence and energy. Originally bred to hunt otters and rats, they have a strong prey drive and a bold nature. In a home with cats, this can lead to issues if the Airedale is not properly trained and supervised. They require an owner who can provide firm guidance and plenty of mental and physical stimulation. With the right environment, they can learn to coexist, but it’s a challenge not to be underestimated.

10. Basenjis: The Independent Thinkers

Basenjis are unique dogs, often referred to as the “barkless dogs” due to their unusual vocalizations. They are independent thinkers with a strong prey drive, having been bred for hunting in Africa. This independence can make them challenging to train, and their hunting instincts can lead them to see cats as prey. While some Basenjis can learn to live peacefully with cats, it requires patience, consistency, and supervision. Their curious nature means they are always on the lookout for something to chase.

In conclusion, while these breeds might pose challenges in homes with cats, it’s essential to remember that every dog is an individual. With the right training, socialization, and environment, many dogs can learn to live harmoniously with feline companions. Understanding the natural instincts and tendencies of these breeds can help set realistic expectations and ensure a peaceful, happy home for all your pets.