There is much prejudice about the relationships between dogs and cats. When I brought a kitten Clementine home after she picked me out on the street, my husband entirely freaked out. He heard so many stories about the American Staffordshire Terrier’s attitude towards cats, and he believed that out Malena would kill that tiny creature in my arms. She didn’t but accepted and raised our new cat as her own child.
Can I recommend everyone to keep such a dog breed with cats in the same house? NO! Owners know their dogs best and should estimate every case separately. There is a list of worst dog breeds for cat owners, but you can consider yourself lucky if you have an exceptional dog like I have.
Worst Dog Breeds For Cat Owners:
Most canines tolerate cats when you raise them together. Also, dogs usually chase cats only when they start running. This list is not carved in stone, but you should avoid connecting cats with hunting dogs, poorly socialized ones, and those bred to hunt other animals. Let’s see.
1. American Pitbull Terrier And Staffordshire Bull Terriers
In most cases, these intelligent dogs with a strong hunting instinct won’t get along with cats. The primary issue is the cat’s habit of running away as soon as it sees the dog, which triggers Terrier to go hunting. The problem is that you will have trouble stopping your dog in such a situation.
It doesn’t know when to let up since this trait is encouraged in breeds involved in bull-baiting and dog-fighting. Still! So, be careful even though your active pet is not aggressive toward cats. It is possible to hurt them, but also humans while playing. In this case, proper socialization is crucial.
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2. Weimaraner
This hunting breed, well-known as a ‘gun dog’ or ‘silver ghost,’ is definitely not on my list of cat lovers. It is practically impossible for a meeting between Weimaraner and a cat to end well.
In fact, it is not rare that it kills even a cat it has been living with for years. It is entirely unclear why this breed does that. Since the risk is too high, you shouldn’t put your kitty in mortal danger.
3. Sighthounds
It is believed that the dogs belonging to this group have such a high prey drive and can’t ignore small creatures running around. That makes these breeds the worst for homes with cats.
4. Afghan Hound
This beautiful and elegant family companion was used as a hunting dog and coursing hound for centuries. Nowadays, it is an unavoidable participant in Lure Coursing, a sport that allows Afghans to satisfy its innate instincts.
Since this dog can run up to 40 mph (65 km/h), no small animal can run away from it, including cats. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do about their nature.
5. Saluki
This graceful and fragile dog is actually never entirely domesticated. Deep inside, it is a greedy hunter with a primary instinct to aggressively hunt small animals, including cats. It is better not to live in the same house.
6. Whippet
This breed can run up to 35 mph (56 km/h) and is considered one of the fastest canines worldwide. Even today, it takes part in dog racing. You can freely adopt this pet if you have kids, but avoid any connection with cats.
7. Italian Greyhound
In most cases, this is a submissive breed that enjoys living in a peaceful environment. However, a poorly socialized dog will chase after cats and hurt them when the opportunity arises. If you want to keep both the cat and the dog, you should bring both of them home at the same time.
8. Irish Wolfhound
This dog is a gentle and friendly family companion despite its formidable size. Unfortunately, this is a hunting dog and often perceives cats as prey to be killed. The sad fact is that you won’t be able to stop it. In some cases, this dog can tolerate the cat it grew up with, but there is no warranty that it won’t attack it at some point.
9. Greyhound
For a hundred years, people used this breed for racing and prepared them to run faster by forcing chasing a lure. Still today, this dog chases and mauls small animals, including cats, instinctively. You can try to test a Greyhound and its behavior toward cats, but the risk is relatively high to do it without professional help.
10. Samoyed
This pure white dog is beautiful, affectionate, and fluffy, but don’t let the first impression deceive you. This former working dog is your best friend, but it probably won’t be so lovely toward cats. Unlike reindeer, which its ancestors herded, cats won’t appreciate the herding instinct this dog shows.
However, there is no rule. In some cases, Samoyed can coexist peacefully with cats, but it primarily depends on its personality. It is up to you whether you try. The best option is to consider adopting an adult dog that likes cats for sure.
11. Australian Cattle Dog
This agile, loyal, and strong breed is on the AKC list of the most intelligent dogs in the world. It will get along well with your kids and other dogs. However, don’t try to keep it in the same room with a cat even though this animal is not in a group of hunting dogs.
It may tolerate the kitty it is grown up with, but it is more likely to drive it away or even hurt it. Another option is to treat the cat as a herd member, which your kitty won’t tolerate peacefully. Whichever way you look, you can count on a potential problem.
Conclusion
Except for these proven cat haters, a few other dog breeds have a high prey drive, making them a potential bad cat companion. For instance, be careful if you have Akita, Bullmastiff, Alaskan Malamute, Doberman Pinscher, or Shiba Inu.
These breeds and many others can live with cats in peace if they meet each other as babies. Keep in mind that the adequate socialization will make a difference between a dog that can share space with felines or a predator prepared to kill.
