What small to medium sized dog breed is good with cats?

[sarahnicole]

I want some detailed anwsers about what kind or small to medium sized dog will be easy to train, good with both my cats. i have a pretty big yard(non fenced) and a pretty big house to. It needs to be able to tolerate cold and hot weather, and my smaller cousins. my brothers are 15 and 14 and one of them likes to "play wrestel" with the cats.what do you recommened?

[Kelly]

Really any type of dog can do well with cats. It comes down to training and socialization.
It is important to remember that many dogs are fine with the cats they live with, but are not ok with strange cats especially if outside!

Personally I would look at medium size, cat and kid friendly dogs at your local shelter!
There are many dogs of different breeds and mixes in desperate need of homes that would fit your needs. So please consider saving a life!

[TAMMY P]

All dogs can be friendly to cats it matters how they are introduced.

My long haired Chihuahua often plays with my neighbors kids.

Go to your local shelter and look around.

Look into getting an older dog who already has kid experience.

[marci knows best]

Let's start with no dog breed should be left outside by itself. Dogs are social, pack animals and need to be kept inside with their pack (that is your family). If you intend to leave the poor dog outside by itself most of the time - do NOT get a dog. Any dog. And You need a fenced area. Many shelters and breeders won't consider placing an animal unless you have a fenced area. And not the invisible fence crap - a real fence.

A brief answer is most breeds other than terriers and the hunting breeds can be good with cats. Terriers and breeds bred to hunt have high prey drive and can't be trusted. It is best to get a dog who has been raised with cats. If you have brothers who wrestle with the animals, please don't get a puppy or a toy breed dog. They are too fragile and a teen-ages boy will likely injure it. Get an older, medium-sized dog from your local shelter.

Take this quiz from Animal Planet to see what dog breed would fit into your lifestyle.
http://animal.discovery.com/breedselecto...orindex.do

[Profoundbread237]

We can't give you detailed answers, because it varies from dog to dog, and isn't a breed specific issue about cats. As for easy to train..no dog is easy to train. As for tolerating hot and cold weather, the dogs should be indoors and should only be outdoors when you can supervise them, so that's really a non issue. As for your cousins, always supervise dogs and young kids when together. As for the teenage brothers wrestling with the cats, most dogs like that as well.

Local rescues in your area will match you with the perfect dog, so pay them a visit.

[Holly]

Any breed can be good with cats if they are raised with them, and there's no such thing as an "easy" dog to train. They all take time and effort.

Since your brothers like to roughhouse, I'd say go with a sturdier breed. Here's some idea's:

Boston Terrier
English Bulldog
Corgi
Beagle

[Ocimom]

I'd rather answer what type of dog NOT to get Don't get any of the terrier breeds (except Boston Terriers). The worse one would be a Jack Russel or mix.

You don't want too small of a dog tho - maybe a mini poodle vs a toy. Other ones may be a spanial type. The important thing is either talk to the reputable breeder how the dog gets along with cats or the shelter. Shelters often do cat/kid testing before rehoming so you know if the dog is ok with both or the dog should not be placed with cats/kids.

[Alaina]

I am just going to tell you breeds NOT to get. All terriers, beagle, (because you have a non fenced yard) pointers, and any other breed that has a high prey drive. some breeds to think about are cocker spainiel, cavalier king charles spaniel, toy poodle, and any other breed that has a low prey dive. go to your local shelter and look for a dog.

[Lizzy Loo]

I agree with Kelly, that if you train a dog they can do well with cats. However, if you want a specific breed of dog I would suggest a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They are so loving, and love other animals as well. They are a toy dog, but bigger than other dogs in that category. They do amazingly well with other people, so they would do fine with your cousins.

Good luck!!

[Lizzy Loo]

I think the answer "all" terriers isn't true. Both my dogs are terriers and are perfectly fine with mine and other cats so I really think it all comes down to socialization and training.

Since your brothers like to wrestle DO NOT get a small breed, get a sturdier, medium sized breed like some of the others have suggested.

All dogs are time consuming to train, and some take longer than others. My fox terrier/sheltie girl was much easier than my yorkie/ poodle mix boy.

Last but not least, always spay or nueter your pets!