Revealing the Unexpected Worst Dog Breeds for Cats
To create a peaceful multi-pet home, you need to know the worst dog breeds for cats before bringing a dog into the mix.
Some dogs are just not a good fit for a home with felines.
Certain breeds have strong instincts that can make living with cats difficult.
In this post, we'll look at the worst dog breeds for cats.
We'll also explain why they may not be the best choice for multi-pet households.
Table of Contents
1. 10 Worst Dog Breeds for Cats
1. Afghan Hound: Aloof with an Independent Nature
Afghan Hounds are elegant and independent dogs.
They have a strong prey drive, which can make them a poor choice for homes with cats.
Their hunting instincts are deeply ingrained, and they may see cats as prey.
If you have an Afghan Hound, early socialization and consistent training are priorities.
Even then, it’s wise to supervise their interactions with smaller pets like cats.
2. Australian Cattle Dog: Herding Instincts and Chasing
Australian Cattle Dogs are hardworking and intelligent.
They're excellent herders.
Unfortunately, this can mean they'll try to herd your cat, which could lead to chasing.
Their instinct to chase is very strong, making them a bad match for families with cats.
Proper training and socialization are important with this breed.
They may not be the best dogs for homes with small pets.
3. Alaskan Malamute: A Great Family Dog
Alaskan Malamutes are large and powerful dogs.
They were bred to pull heavy loads in cold climates.
Their strong prey drive can make them want to chase smaller animals, including cats.
Even though they can be great family dogs, their size and instincts can make them unsafe for smaller pets.
Early training is important if you want to keep a Malamute and a cat together.
But be cautious about leaving them alone without supervision.
Make sure to have enough space for your Malamute to include their dog bed and toys.
4. German Shepherd: Protectors with Strong Instincts
German Shepherds are well-known for their loyalty and sharp minds.
They're natural protectors.
Still, without proper training, they can see cats as something to guard against.
They may not be aggressive, but their protective instincts can lead to trouble with your cat.
To ensure harmony, socialize your German Shepherd early.
Proper training will help them understand how to interact with cats.
5. Irish Wolfhound: Gentle but Large
Irish Wolfhounds are large breed dogs usually calm and good with people.
Then again, their large size can make them dangerous around smaller pets.
Even though they're gentle, they may unintentionally hurt a cat simply by being large dogs.
If you have an Irish Wolfhound, make sure to create a safe space for your cat.
A cat bed can help keep your cat safe and comfortable.
Related: How to Introduce Cats to Dogs
6. Jack Russell Terrier: Fearless and Energetic
Jack Russell Terrier may be a small breed but they're very energetic.
They have a strong hunting instinct and may see your cat as something to chase.
These little dogs can be fearless and relentless in their pursuit of small animals.
If you have a Jack Russell, expect them to need a lot of training.
They need strict supervision around cats to avoid problems.
7. Pit Bull: Strong and Energetic
Pit Bulls are powerful and affectionate dogs.
Yet, they have a strong prey drive and can be rough with smaller animals, including cats.
Even if they're not aggressive, their size and energy can cause stress for your cat.
If you want a Pit Bull in a multi-pet household, make sure you train them well and introduce them to your cat with care.
Supervision is a must.
It’s also best to separate their sleeping areas to avoid conflict.
8. Scottish Deerhound: Calm but Large
Scottish Deerhounds are another example of gentle giants.
They're calm and friendly dogs.
Yet, their large size and natural instincts can make them a poor choice for homes with cats.
Their size alone can accidentally harm smaller animals, even with training.
If you have a Scottish Deerhound, providing your cat with a safe retreat, like a raised cat bed, is essential.
This ensures your feline companion has a stress-free environment to relax.
9. Siberian Husky: Driven by Instincts
Siberian Huskies are strong and independent dogs.
Huskies have a high prey drive, so they like to chase small animals.
This makes them a poor choice for homes with cats.
Their friendly nature doesn’t stop their chasing instinct.
This can be dangerous for cats.
If you already have a Husky, make sure to give them proper training and socialization.
But it can still be hard to stop a Husky from chasing your cat.
10. Smooth Fox Terrier: Energetic and Unpredictable Hunting Dog
Smooth Fox Terriers are small but full of energy.
They have a strong instinct and a curious nature.
These little dogs love chasing small animals.
And their boundless energy can make them difficult to control.
They may see a cat as something to hunt or chase, which can create problems in multi-pet households.
Smooth Fox Terriers need a lot of training and supervision around cats.
Their energetic and unpredictable nature means they're not the best fit for homes with cats.
Related: 10 Dog Breeds That Get Along With Cats
2. The Right Dog for Multi-Pet Households
When choosing a dog for a home with cats, pet owners need to think about the dog’s breed traits.
Certain dogs are, without a doubt, not a good match for families with cats.
Dogs with high prey drives are not ideal because they may see your cat as prey.
Breeds like the Labrador Retriever and Shih Tzu make great companions to other pets.
They tend to be calm, friendly, and gentle.
A dog with a laid-back personality is usually a better fit for homes with cats.
If you’re already in a multi-pet household, it's a good idea to make sure each pet has their own space.
Cats should have a safe place to go to when needed.
A comfy cat bed can give your cat a peaceful space to relax and get away from the dog whenever they want to.
Related: Tested Tips: How to Calm a Dog During Fireworks
3. Final Thoughts
Choosing the right dog for your home is important.
Some dog breeds just don't mix well with cats.
Active dogs with strong hunting instincts or high energy levels can make it difficult for cats to feel safe.
Proper training and early socialization can help.
Still, it’s important to know which dogs are more likely to have issues with cats.
If you're bringing a new dog into a home with cats, make sure to provide your cat with a safe space.
Even better, create a dedicated space for each pet so they can feel comfortable on their own.
Also, training and preparation can go a long way!
Do you have a multi-pet household?
Share with us some tips in our comments section below!
