Some dogs behave in ways that feel surprisingly familiar to cat owners.
These breeds may value independence, enjoy quiet observation, or show affection on their own terms rather than seeking constant attention.
Their behaviour can include selective listening, a preference for routine, and a strong sense of personal space.
Understanding these cat-like traits can help owners choose a dog whose temperament fits a calmer, more self directed household.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from online sources.
Behaviour varies by individual dog, upbringing, training, and environment, not breed alone.
Prospective owners should consider lifestyle compatibility before choosing a breed.
1. Basenji
Often called the barkless dog, the Basenji grooms itself constantly, just like a feline friend.
This African breed uses its paws to clean its face and keeps its coat spotless without much help from owners.
Basenjis climb furniture with ease and perch on high spots to survey their surroundings.
Their independent streak means they do not always come when called, preferring to make their own decisions.
These dogs also produce a unique yodel instead of a traditional bark.
Their aloof personality with strangers mirrors how cats approach new people cautiously before warming up.
2. Shiba Inu
With a personality that screams independence, the Shiba Inu often acts more like a cat than a dog.
This Japanese breed meticulously grooms itself and dislikes getting dirty or wet.
Shibas choose when they want affection rather than constantly seeking attention from their owners.
They can be stubborn during training sessions, preferring to do things on their own terms.
Their clean habits and quiet demeanour make them ideal for apartment living.
Shibas also enjoy personal space and will retreat to a favourite spot when they need alone time, much like cats do regularly.
3. Afghan Hound
Graceful and dignified, the Afghan Hound carries itself with the regal bearing of a feline aristocrat.
This breed values its independence and may ignore commands if it sees no benefit.
Afghan Hounds spend considerable time grooming and maintaining their luxurious coats.
They prefer lounging in comfortable spots rather than engaging in constant play or activity.
Their aloof nature with strangers and selective affection with family members mirror typical cat behaviour.
These dogs also possess a quiet demeanour indoors, moving silently through rooms like shadows despite their large size.
4. Pekingese
Bred for Chinese royalty, the Pekingese expects to be treated like nobility and shows it through its behaviour.
This small breed prefers comfortable resting spots and selects when it wants attention.
Pekingese dogs groom themselves frequently and maintain a clean appearance.
They move with deliberate, unhurried steps and rarely rush to greet visitors at the door.
Their independent personality means they do not constantly seek approval or validation from owners.
These dogs also choose their favourite family members and may ignore others, displaying the selective affection commonly associated with cats rather than typical dogs.
5. Borzoi
Quiet and calm, the Borzoi moves through life with the serene confidence of a cat.
This Russian sighthound rarely barks and prefers peaceful environments over chaotic households.
Borzois show affection on their own terms and may not always respond enthusiastically to calls.
They enjoy soft resting places and spend hours lounging in sunny spots throughout the home.
Their independent thinking during training can challenge inexperienced owners.
These dogs also groom themselves regularly and maintain a clean coat with minimal effort, displaying the self-sufficient nature that makes them seem more feline than canine to many observers.
6. Japanese Chin
Small but mighty in personality, the Japanese Chin climbs furniture and perches on high spots like a cat.
This toy breed uses its paws to clean its face and maintains impeccable grooming habits.
Japanese Chins choose their favourite people and may remain indifferent to others in the household.
They prefer quiet observation over constant activity and rarely bark without good reason.
Their independent nature means they entertain themselves well when left alone.
These dogs also display selective affection, approaching family members when they desire attention rather than constantly seeking interaction, which perfectly mirrors typical feline behaviour patterns.
7. Tibetan Spaniel
Watchful and observant, the Tibetan Spaniel prefers elevated spots where it can monitor its surroundings.
This ancient breed served as monastery watchdogs and retains its independent thinking today.
Tibetan Spaniels groom themselves regularly and dislike getting unnecessarily dirty.
They show affection to family members but maintain a reserved attitude with strangers, waiting to warm up gradually.
Their stubborn streak during training reflects their self-sufficient nature.
These dogs also enjoy personal space and will retreat to favourite resting spots when overwhelmed, displaying the need for solitude that cats famously require throughout their daily routines.
8. Saluki
Elegant and reserved, the Saluki carries itself with quiet dignity that resembles feline grace.
This ancient sighthound prefers calm environments and rarely engages in loud, boisterous behaviour.
Salukis show selective affection and may not always greet owners enthusiastically at the door.
They enjoy comfortable resting spots and spend considerable time lounging throughout the day.
Their independent personality makes training challenging for some owners.
These dogs also clean themselves regularly and maintain their coats with minimal assistance, displaying the self-grooming habits commonly associated with cats rather than typical dog breeds that need frequent baths.
9. Whippet
Despite their racing heritage, Whippets spend most of their time napping like contented cats.
These slender dogs claim the softest furniture and refuse to settle for hard surfaces when resting.
Whippets move silently through homes and rarely bark without reason.
They show affection to family members but maintain an independent streak that prevents them from being overly needy.
Their calm indoor behaviour surprises many first-time owners.
These dogs also groom themselves regularly and dislike getting wet or dirty, displaying cleanliness habits that align more closely with feline preferences than typical canine behaviour patterns observed in most breeds.
10. Italian Greyhound
Delicate and refined, the Italian Greyhound prefers warmth and comfort over outdoor adventures.
This miniature sighthound seeks out sunny spots and soft surfaces for its frequent naps throughout the day.
Italian Greyhounds groom themselves constantly and maintain spotless coats.
They display selective affection and may ignore commands when they see no personal benefit.
Their quiet nature indoors makes them excellent apartment companions.
These dogs also show sensitivity to cold weather and will refuse to go outside in rain, displaying the weather preferences commonly associated with cats who avoid unpleasant conditions whenever possible.
11. Pharaoh Hound
Independent and intelligent, the Pharaoh Hound thinks for itself and may not always follow commands immediately.
This ancient breed cleans itself regularly and dislikes unnecessary mess or dirt.
Pharaoh Hounds prefer comfortable resting spots and will claim furniture without hesitation.
They show affection to family members but maintain a reserved attitude with strangers, warming up slowly.
Their quiet demeanour indoors contrasts with their playful outdoor personality.
These dogs also display selective hearing during training sessions, choosing which commands deserve their attention, which mirrors the way cats famously ignore their owners when called unless properly motivated.
12. Scottish Terrier
Dignified and independent, the Scottish Terrier refuses to be treated like a typical lapdog.
This breed makes its own decisions and may ignore commands that do not align with its current interests.
Scotties maintain personal boundaries and dislike excessive handling or cuddling.
They groom themselves regularly and prefer staying clean during outdoor activities.
Their stubborn nature during training frustrates some owners.
These dogs also show selective affection, approaching family members when they desire attention rather than constantly seeking interaction, displaying the independence and self-determination commonly associated with feline companions rather than eager-to-please dog breeds.
13. Ibizan Hound
Elegant and independent, the Ibizan Hound carries itself with quiet confidence.
This Spanish breed prefers comfortable resting spots and spends considerable time lounging throughout the day.
Ibizan Hounds groom themselves regularly and maintain clean coats with minimal assistance.
They display selective affection and may not always greet owners enthusiastically when returning home.
Their independent thinking makes training challenging for inexperienced handlers.
These dogs also enjoy elevated perches where they can observe their surroundings, displaying the height preferences commonly associated with cats who seek high vantage points for security and comfort in their environments.
