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24 Dog Breeds That Act Suspiciously Like Cats: #17 Is Uncanny!

Do you know that some dog breeds act suspiciously like cats? If you’ve experienced this, you’re not alone. 

As a lifelong pet owner, I’ve seen some mighty strange behavior from our canine companions. Let’s dive into the world of dogs who might just be cats in disguise.

1. Chihuahuas: The Lap Warmers

These tiny terrors are more like cats than you’d think! They love to curl up in your lap, demand attention on their terms and can be downright sassy. I once had a Chihuahua named Peanut who would perch on the back of the couch like a cat, surveying his kingdom.

Chihuahuas: The Lap Warmers

2. Greyhounds: The Couch Potatoes

Don’t let their racing history fool you. These long-legged loungers spend most of their time napping, just like our feline friends. My neighbor’s Greyhound, Speedy, is anything but – he’s perfected the art of sleeping 20 hours a day!

Source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/greyhound/

3. Basenji: The Groomers

Known as the “barkless dog,” Basenjis are meticulous self-groomers. They’ll spend hours licking their paws and coats, just like a cat. It’s a sight to behold, watching these pups go through their cleaning routine.

Source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/basenji/

4. Shiba Inu: The Independent Spirits

If you’ve ever met a Shiba, you know they’ve got that aloof, “I do what I want” attitude that’s pure cat. My friend’s Shiba, Yuki, will only come when called if there’s a treat involved – sound familiar, cat owners?

Shiba Inu: The Independent Spirits

5. Whippets: The Sun Worshippers

Like cats, Whippets love nothing more than finding a warm sunny spot to stretch out in. If your dog enjoys warmer spots instead of the cooler shades, you could have a cat-like dog.

Whippets: The Sun Worshippers

6. Afghan Hounds: The Graceful Divas

With their flowing locks and regal demeanor, Afghan Hounds could easily be mistaken for feline supermodels. They’re known for being independent and a bit standoffish – very cat-like traits!

Source: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/afghan-hound-history/

7. Poodles: The Intelligent Manipulators

Poodles are scary smart, just like cats. They’ll figure out how to open doors, get into treat jars, and generally outsmart their humans. 

Poodles: The Intelligent Manipulators

8. Chow Chows: The Aloof Fluffballs

These bear-like dogs are notorious for their cat-like indifference. They’ll tolerate your presence but don’t expect them to come running when you call. 

Chow Chows: The Aloof Fluffballs

9. Borzois: The Elegance Personified

Like cats, Bomovess moves with a grace that seems almost supernatural. They’re also known for being quiet and reserved, much like our feline friends.

Borzois: The Elegance Personified

10. Akitas: The Proud and Dignified

Akitas carry themselves with a dignity that rivals any cat. They’re also known for being fastidiously clean, often grooming themselves like cats do.

Akitas: The Proud and Dignified

11. Papillons: The Agile Climbers

These little butterflies of the dog world are known for their love of high places. Don’t be surprised to find your Papillon perched on the back of a chair or the top of a bookshelf, just like a cat!

Papillons: The Agile Climbers

12. Basset Hounds: The Stubborn Sleepers

While they might not look cat-like, Basset Hounds share a cat’s love for lengthy naps and a stubborn streak a mile wide. You shouldn’t get mad at your basset hound for sleeping – it is only exhibiting its cat-like character.

Basset Hounds: The Stubborn Sleepers

13. Manchester Terriers: The Nimble Hunters

These sleek pups have a prey drive that rivals any cat. They’re excellent at catching small critters and have a decidedly feline agility.

Source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/manchester-terrier-standard/

14. Schipperkes: The Curious Climbers

These little black spitfires are known for their love of high places and their insatiable curiosity. Sound like any cats you know?

Schipperkes: The Curious Climbers

15. Finnish Spitz: The Vocal Communicators

While they bark instead of meow, Finnish Spitz are known for their wide range of vocalizations, much like how cats have different meows for different needs. So when you hear your Finnish spitz vocalizing differently, it is not sick. 

Source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/finnish-spitz/

16. Lhasa Apsos: The Regal Loungers

With their long, flowing coats and dignified demeanor, Lhasa Apsos could easily be mistaken for little lions – much like their feline counterparts. This makes them look less like dogs and more like lions.

Lhasa Apsos: The Regal Loungers

17. Salukis: The Silent Observers

Here’s the uncanny one, folks! Salukis are known for their quiet, watchful nature. They’ll observe everything going on in the household from their favorite perch, just like a cat. My friend’s Saluki, Whisper, is so cat-like in her behavior that their actual cat often mistakes her for a feline friend!

Salukis: The Silent Observers

18. Chinese Crested: The Heat Seekers

Like cats, these nearly hairless pups are always on the lookout for warm spots. They’ll seek out sunny windowsills, and warm laundry, and even try to sneak under the covers with you.

Source: https://www.britannica.com/animal/Chinese-crested

19. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: The Lap Lovers

These sweet-faced pups share a cat’s love of laps. They’ll curl up with you for hours, purring – I mean, snoring – contentedly.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: The Lap Lovers

20. Australian Cattle Dogs: The Clever Tricksters

Known for their intelligence, these dogs can be as crafty as cats when it comes to getting what they want. Some even learn to open the treat cabinets for their favorite snacks!

Australian Cattle Dogs: The Clever Tricksters

21. Miniature Pinschers: The Fearless Mighty Mites

Don’t let their size fool you – Min Pins have the confidence and attitude of a cat ten times their size. They strut around like they own the place, just like our feline friends.

Miniature Pinschers: The Fearless Mighty Mites

22. Shar Peis: The Wrinkly Loners

These wrinkly wonders are known for their independent streak. They’re often happy to do their own thing, much like cats.

Shar Peis: The Wrinkly Loners

23. Italian Greyhounds: The Elegant Loungers

These slender pups love nothing more than finding a cozy spot to curl up in. They’re also known for their love of warmth – you’ll often find them snuggled under blankets or basking in the sun.

Italian Greyhounds: The Elegant Loungers

24. Brussels Griffons: The Expressive Faces

With their almost human-like faces, Griffons can give you a look of disdain that rivals any cat’s. They’re also known for their love of perching on the back of furniture, surveying their domain.

Source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/brussels-griffon/

Who’s Really Top Dog?

So there you have it – 24 dog breeds that might just be pulling the wool over our eyes. Next time you catch your pup acting a bit catty, you’ll know why! 

Remember, whether they’re more dog or cat, the most important thing is the love they bring to our lives.