Are you a type of individuals who simply can’t determine when you’re a canine particular person or a cat particular person? Many people love each of those lovely creatures and need they may very well be besties. Fortunately, with a bit effort, canines and cats can be taught to get alongside and turn out to be the last word duo. Relating to one of the best canine breeds for cats, going smaller could be a good suggestion.
In case you have a feline pal at house, it is advisable to select a canine breed that’s extra tolerant of cats. And if you have already got a canine, correct pet socialization is essential to making sure they’ll get alongside along with your cat.
To assist make your determination simpler, we’ve compiled a listing of one of the best small canine breeds for cats.
23 Finest Small Canine Breeds for Cats
So, with none additional ado, listed here are the highest 23 small canines that get together with cats.
1. Chihuahua
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Chihuahuas and cats are extra alike than you would possibly suppose. They’re related in dimension, simply as clever, and like to play. Whilst you would possibly see your Chihuahua chasing your cat across the backyard, it’s often only a recreation. As soon as they’re again inside, they’ll be joyful to snuggle up subsequent to their feline pal.
One of many the explanation why Chihuahuas could be nice with cats is their happy-go-lucky nature. Many are laid again and extremely playful, making them the proper playmate to your kitty. In fact, some Chihuahuas could be a bit feisty, however that doesn’t imply they will’t coexist peacefully.
2. Teacup Bichon Frise
Teacup Bichon Frises are lovely little balls of fluff and like to play, making them an incredible addition to any household with furry buddies. They have a tendency to get alongside famously with different pets, particularly when launched at a younger age.
Their bubbly and outgoing nature could also be overwhelming for cats preferring a extra laid-back life-style. However most cats who tolerate (and even get pleasure from) their playful antics might be nice buddies with a Bichon.
3. Pug
Pugs are recognized for being usually good-tempered and sociable, and so they pack a whole lot of love into their small our bodies. So in relation to one of the best small canines with cats no marvel these cuties are excessive up the listing. These cute and cheeky canines have a particular expertise for snuggling up subsequent to their feline companions and utilizing them as a supply of heat and luxury.
Plus, they like to play and tease, making them the proper companion for cats who aren’t simply delay by uninvited advances. Pugs additionally get pleasure from lounging round, so that you received’t have to fret about them chasing your cat.
4. Corgi
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Corgis are one of many cutest and hottest canine breeds on the market, recognized for his or her quick legs, pointy ears, and fluffy butt that everybody adores. They’re additionally recognized for his or her loyalty and intelligence, and whereas not all Corgis are loopy about cats, they’re among the best canines in relation to getting together with felines.
These cute pups have a herding intuition, so it’s vital to show them that cats shouldn’t be herded. Whereas a Corgi may even see a cat as a pesky vermin, it’s unlikely that they may damage them. In truth, you would possibly discover it fairly amusing to observe a Corgi attempt to herd a cat round the home.
5. Maltese
Cats and Maltese canines make a curious however charming pair. This pint-sized pooch weighs lower than your common cat and is a good companion. With a carefree perspective and a choice for lounging on the sofa, Maltese are unlikely to get in a cat’s means.
However don’t let their relaxed nature idiot you: these little canines are stuffed with power and like to play, particularly with different furry buddies. Whereas they might be a bit too fragile for the large canine park, they’re the proper dimension to frolic along with your kitty at house. Plus, their luxurious, silky coat makes for glorious snuggling on chilly days.
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6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an enthralling and pleasant canine that was bred to be a companion canine. Cavaliers are adaptable and delicate little creatures, making them the perfect emotional help canine and a cat-friendly canine breed.
With their laid-back nature, they received’t be fazed by a cat (or two) in the home, making them an incredible selection if in case you have bossier feline buddies. They will generally turn out to be overexcited, however you’ll be able to merely be certain that their feline pal has area to take a break.
7. Beagle
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Beagles are recognized for his or her pleasant, sociable nature and love for being a part of a pack, making them nice cat companions. Though they could chase one another whereas out within the yard, Beagles will deal with your kitty gently inside the home.
Should you’re pondering of including a Beagle to your family, it’s vital to notice that they might develop a “pack mentality” if there are too a lot of them, which might result in bother to your cat. So, it’s higher to stay to only one Beagle and benefit from the firm of two furry buddies getting alongside simply high quality.
8. Chinese language Crested
Though they might be thought of an ugly canine breed, the Chinese language Crested actually makes up for his or her unconventional seems to be in character. They get alongside nicely with different canines, cats, and small animals, so that they’ll slot in nicely with any multi-pet properties.
You would possibly get pleasure from studying my article on canines and ragdoll cats.
Although they’re playful and loving, they could be a little shy, which might result in a feisty feline taking cost. Nevertheless, in case your kitty is prepared to offer the Chinese language Crested an opportunity, they’ll make for excellent companions.
9. Miniature or Toy Poodle
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The lovable Poodle is available in three sizes: commonplace, miniature, and toy. All of them are extremely smart and could be skilled to be cat-friendly. The smaller varieties, such because the miniature and toy poodles, are often much less intimidating to cats and infrequently turn out to be quick buddies with their feline housemates.
Poodles’ lively nature means they require loads of train and playtime, which is nice for constructing a robust bond along with your cat. Plus, they don’t shed a lot, which is a big bonus for individuals who undergo from allergic reactions.
10. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are recognized for his or her perky, joyful temperaments and are nice at making new buddies, together with felines. They’ve a low power stage and love spending time cuddling with their people or lounging on the sofa, so including a cat to the combo is not any drawback.
Shih Tzus had been as soon as the prized lap canines of Chinese language emperors, and their royal roots would possibly simply clarify why they’re so well-tolerated by their feline siblings. Shih Tzus are non-confrontational and think about themselves far too vital to interact in pointless skirmishes with these they really feel are under them (aka cats).
11. Tibetan Spaniel
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Tibetan Spaniels are a playful and affectionate breed that’s certain to win the hearts of each you and your feline pal. Not like some small breeds that bark on the slightest sound, they’re usually quiet, which is a big aid to your feline pal’s nerves.
These candy little canines are additionally impartial thinkers and like to have their very own area to loosen up and observe the world round them, very like cats. They wish to be perched up excessive, so present them with loads of vertical area in your house, akin to a tall cat tree they will climb.
12. Boston Terrier
Terrier breeds are often not keen on cats, however Boston Terriers are the exception to the rule. These pups could also be small, however they’ve loving, heat personalities and are fast to turn out to be buddies with the opposite furry animals in your house.
Their distinctive characteristic is that they’re very straightforward to coach, making them a sensible choice for pairing with a cat. Whereas they might generally chase after the cat, it’s often only for enjoyable and never pushed by any prey instincts.
13. Papillon
The Papillon, named after the French phrase for “butterfly,” is a fragile and lovely creature with huge wing-like ears. However regardless of its dainty look, this little pup has some critical cat-like qualities.
Papillons are agile and curious, identical to their feline counterparts, making them a super addition to households with cats. These cat-friendly canines love nothing greater than spending time with their kitty siblings, whether or not they’re exploring collectively or snuggling up for a nap.
14. Pomeranian
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In case your cat enjoys enjoying with a fun-loving small canine who received’t overwhelm them, the Pomeranian is a good choice. These charming toy canines are often not more than seven kilos, making them smaller than most cats.
Pomeranians are a high-energy breed, so they might want extra playtime than some cats. Fortunately, their small dimension means they will get a whole lot of train simply by enjoying with their kitty buddies and working round the home.
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15. French Bulldog
Opposite to well-liked perception, French Bulldogs (Frenchies) and cats could be nice buddies. These lovely little pups might look grumpy, however they’re huge softies at coronary heart. Frenchies usually get alongside nicely with different animals, because of their minimal prey drive.
Frenchies are recognized for his or her pleasant and nice temperament, making them excellent for cohabiting with cats. And, being about the identical dimension as the typical cat, it’s much more seemingly that they may get alongside nicely.
16. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher seems to be identical to a tiny monkey, stuffed with mischief and cuteness. Regardless of being a bit ball of power, these wire-haired pups have a sure calmness that makes them nice companions to their human and feline households.
As they had been initially bred as ratting canines, Affenpinschers have a tendency to not do nicely with smaller rodent pets akin to hamsters, ferrets, or gerbils. Fortunately, their pure curiosity and playful nature make them nice buddies to your kitty.
17. Dachshund
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Relating to Dachshunds and cats, it’s straightforward to imagine that they received’t get alongside, however that’s not all the time the case. These little pups, also called wiener canines, are notoriously cussed, however they’re additionally social creatures that may reside in concord along with your kitty.
Dachshunds have a whole lot of character and like to be part of the household. In truth, some have been recognized to cozy up with their cat companions and even groom them like they’d their very own puppies.
18. Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin was initially bred as a companion animal and has a naturally pleasant and loving character, making them nice companions for cats. These little pups love nothing greater than snuggling up with their house owners and are all the time joyful to share the identical area with their kitty counterparts.
Curiously, the phrase “Chin” within the breed’s title means “cat-like,” and the Japanese Chin lives as much as that description with their dainty and sleek actions. They will not be as delicate as a cat, however they’re actually elegant and make a pleasant addition to any family.
You would possibly get pleasure from studying my articles on canine breeds which can be calm and don’t shed and teacup canines.
19. Miniature Schnauzer
The lovely Miniature Schnauzer belongs to the toy canine group, which implies they’re the proper dimension to coexist peacefully along with your kitty.
These little pups have glorious social abilities and are sometimes extra prone to befriend cats than different canine breeds. Whereas warming as much as their feline housemates might take a while, they aren’t usually aggressive towards cats.
20. Yorkshire Terrier
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Yorkshire Terriers could also be small in dimension, however they’ve huge personalities. These little canines could be fairly bossy, so that they want a cat that may deal with their strong-willed demeanor and occasional barking outbursts.
Regardless of their dimension similarity, these little guys have very totally different personalities. Whereas Yorkies are energetic and outgoing, cats are typically extra laid-back and reserved. This will generally trigger clashes, particularly in case your kitty feels threatened by the canine’s robust character.
However, if in case you have a well-trained Yorkie, it’s possible you’ll simply have discovered your cat’s new greatest pal.
21. Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffons aren’t simply small and spunky; they’re additionally nice buddies to different pets. These clever canines have tons of character and are social animals who thrive on companionship.
Regardless of their generally delicate and high-strung nature, Brussels Griffons are recognized for his or her capability to coexist peacefully with cats. They’re sufficiently small in dimension to not intimidate their feline counterparts and are desirous to please and make new buddies.
22. Havanese
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The Havanese is a breed that simply can’t resist cuddle. They could have been bred as lap canines, however additionally they have a love for different animals. These cute pups are recognized for being light, playful, outgoing, and loving in direction of kids, different canines, and feline buddies.
Havanese canines have a excessive tolerance for different animals and aren’t fast to indicate aggression or anger, making them a wonderful match for multi-pet households. Moreover, their small dimension makes them unlikely to unintentionally damage their cat siblings whereas enjoying.
23. Pekingese
Pekingese are clever and affectionate little canines that make loyal pets. With their lengthy manes and stocky construct, this small breed was bred to reside as pampered royal pets within the palaces of Chinese language emperors.
Regardless of their bossy tendencies, Pekingese can get alongside nicely with cats. Their low-energy and laidback nature make them an ideal match for a feline pal, and so they received’t thoughts sharing the highlight or the couch.
FAQS: Finest Small Canine Breeds for Cats
There are some things to remember for cat house owners when choosing a buddy for his or her cat. Listed here are some frequent questions you may be worrying about when occupied with bringing a brand new canine into your life and making a multi-pet family.
Which Canine Breeds To Keep away from for Households With Cats?
It’s greatest to keep away from canine breeds with a robust prey drive, akin to terriers, or high-energy herding breeds, like Border Collies. Terriers had been bred to hunt and kill small furry animals, so they might see your cat as prey. Equally, herding breeds might have an innate want to herd everybody in the home, together with the cats.
Can I Prepare My Canine To Get Alongside With My Cat?
Sure, many canines can be taught to get together with cats with endurance, coaching, and correct socialization. Nevertheless, it’s important to introduce them step by step and underneath supervision.
What Can I Do if My Canine and Cat Aren’t Getting Alongside?
In case your furry buddies aren’t getting alongside, security needs to be your prime precedence. Think about holding them aside by utilizing child gates, crates, or separate rooms. While you’re not round, supervise their interactions or preserve them separated. If the state of affairs doesn’t enhance, think about in search of assist from an expert coach or behaviorist to assist them learn to reside collectively harmoniously.
Remaining Ideas on the Finest Small Canine for Cats
Choosing the proper canine breed to introduce to your feline companion (or vice versa) is essential for a pleasant relationship. Whereas there are small canines which can be good with cats, some are naturally extra cat-friendly than others. Think about your companion’s character and select a breed that matches their temperament. With correct introductions and endurance, your cat and canine can turn out to be one of the best of buddies.
Amanda O’Brien is the proprietor of The Canine Snobs web site. She is canine mad and canine aunt to Clover in London and Poppy in Sydney. She will’t wait to have a schedule that enables her to have a canine of her personal (for now it’s two Siberian cats) and loves studying about canine breeds and canine conduct.
