fees4sale asked:
I am planning on buying a puppy - & prefer a German Shepherd but have no idea how the breed is with cats- I’ve researched and researched and have found so many conflicting things. I have a fairly passive 3 year old male cat, and just don’t want a breed who will hurt him. I understand each dog is different, but if raised from a puppy with the cat, what breed has the best chance for a calm household? Thanks!!!
I am planning on buying a puppy - & prefer a German Shepherd but have no idea how the breed is with cats- I’ve researched and researched and have found so many conflicting things. I have a fairly passive 3 year old male cat, and just don’t want a breed who will hurt him. I understand each dog is different, but if raised from a puppy with the cat, what breed has the best chance for a calm household? Thanks!!!
November 15th, 2008 at 6:28 am
Our Belgian Shepherd loves the neighbours cat.
November 16th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
it doesnt matter what breed the dog is. as long as you let the puppy grow up with the cat so he/she gets used to the cat then they will probably become best friends!!!
November 16th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
poms are good, they just like to keep the cats in shape, by chasing them.
November 19th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
My parents used to have a chocolate lab and he LOVED my cats!! They napped and played together. I think it just depends on how you treat your animals. Ours were spoiled and they were treated like kids.
November 21st, 2008 at 11:05 am
not a jack russell! it’ll kill him
November 22nd, 2008 at 3:37 am
Labradors are very friendly and they seem to like cats
November 23rd, 2008 at 10:22 pm
It is all about the introduction!! Inside a home dogs and cats live fine, this does not mean your dog will not chase a cat off your lawn. A puppy will learn real quick once its nose is swated. My 100# yellow lab….loves the kitty…he gots his nose slapped many times. Dont worry, just not a rescued Grey Hound….they use small things for them to chase!!
November 24th, 2008 at 11:28 am
If it’s a puppy raised with a cat, the chances are higher that the two will get along because the puppy will become socialized early to cats being present. If your cat is skittish and tends to run, it will be harder because running tends to kick in a dog’s prey drive and instinct to chase. If the cat tends to defned itself (arches back, hisses or growls) or is indifferent or friendly toward the puppy, then things are likely to work out better.
You might borrow a friend’s quiet calm dog (on a leash) for a couple hours and observe your cat’s reaction to a dog being in the house to get a little perspective.
November 25th, 2008 at 1:56 am
Dachshunds! My silly weenie dog wanted a playmate and has always been more fond of cats then other dogs, so I finally got her a little gray kitten to play with and now they just play and groom each other all day!
November 25th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
hello! i work for the rspca and hear this story from visitors to the grounds daily. the problem you have is you think that just bcoz a dog is big it is going to be nasty toward your cat, german shephards are very clever dogs and if trained correctly will do exactly what you tell them to do..if your cat is not very fond of dogs then i suggest that u be careful as cats may be small but they will win the fight with a dog no doubt about it!..if your cat is not fussed then it does not matter wether you get a adult or a puppy..but you sound as if you are not sure exaclty what breed to get..if you are to get a german shephard i suggest you get one as a puppy to train and so that ur cat does not feel dominated..your cat will try and stand his ground and let the dog know who is boss as he is male and set in his ways..if you do get a puppy you have o let them know that jumping all over your cat ( which it will do ) is bad! ..you dont want your cat to feel pushed away..so keep them in the same room with you let them sniff each other..you r bound to have the odd scratch and tumble but its what happens..i suggest you have a good think about what sort of dog you want..if it is you first dog i dont suggest you get a big breed if it isnt your first then a think a german shephard puppy would be best for u if that is what ou want..if you get them of a breeder dont let anyone charge you over 400 pounds!…but as i work for the rspca i am askin you to possibly think about adopting a dog as all of our animals need good homes xx gd luck hunni xx
November 25th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Labradors are great. Our Black Lab loves our cats and the cats even sleep near him because he protects the house.
November 26th, 2008 at 5:32 am
A lab. From what I’ve seen, they have been the most cat-friendly. It depends on the dog itself though. I would not get a hyper breed. And I agree, no Jack Russells. I have seen my neighbor’s cat get torn up by 2 of them! It also depends on how you train them, and how your cat reacts to them. The first thing to teach your new puppy is DO NOT CHASE CATS! The puppy will probably learn a few rules too from your ‘passive’ cat!
November 28th, 2008 at 2:16 am
Hope that helps!