Dogs that get along with cats: 9 breeds with a genuinely low prey drive

Toy group · 6 to 8 kg · 9 to 14 years

Cavaliers were bred purely as companion dogs with no hunting or herding drive toward small animals, and that lack of a working prey instinct is exactly why this breed tends to settle into a calm, curious relationship with a resident cat rather than an adversarial one. Weighing only 5 to 8 kg, they're not physically intimidating to a confident cat either. Introductions still matter, done gradually over days rather than forced together immediately. The caveat: individual temperament varies, and a Cavalier raised without early exposure to cats may still chase out of excitement rather than genuine prey drive.

Sporting group · 25 to 34 kg · 10 to 12 years

Golden Retrievers were bred to retrieve birds gently in the mouth without damaging them, a soft mouth trait that generally extends to a broader gentleness around other animals, including cats, when introductions are handled with care. Their high sociability score toward other dogs often extends similarly to cats they're raised alongside from puppyhood. Weighing 25 to 34 kg, their size still means early training around calm greetings matters for a cat's comfort. The caveat: an individual Golden's chase instinct toward a fast moving, unfamiliar cat outdoors can still activate even with excellent house manners toward a resident cat.

Sporting group · 25 to 36 kg · 11 to 13 years

Labradors were bred to retrieve waterfowl cooperatively alongside other dogs and handlers, a role that selected against aggression or strong prey drive toward companion animals, and that generally extends to a workable relationship with a resident cat given a proper introduction. Weighing 25 to 36 kg, their size and enthusiasm still mean early training around calm, controlled greetings matters more than with a smaller breed. The caveat: a Labrador's food motivation can create resource guarding tension around shared spaces like feeding areas, so separate feeding stations genuinely help multi species households.

Non-sporting group · 5 to 8 kg · 14 to 16 years

Bichon Frises were bred purely as companion dogs with essentially no hunting instinct bred into the line, and that lack of prey drive, combined with their generally playful, easygoing temperament, tends to make introductions to a resident cat smoother than with many breeds. Weighing only 5 to 8 kg, they're not a physical threat to a confident cat. Their playful energy can initially read as pestering to a more reserved cat, so a gradual introduction still matters. The caveat: a Bichon's enthusiasm for play doesn't always match a cat's preferred pace, so separate retreat space for the cat helps early on.

Toy group · 3 to 6 kg · 14 to 16 years

Havanese were bred as household companions in Cuba with no working or hunting background, and that history shows in a temperament that's generally curious rather than predatory toward smaller animals, including a resident cat, once introductions are handled gradually. Weighing only 4.5 to 7 kg, they're not physically imposing to a confident cat. Their people focused nature means they're often more interested in human attention than pursuing the cat anyway. The caveat: this breed's high energy and enthusiasm can still overwhelm a nervous or elderly cat, so a phased introduction over days matters.

Hound group · 20 to 29 kg · 10 to 12 years

Basset Hounds move at a genuinely slow, deliberate pace that rarely triggers a cat's flight response the way a fast, bouncy breed might, and their low energy generally translates into a calm coexistence with a resident cat once the initial introduction period passes. Weighing 20 to 29 kg, their size is offset by their famously laid back temperament. Their strong nose does mean genuine interest in a cat's litter box contents, so placement matters for hygiene reasons regardless of the pets' relationship. The caveat: their scenting drive can still translate into following a cat around persistently, which some cats find genuinely irritating rather than charming.

Working group · 45 to 70 kg · 8 to 10 years

Newfoundlands carry an unusually gentle, patient temperament and notably low energy, both of which generally support a calm relationship with a resident cat once introductions are handled slowly and the cat has safe elevated retreat spaces. Weighing 55 to 70 kg, their size means careful management matters most in the early stages, a cat needs room to observe from a distance before closer contact. Their historically documented tolerance of other animals on working boats supports this reputation. The caveat: even a gentle dog this large can unintentionally injure a cat through simple size difference during play, so supervision during early interactions matters.

Herding group · 21 to 34 kg · 12 to 14 years

Rough Collies were bred to herd livestock through communication and gentle guidance rather than aggression or a hard prey drive, and that same soft, watchful temperament generally extends well to a resident cat once a gradual introduction has taken place. Weighing 20 to 34 kg, their herding instinct may show up as trying to herd the cat's movements, more an annoyance than a threat to most cats. Their high trainability makes teaching a settle cue around the cat genuinely achievable. The caveat: this herding instinct needs redirecting through training, since an unmanaged Collie can pester a cat persistently even without hostile intent.

Non-sporting group · 20 to 32 kg · 12 to 15 years

Standard Poodles were bred as retrievers, not predators, and their high trainability means teaching calm, controlled behavior around a resident cat tends to progress faster than with less biddable breeds, often within a few weeks of consistent, positive introductions. Weighing 20 to 32 kg, their size still means supervised introductions matter, done gradually with the cat given control over distance and pace. Their playful, people focused nature means they're often more interested in engaging a person than pursuing the cat. The caveat: individual prey drive still varies within the breed, so a gradual, cat led introduction process matters regardless of the breed's general reputation.