Are you a kind of individuals who simply can’t resolve when you’re a canine particular person or a cat particular person? Many people love each of those lovable creatures and want they may very well be besties. Fortunately, with a little bit effort, canine and cats can be taught to get alongside and develop into the final word duo.
In case you have a feline good friend at residence, you could 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 together with your cat.
To assist make your determination simpler, we’ve compiled an inventory of the perfect small canine breeds for cats.
23 Finest Small Canine Breeds for Cats
So, with none additional ado, listed here are the highest 23 small canine breeds that may develop into your kitty’s new finest good friend.
1. Chihuahua
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Chihuahuas and cats are extra alike than you would possibly suppose. They’re comparable in measurement, simply as clever, and like to play. Whilst you would possibly see your Chihuahua chasing your cat across the backyard, it’s normally only a sport. As soon as they’re again inside, they’ll be completely happy to snuggle up subsequent to their feline good friend.
One of many the explanation why Chihuahuas may 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 is usually a bit feisty, however that doesn’t imply they’ll’t coexist peacefully.
2. Teacup Bichon Frise
Teacup Bichon Frises are lovable little balls of fluff and like to play, making them an important addition to any household with furry pals. They have an inclination 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 can be nice pals with a Bichon.
3. Pug
Pugs are identified for being typically good-tempered and sociable, they usually pack loads of love into their small our bodies. These cute and cheeky canine 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 gained’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, identified for his or her quick legs, pointy ears, and fluffy butt that everybody adores. They’re additionally identified for his or her loyalty and intelligence, and whereas not all Corgis are loopy about cats, these two pets can develop into the perfect of pals.
These cute pups have a herding intuition, so it’s necessary to show them that cats shouldn’t be herded. Whereas a Corgi might even see a cat as a pesky vermin, it’s unlikely that they are going to harm them. In actual fact, you would possibly discover it fairly amusing to look at a Corgi attempt to herd a cat round the home.
5. Maltese
Cats and Maltese canine make a curious however charming pair. This pint-sized pooch weighs lower than your common cat and is a loving, laid-back 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 canine are stuffed with vitality and like to play, particularly with different furry pals. Whereas they might be a bit too fragile for the massive canine park, they’re the proper measurement to frolic together with your kitty at residence. Plus, their luxurious, silky coat makes for wonderful snuggling on chilly days.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a captivating and pleasant canine that was bred to be a companion canine. Cavaliers are adaptable and mild little creatures, making them the best emotional help canine and good friend to your feline.
With their laid-back nature, they gained’t be fazed by a cat (or two) in the home, making them an important alternative you probably have bossier feline pals. They will generally develop into overexcited, however you may merely be sure that their feline good friend has house to take a break.
7. Beagle
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Beagles are identified for his or her pleasant, sociable nature and love for being a part of a pack, making them nice cat companions. Though they may chase one another whereas out within the yard, Beagles will deal with your kitty gently inside the home.
In the event you’re considering of including a Beagle to your family, it’s necessary to notice that they might develop a “pack mentality” if there are too lots 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 pals getting alongside simply wonderful.
8. Chinese language Crested
Though they might be thought-about an ugly canine breed, the Chinese language Crested actually makes up for his or her unconventional appears to be like in character. They get alongside effectively with different canine, cats, and small animals, in order that they’ll slot in effectively with any multi-pet properties.
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 provide the Chinese language Crested an opportunity, they’ll make for nice 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 may be skilled to be cat-friendly. The smaller varieties, such because the miniature and toy poodles, are normally much less intimidating to cats and sometimes develop into quick pals with their feline housemates.
Poodles’ lively nature means they require loads of train and playtime, which is nice for constructing a robust bond together with your cat. Plus, they don’t shed a lot, which is a large bonus for individuals who undergo from allergic reactions.
10. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are identified for his or her perky, completely happy temperaments and are nice at making new pals, together with felines. They’ve a low vitality stage and love spending time cuddling with their people or lounging on the sofa, so including a cat to the combination is not any drawback.
Shih Tzus have been as soon as the prized lap canine 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 take into account themselves far too necessary 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 good friend. In contrast to some small breeds that bark on the slightest sound, they’re typically quiet, which is a large aid to your feline good friend’s nerves.
These candy little canine are additionally impartial thinkers and like to have their very own house to chill out and observe the world round them, very like cats. They wish to be perched up excessive, so present them with loads of vertical house in your house, equivalent to a tall cat tree they’ll climb.
12. Boston Terrier
Terrier breeds are normally 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 develop into buddies with the opposite furry animals in your house.
Their distinctive function is that they’re very simple to coach, making them a sensible choice for pairing with a cat. Whereas they might generally chase after the cat, it’s normally 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 stunning creature with huge wing-like ears. However regardless of its dainty look, this little pup has some severe cat-like qualities.
Papillons are agile and curious, identical to their feline counterparts, making them a super addition to households with cats. These playful pups 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 gained’t overwhelm them, the Pomeranian is a superb possibility. These charming toy canine are normally 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 measurement means they’ll get loads of train simply by enjoying with their kitty pals and operating round the home.
15. French Bulldog
Opposite to well-liked perception, French Bulldogs (Frenchies) and cats may be nice pals. These lovable little pups might look grumpy, however they’re huge softies at coronary heart. Frenchies typically get alongside effectively with different animals, because of their minimal prey drive.
Frenchies are identified for his or her pleasant and nice temperament, making them good for cohabiting with cats. And, being about the identical measurement as the common cat, it’s much more possible that they are going to get alongside effectively.
16. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher appears to be like identical to a tiny monkey, stuffed with mischief and cuteness. Regardless of being a little bit ball of vitality, these wire-haired pups have a sure calmness that makes them nice companions to their human and feline households.
As they have been initially bred as ratting canine, Affenpinschers have a tendency to not do effectively with smaller rodent pets equivalent to hamsters, ferrets, or gerbils. Fortunately, their pure curiosity and playful nature make them nice pals to your kitty.
17. Dachshund
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In relation to Dachshunds and cats, it’s simple to imagine that they gained’t get alongside, however that’s not all the time the case. These little pups, often known as wiener canine, are notoriously cussed, however they’re additionally social creatures that may reside in concord together with your kitty.
Dachshunds have loads of character and like to be part of the household. In actual fact, some have been identified 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 completely happy to share the identical house with their kitty counterparts.
Apparently, 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.
19. Miniature Schnauzer
The lovable Miniature Schnauzer belongs to the toy canine group, which suggests they’re the proper measurement to coexist peacefully together with your kitty.
These little pups have wonderful social abilities and are sometimes extra more likely 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 measurement, however they’ve huge personalities. These little canine may be fairly bossy, in order that they want a cat that may deal with their strong-willed demeanor and occasional barking outbursts.
Regardless of their measurement similarity, these little guys have very completely different personalities. Whereas Yorkies are energetic and outgoing, cats are usually extra laid-back and reserved. This could generally trigger clashes, particularly in case your kitty feels threatened by the canine’s robust character.
However, you probably have a well-trained Yorkie, you might simply have discovered your cat’s new finest good friend.
21. Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffons will not be simply small and spunky; they’re additionally nice friends to different pets. These clever canine have tons of character and are social animals who thrive on companionship.
Regardless of their generally delicate and high-strung nature, Brussels Griffons are identified for his or her capacity to coexist peacefully with cats. They’re sufficiently small in measurement to not intimidate their feline counterparts and are desperate to please and make new pals.
22. Havanese
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The Havanese is a breed that simply can’t resist cuddle. They might have been bred as lap canine, however additionally they have a love for different animals. These cute pups are identified for being light, playful, outgoing, and loving in the direction of youngsters, different canine, and feline pals.
Havanese canine have a excessive tolerance for different animals and will not be fast to indicate aggression or anger, making them a wonderful match for multi-pet households. Moreover, their small measurement makes them unlikely to unintentionally harm their cat siblings whereas enjoying.
23. Pekingese
Pekingese are clever and affectionate little canine that make loyal pets. With their lengthy manes and stocky construct, they have been bred to reside as pampered royal pets within the palaces of Chinese language emperors.
Regardless of their bossy tendencies, Pekingese can get alongside effectively with cats. Their low-energy and laidback nature make them an ideal match for a feline good friend, they usually gained’t thoughts sharing the highlight or the couch.
FAQS: Finest Small Canine Breeds for Cats
There are some things to remember when choosing a buddy to your canine or cat. Listed below are some widespread questions you is perhaps worrying about.
Which Canine Breeds To Keep away from for Households With Cats?
It’s finest to keep away from canine breeds with a robust prey drive, equivalent to terriers, or high-energy herding breeds, like Border Collies. Terriers have 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 canine can be taught to get together with cats with persistence, coaching, and correct socialization. Nevertheless, it’s important to introduce them step by step and below supervision.
What Can I Do if My Canine and Cat Aren’t Getting Alongside?
In case your furry pals aren’t getting alongside, security ought to be your high precedence. Think about protecting them aside by utilizing child gates, crates, or separate rooms. If you’re not round, supervise their interactions or preserve them separated. If the state of affairs doesn’t enhance, take into account looking for assist from an expert coach or behaviorist to assist them discover ways to reside collectively harmoniously.
Remaining Ideas on the Finest Small Canine Breeds for Cats
Choosing the proper canine breed to introduce to your cat (or vice versa) is essential for a pleasant relationship. Whereas many small canine breeds can get alongside effectively 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 persistence, your cat and canine can develop into the perfect of pals.
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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 be able to’t wait to have a schedule that permits her to have a canine of her personal (for now it’s two Siberian cats) and loves studying about canine breeds and canine habits.
