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Original poster

Best breed to live with cats and children

41 replies

zippyswife · 16/02/2022 07:51

I don’t know if this dog exists… I’m about to be a first time dog owner and looking for an easy to train, calm breed that is good with cats (ours died but would like another in the future) and children (6,9,11).

I did start a thread about border collies and it was a resounding no. I have been looking on rescue websites (nationwide) but they don’t seem to have any that fit the bill and most seem to have behavioural problems.

The character is what I’m after rather than appearance. I have time to excercise 1-2 hours a day and I’m around for most of the day so it won’t be left alone for long periods. Although I don’t want a dog that requires constant stimulation.

Don’t know if all these character facets contradict each other and maybe a dog like this doesn’t exist?

OP posts:
Original poster
zippyswife · 16/02/2022 21:29

@Whitney168 thank you so much for the advice. I will take a look now

OP posts:
haggisaggis · 16/02/2022 21:38

I was going to say rough collie, although like all breeds you need to check them out properly. Ours is great with cats - was taught his place by them as a pup. Likes walks but doesn’t need loads of exercise. Good with kids. Smooth collie sounds like a good alternative.

Fooshufflewickjbannanapants · 17/02/2022 21:03

This is a gsd puppy a cat then a daschund cross. My Newfie can't fit on there as well but literally the most laid back of them all

Best breed to live with cats and children
KathieFerrars · 17/02/2022 21:26

@zippyswife I have a rough collie and the coat is a five to ten min slicker brush a day thingy. Collielife website is great. My rough is quite chilled except with any noise that might, just might be a bang like a firework. She can do two hour walk or thirty mins. Loves outdoors - never happier than in wind and rain. Really resents her rain coat. Smooths look lovely and might be easier regarding mud episodes....

Inthesameboatatmo · 18/02/2022 09:14

I've got a basset hound. Absolutely unreactive to everything I've also got 2 cats.

OrlandointheWilderness · 18/02/2022 09:16

My springer is amazing with both but realistically needs a LOT of exercise to stay sane!

wetotter · 18/02/2022 11:29

I recommend that if you are serious about getting another cat, then get it before you get the dog.

Dogs, especially puppies, are easily put in their place by a resident cat. It can be a bit - um - livelier if you try it the other way round.

Original poster
zippyswife · 18/02/2022 16:19

Thanks for all the advice and pics. I’m sold on the smooth collie and hopefully will be meeting some soon!

@wetotter thanks for the cat tip- I’ll definitely consider that. My eldest son in particular would really love another cat (he desperately misses our cat that died last summer) so I may have to work this out.

OP posts:
sueelleker · 18/02/2022 16:39

@steppemum

we have fostered different dogs, and used to dog sit for friends.

While one or two wanted to chase our cat, most, after a day or two, accepted that this cat was part of the family. Ironically it is even easier with a kitten as they tend to be fearless and boss the dog!
We eventually adopted one of our fosters, he was a springer spaniel and was fine with the cat. In the end they were even friends.

breeds we fostered:
bulldog
great dane
german shepherd (but he was an old boy)
golden retriever
labrador x 2
springer spaniel.

I think it is mostly down to character, and that is individual to the dog. There are several threads about how hard it is to adopt from rescues at the moment, on there there are lots of ideas about how to get a dog. Including how to find a decent breeder.
The real no-nos for cats are sight hounds (greyhounds, whippets, lurchers etc) as most of those do have a high prey drive, but not all.

I was going to suggest a spaniel as well-we've had them for nearly 40 years, with cats, and they've always got along fine. They adore children too.
KathieFerrars · 18/02/2022 17:12

Ooooo @zippyswife Welcome to the collie club! I'd love to meet a smooth. My rough has loved the storm (and also trotting round next door's garden after the fence broke down). She's been outside most of the day looking like she should be in Wuthering HeightsSmile

Sidneysussex · 18/02/2022 21:01

Always had cats and dogs together, as did everyone in the family with no issues.
For kids and cats go for the easy option lab / retriever.
Ours were always best friends with the family cat. The cat is always boss though!

I had grandparents with poodles and cats. No issues
Other set had a JRT ( horrid dogs do not get one! ) with cats no issue. But I do know someone who’s JRT killed their new kitten.

I know lots of spaniels, happily living with cats.

XelaM · 18/02/2022 21:20

@Sidneysussex
"Other set had a JRT ( horrid dogs do not get one! )"

Agree with this! All JRTs I know or meet on walks are absolute vicious devils! Really horrible dogs

EdithStourton · 18/02/2022 23:05

[quote XelaM]@Sidneysussex
"Other set had a JRT ( horrid dogs do not get one! )"

Agree with this! All JRTs I know or meet on walks are absolute vicious devils! Really horrible dogs[/quote]
We had a JRT who grew up with a cat and was definitely subordinate. The cat used to lie in wait and beat her up.

She was also good with children.

But yep, JRTs are, in general, little shits: ours would face off dogs ten times her size if they insulted her. I love them, but I am not tempted to own another.

ilovesushi · 19/02/2022 10:15

We have a golden retriever/ lab X breed and she is brilliant with the cats, very respectful, lies down on seeing them, would love to be best friends and is chuffed to bits if they let her lie on the sofa near them. Both breeds (lab and golden) have a low prey drive so no strong chase instinct which made training her to leave them alone straightforwards.
She is a fab all round family dog but as a pup was extremely bouncy and nippy and my children then 10 and 12 found that hard going and not what they had expected. She is one now and a perfect combination of bouncy and playful but also cuddly and affectionate. She is extremely bright (working breed) so needs a lot of outdoor time, walks and mental stimulation.

Whitney168 · 06/03/2022 18:55

@zippyswife, don't know if this is of interest, or too far from you.

Best breed to live with cats and children
JungleJimbo · 06/03/2022 19:03

Trailhound

They are failed/ex racers, but follow an aniseed trail rather than a small furry thing, and therefore the vast majority are great with cats as they are specifically trained not to be distracted and run off after small furry things

They are very gentle, love a good walk and a sniff, but don't require endless ball throwing as they're happy being occupied by their noses. They are also a lot of fun and very trainable for tricks as they are food motivated! But equally happy curled up napping

Have a look at The Trailhound Trust

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