I want to get a dog, but I already have 3 cats. (labs, terriers)
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My husband and I want to get a dog. The problem is, we have 3 cats and I don't know if they will get along with a dog. I would hate to introduce a dog and they hate each other.
Now, some background on the kitties. They are siblings, and very attached to each other. We had them since they were just a few weeks old. I have never once heard any of them hiss, had them bit me or anyone else in the family. They are just very mild mannered cats. I don't know if this matters when getting a dog because dogs are not humans. But maybe it matters. That is why I am asking you guys
So, I guess I'm asking, what dog breed is good with cats or does it even matter? Also, what is the best way to introduce the dog to cats?
I would prefer a medium or bigger dog over a small one.
Also, I did hear that its good to have access to a dog free zone for the cats. We do have the basement that is accessible only by a small "cat door" Only a tiny dog would fit thru there"
Breed by itself guarantees nothing. It's temperament which matters most. The ideal dog will have a mellow one, and will have been raised around cats. Adult cats can quickly teach an over-enthusiastic young puppy that they are not play toys.
And yes, having a dog-free zone is a good idea. So is having a few places elsewhere in the house that only the cats can reach (such as one of those tall cat towers) so the cats can get away when they're tired of being around the dog.
Breed by itself guarantees nothing. It's temperament which matters most. The ideal dog will have a mellow one, and will have been raised around cats. Adult cats can quickly teach an over-enthusiastic young puppy that they are not play toys.
And yes, having a dog-free zone is a good idea. So is having a few places elsewhere in the house that only the cats can reach (such as one of those tall cat towers) so the cats can get away when they're tired of being around the dog.
Thank You. I can get a couple of cat trees. I was looking at labs and golden retrievers. But are they also good "watch dogs" or are they just to sweet?
Are you thinking of adopting an adult dog, or a puppy? I believe you'll have better luck with the cat situation if you start with a puppy, BUT they are a LOT of time-consuming work (though SOOO adorable).
Thank You. I can get a couple of cat trees. I was looking at labs and golden retrievers. But are they also good "watch dogs" or are they just to sweet?
Golden retrievers are NOT good watch dogs. They're super friendly, and will hold the door open for home invaders. lol
And I would disagree that breed doesn't matter. Some dogs are VERY prey motivated. If something is small and wiggly, they're going to attack it. Personally, if I had 3 gentle cats, I would avoid terriers. I hear beagles and retrievers are good with cats...as far as bigger dogs go.
And I would disagree that breed doesn't matter. Some dogs are VERY prey motivated.
The reason I said breed doesn't matter is that you can run into dogs with a high prey drive in any breed (although as you note, some breeds are more likely to produce that than others). A dog with a high prey drive is going to be a serious problem regardless of what breed or breed mix it happens to be.
I think a lot will depend on a slow introduction, a place for the cats to themselves (your basement is good), and supervision for the first few months.
Of course the temperment of your cats and the new dog will matter.
My sister has a cat, and 2 dogs over 50 lbs. She also dog sits for the family when needed (2 smaller dogs), and my dog visits frequently (90 lbs).
That cat rules them all with an iron paw. They walk around showing respect by doing everything possible not to make eye contact, and if the cat decides it's going to sleep on a dog, that dog freezes and doesn't move for the rest of the night.
I still watch my dog closely around the cat because he gets a little worked up at times, he is halfway between terrified and wanting to play.
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I can't recommend any specific breed other than to advise against any hounds or any breed that has a high prey drive. Are you thinking of getting a puppy or an adult dog? Have your cats been exposed to dogs in the past?
When introducing your dog to the cats I would suggest keeping them separate initially and let each of them have something of the other to smell. So it would be a good idea to keep the cats in the basement for a few days initially, that would give the dog time to recognize the cat smells before actually meeting them. Also, keep the dog on a leash and eventually when they are all in the same room, supervise them as much as you can.
The reason I said breed doesn't matter is that you can run into dogs with a high prey drive in any breed (although as you note, some breeds are more likely to produce that than others). A dog with a high prey drive is going to be a serious problem regardless of what breed or breed mix it happens to be.
Would you agree that terriers, in general, would not be good around cats?
Most rescues attempt to evaluate their available dogs. Tolerance for/experience with cats is one of the common tests. If you don't want to raise a puppy contact a rescue about cat-neutral candidates. Literally every potential rescue dog I've considered adopting had been evaluated for cat tolerance or interest. Some dogs only show interest in a cat if it runs.
But, this will only get you so far. If the cats have never been around dogs and they're used to the status quo over years, the dog's lack of interest may not matter. The cats have their little society all worked out. Even if the dog doesn't care too much about the cats, the upheaval could disrupt the cats's relationship and create new strife between them.
Do you know anyone with a cat-neutral dog? Maybe a few visits would help you gauge how well the cats would handle such a change in their lives.
I agree that you can't really generalize by breed. Dogs are individuals. Many sporting or working breeds will have higher inherent prey drives (prey drive was desirable because it influences aspects of working ability) but they can also be trained to suppress it a bit easier because they tend to care more about pleasing their humans.
Last edited by Parnassia; 04-05-2023 at 04:40 PM..
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