By Flenn May While some dogs and cats can become the best of friends, not all dog breeds are naturally suited to living with felines. Certain breeds have strong prey drives, territorial tendencies, or high energy levels that can make coexisting with cats difficult. Here are eight of the worst dog breeds to have with cats.
1. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are energetic and independent, but they also have a strong prey drive. Originally bred for endurance and hunting, they may see smaller animals, including cats, as potential prey. Even with training, their natural instincts can make them a risky choice for a household with cats.
2. Greyhound
Despite their calm demeanor, Greyhounds are sight hounds, meaning they are wired to chase anything that moves quickly—including cats. Their incredible speed and hunting instincts can make them dangerous around small pets, even if they don’t mean harm.
3. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russells were bred for hunting small animals, and that instinct is still strong. Their high energy, determination, and tendency to chase anything that moves make them a poor match for a home with cats.
4. Alaskan Malamute
Similar to Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes have strong hunting instincts. They are large, powerful, and often too rough when interacting with smaller animals. Without careful training and supervision, a Malamute might see a cat as prey rather than a companion.
5. Weimaraner
Weimaraners were bred as hunting dogs and have a natural inclination to chase and catch small animals. Their strong prey drive makes it challenging for them to peacefully coexist with cats, even with socialization.
6. Australian Cattle Dog
Also known as Blue Heelers, these dogs are known for their herding instincts and high energy. They tend to chase, nip, and control smaller animals, which can create a stressful environment for a cat.
7. Doberman Pinscher
Dobermans are intelligent and protective, but they also have a strong prey drive. If not properly introduced and trained, they may see cats as threats or playmates—potentially leading to dangerous interactions.
8. Beagle
Beagles are scent hounds with a strong drive to track and chase small creatures. Their curiosity and persistence can make them difficult to train around cats, as their instincts may take over despite socialization efforts.
Final Thoughts
While these breeds may not be the best fit for a household with cats, every dog is an individual. Early socialization, training, and supervision can sometimes help certain dogs and cats coexist peacefully. However, if you’re looking for a dog that naturally gets along with feline friends, it’s best to choose a breed known for a lower prey drive and a more relaxed temperament.