9 Dog Breeds That Just Don’t Get Along With Cats

When it comes to living with both dogs and cats under one roof, not all breeds are compatible. While some dogs and cats form strong bonds and live harmoniously, there are certain dog breeds that just don’t get along with cats. These breeds tend to have strong prey drives, high energy levels, or natural instincts that can make interactions with cats challenging, if not dangerous.

Understanding which dog breeds are less likely to coexist peacefully with cats can help pet owners make informed decisions and avoid stressful situations. In this blog, we’ll explore nine dog breeds that typically don’t get along with cats, providing insight into their behaviors and the reasons behind their incompatibility.

Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or have experience with both species, knowing which dogs to be cautious about can make a significant difference in your multi-pet household dynamics.

1. Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are known for their independent and energetic nature. While they are friendly and affectionate toward humans, their relationship with cats can be a bit more complicated. This breed has a strong prey drive, meaning they instinctively chase smaller animals like cats.

Huskies were originally bred to pull sleds in cold climates, so they have a high level of energy and endurance. This drive to chase can often lead them to view cats as something to pursue rather than companions. If a Husky is raised with cats from a young age and properly trained, they may get along, but it’s still a risk.

Even if they don’t intend harm, their high energy can make interactions with cats stressful. Their natural instincts often take over, especially in unfamiliar situations or environments, making it difficult for them to coexist peacefully with felines.

2. Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are energetic and strong-willed dogs with a strong prey drive. Originally bred as hunting dogs, these terriers have a natural instinct to chase and catch small animals, including cats. Their high energy and inquisitive nature can lead them to approach cats with an intense desire to play, which can easily be misinterpreted as aggression.

Despite their small size, they are known for their boldness and persistence, which can make them a challenge in a home with cats. A Jack Russell’s quick reflexes and hunting instincts often mean that even the most well-behaved cat may not be safe from the dog’s pursuit.

Training and early socialization can help mitigate some of these tendencies, but it’s important to be aware that these dogs may still struggle to get along with cats, especially if they haven’t been raised with them.

3. Greyhound

Greyhounds are known for their speed and grace, often described as “sight hounds” due to their reliance on sight to chase prey. Although Greyhounds are typically calm and gentle around humans, their instincts to chase smaller animals like cats can make them difficult to coexist with.

A Greyhound’s prey drive is one of its most powerful traits, and this instinct can be triggered by the quick movements of a cat. While some Greyhounds, especially those that have been raised in homes with cats, can get along with them, many have a hard time distinguishing between a playmate and prey.

Their natural hunting instincts can take over, and they may chase cats, leading to dangerous situations. Proper training and supervision are essential, but even then, a Greyhound may never fully trust its instincts around a cat.

4. Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamutes are large, strong dogs that were originally bred for hauling heavy loads in harsh conditions. Due to their size and power, they can be overwhelming for smaller animals like cats. While they are generally friendly and good-natured with humans, their natural hunting instincts can cause them to view smaller animals, including cats, as prey.

Alaskan Malamutes have a strong prey drive, which means they may chase or attempt to catch a cat if given the opportunity. Their dominant and territorial nature may also contribute to a lack of patience with other animals in the household.

Although early socialization and training can help minimize aggressive tendencies, their size and strength make it difficult to ensure safety for cats in the same household. Even well-behaved Malamutes may struggle to co-exist peacefully with cats.

5. Beagle

Beagles are scent hounds that are renowned for their keen sense of smell and hunting abilities. Like many hounds, Beagles have a strong prey drive that can make them a challenge to keep around cats. While Beagles are generally friendly and social dogs, their instinct to chase small animals, including cats, can cause problems in multi-pet households.

Beagles often need to track scents, and if they pick up on a cat’s scent, they may try to track it down, potentially leading to dangerous interactions. They are known for being persistent, so once a Beagle starts chasing a cat, it can be difficult to stop them.

Despite their generally gentle demeanor, their natural instincts make it hard for Beagles to always get along with cats. Proper training, early socialization, and supervision are essential in managing this behavior.

6. Border Collie

Border Collies are highly intelligent and energetic dogs known for their herding abilities. While they are often great with other dogs and humans, their instinct to herd can make it difficult for them to get along with cats.

Border Collies may view cats as something to be herded, and their strong drive to control and direct movements can result in chasing and harassing the cat. Even if the cat isn’t seen as prey, the Border Collie may engage in behavior that causes stress or discomfort to the feline.

Their intense focus and energy can be overwhelming for cats, and they may inadvertently cause harm through persistent chasing. Border Collies that have been raised with cats from a young age and properly trained may have better outcomes, but their natural instincts make it challenging for them to get along with cats.

7. Weimaraner

Weimaraners are highly active, intelligent dogs with a strong prey drive. Originally bred for hunting, they have a deep instinct to chase smaller animals like cats. Their athleticism and speed make them excellent hunters, but these same traits can make them problematic in a household with cats.

Weimaraners are known for their strong will and determination, and if they are not properly trained and socialized from an early age, their prey drive can easily be triggered by the sight or movement of a cat. Their persistence can make interactions with cats stressful, and they may not always recognize the boundaries of acceptable behavior.

While some Weimaraners can learn to coexist with cats, it takes consistent training, supervision, and patience to manage their instincts around smaller animals.

8. Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinschers are strong, protective dogs known for their loyalty and intelligence. While they can be great companions, their high energy levels and protective nature can make them difficult to live with in a household that has cats.

Dobermans are known for their keen instincts, and their natural guarding tendencies can cause them to view smaller animals like cats as potential threats or prey. Their intense focus and alertness make them great guard dogs, but this can also mean they are highly reactive to fast-moving animals.

If not properly socialized with cats, Dobermans may chase or even become aggressive towards them. While training can help manage some of these tendencies, the Doberman’s strong prey drive can make it difficult for them to live peacefully with cats.

9. Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dogs, also known as Blue Heelers, are highly intelligent and energetic dogs with strong herding instincts. These dogs are known for their determination and work ethic, which can translate into a natural tendency to herd smaller animals, including cats.

While they are generally loyal and protective toward their families, their high energy and strong drive to herd can make them incompatible with cats, especially if the cat is not accustomed to being herded. The Australian Cattle Dog may chase or nip at a cat to get them to move, causing stress or fear in the cat.

Even if they don’t intend harm, their persistence and high energy levels can make it difficult for them to get along with felines. Proper training and early socialization are crucial, but these dogs may never fully trust their instincts around a cat.

Bottom Line

Choosing the right dog breed is essential for creating a peaceful home, especially if you have cats. Some dogs have an innate prey drive or strong territorial instincts that make living with cats difficult. By understanding these behaviors, pet owners can take the necessary precautions to manage interactions or choose breeds that are more likely to coexist peacefully.

If you’re considering adding a dog to your household and already have a cat, it’s crucial to research the breed thoroughly. With proper training and early socialization, certain breeds may adapt to living with cats, but it’s important to be realistic about potential challenges.

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