While many dogs and cats can share a home peacefully, not every breed is suited to feline companionship. Some dogs have strong prey drives, territorial instincts, or protective behaviours that make cohabiting with cats a challenge.
This doesn’t mean every individual dog will react the same way, but breed tendencies can offer important guidance for pet owners considering a multi-pet household.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from reliable online sources. Behaviour varies within breeds, and individual dogs may differ significantly. Always consult trainers, behaviourists, or veterinarians before introducing new pets.
1. Siberian Husky
Independent and wolf-like, Siberian Huskies possess an instinctual drive to chase smaller animals that’s nearly impossible to train away. Their arctic heritage as working dogs bred for survival means they view quick-moving creatures as potential prey.
Even well-trained Huskies can suddenly switch into pursuit mode when a cat darts across the room. Their powerful jaws and lightning-fast reflexes make supervised interactions dangerous, regardless of how friendly they seem otherwise.
2. Greyhound
Racing through life at 45 mph, Greyhounds were specifically developed to spot and pursue small animals. Their entire physiology, from keen eyesight to aerodynamic build, exists for one purpose: the hunt.
Many retired racers can be gentle souls indoors until something small scurries past. The switch flips instantly. Those muscular legs launch into action before their brain can process your commands to stop. For most Greyhounds, the instinct to chase remains hardwired despite other gentle qualities.
3. Weimaraner
Nicknamed “Gray Ghosts” for their stealth and distinctive silver coats, Weimaraners were bred as versatile hunting companions for German nobility. Their relentless pursuit drive makes them formidable cat chasers.
A Weimaraner’s intense focus, once locked onto potential prey, rarely breaks—even with extensive training. Their powerful bodies and determined nature mean casual supervision isn’t enough. Breed experts consistently warn that these intelligent hunters typically view cats as legitimate targets rather than potential friends.
4. Jack Russell Terrier
Don’t let their compact size fool you, Jack Russell Terriers pack enormous hunting drive into their small frames. Originally bred to flush foxes from dens, these feisty dogs possess incredible tenacity and lightning-fast reflexes.
Their natural instinct to pursue and catch small animals remains remarkably strong. A Jack Russell’s high-energy personality combined with razor-sharp focus makes them particularly challenging around cats. Once they’ve spotted potential prey, their single-minded determination often overrides any training or commands.
5. Alaskan Malamute
Majestic and powerful, Alaskan Malamutes carry the hunting legacy of their wolf ancestors. These arctic workers were developed not just for sledding but for hunting seals and tracking polar bears in harsh conditions.
Their primitive predatory instincts remain largely intact despite domestication. A Malamute’s independent thinking and massive strength create a dangerous combination when prey drive activates. Many owners discover too late that their gentle giant views smaller pets as hunting opportunities rather than family members.
6. Basenji
Ancient and cunning, the Basenji hunted for African tribespeople thousands of years ago. Famous for not barking (they make unique yodel sounds instead), these dogs stalk prey with eerie silence and explosive speed.
Their hunting technique involves patient observation followed by lightning-fast pursuit. While intelligent and trainable in many ways, their predatory instincts remain deeply encoded. A Basenji’s ability to move quietly and strike without warning makes them particularly dangerous companions for cats, despite their smaller size.
7. Belgian Malinois
Elite military and police units worldwide choose Belgian Malinois for their incredible focus and drive. These dogs approach every task with extraordinary intensity, whether it’s apprehending suspects or pursuing smaller animals.
Their lightning-quick reflexes and powerful jaws make split-second decisions dangerous. Even experienced handlers struggle to redirect a Malinois once prey drive activates. Their intelligence and energy require constant engagement, making them challenging pets even without cats in the home.
8. Australian Cattle Dog
Developed to control stubborn cattle across vast Australian ranches, these dogs use nipping, stalking and intense staring to control livestock. Their herding techniques evolved specifically to intimidate animals much larger than themselves.
When applied to household cats, these same behaviors become problematic and frightening. The Cattle Dog’s boundless energy and work ethic mean they rarely give up once they’ve decided something needs controlling. Their tenacity in pursuing moving objects makes them challenging companions for felines, regardless of training efforts.
9. Whippet
Reaching speeds of 35 mph in just a few strides, Whippets represent one of the fastest accelerating animals on earth. These sleek hunters were bred specifically to chase rabbits and other small game using their exceptional vision and speed.
Despite their gentle, quiet nature indoors, their prey drive remains hardwired. The sight of a running cat triggers an automatic response that bypasses their otherwise excellent training. Many Whippet owners discover this instinct remains strong even in dogs raised with cats from puppyhood.
10. Samoyed
Behind that famous smiling face and cloud-like coat lies a serious working dog with strong hunting instincts. Samoyeds helped the nomadic Samoyede people hunt reindeer in Siberia’s harshest conditions, developing keen predatory skills.
Their friendly appearance often misleads owners about their primitive drives. When a cat darts away, their herding and hunting instincts activate instantly. The Samoyed’s powerful build and thick coat make them difficult to physically control once they’ve locked onto moving prey.
11. Beagle
Following their remarkable noses across fields and forests, Beagles have hunted rabbits in packs for centuries. Their tracking ability ranks among the best in the canine world, a skill that becomes problematic around cats.
Once a Beagle catches a scent, their single-minded focus kicks in. Their melodious howls, charming in hunting contexts, signal their excitement during pursuit. Though friendly and social, their instinctual drive to track and chase smaller animals remains deeply embedded, making peaceful coexistence with cats unlikely for most Beagles.
12. American Pit Bull Terrier
Historically bred for catching and controlling large animals, Pit Bulls possess remarkable jaw strength and athletic ability. Their tenacity made them valued working dogs but creates risks around smaller pets.
When their prey drive activates, their powerful muscles and determination become challenging to redirect. While many Pit Bulls can be properly socialized with cats as puppies, their natural instincts and physical capabilities mean interactions should never be unsupervised. Their strong-willed nature requires consistent, experienced handling.
13. Afghan Hound
Beneath that flowing, glamorous coat lies one of the world’s oldest hunting breeds. Afghan Hounds pursued gazelle and leopards across desert terrain, using their exceptional speed and independent thinking to hunt without human direction.
Their aloof, regal demeanor masks intense predatory instincts. When something small and quick moves, ancient hunting programming takes over. Despite their calm appearance, Afghans possess remarkable athleticism and determination. Their independent nature means they rarely respond reliably to commands once chase instinct activates.
