We’ve all heard the saying, “They fight like cats and dogs,” but the truth is that cats and dogs are not mortal enemies. Often, cats and dogs get along just like any other members of a family. Sometimes they fuss, sometimes they fight, but many times, you’ll find them collaborating to steal food, grooming each other, and curling up together at bedtime.
If you want to improve your odds of having peace in your multipet kingdom, consider getting a feline breed that is more likely to be temperamentally suited for sharing households with dogs — and bossing canines around a bit. Of course, it’s important to note that, while these friendly felines are known for exhibiting a certain amount of canine compatibility, every cat — and dog — is different, and there’s no guarantee that any cat, regardless of breed, will become best buddies with a dog.
American Shorthair — Confident and Fun-Loving
This affectionate and friendly cat is a social lion who enjoys the company of other pets, including dogs. He’s confident enough to stand his ground and let dogs know not to mess with him, and fun-loving enough to pal around with them once boundaries are established. The American Shorthair’s coat of many colors and patterns is easy to groom.
Japanese Bobtail — Active and Amenable
Clever and energetic, the Japanese Bobtail is an outgoing cat who generally gets along well with everyone, including dogs. He likes to splash water and retrieve toys, making him a perfect playmate for an equally fun-loving dog. The Japanese Bobtail is distinguished by his short to nonexistent tail.
Turkish Angora — Mischievous and Energetic
Don’t be fooled by this cat’s delicate looks and long, silky coat. The energetic and quick-witted Turkish Angora masters the dogs in his household with an iron paw cased in velvet. He has a sense of humor and is not above playing tricks on dogs.
Siberian — Strong and Playful
With a heritage of life in wildest, coldest Russia, the Siberian is more than able to throw his considerable — and well-muscled — weight around when it comes to ruling a passel of dogs. He is a benevolent despot, however, and tends to get along with everyone, as long as they don’t get in the way of his madcap adventures. He may even lead the dogs on a few of them. The Siberian has a triple coat and sports a full collar ruff once he reaches adulthood.
Maine Coon — Big and Relaxed
The sweet and friendly Maine Coon is a mellow fellow of large size. He gets along well with other family members, including those of the canine variety. Self-confident and interested in life, this is one of those cats who enjoys playing fetch, and may be willing to learn to walk on a leash. His long, thick coat comes in many colors and patterns.
Birman — Silky and Sweet
The placid Birman has a secret: He loves to play, especially if it involves pursuing and fetching a ball. Who better to be a dog’s best feline friend? Birmans will even take turns chasing and being chased in a freeform game of tag, making a friendly dog a great companion for this cat. The Birman has a silky, semi-long coat and four little white feet.
Norwegian Forest Cat — Calm and Friendly
The Wegie’s relaxed attitude can make him a good choice for families with dogs, especially if he has been raised with them. If necessary, though, he’s big enough and sturdy enough to let a dog know that it’s time to back off. The Norwegian Forest Cat sports a thick, luxurious fur coat that speaks to his Scandinavian origins.
Tonkinese — Welcoming and Sociable
The friendly, active and playful Tonkinese is a feline greeter who loves the presence of people and dogs. He enjoys hanging out with his canine pals and is likely to join in games of fetch. The Tonk’s gorgeous coat is short and silky.
Ragdoll — Gentle and Easygoing
The Ragdoll is big but gentle. He gets along well with dogs and, like them, can learn to walk on a leash. This is a beautiful cat with a semi-longhaired coat that comes in a variety of patterns and colors and is easy to groom.
Turkish Van — Water-Loving Leader
Another Turkish breed, the Van, can get along great with dogs, just as long as they know he is the one in charge. This active, energetic cat is known for his love of retrieving and his enjoyment of playing in water. Choose him if you share your home with water-loving dogs. The Turkish Van’s silky, medium-length coat is easy to groom.
