10 Cat-Like Dog Breeds

10 Cat-Like Dog Breeds

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While there are a variety of dog breeds that get along well with cats, as well as others that can be carefully taught to do so, dogs and cats do tend to have distinct energies and personalities. There are some canines that buck that trend, though. Here are 10 dog breeds that have a pronounced feline streak.

Afghan Hound

Afghan hound lays in grass

Afghan hounds are regal-looking long-haired dogs with a hunting past. They’re widely considered difficult to train because they kind of do what they want, and, unlike a lot of dogs, they are very particular about who gets their affection. Sounds a little cat-like, huh? Other ways these dogs resemble cats are in their enjoyment of their own space, their propensity for lazing around the house, and their skill in jumping fences. Interestingly, they also self-groom.

Basenji

Basenji on leash

Another self-grooming dog is the Basenji. This breed can’t bark, though it can make a noise like a yodel, and it’s a fan of climbing trees and perching in high places. Another cat trait is their appearance in ancient Egyptian art, which means their companionable – but not always affectionate – presence also endeared them to ancient civilizations. These independent and not overly needy dogs can pass lots of time staring out windows to satisfy their curiosity, too.

Basset Hound

Basset hound looks at camera

The Basset hound is one of the dog breeds known to enjoy spending time with cats, and that shouldn’t be too surprising, considering the traits they share. They’re both stubborn, they both love to snooze all over the house, and they’re both relatively low-maintenance and calm. Much like their feline friends, Basset hounds also tend to be wary and reserved around people they don’t know, but they like to be near their favorite people, even if they’re not super demonstrative with their affection.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel on walk

If you happen to have a particularly affectionate cat, they may resemble the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These companionable dogs like to lap up some love in a quiet, calm home and are not comfortable around overly loud or aggressive people. They’re relatively easy to care for, even recommended as a breed for new dog owners, but they have a stubborn streak. Of course they should, though. Like cats, they know their importance. They were hobnobbing with royalty centuries ago.

Chihuahua

Chihuahua sits on book

The dogs with among the highest levels of cattitude are chihuahuas. Chihuahuas are known to rule the roost and make sure their owners do what they want, despite their tiny frames, frames even smaller than most cats. Their vocal nature does veer away from most cats, but you could just say they’re like a Siamese? Chihuahuas may just plop down on your lap to do some self-grooming, too.

Greyhound

Greyhound with alert ears

Quick bursts of energy followed by hours of naps on the couch? You could be talking about a cat, or you could be talking about a greyhound. Greyhounds basically just have a case of the cat zoomies. These dogs are quite fast and enjoy their runs, but around the house, they’re as relaxed as can be. Much like cats, they’re also known to seek out warm nooks and crannies for some snuggling. Due to their history as independent hunters, they tend to be disinterested in commands, too. That doesn’t mean they’re not fond of their well-meaning people, though. They just like do their own thing.

Italian Greyhound

Italian greyhound sits on bed

The greyhound’s cousin the Italian greyhound is also cat-like, with its fondness for perching, relaxing on a lap, sunbathing, and chasing after small animals. These quiet, otherwise gentle dogs have a preferred person, much like cats, and they can also be a bit annoyed with attempts to train them. When you do train them, you need to be nice about it, or it’ll be a lost cause.

Maltese

Maltese dog licks its lips

A dog apt to train you is the Maltese. Like cats, they’re good at getting what they want with little effort, a mark of the centuries they’ve spent running their humans’ homes. They may even team up with the cat to achieve their aims, as they’re known to get along fairly well with their feline counterparts. Both would also be happiest with a quiet, gentle home where they can indulge their curiosity and follow their owners around.

Shiba Inu

Shiba Inu lays in dog bed

A cat-like breed that sometimes wants their owner around, and sometimes doesn’t, is the Shiba Inu. These independent pooches were bred to be hunters but can make loyal companions. Their human counterparts need to accept that they’re not always into hanging out. That doesn’t mean they aren’t affectionate or don’t like their humans. Much like cats, they just have their own minds and some stubbornness. This is another self-cleaning dog breed, and, according to the American Kennel Club, they’re practically born housebroken.

Whippet

Whippet with tongue out

Another greyhound cousin that thinks a lot like a cat is the whippet. They hunted in the past and retain their strong prey drive, so little creatures need to be protected from them. This is another sprint fix and chill dog. Once their running is out of the way, they’ll be napping it up. They especially love snoozing in warm places around the house, like a cat. If friends come over, expect a whippet to be disinterested. They’re quite fond of their own people but tend to be aloof with others.

Michelle Milliken

Michelle has a journalism degree and has spent more than seven years working in broadcast news. She's also been known to write some silly stuff for humor websites. When she's not writing, she's probably getting lost in nature, with a fully-stocked backpack, of course.

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