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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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?
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.