Some dog breeds have a reputation for not being the most feline-friendly. That’s not to say they can’t live harmoniously with cats, but they can possess characteristics, like an affinity for hunting and chasing, that may make you want to take a closer look.
The following breeds generally do not get along well with cats:
Greyhounds
Dogs with a history of being trained for seeking or chasing prey may find it difficult to peacefully coexist in the same home as cats. One breed that fits this description is the Greyhound.
“Racing Greyhounds receive training to chase after items designed to imitate a small animal,” says Danae Smith, public pet training programs manager at the Arizona Humane Society in Phoenix. Individuals can differ in temperament, however. “A retired greyhound rescue will generally have the dogs listed with which ones can or cannot be around cats to help pet owners make the right choice for their household.”
In addition, most breeds can live calmly with a cat if socialized as puppies, says Gina DiNardo, executive secretary of the American Kennel Club in New York City. “Teaching your dog a ‘leave it’ cue and a strong ‘stay’ can help keep the peace. Proper introductions will also help, and it’s a good idea to make sure the cat always has an escape route.”
Whippets
The Whippet was originally used to chase and hunt small prey like rabbits, says Smith, who is a certified professional dog trainer.
“Whippets are amiable and gentle, says DiNardo. “But give him something to chase and he’s all business. With a cat in the house, you can be prepared for bursts of intense pursuit.”
While Whippets are categorized in the hound group, other breed groups may be more likely to get along with cats than others, says DiNardo. For example, “The toy group consists of breeds that are affectionate and sociable, bred to be companions and lap warmers. Members of the sporting group are friendly and outgoing dogs that will make friends with anybody they meet, often including cats.”
Australian Terriers
Many of the terrier breeds were bred to hunt and kill vermin, says DiNardo, and a fast-moving cat could trigger those predatory instincts.
Australian Terriers are true terriers who love to dig, she says. “And the urge to chase small, furry critters has never left them.” Another reason they’re not always a great fit for multi-pet households? “Aussies want you all to themselves,” DiNardo adds.
Rat Terriers
As their name implies, Rat Terriers are bred to kill rats, says DiNardo. “They also earned their keep as all-purpose hunting partners, watchdogs, henhouse guardians and sturdy childhood playmates. So hunting instincts of the Rat Terrier might make living under the same roof as a cat quite stressful.”
There is often more variability in behavior within individuals of the same breed than between different breeds, says Dr. Sophie Liu, a resident in Behavior Medicine at San Francisco SPCA. “For example, there is often more behavioral variation within a group of Golden Retrievers, than the variation between Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers.”
Affenspinschers
Affenpinschers are not technically terriers (they are a member of the toy group) but they were originally bred to work like them, DiNardo says. The Affenpinscher’s job was to exterminate rats and other pests in German stables of the 1600s.
Because of this background, Affenpinschers don’t tend to get along well with pets like hamsters, ferrets and gerbils, she says, adding that they may not do well with cats. However, Affenpinschers tend to get along well with other dogs.
Afghan Hounds
The Afghan Hound is a sighthound, a subgroup of hound dogs who rely on vision and speed to pursue prey, says DiNardo. They’re powerful and agile hunters who are built for a long day’s hunt and their large paws acted as shock absorbers on their homeland’s punishing Afghan terrain, she adds. Because of their high prey drive, an Afghan may not make a good housemate with a cat.
Azawakhs
The Azawakh is a tall, long-legged and speedy sighthound who DiNardo says is also a durable hunter that has chased gazelle across the Sahara for more than a thousand years. Their preferred prey, she says, is antelope, wild boar and hare. “It is here the dogs can utilize their agility and stamina but having a cat in the sight of an Azawakh might send him on a chase, day after day.”
Liu recommends monitoring dog-cat interactions, “And err on the side of safety by giving each pet their own respective spaces when owners can't directly supervise them.”