When choosing a dog, one of the most important considerations for pet owners with cats is the compatibility between the two animals. Cats, with their independent nature, might be wary of large dogs, while some breeds are known to be more docile, tolerant, and capable of living peacefully alongside feline companions. If you are considering adding a large dog to your family and already have a cat (or are planning to adopt one), it’s crucial to find breeds that are known for their gentle temperament, low prey drive, and ability to coexist peacefully. Here, we will explore the top 10 large dog breeds that tend to get along well with cats.
Top 10 Best Large Dogs That Get Along With Cats
1. Labrador Retriever
Overview:
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide, and for good reason. Known for their friendly disposition, intelligence, and patience, Labs are a wonderful choice for families with other pets, including cats. They are typically easy-going and have a gentle nature that makes them less likely to show aggression toward smaller animals.
Why They Get Along With Cats:
Labs are known to be highly trainable and often have a strong desire to please their owners, which makes them more likely to accept a cat as part of the family. Their friendly and social nature usually extends to other pets. With proper introductions, most Labs will tolerate or even form strong bonds with cats.
Things to Consider:
Labradors are large and energetic, meaning they may unintentionally startle a cat with their playful behavior. Supervised interactions are essential during the initial stages of the relationship to help both pets feel safe and comfortable.
2. Golden Retriever
Overview:
Golden Retrievers share many of the same qualities as Labs, including a friendly demeanor and a love for family companionship. This breed is known for being tolerant, loving, and eager to get along with everyone, whether human or animal.
Why They Get Along With Cats:
Golden Retrievers are generally non-aggressive and have a laid-back temperament, which is key to forming a peaceful relationship with cats. They are also intelligent, making training easier, especially when it comes to controlling prey drive and understanding boundaries.
Things to Consider:
While they are great with cats, Golden Retrievers are large dogs and can be exuberant. It’s important to monitor their interactions initially, as their enthusiastic nature could overwhelm a more timid cat.
3. Newfoundland
Overview:
The Newfoundland is an incredibly large breed, known for its calm demeanor and gentle nature. Often referred to as “gentle giants,” Newfoundlands are good-natured, friendly dogs that typically get along well with other pets, including cats.
Why They Get Along With Cats:
Despite their imposing size, Newfoundlands are known for their soft personalities. They tend to be calm and non-aggressive, even with small animals like cats. Their friendly nature makes them likely to accept a cat into the home with minimal fuss.
Things to Consider:
Newfoundlands have a calm and patient nature but are still large and strong. It’s important to supervise interactions initially, especially when the dog is learning how to be around smaller animals.
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
Overview:
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large breed that hails from the Swiss Alps. Known for their affectionate and patient demeanor, Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle giants who are generally good with children and other pets, including cats.
Why They Get Along With Cats:
This breed is known for its even-tempered and calm nature, making it easy for them to coexist peacefully with cats. Their gentle disposition and nurturing instinct often make them more accepting of feline companions.
Things to Consider:
The Bernese Mountain Dog is large and could inadvertently knock over a cat in play, so care should be taken during interactions. However, their low prey drive and friendly nature make them an ideal companion for a family with cats.
5. Great Dane
Overview:
Great Danes are some of the largest dogs in the world, often referred to as “gentle giants.” Despite their massive size, they are typically known for their calm and patient nature.
Why They Get Along With Cats:
Great Danes are often described as friendly and sociable dogs. They are usually not aggressive toward smaller animals and, with the proper training, can live harmoniously with cats. They tend to be more interested in human companionship, which can make them more tolerant of other animals in the household.
Things to Consider:
Because of their size, Great Danes can accidentally intimidate or harm a cat during rough play. Therefore, slow introductions and careful supervision are recommended.
6. Irish Wolfhound
Overview:
The Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest dog breeds, but it is also known for being extremely gentle and good-natured. Though they were originally bred for hunting, Irish Wolfhounds typically have a low prey drive and can live peacefully with other pets.
Why They Get Along With Cats:
This breed is known for being calm and laid-back, which makes them an ideal companion for a cat. They are less likely to chase after a feline, and their gentle nature allows them to coexist peacefully in a household with cats.
Things to Consider:
Irish Wolfhounds are large and might inadvertently knock over smaller animals, so it’s important to supervise their interactions. However, their gentle nature and patience with other animals are key traits that make them great companions for cats.
7. Saint Bernard
Overview:
The Saint Bernard is another large breed that is well-known for its calm and friendly nature. Originally bred for rescue missions in the Swiss Alps, Saint Bernards are strong, patient, and gentle dogs.
Why They Get Along With Cats:
Saint Bernards are friendly and patient, making them good companions for children and other pets, including cats. They tend to have a very calm and tolerant demeanor, which makes them less likely to pose a threat to a cat.
Things to Consider:
Like many large dogs, Saint Bernards can be a bit clumsy due to their size. They may accidentally scare a cat or knock things over during play, so proper introductions and supervision are essential.
8. Alaskan Malamute
Overview:
Alaskan Malamutes are large, powerful dogs originally bred for sledding. They are known for their independent nature, intelligence, and strength. Though they have a strong prey drive, many Malamutes can learn to coexist with cats when properly trained.
Why They Get Along With Cats:
While they are not as naturally inclined to get along with cats as some other breeds, many Alaskan Malamutes can learn to live harmoniously with cats, especially when raised together or introduced at an early age. With training and positive reinforcement, Malamutes can be taught to behave around cats.
Things to Consider:
Malamutes have a high prey drive and are generally best suited to households where the cat is confident and can hold its own. Careful introductions and consistent training are essential to help them coexist.
9. Collie
Overview:
Collies are well-known for their intelligence, gentleness, and strong family-oriented nature. Their protective instincts often make them great pets for families, and they are usually quite good with cats.
Why They Get Along With Cats:
Collies are not only intelligent but also very trainable. Their calm and even-tempered demeanor allows them to coexist peacefully with cats when given the proper guidance. Collies tend to be more interested in protecting their family than chasing smaller animals.
Things to Consider:
While Collies generally do well with cats, they do require mental stimulation and exercise to prevent boredom. Providing them with enough physical and mental activity will help ensure that they maintain a peaceful relationship with feline companions.
10. Doberman Pinscher
Overview:
The Doberman Pinscher is an energetic, intelligent, and loyal breed known for its protective nature. While they are typically known for guarding their homes, many Dobermans can live peacefully with cats when properly socialized.
Why They Get Along With Cats:
Dobermans are highly trainable and responsive to their owner’s commands. They can be taught to respect the cat’s space and boundaries, and many Dobermans are known to be affectionate with other pets once they are used to them.
Things to Consider:
Due to their natural guarding instincts, Dobermans may require extra supervision when introduced to a cat, especially in the beginning. Early socialization and training are key to ensuring a successful relationship.
Conclusion
Choosing a large dog that will get along with cats can be a challenge, but with the right breed, proper training, and careful introductions, you can enjoy a harmonious household. The breeds listed above are generally known for their gentle nature, low prey drive, and willingness to get along with feline companions. Remember that every dog is an individual, so ensuring positive interactions between your dog and cat will require patience, time, and supervision. With the right approach, both your dog and cat can enjoy a loving, peaceful relationship.
You Might Be Interested In:
