Pets are wonderful additions to a family. Getting a new pet can be stressful all on its own, but even more so when a bunch of factors play in. If you’re like us, you don’t want to limit yourself to only having one type of pet. In order to keep a peaceful home, you’ll want to know if all of your animals can interact safely.
A very common combination, especially for apartment dwellers, are cats and dogs. Most landlords have a pet limit, as well as a weight limit, so it’s essential to pick pets that are allowed to live with you.
Keep reading to discover the 10 different medium sized dogs that are good with cats.
10 Medium Sized Dogs That Are Good With Cats
For best results, you should begin socializing these breeds with cats when they are still in the puppy stage. This will lead to them recognizing each other’s smells and increase the chances of them being friends.
An adjustment period for both is to be expected. Provide both your dog and cat with safe spaces in case they need an escape.
1. English Bulldog
Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
Average Weight: 60-100 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
The English Bulldog is a popular breed in the United States. They are known to be extremely laid back, often sleeping throughout the day. Their temperament is what leads them to be one of the top contenders for medium sized dogs that are good with cats.
It is said that English Bulldogs are the dogs for cat people, as a lot of their traits line up directly with the behavior of cats. Both sleep for long periods of time and are not typically easy to bother. This is most likely why the two get along so famously.
There can be instances where Bulldogs and cats do not mix well, but it is seemingly uncommon since English Bulldogs are generally more open and trusting than most other dog breeds.
2. Shetland Sheepdog
Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Average Weight: 15-25 pounds
Coat: long, straight
Shetland Sheepdogs are naturally agile and gentle, which comes in handy while around cats. They have a herding instinct from a history of shepherding, allowing them to be less aggressive toward animals of different species.
As with most of the dogs on this list, it’s best to introduce your Sheltie to a cat while they are young. That’s not always possible, however, and usually there are no problems with an adult Sheltie and a cat.
These dogs are more energetic than English Bulldogs, so their running around can easily startle a cat. This could potentially cause your cat to be afraid of them.
3. Basset Hound
Average Lifespan: 12-13 years
Average Weight: 40-65 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
Basset Hounds are similar to English Bulldogs in that they are very mild tempered and often snoozing. They are extremely friendly and will be curious about your cat the instant they meet. If you do not introduce your Basset Hound as a puppy, there is a small chance for problems because they have a strong prey instinct.
They may confuse your cat with a small animal of prey and chase it around. This is easily avoidable as your Hound gets used to having a cat around, you will just have to keep an eye out for the first few months.
4. English Springer Spaniel
Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Average Weight: 40-50 pounds
Coat: medium, straight
The English Springer Spaniel, like the Basset Hound, is a dog with a natural prey instinct. There are possibilities where an adult Springer will mistake a cat for prey. However, they are easily trainable dogs.
If you do have an older Springer that you’d like to introduce to a cat, make sure they know basic commands, like ‘sit’ and ‘stay.’ This will make the introduction much smoother because they will listen to you if you have to intervene.
Once your Springer is adjusted to having a cat nearby, there are typically no problems from there on. They can even become the best of friends.
5. Bearded Collie
Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Average Weight: 45-55 pounds
Coat: long, silky
Bearded Collies are also herding dogs, making them wonderful companions to all types of animals. As with most of the dogs on this list, some minimal training may be required before introducing them to your cat.
Bearded Collies are exceptional cuddlers and will want to lay around with your cat. They do have a little bit of a bark, which could be startling.
These dogs can be slightly possessive, and may not want to share their toys or their space with a cat. That said, make sure they each have their own toys and plenty of room to stay apart if needed.
6. Barbet
Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Average Weight: 35-65 pounds
Coat: curly, medium
Barbets rank high on the list of medium sized dogs that are good with cats. This is because they are considered “good mixers,” meaning they mix well with all sorts of other pets.
These dogs can be high energy, but will mainly be independent and want to play on their own or with you. As with two of the previous dogs, they do have a history of hunting and there is a slight possibility they will “hunt” your cat, but with proper training, both animals can get along well.
7. Cocker Spaniel
Average Lifespan: 10-14 years
Average Weight: 20-30 pounds
Coat: long, straight
Cocker Spaniels are great companions for humans and for cats. They were bred to be hunters, but their hunting instincts kick in for birds, and not for mammals. This will eliminate any prey instinct worries you may have.
They have a good mannered disposition, and are often more curious and playful when seeing a cat. They may jump and pounce around, but that is merely out of excitement and will not want to cause any harm.
Spaniels of all kinds rank high on the list of dogs that get along with cats, and there are many testaments of pet owners who have both in their home coexisting peacefully.
8. Portuguese Water Dog
Average Lifespan: 11-13 years
Average Weight: 35-60 pounds
Coat: short, wavy
Portuguese Water Dogs are intelligent, meaning they can become bored very easily. When bored, they are going to want to play with those around them, and are not exclusive. They get along with almost all small animals because they have a low prey instinct.
These dogs are high energy and require a lot of interaction, so if you are not around to entertain and exercise them, they will try to play with a cat. Depending on your cat’s temperament, this could either bother them or they could become the best of friends.
9. Eurasier
Average Lifespan: 12-16 years
Average Weight: 40-70 pounds
Coat: medium, dense
The Eurasier breed has a lot of variation in temperament from dog to dog. They are generally very friendly and inquisitive, welcoming small animals to come and play with them. If you do happen to get unlucky and get an Eurasier that is not as friendly, you’ll want to watch them around your cat.
Eurasiers need companionship and may get depressed when lonely. If you are often out of the house, it may be good to have a cat as a companion to your dog for when you’re gone.
10. English Setter
Average Lifespan: 12 years
Average Weight: 45-80 pounds
Coat: long, silky
English Setters train very easily, making it easy for you to control the environment that your cat and dog exist in. They are smart and great listeners, and typically calmer than other medium sized dogs that are good with cats.
There is a possibility that your English Setter may only take well to indoor cats, as outdoor cats can bring in different smells and trigger your Setter’s prey instincts.
However, because English Setters are so friendly and attentive, they will often not bother your cat and will listen to you if they are doing something you and your cat don’t like.