Having pets in the home is wonderful. They provide companionship, keep you more active and actually improve your overall well-being. Having more than one pet can be tricky though, especially if combining two different types of pets like cats and dogs.
If you have a cat and are looking to adopt a dog, or perhaps just looking for two new furry friends, you're in luck. This isn't a hard-and-fast list, as all dogs are different, so it's advisable to work with your local humane society to find a dog that will be a good fit for you and your feline friend.
The American Kennel Club describes the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed as "affectionate, gentle and graceful." These lovable little dogs make a perfect pairing with a cat.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are extremely adaptable and can be lazy or quite active depending on your lifestyle. These dogs are rather easy to care for. The hardest part will be choosing a name for your new family member!
The Papillon is a very small member of the toy dog group. They grow to around 5-10 pounds, meaning they're likely the size of your cat — perhaps smaller even. In fact, Papillons may actually be vulnerable to predatorial cats, so your worry may be with the cat rather than the dog in this scenario.
The American Kennel Club says, "Papillons tend not to realize how small they actually are, so owners need to watch carefully if they set out after a larger dog or even a cat."
Beagles are notoriously friendly dogs, and those characteristics carry over to interactions with other pets. If you choose to adopt a beagle, you're adding a lot of sweet, charming personality to your family.
Beagles have a proclivity for chasing scents because of their origins as a hunting breed so you need to be extra careful with these when you walk them in your apartment community.
Golden Retrievers, despite their large size, are a very good dog breed for cats. If you do a quick Google or YouTube search for Golden Retrievers with cats, you'll be met with tons of adorable examples of this furry friendship.
Because of how friendly these gentle giants are, they're frequently used as therapy dogs, guide dogs for the blind and family pets. Since Golden Retrievers are larger than some dog breeds on this list, and they shed frequently, you would need to consider the specifics of your living arrangement or find a dog-friendly apartment.
The Silky Terrier is another member of the toy dog group. Silkies require a small amount of exercise making them perfect for apartment life. Where Silky Terriers do require a bit of maintenance is in the area of grooming.
Their long, thin hair resembles human hair and requires washing and brushing regularly. The plus side of this type of pet hair, however, is that it's less likely to fill your apartment with allergens, meaning your landlord will be happy.
Corgis are definitely a good dog breed for cats, and for almost anyone truly. They're highly intelligent and very open to their owner's training. Corgis are prone to shedding at a couple of points throughout the year, so you should be prepared for that should you choose to adopt one.
The Barbet dog breed is perhaps one of the only "big" dog breeds on this list that's also free of problem shedding. That doesn't mean Barbets aren't hairy, though. They're known for their wild-looking curly hair that covers every inch of their body. The American Kennel Club describes the Barbet as, "A muppet come to life."
Barbets can be extraordinary apartment pets and get along well with cats. You do need to know, however, that they require a substantial amount of exercise. That means you'll have to take your Barbet around the block frequently — just make sure to pick up after them when you do!
If you already have a cat, bringing a dog into the mix is a big decision. However, you're now equipped with the knowledge of the best dog breeds for cats, so you're at a great starting point.
If you're ready, begin reaching out to local humane society groups and preparing your apartment to bring your new family member home.
Timothy Harris is a freelance writer based in Albuquerque. He brings a professional background in event marketing, residential real estate and journalism to the table to provide useful and relevant content for the modern renter. Timothy has previously written content for Karsten & Associates in New Mexico and Up 'til Dawn, a philanthropic fundraiser that benefits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.