12 Dog Breeds That Just Won’t Get Along With Cats

For many pet lovers, the dream is to have a harmonious household where cats and dogs live together in peace. While this is possible for some breeds, others are not as likely to play nice. Some dogs have strong hunting instincts, territorial tendencies, or high prey drives that can make living with a cat a real challenge. Understanding which dog breeds may have a hard time cohabitating with feline friends is crucial for those considering a multi-pet household. In this article, we’ll explore 12 dog breeds that, due to their instincts and characteristics, might just not get along with cats.

1. Siberian Husky: The Adventurous Wanderer

Siberian Huskies are known for their adventurous spirit and strong prey drive. These dogs were originally bred for sledding, which means they have a lot of energy and a natural instinct to chase. This drive can spell trouble when it comes to cats, as they may see them as something to pursue. Huskies are also known for their independent nature, which can make training a challenge. If not properly trained, their desire to chase can overpower any attempts to teach them to live peacefully with a cat. While it’s not impossible for a Husky to live with a cat, it requires commitment and consistent training from their owners.

2. Jack Russell Terrier: The Energetic Pursuer

Jack Russell Terriers are small but mighty dogs with an abundance of energy. Originally bred for hunting foxes, their high energy levels and strong prey drive can make them difficult to manage around cats. These dogs are known for their tenacity and have a reputation for being quite the little hunters. Their sharp instincts make it hard for them to resist chasing anything that moves quickly, including cats. It’s essential for owners to provide plenty of exercise and engage in consistent training to help manage their natural tendencies.

3. Greyhound: The Swift Chaser

Greyhounds are renowned for their speed and agility, traits that make them exceptional racers. However, these same characteristics can cause issues when they share a home with cats. Their instinct to chase is ingrained, and a fleeing cat might trigger their natural pursuit mode. Though Greyhounds are gentle and affectionate with people, their relationship with smaller animals can be more complicated. While some Greyhounds can learn to coexist with cats through careful introductions and training, it’s not always a guarantee.

4. Akita: The Independent Protector

Akitas are known for their loyalty and protective nature. Bred originally in Japan for guarding and hunting large game, Akitas have a strong prey drive and a tendency to be dominant. This assertive demeanor can be intimidating for cats, and Akitas may not respond well to sharing their space with feline companions. Their independent nature means they require a strong leader and consistent training to help them understand boundaries. Without proper management, Akitas can become aggressive toward smaller animals, including cats.

5. Alaskan Malamute: The Powerful Pack Leader

Alaskan Malamutes are powerful dogs with a history of working in harsh Arctic conditions. Their strength and intelligence make them excellent working dogs, but these traits can also lead to challenges in a household with cats. Malamutes have a natural pack mentality and strong prey instincts, which can make them view cats as potential prey or intruders. They require a lot of socialization and training to help them understand that cats are family, not foes. Even then, some Malamutes may struggle to resist their natural urges.

6. Dachshund: The Determined Digging Dog

Dachshunds, with their elongated bodies and tenacious personalities, were bred for hunting burrowing animals. This history means they have a strong prey drive and an inclination to chase smaller creatures. Their determination and curiosity can make them a challenge in homes with cats, as they may constantly pursue the feline members of the household. While Dachshunds are loving companions, their hunting instincts can be difficult to curb, requiring patient training and supervision.

7. Weimaraner: The Bold Bird Dog

Weimaraners are strikingly beautiful dogs known for their grace and hunting prowess. Bred for hunting large game, they possess a strong prey drive and a fearless nature. This combination can make them difficult to manage around cats, as their inclination to chase is ever-present. Weimaraners are intelligent and require mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom, which can exacerbate their chasing tendencies. Training and early socialization are crucial for helping them adapt to a home with cats.

8. Beagle: The Scent-Driven Explorer

Beagles are famous for their keen sense of smell and boundless curiosity. These traits make them excellent hunters, but they can also lead to challenges when living with cats. Beagles are driven by their noses, and a cat can easily become the object of their attention. Their playful nature may be mistaken for aggression by cats, leading to tension in the household. While Beagles can be trained to coexist with cats, it requires patience and consistent effort from their owners.

9. Border Collie: The Intelligent Herding Dog

Border Collies are renowned for their intelligence and herding abilities. Bred to manage livestock, they have a strong herding instinct that can extend to cats in the home. This instinct can lead to behaviors like chasing and nipping, which are not well-tolerated by feline companions. Border Collies need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to keep them occupied, which can help mitigate their herding tendencies. However, their natural instincts can make it challenging for them to live peacefully with cats.

10. Australian Cattle Dog: The Persistent Herdsman

Australian Cattle Dogs, also known as Blue Heelers, are hardworking dogs with a strong herding instinct. This breed is known for its determination and intelligence, traits that make them excellent at controlling cattle. However, these same traits can lead to difficulties in a home with cats. Their instinct to herd can result in chasing and nipping at cats, which can create a stressful environment. Proper training and socialization from a young age are crucial for helping them adapt to a multi-pet household.

11. Irish Wolfhound: The Gentle Giant with a Chase Instinct

Irish Wolfhounds are known for their impressive size and gentle nature with humans. Despite their calm demeanor, they have a strong instinct to chase due to their history as hunting dogs. This instinct can be triggered by a cat’s sudden movements, leading to potential issues in a shared household. While Irish Wolfhounds can be trained to live with cats, their size and strength mean that supervision and training are essential to ensure safety for both pets.

12. Shih Tzu: The Small Protector with a Big Personality

Shih Tzus are small dogs with a big personality and a protective streak. Although they were bred as companion animals, they have a strong tendency to guard their territory. This protective nature can lead to conflicts with cats, especially if they feel their space is being invaded. Shih Tzus are known for their loyalty and devotion to their owners, which can sometimes translate into jealousy toward other pets. Proper socialization and training can help manage these tendencies, but it requires dedication from the owner.

In conclusion, while it’s possible for some dogs to live harmoniously with cats, these 12 breeds may face challenges due to their natural instincts and characteristics. It’s important for potential pet owners to understand these tendencies and be prepared for the commitment it takes to train and socialize both animals properly. With patience and effort, a peaceful coexistence can be achieved, but it’s essential to recognize the challenges that may arise with these specific breeds.