16 Dog Breeds That Basically Act Like Cats

Pet homeowners have an age-old rivalry: Dogs, or cats? Many homeowners have a powerful opinion in some way, some have each animals, and nonetheless extra have adopted one, however appear to be elevating one other. 

Some canine breeds make their homeowners marvel… “Did I adopt a cat?”  Aloof personalities, independence, and sleeping all day — whereas it would sound like a cat, these are additionally some canine breeds’ traits. 

What Does It Mean that Dog Breeds “Act Like a Cat?”

Dogs and cats differ biologically; as completely different species, they’ve dissimilar anatomies, wants for socialization, and extra. However, the paramount character traits of cats — cussed and impartial, aloof, and regal — have discovered their means into some canine breeds.

Betsy Banks Saul, the creator of Petfinder and Heal House Call Veterinarian, had a chuckle when A-Z Animals advised her concerning the comparability. “I believe that cats are noble creatures and dogs are lucky to find themselves compared to them! However, it is impossible not to consider the independent, stubborn, and imperious nature of my most beloved cats. Who is most like cats?”

When homeowners and pet lovers take into account the comparability, they usually suppose that dogs act like cats after they’re standoffish, impartial, and cussed. Some additionally imagine their potential to sleep lengthy hours, loosen up within the solar, and aversion to walks make them act like their feline counterparts. 

Keep studying to find the 16 high canine breeds that mainly act like cats — with the caveat that particular person dogs in a breed nonetheless fluctuate extensively in character and temperament.

1. Shiba Inu

The breed that almost all usually tops the checklist of the “most catlike dogs” are Shiba Inus with its fox-like face, dominant character, and aloof loyalty.

“Shiba Inus indeed exhibits several cat-like behaviors. These include their independent nature, self-grooming habits, and the way they often keep themselves clean,” stated Aaron Mears, knowledgeable canine sitter and pet fanatic with PawLand Pet Care. “Shiba Inus are also known for their agility and the ability to jump onto high surfaces, reminiscent of a cat’s climbing skills. Their aloof yet loyal personality is often compared to that of a cat, as they may form strong bonds with their owners but still maintain an independent streak.”

The writer’s personal Shiba Inu demonstrates many of those character traits. She’s skittish round strangers, prefers to sleep alone a lot of the day, and even performs like a young kitten round hanging toys, ropes, and tiny balls. 

2. Basenji

Even based on the American Kennel Club, basenjis are cat-like. The hypoallergenic, African-descended looking canine the basenji makes our cat-like canine conduct checklist due to its tendency to get itself in distinctive conditions.

“The basenji is often referred to as the barkless dog and is known for its unique yodel-like sound. Much like a cat, they are incredibly independent, and curious, and are known to climb trees, which is quite a feline trait. When I was training a basenji named Luna, I often found her perched on high places, observing her surroundings, much like a cat would,” recounted Ray McNally, a 30-year veteran canine coach and behaviorist and founding father of Barky Dog Toys.

Basenjis have an clever, poised look more often than not, which additionally contributes to the regality of the breed. 

3. Chow Chow

Chow chows stay an uncommon breed merely due to their temperament. While different dogs wish to please homeowners, chase balls, be taught tips, and be foolish with their households, chow chows are neither playful nor goofy. Chow chows choose to “do their own thing,” giving off a dignified air with aloofness or outright disdain for anybody exterior of their household. Like cats, chow chows bond and have loyalty to their homeowners, however even that relationship takes work — and doesn’t entitle the proprietor to an hour-long cuddle session.

Furthermore, chow chows give off the looks of an enormous cat. Their wild mane feels paying homage to a proud male lion. Chow chows take pleasure in cleanliness like cats, too. The must maintain themselves clear drives the chow chow’s home coaching, which stays extremely simple in comparison with different canine breeds.

4. Greyhounds

While completely different species, each the Italian greyhound and greyhound dogs current distinctive cat-like behaviors, making homeowners, trainers, and vets alike query if the pet is known as a canine in any respect. 

According to McNally, the Italian greyhounds he’s skilled care extra about sunbathing than every other exercise. “These slender and graceful dogs are known for their cat-like agility and speed,” he stated, “[but] they also have a penchant for lounging in sunspots and being quite meticulous about their grooming habits. I would often joke about an Italian Greyhound I trained, saying he was a cat in a dog’s body, especially when he’d spend hours sunbathing.”

Sean Pritchard, a licensed canine health coach (CCFC), licensed skilled canine coach (CCPT), and present President and Head Canine Fitness coach of Pant & Wag, lent his experience to the A-Z Animals checklist and mentioned greyhounds’ cat-like conduct.

“Greyhounds are perhaps the most misunderstood dog in all of dogdom. When people think of greyhounds they think of these incredibly athletic dogs who love to run non-stop. And while they can run at blazing fast speeds, when given a choice most greyhounds would rather sleep on your couch or bed rather than run in a race. It is their need for sleep which makes them so cat-like,” he knowledgeable. “While most dogs sleep 12-14 hours per day, most greyhounds sleep 16-18 hours per day, which is the same amount of sleep the average house cat needs. I have always thought of greyhounds as gigantic, skinny cats because of their need to nap!”

5. Papillon

Dr. Linda Simon (MVB, MRCVS), a veterinary surgeon within the UK and a primary supply of knowledge for Panacea Pets, talked to A-Z Animals at size concerning the completely different canine breeds she’s come throughout in her years of observe that almost all intently resemble cat conduct. One such choose was the papillon with its small measurement, fringed ear hair, and powerful character.

“The papillon is a quirky and energetic little breed that reminds me of a young domestic short hair [cat]. They enjoy chasing things, patrolling, and being assertive. [Papillons] are small and delicate, with a slender frame; much like their feline cousins. They also have that sleek, straight coat and come in a range of lovely shades including white, black and tan. Though many assume the elegant papillon is a lap dog, they were originally bred as ratters. This means they can give even the sportiest cat a run for their money when it comes to chasing and hunting mice and rats.”

6. Maltese

The Maltese breed is adaptable, affectionate, small, and mild. They’re good companions to seniors or busy households who need a loveable companion however don’t have the time for fixed walks and train. Much like a cat, Maltese dogs bond intently with their people and like to lounge round for a lot of the day.

“Maltese dogs can be rather feline in both appearance and behavior. They are not particularly active and enjoy lazing around and basking in sunlit areas. These dogs are also quite gentle and tolerant, which is why they are so popular among families with young children,” asserted Simon. “Interestingly, in my experience, many Maltese dogs get along really well with cats and have no issues sharing a home with them. Perhaps they see them as kindred spirits!” 

7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles spaniels have delicate fur and a pleasant, nurturing disposition.

“I really love the personality of the cavalier King Charles dog. They are not much bigger than kitties and they have a similarly soft and straight coat, with a lovely “plume” of a tail. These guys usually make nice pets for aged residents, as they don’t want an excessive amount of train and revel in sitting on laps and getting stroked. They are typically affectionate and docile, very like an enormous ole Maine Coon.” 

8. Alaskan Klee Kai

The Alaskan klee kai, whereas hyperactive, has many cat-like traits. They wish to perch on furnishings like cats, they maintain themselves clear, they climb on furnishings they might not be the proper measurement for, and so they have a excessive prey drive.

McNally has labored with many klee kais and asserts their cat-like conduct. “This breed, often mistaken for a Husky puppy, has a very cat-like demeanor. They’re reserved, independent, and have a strong hunting instinct, often pouncing on toys much like a cat would with a mouse. One Alaskan Klee Kai I worked with had this adorable habit of stalking his toys before pouncing, reminding me so much of a playful kitten.”

9. Basset Hound

Basset hounds don’t have the “quiet” conduct of cats, however they do have the sleeping down pat. Notoriously lazy and drained, basset hounds sleep comparable quantities to cats. They’re additionally extremely cussed, as cats are, and can shock you with the numerous methods they ignore your instructions.

“As a veterinarian and parent of basset hounds, I would submit that they are very cat-like in that they like to sleep a lot and usually enjoy doing so on top of a couch back, or other weird surface. Mine in particular, also like to lick themselves an excessive amount,” stated Erin O’Leary, DVM, co-founder and CMO of Heal House Call Veterinarian. 

10. Whippet

Whippets might mirror the vitality degree of a cat higher than all different canine breeds. Lazy a lot of the day with spurts of random vitality at inopportune instances, whippets have a peaceful and picked up nature more often than not. If they’re not operating round the home or attempting to knock issues over, they’re most certainly lounging within the solar and capturing you side-eye glances that should talk their love and affection for you. 

In addition, whippets are small and delicate — they know this and use warning round strangers to guard themselves. Much like a cat, they’re solely their true selves when across the individuals they love and belief essentially the most.

11. Vizsla

Though the vitality of a vizsla doesn’t scream “cat,” the best way they play does! Specifically, homeowners internationally verify that vizslas play like kittens. Vizslas even have a wicked-sharp intelligence — homeowners ought to constantly change out toys, add to their environments, and convey new challenges into their lives to maintain vizslas mentally stimulated.

Vizslas are very affectionate and bonded to their homeowners on the hip. While their affection isn’t at all times cat-like, their loyalty is. Some consultants just like the vizsla’s athletic prowess to Bengal cats or Peterbalds that present extra affection than the standard particular person feline.

12. Manchester Terrier

Cat-like dogs often fall into one among two teams: they clear themselves to a cat’s impeccably excessive requirements, or they’ve emotional and behavioral traits much like a cat’s. The Manchester terrier has each.

This terrier, which resembles a smaller Doberman pinscher, retains itself clear year-round. House coaching Manchester terriers stays a simple journey for canine dad and mom, because the terrier prefers to have an area as clear as themselves. Manchester terriers additionally act cautious of strangers. They take pleasure in their household — however as soon as somebody new is thrown into the combination, they’d choose to be someplace else. 

Finally, the Manchester terrier is an impartial breed that chooses one or two members of their household to bond with and exhibits their love and loyalty unconditionally.

13. Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland sheepdogs (“shelties”) aren’t usually regarded as cat-like; they’re agile working dogs with a zest for all times and happy-go-lucky nature. However, a few of their extra nuanced behaviors stay paying homage to a feline buddy.

Shelties are emotionally clever and extremely delicate to how their people really feel, very like cats can inform when one thing is off or improper with their household. As loyal companions who act cautious of strangers, this clever canine breed has a uniquely empathetic nature that mixes the very best of each worlds: a canine’s vitality and a cat’s intelligence.

14. Afghan Hound

Tall, slender, and sporting silky lengthy hair, Afghan hounds have an aloof and clever character that solely begins to scratch the floor of how cat-like they behave.

Overall, Afghans are bossy, dramatic, and wish lots of love and a focus — on their very own phrases. Similar to a cat who whines continuously for consideration after which runs away or hisses, the Afghan hound will demand its household’s love solely when it’s within the temper for a hug, pets, or treats. Otherwise, Afghan hounds are mischievous at home round their household. 

In public or round strangers, Afghans often act in a shy or reserved method. Whereas different breeds deal with strangers with aggression or try to guard their households, Afghans have a meek and unobtrusive presence. Usually, they simply wish to take away themselves from the scenario and get to a spot the place they’re comfy once more. Finally, the regality of Afghan hounds, from their look to how they sit and stand, reminds homeowners of how cats carry themselves.

15. Akita

An Akita’s clear, odorless existence demonstrates the cleanliness of a cat. Not to say, these dogs have excessive loyalty to their households. Like cats, they might not at all times illustrate their affection by means of cuddles, pets, or licks — however they are going to keep near their household in any heightened scenario.

Usually, Akitas should not cuddly dogs and as an alternative come off as aloof and exhausting to learn. They lick and groom themselves as cats do, and mimic “big cat energy” when looking. It doesn’t make its presence identified. Akitas stalk their prey, retaining their our bodies low to the bottom till they’re able to pounce and acquire the spoils of their planning.

16. Japanese Chin

Small, silky easy, and noble, the Japanese chin carries the regality of cats by means of their identify — “chin” in Japanese conveys the possession of royal blood. The American Kennel Club even states that the Japanese chin is a “distinctly feline breed” with its fastidious, sleek, and indoorsy nature. Chins wish to be with their household and develop deep, loyal connections — however might not at all times present affection by means of their actions.

Japanese chin homeowners have talked about observing a number of cat-like behaviors whereas proudly owning their dogs, together with:

• Using their paws to wash their face.
• Walking a few full desk with out disturbing what’s on it.
• Resting on excessive, hard-to-reach locations.

Heart of a Dog, Personality of a Cat

The canine breeds above are nonetheless man’s greatest buddy — they simply act a bit of completely different than what we usually take into account “dog behavior.” The Shiba Inu’s independence, the basset hound’s attention-grabbing sleeping positions, and the Cavalier King Charles’ docile nature all mirror widespread cat behaviors.

Whether you personal a canine, a cat, or one which thinks they’re the opposite, it’s all in good enjoyable. The most vital elements of any canine and proprietor relationship are love, understanding, and respect. As lengthy as you share these traits, the remainder of a pet’s character is icing on the cake.