Choosing a pet is a hard decision, especially if you already have other pets in your home. The stereotype that dogs never get along with cats isn’t always true. But, when it comes to these 10 dogs breeds, it’s best to not have a cat in your home. Always do your research when searching for a new addition to your family to make sure you will be able to provide a home that will allow them to live happily and healthily.
Saluki
Salukis have origins in Egypt and Iran being known as the Royal Dog of Egypt and the Persian Greyhound, respectively. They were originally bred for hunting game such as gazelle, hare, fox, and jackal. Domesticated Salukis of today maintain their hunting instincts and often come off as introverted when around strangers though they are very affectionate with their owners. They have an independent personality as well which may make them difficult to train and they tend to get bored easily. Socialization in their early life can help with their hesitance towards strangers although it’s rare that they will lose their hunting instinct. This breed is known to be faster than even a greyhound and is able to run up to 43 miles per hour. Thanks to its padded feet it can absorb the impact from the ground and maintain impressive stamina. Because of this breed’s hunting instincts, difficulty to train, and agility, it is not recommended to have this breed around a cat which can be confused for prey.
Smooth Fox Terrier
Fox Terriers are known for being the origin of a number of other terrier breeds like the Jack Russell Terrier and the Rat Terrier. This energetic breed is not recommended for first time owners or owners with other small animals as pets because they have a primal prey instinct that is nearly impossible to break. This breed doesn’t mind strangers and other dogs, but they will try to hunt other small pets such as cats, hamsters, ferrets, and the like. Although it is unclear where its origins come from exactly, many believe that this breed has traces of Old English Bulldog in its blood. The Old English Bulldog, which is now extinct, was an incredibly muscular dog which was known for its aggressive temperament.
Manchester Terrier
This black and tan terrier has a short, smooth coat, a long nose, narrow head, small eyes, and a deep chest. This breed was originally bred to kill rats and rabbit and thoroughly enjoys a good game of chase. Manchester Terriers are not known for being especially aggressive although it is not a good idea to have them in a household with other small pets such as rabbits, hamsters, or cats. This breed also needs heavy socialization to prevent nipping and aggressive behavior. Terriers are generally not a good choice for homes with other pets because of their prey instincts and potentially aggressive behavior.
Schipperke
This breed is known for its stubborn and trouble-maker personality as well as its enjoyment of chasing animals that are smaller than it. They usually weigh up to 20 pounds and are about a foot tall when on all fours. Schipperkes are high energy dogs and are intelligent as well as independent. Aside from chasing and harming other small animals, Schipperkes are also known for being aggressive with other dog breeds. Their instinctively high prey instinct is focused around rodents and small animals so it is important to keep an eye on them while they are out in the yard.
Bluetick Coonhound
This athletic breed is known for its muscle and speed and carriers itself with poise and confidence. They have a black and white spotted pattern which gives them the illusion of being blue in color and are usually 1 to 2 feet tall weighing around 50 to 85 pounds. It’s important to note that this is a hunting breed and it is strongly advised to keep them away from cats and other small animals. This intelligent breed loves problem-solving games and needs to be socialized as soon as possible. They tend to be a great companion for children but when it comes to cats, they have a tendency to chase them up into trees and wait patiently for them to come down so they can finish their hunt.
Whippet
A Whippet is a medium sized dog and is a descendant of the greyhound breed. This breed was decidedly unsuitable for large game hunting due to their smaller size so they were instead used for catching rats, rabbits, and other small game. They have an incredible running speed of about 35 miles per hour and are the fastest accelerating dogs in the world from a standing position. Whippets are not aggressive animals but they are known to chase cats and other small pets and are extremely jumpy. This means that if they are startled or approached suddenly they will potentially react with a reactive bite or nip.
Afghan Hound
This breed is usually about 2 feet tall weighing about 45 to 65 pounds. Being part of the hound group, they were originally used for hunting large prey in the deserts and mountains of Afghanistan. They running ability was what made them so desired because they were able to run fast while maintaining their stamina in order to travel long distances. Afghan Hounds have been known to hold off a leopard until its owner got to them to kill the animal. Because this breed is able to hunt on its own without the direction of a human owner, it can be difficult to train. Afghans also do not appreciate rough play or being teased so the playful and curious efforts of a house cat may prove to be detrimental allowing the dog to revert back to its hunting instincts.
Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terriers are known for their distinctive bark as well as their speed and endurance. They are also great swimmers and have been used as gun dogs and hunting dogs in search of small game. This breed also enjoys fighting and are known to being very jealous around other dogs and small pets. Because of this breed’s strength, prey instinct, and enjoyment of fighting it is not a good idea to have this breed in a home with other dogs, let alone with cats or other small pets. When fighting, this breed tends to go for the throat as a first attempt to kill its prey.
Standard Schnauzer
This working dog is great with families due to its protective instincts. Though this breed is generally easy to train and highly intelligent, they tend to become destructive when bored or not exercised enough. Historically, this breed was developed for ratting and herding on farms in Western Europe. Due to its origins, it is not a good idea to have a Standard Schnauzer around cats or other small animals due to their prey instincts and protective behavior. It is possible that aside from wanting to hunt your cat, they may view them as a threat to your family.
Alaskan Malamute
This large breed was bred for hauling heavy loads thanks to their strength and endurance. This breed is still used as a sled dog in some areas as well as recreational purposes. Like other sled dogs, they have a strong prey instinct due to their origins. Because of this, it is not recommended to have them in a home or on a property with animals that are smaller than them like rabbits, squirrels, cats, and even smaller breeds of dogs. It is possible to train an Alaskan Malamute to behave around smaller pets, though it is very difficult and they will generally only tolerate the smaller pets that they are used to being around.
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