It might be common to hear that cats and dogs are arch-rivals, but it doesn’t always have to be that scenario. Certain dog breeds are naturally inclined to peacefully coexist with cats, while some may find it more challenging. However, establishing peace in your multi-pet household is not mere luck. Understanding each breed’s unique temperament, hunting instincts, and energy levels plays a crucial role.
Join us as we explore the “Worst Dog Breeds for Cats.” This article may confront some commonly held beliefs and challenge the dog-cat dynamics you thought you knew.
1. Akita
Akitas are large, powerful dogs originating from Japan. They possess strong guarding instincts and often develop intense loyalty to their families. While they can be loving and gentle around children, Akitas may show aggression towards other animals. As natural hunters, their high prey drive makes them unsuitable to be around cats.
2. Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes, bred for their strength and endurance as sled dogs, have a high energy level and need constant physical stimulation. Mals can be curious and dominant around smaller animals, including cats, due to their inherent predatory instincts.
3. Australian Cattle Dog
Originally bred to herd cattle, Australian Cattle Dogs possess a robust herding instinct. They are high-energy, intelligent, and may become territorial and aggressive around other animals, including cats.
4. Basenji
The Basenji is a small, agile breed from Africa. They are known for their curiosity, intelligence, and independent nature. As natural hunters, Basenjis have a strong prey drive and may be aggressive towards smaller animals, making them a poor match for homes with cats.
5. Beagle
Though friendly and loving, Beagles were bred as hunting dogs with keen senses – sniffing out and pursuing small game. Their high energy level, coupled with their innate hunting instincts, can make coexistence with cats challenging.
6. Belgian Malinois
These intelligent, energetic, and confident dogs were initially bred for herding and are now popular police and military dogs. Due to their protective nature, they may be aggressive or possessive towards other animals, including cats.
7. Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are powerful, affectionate dogs with a robust scenting ability. Historically used for tracking humans and game, their high prey drive could translate into aggression towards smaller animals like cats.
8. Borzoi
Borzoi dogs, known for their speed and elegance, were bred to hunt game. Their keen prey drive makes them unsafe around smaller animals, and they might instinctively give chase to cats.
9. Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs are large, powerful, and protective dogs. They were bred to guard estates and thus have strong territorial instincts. Although gentle with family members, they may see cats as intruders and behave aggressively towards them.
10. Dachshund
Despite their small size, Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers and other small game. They are courageous and have a strong prey drive, which can endanger cats in the presence of these strong-willed dogs.
11. Doberman Pinscher
Originally bred as guard dogs, Dobermans can be loyal, intelligent, and protective. Their strong guarding instincts might cause them to perceive cats as a threat, leading to aggression.
12. English Springer Spaniel
These dogs were bred for flushing out birds during hunting sessions. Their instinct to chase small animals is high, which makes them unsuitable to live alongside cats.
13. Fox Terrier
Small and energetic, Fox Terriers were bred to hunt foxes and other vermin. Their strong prey drive and high energy may endanger cats, especially when bored or not exercised sufficiently.
14. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are intelligent, loyal, and protective dogs. They were bred for herding and may be aggressive towards other animals they perceive as a threat, including cats.
15. Great Dane
Despite their gentle nature, these massive dogs were originally bred as guard dogs and hunters. Their size and inborn prey drive might unintentionally harm smaller animals like cats.
16. Greyhound
Bred for hunting and coursing, Greyhounds have a strong prey drive. This trait often manifests as an uncontrollable urge to chase smaller animals, posing a threat to feline companions.
17. Jack Russell Terrier
Energetic and tenacious, Jack Russell Terriers were bred to hunt foxes and other small game. Even though they are small dogs, their inherent prey drive can make them dangerous to cohabitate with cats.
18. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Majestic and loyal, Rhodesian Ridgebacks were bred for tracking and hunting large game. Their strong prey drive and powerful build mean living with cats is not ideal.
19. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are strong, intelligent, and protective dogs. Originally bred for herding and guarding, they can become aggressive towards animals they perceive as a threat, including cats.
20. Saluki
The regal Saluki is one of the oldest dog breeds from the Middle East. Their strong prey drive and fast speed can make it difficult for them to coexist peacefully with cats.
21. Shiba Inu
Independent and strong-willed, Shiba Inus are the smallest Japanese dog breeds. Prone to dog aggression, they may also have difficulty getting along with cats due to their high prey drive.
22. Siberian Husky
Bred as working sled dogs, Siberian Huskies are known for their high energy and strong-willed nature. Their strong hunting instincts might put smaller animals, like cats, at risk.
23. Thai Ridgeback
This rare and intelligent breed originated in Thailand for hunting and protection. Their strong prey drive makes them unsuitable companions for cats.
24. Weimaraner
Bred as hunting dogs, Weimaraners are energetic and intelligent. Their deep-rooted hunting instincts can make them a potential threat to cats and other small animals.
25. Whippet
Whippets, a slender and graceful breed, were bred for the coursing game. Their instinct to chase small, fast-moving creatures puts cats at risk in their presence.