17 Best Dog Breeds that Are Actually Great for Cat People
These pups have more in common with kitties than you might think!
Expert consulted: Kathryn DenchMA VetMB
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It's often said that there are two kinds of people in this world: dog people and cat people. Folks who have dogs as pets tend to enjoy their pup's happy-go-lucky, sociable nature, while cat lovers are often drawn to their fur baby's self-reliant, less demanding personality. But just like there are super affectionate felines perfect for fans of canines, so are there certain dog breeds for people who love cats! If you're one of the latter types and are thinking about opening your home to man's best friend, you're definitely going to want to read on for our recommendations.
According to Dr. Kathryn Dench, MA VetMB and Chief Scientific Advisor for Paw Origins, "Cat lovers often gravitate toward pets with independent spirits, low-maintenance grooming, and a penchant for quiet companionship. When choosing a dog, they’ll likely feel more at ease with breeds that aren’t overly clingy or demanding, that can self-entertain, and that share the feline traits of cleanliness, intelligence, and a certain aloof elegance. It’s generally best to avoid high-energy dogs bred for intense obedience or constant interaction—these can overwhelm owners used to the more reserved nature of cats."
To find out more about the different dogs that are best for cat lovers, along with Dr. Dench, we checked in with Shannon Walker, founder and CEO of Man's Best Friend dog training, and Dr. Nita Vasudevan, Veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance. Using their insights, we've put together a list of 17 breeds that share some notable traits with cats—and some (Great Dane, we're looking at you!) may surprise you. So read on, jot down your favorite contenders, and get ready to add to fam with one of these winners!
Shar-Pei
If you're looking for a dog that doesn't feel the need to stick to your side like velcro, the Shar-Pei could be the pooch for you. This Chinese canine with the abundant wrinkles and blue-black tongue dates back some 2,000 years and is known, says Dr. Dench, for having very “cat-like” self-possession. "They’re independent, quiet, and can be suspicious of strangers—traits not unlike a cautious feline," she adds. "Their loyalty is deep but not needy, and they often form strong bonds with one person."
- Group: Non-Sporting
- Height: 18-20 inches
- Weight: 45-65 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
Related: 10 Independent Dog Breeds that Do Not Enjoy Cuddles
Scottish Terrier
There are quite a few characteristics the adorable Scottish Terrier, or "Scottie," shares with kitties, according to Shannon. "They are highly independent, self-assured and intelligent," she says of the breed. "Originally bred to hunt, they are known to chase small mammals such as rats and mice." However, like all terriers, she cautions, Scotties tend to be high-energy dogs. Count on your Scottie needing good, long walks, and copious amounts of playtime to be happy.
- Group: Terrier
- Height: 10 inches
- Weight: 19-22 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12 years
Related: 5 Adorable Dog Breeds with Beards
Basenji
Cat lovers who have been holding off on adding a pooch to the fam because of noise concerns might want to think about adopting a Basenji. Africa's beautiful hounds, known for their superior hunting skills, are even more famous for being "barkless"—instead, they make a kind of yodeling chortle. "Basenjis are quiet, clean, and often groom themselves like cats," says Dr. Vasudevan. "They also have an independent streak and don’t always crave constant affection, which makes them one of the most feline-like breeds."
- Group: Hound
- Height: 17 inches
- Weight: 24 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 13-14 years
Related: 6 Quiet Dog Breeds that Don't Bark as Much as Others
Papillon
A native of France, where the breed is said to have beguiled Marie Antoinette, the Papillon is named for its large, wing-shaped ears (papillon means "butterfly" in French). "Despite their lively looks, Papillons are surprisingly clean, clever, and agile—traits often seen in cats," says Dr. Dench. "Their alert nature and dainty size give them a feline grace, and they enjoy high perches like the back of a sofa, much like a cat would."
- Group: Toy
- Height: 8-11 inches
- Weight: 5-10 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Shiba Inu
According to Dr. Vasudevan, Japan's beloved ancient hunting breed is "dignified, independent, and meticulous. Like cats, they may bond deeply with their people but still prefer their own space at times." They also do not bark much at all, and, like cats, are said to be born pretty much housebroken. Similar to foxes in appearance, thanks to their small size, alert expression, and gorgeous red fur with white markings, Shibas do shed quite a bit.
- Group: Non-Sporting
- Height: 14.5-16.5 inches
- Weight: 23 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 13-16 years
Pharoah Hound
The national hound of Malta, this breed actually hails from ancient Egypt and is one of the oldest domesticated dogs in existence. They are also said to both smile and blush! They're less flirtatious with game, however—Dr. Dench calls this elegant sighthound fast, athletic, and highly prey-driven—echoing the hunting instincts of many cats. "They can be reserved with strangers and like to nap in warm, sunny spots," she adds. "Their expressive nature makes them oddly cat-like in how they interact with their humans."
- Group: Hound
- Height: 23-25 inches
- Weight: 45-55 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Italian Greyhound
The fun-sized version of a Greyhound, this breed was the favored companion of nobility in Southern Europe during the time of the Roman Empire. They also made appearances in the courts of everyone from Catherine the Great to Queen Victoria, and were a favorite subject in Renaissance paintings. "Italian Greyhounds are elegant little dogs that love sunbathing, curling up in cozy spots, and can be quite graceful and aloof, much like cats," says Dr. Vasudevan.
- Group: Toy
- Height: 13-15 inches
- Weight: 7-14 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 14-15 years
Saluki
"With a sleek, graceful frame and a gentle, contemplative demeanor, Salukis are a perfect fit for cat people," says Dr. Dench. "They’re quiet, independent, and love lounging—traits very much in line with a relaxed housecat. In clinic, I’ve seen many Salukis form deep bonds without being clingy." Another ancient Egyptian sighthound, this breed is built for speed and will need daily walks on a leash and a fenced yard to be happy.
- Group: Hound
- Height: 23-28 inches
- Weight: 40-65 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 10-17 years
Shih Tzu
Like the Shar-Pei, the Shih Tzu hails from China, where its name means "lion dog" and it was the favored pet of the Ming Dynasty. According to Dr. Dench, "This breed might not scream 'cat' at first glance, but their serene attitude, love of lounging, and comfort with indoor life make them surprisingly feline. They enjoy being pampered and are generally unbothered by household chaos—like a true lap cat." If you don't want to brush your shih tzu daily, ask your groomer for a "puppy trim."
- Group: Toy
- Height: 9-10.5 inches
- Weight: 9-16 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
Related: 10 Dog Breeds that Live the Longest
Whippet
Nicknamed "The Poor Man's Racehorse," Whippets were bred to race and hunt rabbits in Victorian England. Graceful, dignified, and quiet, they have much in common with cats, and they usually get along well with family felines, other dogs and young kiddos alike. (Note that this breed has a very strong prey drive, so it tends to want to chase smaller critters, including neighborhood cats.) According to Dr. Vasudevan, "Whippets have a cat-like balance of relaxation and sudden bursts of energy. Many are 'perch dwellers,' seeking high places like couches or windowsills to watch the world."
- Group: Hound
- Height: 19-22 inches
- Weight: 25-40 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Bichon Frise
Should you choose to adopt a Bichon Frise, you will be welcoming into your home the playmates of European nobility from the 13th century on. Developed in the Canary Islands, this floofy breed is a close cousin to the Bolognese, Havanese, and Maltese. "While more social than most cats, Bichons are tidy, adaptable, and enjoy a predictable home environment," notes Dr. Dench. "They’re gentle, affectionate, and low-shedding—making them a great fit for cat people looking to dip a toe into dog ownership."
- Group: Non-Sporting
- Height: 9.5-11.5 inches
- Weight: 12-18 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 14-15 years
Chow Chow
Legendarily aloof and dignified, the Chow Chow, like the Shar-Pei and Shih Tzu, dates back to ancient China, though they were made famous more recently as the favorite pet of Martha Stewart. This breed has a certain serene refinement reminiscent of many felines, and, says Shannon, "They are very particular about grooming. They're incredibly clean...many owners say they don’t have that typical 'dog smell,' and they are also easy to housetrain." Though they aren't cuddly dogs, Chow Chows tend to bond very strongly with their people.
- Group: Non-Sporting
- Height: 17-20 inches
- Weight: 45-70 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
Chihuahua
Nicknamed "purse dogs" for their tiny size and celebrated in movies like Legally Blonde and Beverly Hills Chihuahua, this Mexican breed isn't ideal for families with small children. "Chihuahuas are tiny, territorial, and often bond intensely with one person—traits that mirror many cats," Dr. Dench says. "Their independence and tendency to self-regulate their activity levels make them appealing to feline enthusiasts. In my clinical experience, I’ve seen Chihuahuas curl up in sunbeams and silently observe the world, just like a cat on a windowsill."
- Group: Toy
- Height: 5-8 inches
- Weight: 6 pounds and under
- Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Japanese Chin
Another famously fastidious puppers, the Japanese Chin is one of the dogs most often dubbed feline in nature. Suspected to have royal origins in China, this breed was developed further by Japanese nobility beginning some 1,000 years ago. Not surprisingly, given their blue-blooded history, the super-intelligent Japanese Chin loves to be indoors, Shannon says. "They tend to be meticulous groomers with a generally quiet nature, giving them a distinctly cat-like air," she adds.
- Groups: Toy
- Height: 8-11 inches
- Weight: 7-11 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Afghan Hound
Believed to be the oldest purebred dog in existence, Afghans predate written history. Although myth says they were on Noah's Ark, we do know for certain that this breed developed in the mountainous regions of Asia, now home to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. Owned by such varied luminaries as Pablo Picasso, Barbie, and Zeppo Marx, this breed has a dignified majesty. Notes Dr. Vasudevan of the undeniably feline Afghan personality, "Behaviorally, they can be aloof, independent thinkers, and selective in their affection."
- Groups: Hound
- Height: 25-27 inches
- Weight: 50-60 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12-18 years
Great Dane
If a cat person wants to go big or go home, this gentle giant can make a surprisingly good addition to a household with both young children and felines. According to Shannon, this breed has "a pretty calm" demeanor, and since it is short-haired, the Dane is a "relatively clean dog" to keep. Weekly brushing sessions are recommended, but Danes, which actually come from Germany, don't often need bathing. A patient people-pleaser, they aren't a high-energy dog, and don't require much more than a couple of walks a day. Like cats, they love nothing more than a good snooze.
- Group: Working
- Height: 30-32 inches
- Weight: 140-175 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 7-10 years
Related: 10 Most Famous Dog Breeds Revealed
Pekingese
Another ancient charmer from China, Pekes have an undeniably regal bearing and a fluffy, generous double coat that's longest at the neck and shoulders, giving them a mane that might make "The King of Jungle" jealous. "Pekinese are small dogs who are ideal companions for their owners," Shannon says. "Originally bred to live in palaces, they can be as calm and independent as the emperors they were made for. Their long hair, however, may be frustrating for a cat lover," she cautions.
- Group: Toy
- Height: 6-9 inches
- Weight: up to 14 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Jill Gleeson is a travel journalist and memoirist based in the Appalachian Mountains of western Pennsylvania who has written for websites and publications including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Country Living, Washingtonian, Gothamist, Canadian Traveller, and EDGE Media Network. Jill is the travel editor for Enchanted Living. Learn more about her journey at gleesonreboots.com.
Dr. Kathryn Dench, MA VetMB, has more than two decades of experience as a clinical veterinarian. She has worked as a small animal surgeon in private practice, and as a clinical advisor to numerous wildlife conservation groups. She is a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in the United Kingdom. Dr. Dench also serves as the Chief Scientific Advisor for Paw Origins.
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