We have always had dogs and cats and they have gotten along quite well. Our last dog passed away in February, and now we only have four cats. We are taking our time getting another dog. I applied with one rescue, and was approved, but they said the dog we wanted was not good with cats, and did not suggest a different dog. Would a puppy adapt better? Or an older, more settled dog? Three of our cats will ignore the dog, and the other will want to be friends.
Either an adult dog that comes from a home with cats, or a puppy. So, if you choose a rescue, I would only consider a dog that came from a foster home with cats. Definitely would not trust a “one time meeting” that seemed to go well.
As for breeds - it’s really hard to know. Most sporting dogs tend to get along well with cats. I’d be hesitant with sighthounds and terriers. I have Brittanys and they have always been around cats. But they were all acquired as puppies and they are a little scared of cats when they are small, which is good. It gives you time to train them to get along.
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My last 2 German Shepherds both would probably have been labeled “No Cats” in their ad but I worked with each for a week or so til
they learned that cats are off limits. My newest rescue has high prey drive and was wild and untrained when she came to me.
But she was smart, if stubborn and learned pretty quickly about the cats.
Both rescues were around 2ish when I got them. So I think it’s doable with an older dog, if daily training is done. And if the dog/breed is somewhat biddable and learns to listen.
But if you have a choice, why would you choose a dog with an unknown “cat history” if you have 4 cats already?
You are lucky that no cats were harmed or killed, but not everyone is.
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obviously depends what size you want but my Chi is super with our 3 cats, they play really nicely and mooch round together outside as a pack of 4…the cats are also trying to teach him to hunt mice lol!!!
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County shelters usually do not test dogs with cats. But, shepherds are quite smart and learn pretty quickly when something is off
limits. Same with introducing horses. Many shepherds want to herd (chase) horses. It’s a matter of training and teaching the dog
horses are also off limits. All cat training initially is done w/ dog on leash so there’s safety for the cats. it’s not really that hard.
The horse herding is a little harder because you’re not out in the pasture near the dog or the horses when training for this. But
believe me the dog learns quickly what is acceptable regardless. As said, it does take a biddable dog that listens and respects
training and commands. Probably not just any dog would be as easy but my rescue shepherds have had pretty decent brains,
which is why I chose GSDs.
I got a super laid back, 2 yr old female Aussie a few months ago. She was not raised with cats, but she lived with other dogs, geese, sheep, etc. on her farm. Aussies have a reputation of being good with other animals, so was optimistic when we brought her home. I was planning to do a slow, spaced out intro, but she and our cat sniffed noses then went about their business. No muss - no fuss. Our last dog took some watching and correcting, then all was fine. I agree that getting a rescue that’s been fostered or living with cats would be the best option - though not always possible.
I got a super laid back, 2 yr old female Aussie a few months ago. She was not raised with cats, but she lived with other dogs, geese, sheep, etc. on her farm. Aussies have a reputation of being good with other animals, so was optimistic when we brought her home. I was planning to do a slow, spaced out intro, but she and our cat sniffed noses then went about their business. No muss - no fuss. Our last dog took some watching and correcting, then all was fine. I agree that getting a rescue that’s been fostered or living with cats would be the best option - though not always possible.
I’ve always had cats and a dog. The dog has always been a Labrador and brought into the house as a puppy. I’ve only had 3 Labs (1 dog at a time), all female, and they’ve all been fine with the cats. I really wanted to adopt, but it was very difficult finding a dog to adopt into a multi cat (2) household. However, some shelters do have puppies, and that could be an option.
Yes!
Once a shepherd knows who/what belongs within the family(which doesn’t take long) they are more than ready and eager to guard and protect it.
No terriers or terrier mixes
