19 Worst Dog Breeds for Cats (With Photos)

Are you a cat lover who is considering getting a dog? Before you make the big decision, it’s important to think about how your feline friend will handle the change. 

To help you make the best choice for your household, we’ve compiled a list of the worst dog breeds for cats. Get ready to explore the ins and outs of canine-cat compatibility!

Do Dogs and Cats Get Along?

This is a common question asked by pet owners all over the world. The short answer is that dogs and cats can get along, but it depends on their personalities. While some cats get along very well with their canine counterparts, others may not be as accepting.

Cats differ from dogs in many ways, so it’s important to help your dog and cat get along better. Start by introducing them slowly, providing each animal with its own space and playing with them together. 

This can help them learn to trust each other and build positive relationships over time.

Furthermore, ensure you give both animals plenty of love and attention, so they don’t feel jealous or neglected. With patience and understanding, you can create a wonderful home where your dog and cat are happy companions.

How Are Some Large Breeds Good with Cats?

Large breeds, including Golden Retrievers, Labradors, German Shepherds and Rottweilers, are generally known to get along very well with cats. 

These breeds are typically gentle and patient towards cats, making them great companions. With that being said, some large breed dogs may have a more dominant personality, making it challenging for them to get along with cats. 

It is important to introduce the two carefully and observe their interactions before leaving them unsupervised together.

However, if you find the right large breed, they can make wonderful additions to any home, which includes cats. 

As long as they are given positive reinforcement while interacting with cats and properly trained to behave around them, most large breeds will get along incredibly well with your feline friend!

What’s the Best Way to Introduce a Cat and Dog?

The best way to introduce a cat and dog depends on the breed of each animal. More aggressive dog breeds are better suited for slow introductions than active or curious breeds. 

Suppose you have a new dog, as earlier said. In that case, it is important to use positive reinforcement when introducing it to your cat.

This will help ensure both animals feel safe and secure in their environment. It is also important to keep in mind the size of both animals; larger dogs should be kept at a distance initially, while smaller dogs may need to be held or restrained.

Additionally, allowing the cat and dog to sniff each other from a distance can help them become familiar with one another’s scent before they meet face-to-face. 

With patience and understanding, cats and dogs can eventually become great friends and enjoy playing together.

Top 19 Worst Dog Breeds For Cats:

Having a pet pooch can add joy and companionship to your fur family. But when it comes to cats and dogs, some breeds don’t mix. Here are some list we were able to gather:

1. Australian Cattle Dog

Originating in Australia in the 1800s, the Australian Cattle Dog was bred to herd and protect cattle. This means they have a strong herding instinct and can be quite territorial, especially around other animals. 

They’re also high-energy, extremely intelligent, and independent-minded, making them difficult to train.

Despite their potential to be great family pets, these herding dogs’ temperament can be challenging when it comes to living with cats. 

These dogs can be strong-willed and, if not properly socialized, act aggressively, especially with other animals. They may bark, growl, or even take a bite out of cats if they feel threatened or challenged. 

Read Also: The Best Australian Mountain Doodle Guide! (2022)

2. American Pitbull Terrier

The American Pitbull Terrier is a large and strong breed of dog, originally bred in the United Kingdom and Ireland for use in the sport of bull-baiting. In recent years, they have increasingly become popular family pets, despite their intimidating size and strength.

It is important to note that this breed is not inherently dangerous, but its size, strength, powerful jaws, and high energy level can make it difficult to control when interacting with cats. 

An American Pitbull Terrier may unintentionally harm cats if it is not kept on a leash when near them.

Additionally, Pitbulls have a natural urge to hunt, which can pose a problem for your feline friend. 

While it is not the American Pitbull Terrier’s nature to be aggressive toward cats, its strong prey drive means that it may become overly excited in the presence of cats or even try to chase them.

Read Also: Rat Terrier Pitbull Mix: Everything You Need To Know

3. Beagle

Beagles are medium-sized dogs that originated in England in the 1600s. Beagles are usually around 13-16 inches tall and weigh 20-30 pounds.

They are also known for their strong sense of smell. Due to their size, they can easily knock over furniture, or even cats, if not properly trained. 

Beagles are loyal and friendly, but their energetic nature and loud barks can intimidate cats. Furthermore, they are known to hunt small games, which may make them want to chase cats, making them a potentially dangerous breed for cats. 

4. Greyhound

The Greyhound is one of the world’s largest and fastest dog breeds. Originally from the British Isles, this athletic breed was bred for centuries to race, hunt and guard. 

The Greyhound’s instinct to chase and its powerful burst of speed put cats at risk of serious harm. Although gentle and friendly with humans, Greyhounds may be too boisterous and rambunctious for cats. 

Greyhounds also tend to be distractible, which can lead to accidents with cats if they’re not closely supervised.

5. Scottish Deerhound

The Scottish Deerhound is a very large breed, typically weighing 75 and 110 pounds. This size can intimidate cats and cause injury should the two come into contact. 

Additionally, this breed’s origin is in the United Kingdom, where they were used for hunting deer. This hunting instinct can cause them to chase cats and other small animals, making it unsafe for cats to be around them. 

Finally, the Scottish Deerhound has a very strong prey drive and can be quite aggressive in the presence of small animals. This makes it a very bad choice for cats, as it could lead to an altercation. 

The Scottish Deerhound also has a strong desire for exercise and activity. This could tire out cats that are not used to such energy levels and make them uncomfortable.

6. Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier is a small but mighty breed of dog that originated in the Bedlington region of England. This breed is known for its unique lamb-like appearance, which includes a soft, wooly coat and an athletic build.

In terms of temperament, the Bedlington Terrier is an affectionate and loyal dog that is usually good with children, and they bark a lot.

While they may be lovable and loyal, their high energy level and tendency to chase cats can create an unsafe environment for your feline friends.

7. Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier is a small-sized breed of dog that originated in Britain. But there are better choices than this breed when it comes to living with cats.

Jack Russell Terriers are also known for their active, high-energy temperament. They love to play and explore. This can often be too much for cats, who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle.

In addition, this breed has a strong hunting instinct. While they are not naturally aggressive, they may instinctively chase after cats, which can be dangerous and frightening.

Even when well-trained, this breed may become too excited to control, leading to risks for cats and dogs.

8. Samoyed

The Samoyed is a large breed of dog originally bred to hunt, haul sleds, and herd reindeer in the cold climates of Siberia. It is a very active breed, and its size makes it less than an ideal companion for cats. 

Not only is it larger than the average cat, but its temperament and energy levels are a cause for concern.

Sams love to play and explore, often taking assertive roles in other animals’ interactions which can be off-putting for cats.

9. Weimaraner

These large dogs have a strong hunting instinct and have been bred to hunt and retrieve game. Weimaraners were originally bred in Germany and are known for their athleticism and intelligence.

Their size and strength can easily overpower smaller animals, making them overly excited when chasing a cat. Weimaraners may view cats as prey and could try to attack them.

10. Standard Schnauzer

This large-sized breed originates from Germany and is known for its alertness, intelligence, and protective nature, which can make them quite intimidating for cats.

Not only are they known to be a bit rambunctious and overly playful, but the Standard Schnauzer is also prone to chasing cats, which can be dangerous. They can also be quite territorial, leading to conflicts with your cats. 

Suppose a Standard Schnauzer and a cat are together. In that case, they must be properly supervised to ensure the safety of both animals.

11. Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are large and powerful dogs, originally bred for their strength and endurance in the harsh environments of Siberia. But what makes them so great for pulling sleds and surviving harsh temperatures makes them a poor choice for coexisting with cats.

Furthermore, their natural hunting and herding instincts can lead to chasing, intimidating, or even hurting cats.

If you’re considering a Siberian Husky, keeping them away from cats in the home is best. 

Making a multi-pet household work is possible, but it requires careful management and training to ensure both pets are safe.

12. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Originating in England, this breed is medium in size. Still, it is known for its strong, muscular body and eagerness to please. 

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is an active breed with a strong prey drive. It needs regular exercise to keep it from getting bored and destructive. 

It can be affectionate, loyal, and loving towards its owners, but its strong temperament can sometimes make it hard for cats to feel safe around it.

13. Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small but feisty dog, originally bred in Yorkshire, England. They are an energetic and playful breed, but their small size and high energy levels make it difficult to live with cats. 

Yorkshire Terriers desire to please their owners but can also be prone to separation anxiety and be quite vocal when left alone. 

Furthermore, they have a strong prey drive, making them dangerous to small animals like cats. For these reasons, they are one of the worst dog breeds for cats and should not be kept in the same household.

14. Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound is one of the largest and most powerful dog breeds. It originates in Ireland, where it was used to hunt wolves. 

Although they are friendly, gentle and loyal to their owners, they can be territorial and dominant when it comes to other animals, such as cats.

Irish Wolfhounds are very large, reaching a height of up to 32 inches and weighing over 120 pounds, with some even exceeding 170 pounds. 

Furthermore, Irish Wolfhounds can be quite active and energetic, making them difficult to control, especially around cats.

They are usually very friendly and gentle with their owners but tend to be territorial.

 In addition, Irish Wolfhounds have a strong hunting instinct, so they may instinctively go after small cats.

Read Also: Irish Wolfhound Lab Mix: Everything You Need To Know.

15. Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is a large, majestic dog breed with a proud, regal appearance. Originating in Afghanistan, they are known for their long, silky coat and distinctive curled tail. 

Afghan Hounds are known for their independent spirit and clownish nature, which can make it difficult for cats to adjust to their presence. 

The Afghan Hound is probably not the best choice if you’re looking for a dog that won’t cause any issues with your cat.

16. Pharaoh Hound

The Pharaoh Hound is a large breed of dog from the Mediterranean island of Malta. With its muscular build and active nature, the Pharaoh Hound is formidable in the household. However, its strong hunting instinct and bold personality make it a poor choice for homes with cats.

The Pharaoh Hound has been used as a hunting dog throughout its history. This breed is an energetic, independent thinker with a high prey drive. 

When combined with its strong sense of smell, these traits make it difficult for the Pharaoh Hound to coexist peacefully with cats.

The Pharaoh Hound’s temperament is also an aloof breed, so it is not especially inclined to socialize with other animals. Furthermore, its size and strength can easily overwhelm cats.

17. Smooth Fox Terrier

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a medium-sized dog with a unique personality from England. Their size, intelligence and energy mean they can be a great companion for humans but not so much for cats.

Their strong personality and high energy levels often make them quite domineering over cats. They are also known for their high prey drive, which can make them chase cats around the house.

Additionally, Smooth Fox Terriers love to bark and dig, which may be very stressful for the cat if they live in close quarters.

18. Schipperke

The Schipperke is a small, black, spitz-type dog that originated from Belgium in the late 19th century. The breed is known for its lively and energetic nature and its intelligence. Schipperkes are fearless and love to explore, making them great watchdogs and companions.

The breed’s instinct is to chase small animals, which may make it difficult for cats to coexist peacefully in the same space. Additionally, Schipperke’s energetic and active nature could lead to frequent arguments with cats. 

19. Manchester Terrier

Manchester Terriers are small-sized dogs with origins in England. Manchester Terriers are high-energy dogs making them rather intrusive around cats.

When it comes to temperament, they are quite confident and bold, making them quite dominant toward other animals.

On top of that, Manchester Terriers are known for their strong prey drive, which can be a real problem for cats. The cat may feel threatened and scared by the terrier’s behavior, which can lead to a stressful and unpleasant environment.

Final Thoughts

Having a dog and a cat in the same household can be done with careful planning and proper training. 

While some breeds may be more difficult to work with due to their aggressive natures, with patience and consistency, all dogs can live peacefully with cats. 

Therefore, while certain dog breeds may be worse than others in terms of living with cats, it is still possible to have a harmonious co-existence between cats and dogs.