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Top 8 large Dog Breeds That Are Good with Cats

February 27, 2020
As a dog owner with over 25 years of experience, I can attest that having a dog is one of the most wonderful things that has ever happened in my life. The companionship and joy they bring is incomparable.

Breeds that are good with cats

1. Newfoundland

Dog love cats

Cats and dogs can make great companions, especially when larger breed dogs are treated with the extra care and attention they need. The Newfoundland is an especially gentle giant that tends to get along well with cats. With patience and supervision, cats and dogs can become wonderful friends.

Big Boy with an Even Bigger Heart:

Don’t let his massive size fool you, this big guy is just an enormous softy. Newfoundlands, despite their intimidating size, generally get along with most creatures, especially those that are smaller than them (so, the majority!). He is more likely to become a friend, and fierce protector to his new feline friend, than to hurt him.

This large breed would make the purr-fect kitty-cat companion. They are friendly, loyal, protective, and surprisingly gentle. They have the perfect disposition for a multi-pet household. Though your Newfoundland's size may be intimidating, he has no intention of causing harm. With the right training and supervision, your furry friends will soon become firmly bonded. Patience and understanding are key in helping them form a strong friendship that will last for many years.

 


2. Golden Retriever

Dog love cats

The Golden Retriever is especially good with cats. This dog breed is smart, social, and lovable, and with time, patience, and a few tricks ,your Golden Retriever and cat will get along in not time. For example, when introducing the dog, use a leash and be sure he knows some basic commands like sit, stay, and come. Also, exercise him before the meeting. This will get rid of excess energy and make him more calm and relaxed when meeting your cat.

You won't want to leave your Golden Retriever and cat alone at first. It could go bad either way. Your dog could get a little too nosy and your cat takes a good swipe at his face. There's many scenarios that could happen when a new dog and cat are left unattended, so it's best to place barriers between them. Over time, however, these two will be the best of furry friends and you won't have to worry about leaving them together. They'll love each other's company.

By using proper training techniques, you can expect your dog and cat to bond quickly, especially if the Golden Retriever is a puppy or has already been socialized around cats. As for your cat, she may take some time warming up to this new furry friend, which she may see as a threat. Cats hate change!

Final Verdict: Yes! Golden Retrievers are good with cats.

 


3. German Shepherd

Dog love cats

Despite their sharp intellect, German Shepherds may struggle to differentiate between play and prey when it comes to cats. With patience and training, these intelligent pups can learn to recognize their instincts and enjoy the companionship of cats without any trouble.

However, there is good news. Start socializing a German Shepherd with cats and kittens early on and he will grow up to be great around cats. It's up to you to give your puppy the proper training he needs to know how to behave around cats. Some tips to help your dog overcome his instincts include:

  • Feeding your puppy in close proximity to your cat can help form a strong bond between the two. Start by keeping each animal behind a closed door and on a leash, and gradually bring them side-by-side - with patience, they will become best friends forever!
  • Train your German Shepherd with the essential commands of 'sit', 'stay', and 'leave it' before introducing them to your cat - it will be a great help in keeping both animals safe and secure!

Final Verdict: German shepherds are good with cats if you can socialize them young and help them overcome their prey chasing instincts.


4. Collie

Dog love cats

When considering if a collie is the right fit for your home, it's important to consider some may have an instinctive urge to chase cats. Luckily, many collies are very well suited for homes with cats and can make wonderful companions!

The Collie was genetically bred to herd. They'll herd sheep, cattle, small children - and, yes, cats. If you have a particularly obsessive Collie, she may follow your cat around the house, herding him, chasing him, always keeping him in her sight. This can be stressful for an independent cat - and what cat isn't independent?

Depending on the individual characteristics of your dog, it typically takes some time and training to introduce a collie and cat. It's important to build trust and familiarity between the two animals before leaving them alone together. With patience and guidance, you can help foster a wonderful friendship between your collie and cat!

Final Verdict: Collies make excellent companions for other dogs and cats! While some may have strong prey drives, their loving and kind natures typically make them great playmates. With the right guidance, your collie's natural instincts can be managed to ensure they get along with all the animals in your home.

 


5. Labrador Retriever

Dog love cats

Labradors make great companions for cats and can be easily trained to get along with felines. Though there are some cases where Labs might not be as friendly with cats, each dog is unique and their behavior is affected by various factors like temperament, training, and more! With patience, care, and understanding, you can help ensure that your Labradors and cats live happily together.

Though cats and dogs are often seen as natural enemies, Labs and cats can actually make great friends! With the right training and guidance, these playful pups can learn to get along wonderfully with their feline pals. Whether they're playing together or cuddling up for a cozy nap, your Lab and cat can be the best of friends.

When introducing a Labrador Retriever and a cat, it's important to take is slow. The animals will need to works some things out on their own at first - like boundaries. In the beginning, don't leave the cat and dog alone. Wait until you're certain their friendship is solid.

Training your Labrador Retriever to get along can be done in a relatively short amount of time, as long as you have the right attitude and provide the necessary guidance for both your cat and dog. Be sure to do your research and remain patient throughout the process; with the right approach, your bond will grow stronger with each passing day!

Final Verdict: The Labrador Retriever is a good choice of breed to have with cats.


6. Shetland Sheepdog

Dog love cats

The Shetland Sheepdog, otherwise known as shelties, is a breed that enjoys herding activities - but this trait doesn't have to get in the way of their relationship with cats. Your feline friend will naturally establish dominance over your pup; although, with a little patience and guidance, they’re sure to become best buddies in no time!

This beautiful breed is gentle, playful, intelligent, easy to train, and will quickly adapt to sharing a home with a cat when properly trained. As with most breeds, it's best to introduce the  Shetland Sheepdog to cats when he is still a puppy. This will guarantee a great relationship with almost all cats (some kitties will not cooperate no matter what).

To ensure a smooth first introduction between your sheltie and cat, keep the sheltie on a leash with a "way out" for the cat in case things get too overwhelming. It's important to not leave the two together unsupervised at first; rather, you can let the cat roam free while keeping the dog kenneled or vice versa to help them get used to each other. With careful guidance, your furry friends will soon be snuggling together!

Eventually, you will fee confident enough to leave them alone. and the sheltie will be grateful for the company - he get's bored easily, It shouldn't long for the two to become fast, furry friends.

Final Verdict: Yes! The Shetland Sheepdog is good with cats.

 


7. English Setter

Dog love cats

The English Setter is a highly intelligent, active breed known for their superior memories and extraordinary sense of smell - perfect for bird-hunters. Not only are they gentle, loyal companions but they get along great with cats. Although the English Setter requires plenty of exercise to stay calm in the home, your feline friend won’t be taking them on any walks! All in all, this breed is a great choice for busy, active families or individuals.

It’s safe to leave a cat alone with an English Setter, as they lack a prey instinct and get along with almost everyone. The breed quickly forms bonds with felines, so it should be nearly instantaneous for the English Setter and cat to become friends – though how long it takes for the individual cat may depend on its own personality.

Final Verdict: Yes! The English Setter is a good with cats.

 


8. Bernese Mountain Dogs

Dog love cats

Bred in Switzerland, Bernese Mountain Dogs have a long history as farm dogs. They pulled milk carts, acted as watchdogs, and herded cattle - all while retaining their unique characteristics: big, fluffy, and gentle personalities. This breed is known for staying young at heart for up to four years, providing them with plenty of energy and playfulness. The Bernese Mountain Dog is an amicable breed that gets along well with other dogs, strangers, kids, and cats.

Whether your Bernese Mountain Dog will get along with your cat depends upon his prior socialization, which should begin when he's a puppy. It's the same for the cat. If you're introducing a kitten, she will probably just want to play, but an older cat should have some socialization with dogs to get the best results.

Tip: Start training your Bernese Mountain Dog right away as they become more difficult to control later on. Also, these dogs do not respond to harsh training. You must be as gentle and loving as them.

Final Verdict: Yes! The Bernese Mountain dog is good with cats.


Tricks to Help Your Cat and Dog to Get Along

Being an animal lover is often a very rewarding experience, as it's a lot of fun and provides plenty of love. However, when you start combining the animals that reside with you in your home, you may find yourself with a bit of an issue. Plenty of people have struggled with getting a dog and cat to get along in the past, and while it may seem near impossible, it's not impossible at all. But how does one go about getting their dog and cat to get along better? There are a few steps you can take to try and improve the relationship between your dog and cat, such as:

Prepare For Introduction 

When welcoming a new pet into the home, taking proactive steps to facilitate harmony between your dog and cat is key. Prep the area by providing a safe space for both animals to escape to and removing any stressors, like other people or loud noises. The introduction process should be comfortable and relaxed, giving each animal plenty of time to become acquainted with the other and offering an exit plan if either gets overwhelmed.

Reinforce Positive Interaction 

As your dog and cat begin to explore each other, it's a great idea to reinforce this positive behavior with treats or kind words. You may offer praise and treats, as well as physical touch to encourage the animals to continue the good behavior. Much like training your pet to do anything else, sometimes you need to train them to get along as well.

Bringing a pet into your home is an exciting experience that requires patience and understanding. Give the two animals time to adjust by keeping them separated in their own areas until they are ready to meet. This allows them to become familiar with the sights, sounds, and smells before having to be around one another face-to-face. When they're ready, gently guide each animal through the introduction process at their own pace, without rushing or forcing anything.

Introduce Scents

During this period of separation, it may be wise to introduce an article or object that smells like the other animal into each habitat or area. For example, place a t-shirt in each animal's area, and switch the shirt location after a day or so. This will allow the animal to become more familiar with the smell and presence of the other animal, without them actually being there quite yet. Animals rely widely on their sense of smell, so introducing scent is crucial.

Let The Cat Lead 

It's wise to let the cat decide when a meeting will take place. Wait until the cat seems content and calm before introducing the dog to the environment. This will allow the cat to be more receptive to the dog's greeting and may make or break a meeting, especially since cats may become more temperamental when threatened. Dogs are also easier to train and may follow commands to back down when cats cannot.

One comment on “Top 8 large Dog Breeds That Are Good with Cats”

  1. Similar to how the Savannah cat came to be, the Chausie is a big cat breed that was the result of crossing a wild jungle cat and a domestic cat. These large, attractive cats can weigh up to 25 pounds and possess long legs and an agile body. Favoured for their wild appearance, these social cats are best suited to families who spend most of their time at home. Additionally, they are happiest with a consistent routine and don’t like it when things change, so you’ll always have to make sure you have dinner ready on time with these big house cats!

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