Cats are known for their independent and charming personalities, while also being cunning and curious. Some dog breeds were bred to have the same traits, which makes them some of the best pets for those who don’t have time to care for cats.
Table of Contents
- 15 Dog Breeds That Act Like Cats
- 1. Poodle
- 2. Afghan Hound
- 3. The Bichon Frise
- 4. The Chihuahua
- 5. Bearded Collie
- 6. Bedlington Terrier
- 7. Shiba Inu
- 8. The American Eskimo
- 9. Chow Chow
- 10. The Siberian Husky
- 11. The Australian Shepherd
- 12. The Maltese
- 13. The Chinese crested
- 14. The Schnauzer
- 15. Shetland Sheepdog
- Final Thoughts
15 Dog Breeds That Act Like Cats
Here are 15 dog breeds that act like cats in the house, keeping you company and entertaining your guests.
1. Poodle
The companion of choice for many celebrities and film stars, this breed is well-known for being intelligent and highly adaptable.
What’s more, they’re also known for being a little high-strung and can often be seen pacing around an apartment in the same way as a cat would, happily snoozing on the lap of their owner. This makes them a great choice for households with both dogs and cats.
Related Post: 20 Guard Dogs That Are Good with Cats
2. Afghan Hound
The Afghan hound is unlike most dogs. They are a very elegant and refined breed, calm and graceful in movement, with a regal bearing. This breed loves to play with toys and children but can be prone to being aggressive if provoked.
3. The Bichon Frise
Known for its curly coat and ivory white color, the Bichon Frise is a type of dog that makes for a great lap dog.
This breed has become very popular in recent years due to its great temperament, and they are often seen at movie premieres and on TV shows, looking perfectly coiffed and clad in little sweater vests.
Bichons are easy to groom, being both hypoallergenic and non-shedding, making them a good choice for people with allergies or who are simply looking for a cleaner home. They do not require a lot of exercises but do enjoy it when they get it.
Their friendly and affectionate nature means they will happily go wherever their owner goes, making them great travel companions.
4. The Chihuahua
Often called the “Mexican manicure,” most Chihuahuas are very small, so they tend to act more like cats. They can be a bit timid around strangers and separation anxiety is common which can make them act more like cats sometimes.
They are very active indoors and bred primarily as lap dogs, but they can adapt to apartment life if the owner is aware of their needs and the training required to make them fit into the household.
5. Bearded Collie
Bearded Collies are loyal and loving dogs, which are often referred to as “velcro” dogs because they want to be with their owner all the time.
They also love to be up high, so they will often jump on your bed, couch, or counter like cats and even sit on windowsills looking out like cats do to watch the world go by.
6. Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terriers are hard workers and great watchdogs, and they will often guard their owners with fierce protectiveness, similar to a cat-loving its owner.
They also love to be “held” so much that you might find them sleeping on your bed at night. They also have the behavior of licking themselves like cats do when they are happy and comfortable.
7. Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is known for being independent and aloof, just like cats! They enjoy lounging in the sun, playing with toys, and exploring their surroundings as much as possible (though they’re pretty particular about who they want to befriend).
A Shiba Inu puppy looks like a cross between a fox and a cat, but these dogs are surprisingly low-key compared to their other dog cousins.
Shiba Inu’s have been known to be oddly shy, but intelligent and can learn new tricks quickly, making them great dogs for those who don’t want an overly active dog.
8. The American Eskimo
The American Eskimo Dog is a great choice for owners who love to be outdoors and prefer a friendly, easy-going dog.
This breed was originally used for herding and guarding, but that role has taken a backseat to more docile jobs like being alarm dogs or seeing-eye dogs.
They are still very protective of their owners and enjoy the company of their families. They are known to also act like big kids who need lots of attention and playtime opposite of their independent peers, like the Border Collie.
The American Eskimo Dog is a good candidate for a family pet, making good watchdogs and hunting companions. This breed is also great at performing tricks and working around the house, like cats!
9. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a funny-looking dog whose only desire is to be with its owners. Unlike its counterparts, the Chow Chow is not very energetic, and will often laze around in the sun or play with toys in its home.
The Chow’s personality is similar to a cat in that it will be almost shy when meeting new people or dogs. However, once you gain its trust, the Chow Chow can be one of the most loyal and affectionate dogs out there.
They are extremely good with children and people of any age, making them great for families. If you need an easy-going chow to help with kids, this dog is the one for you!
10. The Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a very lively and independent dog that loves to play and run around. While its personality is similar to cats, it’s much more active than Shiba Inus, but still prefers its owners over other dogs.
It’s also a very loyal dog with strong protective instincts towards its people, making it an excellent watchdog. Like the Chow Chow, the Husky is known to be especially good with children and affectionate towards them.
This dog is very strong and smart, and when properly trained it can do tricks or even be a hunting dog. The Siberian Husky needs lots of exercises to keep it happy but is generally a good all-around dog.
11. The Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a dog that thrives on activity. On walks and at the park, this breed will be by your side, ready to jump and play with you at a moment’s notice. Like cats, they find great pleasure in being outdoors, though they do enjoy being around people too!
They are quick learners who love to please their owners, making them perfect candidates for tricks or other training opportunities.
The Australian Shepherd makes a great guardian or herder because of its intelligence and good-natured personality.
12. The Maltese
The Maltese is a small, ancient breed of dog, developed as a herding dog in the Mediterranean region.
The Maltese is a sociable and energetic dog, with no aggressive tendencies due to its strong personality. They love people and want to be around them constantly; they are not very good watch dogs because they would not dare bark to alert their owners.
They are clean and gentle, with a tendency to scratch themselves by rubbing against furniture. They like to chase small animals, as well as birds and even butterflies.
Their small size makes them able to get into tight spaces.
13. The Chinese crested
The Chinese crested is a breed of domestic dog which has two varieties: smooth-coated and rough-haired. The Chinese crested was developed in China from the Tibetan spaniel, at the crossing with a wirehaired fox terrier in Europe.
This is a breed of dog that will get into trouble as quickly as you can imagine. They are incredibly intelligent and use their facial complexity to communicate with you.
They have an inquisitive nature and enjoy exploring new things – just like cats! The Chinese crested is also an independent, self-reliant breed who needs lots of individual space and attention from their family members.
They can be a challenging breed to train in many ways because they are so intelligent and independent. Chinese crested should not be left alone unsupervised, as they will try to escape at every opportunity.
14. The Schnauzer
Schnauzers are a funny breed of dog. They have many cat-like qualities, making them great pets for those who love their feline friends.
They are very intelligent and energetic, leading them to be pretty good at tricks and obedience training.
They are very affectionate, giving them great personalities for any household. Not only that, but they are also very loyal, which makes them perfect for taking care of children.
They are very good with kids and get along with other animals really well, making them a great all-around dog.
They are also, unlike many other breeds, friendly to strangers. They are very rare dogs, which is why they are not seen as often as other breeds on the street.
15. Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog is a breed of herding dog. It originates from the Shetland Islands, a part of Scotland that is far north and often cold.
This breed is an excellent family pet for those who love a dog that has not only lots of energy but also possesses an active and playful personality.
The Sheltie’s athleticism and high intelligence make them natural cats. They love to climb and play around with their owners as well as other pets in the house.
They are good with children and other dogs. Their size, demeanor, and health make them very appealing dogs for families and individuals
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there are many dog breeds that act like cats. Some of these breeds are good for apartments, while others may be more appropriate for families. The best way to find out which breed is right for you is to ask around and see what others say.
Read the whole article? Let me know in the comments which of these dogs you’ll love to have at home and why? We’d love to hear sure!
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