Although any mixture of a cat and a dog breed has the potential to work out wonderfully or fail miserably, there are some small dog breeds that tend to get along better with felines. Here, your Burbank veterinarian discusses five of them.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas generally make good companions for cats. In fact, many of them are actually smaller than most cats; you might have to stop the cat from chasing the dog, instead of the other way around. These dogs are confident and energetic—if your cat can accept that, the two may very well get along wonderfully.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a gentle, playful, cute ball of fluff that tend to get along well with other pets, especially if introduced at a young age. When raised together at the same time, a Bichon and a cat will probably become best friends, even playing and romping together regularly. They’re great companions for humans and other pets!
Chinese Crested
The small Chinese Crested is a largely hairless dog that generally is about the same size as the average cat. They are playful and loving, but may be a bit timid—this is another case where the cat might be the aggressor. If you can get your feline to accept her, though, the Chinese Crested will make a great cat companion.
Boston Terrier
Named for city they were first bred in, the Boston Terrier is a fun, lively, intelligent dog. Their distinctive feature is that they’re usually very easy to train, making it a good choice for pairing with a cat.
Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin was first bred as a companion animal. It is naturally affectionate and loving, and can get along well with kittens, adult cats, other dogs, or small children. If you’re looking for a small breed that’s likely to pair well with one of them, the Japanese Chin might be your answer.
Keep in mind that this is only a short list, and that there is no guarantee that every dog of any one of these breeds will get along with everyone. In addition, many large dogs can become best friends with an unlikely cat companion. Ask your Burbank veterinarian more about the socialization of cats and dogs together and how a dog might play into your family dynamic.
