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Large dogs often get a bad rap for being too intimidating, especially around smaller animals like cats. But while some breeds might be more likely to chase or show dominant behavior, many large dog breeds are surprisingly gentle and affectionate with their feline companions. These dogs are typically known for their calm demeanor, patience, and adaptability. If you’re a cat lover with a penchant for large dogs, you might be surprised by how well these breeds get along with your feline friends.
Great Dane
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Great Danes are often referred to as “gentle giants,” and this moniker holds when it comes to their interactions with cats. Despite their imposing size, these dogs are generally calm and patient, with a laid-back temperament that makes them easygoing around other animals. Great Danes tend to be very tolerant and respectful toward cats, often showing little to no aggressive tendencies. Their calm and friendly nature, combined with their strong protective instincts, makes them ideal companions for a multi-pet household.
Newfoundland
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Newfoundlands, with their large frames and sweet personalities, are another example of a breed that is surprisingly gentle with cats. These dogs are known for their loving and easygoing nature, especially with other animals. Despite their size, Newfoundlands are often more focused on being affectionate and calm than they are on chasing or asserting dominance. They are highly patient and gentle with smaller animals like cats, making them an excellent choice for households with both dogs and felines. Their natural nurturing instinct makes them especially attentive to their companions, no matter their size.
Irish Wolfhound
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Though they may look intimidating, Irish Wolfhounds are known for their surprisingly gentle nature, particularly when it comes to other animals like cats. These dogs are gentle giants with a calm demeanor, and their loyalty and patience shine through in their relationships with feline companions. They are typically quite laid-back, often taking a “live and let live” approach to the other pets in the household. Irish Wolfhounds are not inclined to chase cats or be overly excitable, making them perfect for homes with both dogs and cats.
Mastiff
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Mastiffs are often regarded as one of the most protective breeds, but they are also incredibly gentle and affectionate, especially toward other animals in the household. Despite their massive size and muscular build, Mastiffs are calm and patient, and they can form strong bonds with cats. They tend to be tolerant of other pets and do not view cats as prey. Mastiffs are known for their docile nature, which makes them wonderful companions for feline friends who appreciate a laid-back dog that won’t intrude on their space.
Bernese Mountain Dog
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The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large breed with a calm and gentle temperament, making them highly compatible with cats. These dogs are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, and they are very patient with other pets. Bernese Mountain Dogs are often seen happily sharing space with their feline companions, both in the house and outdoors. Their gentle demeanor and strong instincts to protect and care for their family make them a great choice for a household that includes both large dogs and cats.
Boxer
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Boxers are energetic and playful, but they also have a surprisingly gentle side when it comes to interactions with cats. Despite their boundless energy, Boxers are typically very tolerant of cats and have an affectionate nature. While they may engage in some playful roughhousing, they rarely show aggression toward smaller animals. Boxers are highly social dogs, and they often bond quickly with other pets in the household. Their love for companionship and fun, combined with their protective instincts, makes them great playmates for cats who enjoy a little bit of fun and affection.
Saint Bernard
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Saint Bernards are known for their calm and affectionate personalities, which makes them wonderful companions for cats. These large, noble dogs have a gentle disposition despite their ability to protect and serve in more demanding situations. Saint Bernards are generally very tolerant and patient with cats, allowing them to share the household peacefully. Their easygoing nature and lack of aggression toward smaller animals make them ideal candidates for families who want both a large dog and a peaceful relationship between their pets.
Golden Retriever
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Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly and tolerant nature, making them one of the best dog breeds to have around cats. They are patient, loving, and generally very gentle with other animals, including felines. Golden Retrievers tend to be highly social and enjoy forming bonds with all members of the household, no matter their species. Their calm demeanor and friendly disposition make them easy to train and manage, which also helps ensure peaceful interactions with cats. Golden Retrievers are patient and kind, making them a top choice for multi-pet households.
Labrador Retriever
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Similar to Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers are often known for their sociable and friendly nature. These dogs are generally very gentle, calm, and eager to please, making them wonderful companions for cats. Labradors are typically not prone to chasing or showing aggression toward smaller animals, and they enjoy coexisting with other pets. Their patient and affectionate demeanor make them ideal for households with both dogs and cats, as they can form strong bonds with felines and often enjoy each other’s company.
Alaskan Malamute
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Alaskan Malamutes are large, powerful dogs that were originally bred for strength and endurance. Despite their size and strength, Malamutes tend to be quite gentle and patient with other animals, including cats. They are not typically aggressive and are known for being surprisingly tolerant of their feline companions. Their calm and easygoing nature allows them to coexist peacefully with cats, making them a great choice for families with both large dogs and small animals. While they have a strong prey drive, they are typically more interested in socializing and interacting with family members than chasing after cats.
Collie
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Collies are large dogs with a calm and gentle temperament, and they often form strong bonds with their feline housemates. These dogs are well-known for their intelligence and trainability, and they are typically very gentle with other animals, including cats. Collies are highly protective of their families and tend to be affectionate and caring toward all members of the household. Their laid-back nature and ability to adapt to different environments make them great companions for households with both dogs and cats.
Doberman Pinscher
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While Dobermans are often thought of as fierce protectors, they are also incredibly affectionate and gentle with the pets in their household, including cats. These dogs are known for their loyalty and intelligence, and they are often very calm and patient with smaller animals. Dobermans are typically social dogs that enjoy the company of other animals and are often seen sharing space with their feline companions peacefully. Their protective instincts ensure they will look out for their family, including any cats that may live in the household.
Rottweiler
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Rottweilers are another breed that is often perceived as aggressive due to their size and strength, but in reality, they can be incredibly gentle and patient with cats. These dogs are known for their calm demeanor and strong bond with their family members. Rottweilers are typically very tolerant of other pets, including cats, and they tend to be very protective and affectionate. Their laid-back and steady temperament makes them great companions for multi-pet households, ensuring that they get along with their feline friends.
The Gentle Giants Who Won’t Chase The Cat
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Many people are surprised to learn just how gentle large dog breeds can be around cats. Despite their imposing size and protective nature, these dogs are often loving, patient, and surprisingly tolerant of smaller animals. Their ability to coexist peacefully with feline companions makes them excellent choices for families seeking both a large dog and a cat-friendly home. With the right training and patience, large dogs can become perfect companions for cats, showing that size doesn’t always mean aggression—sometimes, the biggest dogs have the softest hearts.
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