Can Cats and Dogs Get Along?

I’m sure you have often heard these two expressions “fight like cats and dogs” and “it’s raining cats and dogs.” While it is true that cats and dogs are natural enemies, but this doesn’t mean they are incapable of living under the same roof. With proper training, patient, correct breed selection, cats and dogs will usually learn to respect each other and live happily in any family environment.

Dog Breed. Some dogs do great with cats while others treat cats as preys, and a few may even want them for “dinner” .

Fact: Dogs (99%) regard cats more as a good sport than dinner.

If you already have a cat, and thinking of getting a dog; your utmost concern is selecting a compatible breed. Choose breeds with a sedated character as they pose less problem and easier to train. What I listed below is not to by far a conclusion that Hound and Terrier Groups are wrong match for your cat. There are a few rare situations where these groups of dogs can coexist with cats harmoniously, however intense trainings are required for the safety of both pets. And of course, there are dogs who mellow down their prey instinct as they aged.

Suitable Dog Breeds

• Sporting Group: Spaniels and Retrievers. Though these dogs are bred to hunt, many make fine pets because of their friendliness and their eagerness to work with people.
• Working Group: Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis, Shetland, GSD, St. Bernard. This group consists a wide range of dog temperaments however most of the dogs have great desire to please owners, will not have an adverse reaction to a cat in the family.
• Toy Group: Bichon Frise, Papillion, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Pug. Although toy group is generally bred for companion dogs—intelligent and trainable, some of them can be very fussy about sharing their care-givers due to their need for attention.
• Non Sporting Group: Lhasa Apso, Poodle, Schnauzer, Shih Tzu. Similarly to toy dogs, they do require some supervisions during the initiate stage.

Unsuitable Dog Breeds

• Hound Group: They are bred to chase.
• Terrier Group: They are bred to fight and kill small animals.

If you are uncertain of your dog’s breed, here is a way of gauge his prey drive. Toss your dog’s favorite toy across the room and watch his reaction.

• Low prey drive: Ignore the toy or approach the toy with little interest.
• Medium prey drive: Retrieve the toy.
• High prey drive: Chase the toy down very aggressively, then shake and chew it violently.

That’s it for now. The next time, we will look at the appropiate age and training methods so that your cat and dog will be a perfect match made in heaven. =D