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Original poster

Small breed good for family with cats - suggestions needed

18 replies

Ruth2009 · 11/02/2023 23:12

We are looking for a small dog, we have 3 children, youngest is 10. Also 2 older cats who are OK with dogs.
We had a labrador before,looking for a smaller breed this time, hopefully one who is easy to train and not barky or snappy.

Any suggestions?
Thanks

OP posts:
Lastqueenofscotland2 · 12/02/2023 00:16

Cavaliers are generally a safe bet but my
last one was AWFUL with cats

pippapipps · 12/02/2023 00:24

We got a rescue dog just over 18 months ago he's a Maltese cross shih tzu and we also have two cats
He has been the best with the cats he ignores them mostly at the beginning he chased them the odd time but that was it and never happens now
One of the cats couldn't care less about him she ignores him too but the other one is more nervous and used to run but she's come round now and just goes in her bed as she knows he's not a threat
I had a 11 year old when we got him and he was gentle and lovely with her
From talking to people I believe the Maltese shih tzu breed are easy gentle dogs

SouperNoodle · 12/02/2023 00:26

I'm probably going to get a lot of people disagreeing with me but I have a short haired chihuahua and he's absolutely perfect.
I got him when he was a puppy and was very strict with training to ensure he didn't become a snappy, yappy dog.
He is the most gentle, mellow dog I've ever met and never barks. He and the cat cuddle and go on walks together (dog on lead and cat follows next to us) and he's so good with the kids.

I've taught them to give him his space and not touch him when he's in his bed and his other spots so he has some safe spaces that are just his but overall he loves playing with them.

Cats23 · 12/02/2023 00:28

King Charles Caviler, My parents have had 3 over 22years and they have all been amazing with us as teens living at home with the first 2 & all 3 with the 11grandkids ( current ages 19yrs-4 months !)
The 1 yr old male Cav they have now is same as the 2x females- just so lovely.

xxlala7xx · 12/02/2023 00:30

Daschund. Mines doesn't bother with my 2 cats at all. The cats are taller mind you but they don't mind her they all have a wee sniff of each other back n forth and move along no issues.

coffeecupsandwaxmelts · 12/02/2023 07:18

We have a beagle who's excellent with our cats. He weighs around 17-18kg so I'm not sure if that's too large but he's much shorter and more compact than a Labrador.

He's the perfect pet for us - he's amazing with children and very affectionate - he loves cuddles and being under blankets. He's highly food motivated so he's been pretty easy to train and he very loveable.

The downsides are that he can be quite vocal and he will still chase cats he sees on his walks. His recall isn't brilliant either but he walks fine on a lead so it's rarely an issue.

Here he is having a nap with two of our three voids!

Small breed good for family with cats - suggestions needed
Stickytreacle · 12/02/2023 08:18

I don't think you can guarantee that any breed will be good with cats, we had a lurcher that was perfect and my mother has chihuahuas that are a nightmare! I'd judge the individual dog's temperament before breed, I'd probably steer clear of anything terrier though.

Original poster
Ruth2009 · 12/02/2023 15:00

Mmm I think it's a bit luck of the draw if the dog is going to be good with cats

Thanks for the opinions

OP posts:
Bagatella · 12/02/2023 15:04

xxlala7xx · 12/02/2023 00:30

Daschund. Mines doesn't bother with my 2 cats at all. The cats are taller mind you but they don't mind her they all have a wee sniff of each other back n forth and move along no issues.

My dachshund is TERRIBLE with cats.

Tygertiger · 12/02/2023 15:07

I would avoid terriers and any other breed bred to hunt/play a part in hunting, eg gundogs. Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers underground so I’d be wary there too. Your safest bet will probably be a dog bred to be a companion, such as a bichon frise or shih tzu, but even then it’s not guaranteed. The key really is having dog-free areas in the house which the cats can access and the dog can’t and lots of stair gates which the cat can jump but dog can’t. I have a spaniel with a strong chase instinct and three cats, and it’s manageable but my house is stairgate city and the cats basically live upstairs where the dog doesn’t go.

OllytheCollie · 12/02/2023 15:12

I think the point that breed doesn't tell you much is important. My collie is oblivious to cats. But will chase pretty much anything else from squirrels to tractors. And it's fairly useless as we don't have a cat.

coffeecupsandwaxmelts · 12/02/2023 15:15

Ruth2009 · 12/02/2023 15:00

Mmm I think it's a bit luck of the draw if the dog is going to be good with cats

Thanks for the opinions

A lot of it is down to training but breed does play a part to an extent.

Terriers, huskies and sighthounds are probably not the best breeds to pick if you have cats but equally I know many dogs of those breeds who live with cats with absolutely no drama.

Original poster
Ruth2009 · 12/02/2023 15:32

Thanks, just another question, we will be going on holiday in summer so will need to rather put the puppy in boarding or get a dog sitter, is that feasible with a young dog?? Or should I delay getting one until after we've been away.

OP posts:
70isaLimitNotaTarget · 12/02/2023 15:35

Here he is having a nap with two of our three voids !

Ahh , you can hear the cats thinking You push the head, I'll push the rump , the 3rd cat can hoik the tail and we'll make it look like A Terrible Accident Wink

<House with 2 black cats here>

coffeecupsandwaxmelts · 12/02/2023 15:58

Ruth2009 · 12/02/2023 15:32

Thanks, just another question, we will be going on holiday in summer so will need to rather put the puppy in boarding or get a dog sitter, is that feasible with a young dog?? Or should I delay getting one until after we've been away.

With a puppy you're going to need someone around the majority of the time - so I'd say boarding over a sitter, but you'll probably find that most boarders are already full for this summer.

Wolfiefan · 12/02/2023 16:01

You may not have a pup by the summer if you have to wait for a decent breeder. Worth getting to discover dogs at crufts to see different breeds.

Girliefriendlikespuppies · 12/02/2023 16:23

I'd think some of the calmer terriers would be okay, westies for example.

Bichon frise always seem lovely natured.

I think if you introduce the puppy to the cats from a young age they will be okay with the cats. We have a terrier mix who we got a 8 weeks and he's fine with our cat.

losingit31 · 12/02/2023 16:35

I have a maltipoo and no cats, but he loves cats and wants to make friends with all of them! We live in an area where street cats are the norm, so this happens on every walk, every day.

He's also very gentle, very quick to learn and really easy going.

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