The question isn't just "does this breed get along with other dogs?" In a multi-pet household, you need a dog that coexists with whatever's already there — cats, rabbits, birds, or other dogs of various sizes and temperaments. The key trait isn't friendliness. It's low prey drive combined with social flexibility. A friendly dog with high prey drive will be great with other dogs and terrifying for your cat.
Breed tendencies create a baseline, but introduction method, individual temperament, and socialization history matter enormously. A breed that "gets along with cats" on paper still needs a proper, controlled introduction over days or weeks. For the broader picture, see how to choose a breed for your household composition.
1. Golden Retriever
Goldens were bred to work cooperatively with people and other dogs in hunting parties. That pack-oriented temperament transfers directly to multi-pet households. Their prey drive is moderate and primarily bird-specific, meaning cats and small mammals are generally safe after proper introduction.
Why they fit: Goldens have a naturally accommodating temperament. They're rarely territorial about food, space, or attention in ways that cause conflict with other animals. They adjust to household hierarchies quickly and tend to defer to established pets.
The tradeoff: A young golden's enthusiasm can overwhelm smaller pets. Puppies and adolescents play rough, and a 30 kg golden that wants to play with a 4 kg cat needs supervision until both animals establish appropriate boundaries.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavaliers were bred purely as companions, not hunters or herders. They have among the lowest prey drives of any breed, making them unusually safe around cats, rabbits, and other small animals. At 5.4 to 8 kg, they're also non-threatening in size.
Why they fit: Cavaliers actively seek social contact — with humans, other dogs, and often cats. They're submissive enough to avoid triggering defensive behavior in established pets and gentle enough to be trusted around smaller animals. They don't resource-guard and rarely display territorial behavior.
The tradeoff: Cavaliers may become targets for assertive or predatory animals. Their gentle nature means they don't defend themselves well against bullying from dominant dogs or aggressive cats. Household dynamics need monitoring to ensure the Cavalier isn't being stressed.
3. Basset Hound
Bassets are pack hunters — bred to work in groups, following scent trails cooperatively. That pack mentality makes them naturally accepting of other dogs and generally tolerant of other species. The same cooperative hunting instinct is behind the Beagle's reputation as one of the most sociable breeds in multi-pet households — both are scenthounds bred to work alongside other dogs. At 25 to 30 kg, they have the size to coexist without being intimidated, but the temperament to coexist without being aggressive.
Why they fit: Bassets are one of the most easygoing breeds in multi-animal environments. They're not territorial, not resource-aggressive, and not inclined to chase (their prey drive expresses as following scent, not chasing movement). They accept other animals with minimal conflict.
The tradeoff: Bassets bay and howl, which can stress noise-sensitive animals like cats or small prey species. They're also stubborn and food-motivated, which means they'll steal food from any pet that leaves a bowl unattended.
4. Labrador Retriever
Like goldens, Labs were bred for cooperative work and have a social, adaptable temperament that extends to multi-pet living. Their prey drive is moderate and manageable, and their enthusiasm for social interaction generally extends to other species once introductions are complete.
Why they fit: Labs are robust enough to handle play with large dogs and gentle enough (once past the puppy stage) to be appropriate with cats. Their food motivation makes them easy to redirect during introductions. They're adaptable and rarely fixate on other animals as threats.
The tradeoff: Puppy and adolescent Labs are mouthy and rambunctious. Cats, in particular, may find the first year with a Lab puppy stressful. Careful management during the puppy phase protects smaller household pets from well-meaning but overwhelming attention.
5. Papillon
At 3 to 5 kg, the papillon is small enough to coexist with cats at eye level — which changes the social dynamic significantly. Small dogs that can interact with cats face-to-face rather than towering over them often develop more balanced interspecies relationships.
Why they fit: Papillons are social, curious, and surprisingly confident for their size. They approach other animals with interest rather than fear or aggression. Their low prey drive and gentle play style make them compatible with cats and other small dogs.
The tradeoff: Papillons are fragile. They can be injured by larger dogs during rough play. In a household with big dogs, supervision is essential to prevent accidental harm. They can also be vocal, which may agitate noise-sensitive animals.
6. Pug
Pugs are companion dogs with virtually no working prey drive. Their interest in other animals is typically social — curiosity and companionship rather than chase or competition. At 6 to 8 kg, they're a non-threatening size for most household pets.
Why they fit: Pugs have an almost universally peaceful temperament around other animals. They're not territorial, not aggressive, and their low energy means they don't provoke defensive reactions through hyperactive behavior. Many pugs develop close bonds with household cats.
The tradeoff: Brachycephalic health issues mean pugs can be overwhelmed during vigorous play with more energetic animals. They can't keep up with high-energy dogs and may become stressed if chased. Their breathing limitations should be respected by all household animals.
Making Multi-Pet Introductions Work
Breed selection gets you a favorable starting point. Successful multi-pet living requires: gradual, controlled introductions over days or weeks (never throw animals together and hope); separate feeding stations to prevent resource conflict; safe retreat spaces where each animal can escape the others; supervision during early interactions until you're confident in the dynamic; and honest assessment of individual temperament — some individual dogs of even the most tolerant breeds simply don't coexist with certain species. Respect that reality rather than forcing it. For additional family-friendly breeds, many of these same breeds appear there too.