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10 Dog Breeds That Are Actually More Like Cats

Written by: Scott H
Scott Haiduc is the Director of Publishing for iHeartDogs, iHeartCats and The Hero Company. When not working, Scott spends his time on the farm, taking care of his animals and crops.Read more
| Published on August 16, 2016

While it might be difficult for us to understand, there are some people that just don’t like dogs. However, it seems like more and more are being converted into true dog lovers. Some of these folks, though, are still looking for a less “dog-like” companion, even in a canine friend. Luckily, there are plenty of dog breeds that have a more cat-like personality. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you’ll be sure to find one you like if you’re looking for one.

#1 – Shiba Inu

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Image source: Ryan Scott via Flickr

This popular Japanese breed is known for its fox-like appearance and cat-like temperament. Although loyal to their owners, they are not the most social dogs and are typically not interested in your average dog games like fetching. Training can be difficult due to their independent nature, but they are loving companions.

#2 – Basenji

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Image source: fugzu via Flickr

The Basenji is a small African dog with an independent attitude and a feisty nature. These dogs are loving towards their owners but are generally uninterested in dog-like activities. This breed is known for its inability to bark, perhaps the most cat-like thing about them.

#3 – Chow Chow

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Chow Chows are not recommended for inexperienced owners as they can be quite protective and prone to aggression. That said, they make wonderful companions for those ready to take on the responsibility. They are loyal but independent and aloof with strangers.

#4 – Japanese Chin

Portrait of some Japanese Chin dogs that we own. I've tried to create unique emotion portraits with low dept of field. Photographs for the Sunday Potography (Fotosšndag) with the them Depth of Field (skŠrpedjup)
Image source: Peter Remnemark via Flickr

These little companion dogs are alert, intelligent and independent. They are considered one of the most cat-like of all dog breeds, enjoying human companionship but not heavily relying on it. The breed is even known for resting on high surfaces like cats do.

#5 – Greyhound

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Image source: liz west via Flickr

They Greyhound is one of the oldest dog breeds, originally bred for chasing game down during hunts. They are gentle and loving with their families and aloof towards strangers. They are very intelligent and independent dogs that are surprisingly lazy inside the house.

#6 – Afghan Hound

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Image source: VirtualWolf via Flickr

The Afghan Hound is a large, elegant sighthound originally bred for hunting. This breed, like the Greyhound, is aloof and docile. They make excellent companions but their behavior is much more cat-like to most people. They are fun-loving dogs that are also lazy indoors.

#7 – Finnish Spitz

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Image source: Visit Lakeland via Flickr

This breed from Finland was originally used to hunt all types of game along the countryside. They are very active dogs that need a lot of exercise to remain happy members of the family. Loyal and devoted dogs, they are aloof with strangers and relatively independent even in the home.

#8 – Pekingese

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This breed was once favored by Chinese royalty, making them noble companions. Bred solely to be companions, they are loving with their owners but independent and relatively uninterested in strangers.

#9 – Saluki

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Image source: Nici via Flickr

The Saluki is another sighthound and, true to the sighthound nature, is considered more cat-like than dog-like. They are independent, aloof and somewhat difficult to train. That said, they are loving companions that enjoy spending time with their owners.

#10 – Borzoi

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The Borzoi is a large sighthound from Russia. They are athletic dogs that are also quiet and independent. They are very intelligent but sensitive dogs that can be difficult to train, although they are very affectionate with people they know and love.

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