Twenty feline species exhibiting canine-like behaviors

Top Cat Breeds That Show Dog-Like Behaviour

Did you know that some cat breeds exhibit behaviour similar to dogs, displaying affectionate, social, playful, and loyal traits? Here are some of the top cat breeds that behave more like dogs:

Ragdoll – Known for their calm and affectionate nature, Ragdoll cats follow their owners around and enjoy being held. They are gentle with children and other pets.
Burmese – Burmese cats are high-energy and vocal, adoring people and strong social bonds. They love to be the centre of attention and are playful and intelligent.
Abyssinian – Demanding attention and playful, Abyssinian cats are sociable with humans and dogs. They show dependence on their owners and are known for their high energy levels.
Maine Coon – Large and friendly, Maine Coon cats are known for their dog-like loyalty and sociability.
Siamese – Siamese cats are vocal, intelligent, and people-oriented. They have strong attachments and are interactive.
Sphynx – Energetic and playful, Sphynx cats are very social and affectionate. They enjoy human interaction and are sufficiently intelligent to enjoy learning tricks.
Balinese – Descended from Siamese cats, Balinese cats are smart, playful, and affectionate. They are somewhat vocal and close to their owners.
Manx – Manx cats are known for their dog-like traits, including loyalty and trainability.
Tonkinese – Affectionate and social, Tonkinese cats often show more attachment than typical cats.

Other breeds occasionally noted for dog-like traits include the Scottish Fold, Persian (reserved but loyal), Burmese, and some orientals.

Siberian Forest Cats – Siberian Forest cats bond loyally with their owners and cherish interaction and attention, being known for their devoted personality.
Bengal Cats – Loyal and eager to please, Bengal cats have high energy levels and a love for play and interaction. They are known for playing in water sources and retrieving toys.
Birman Cats – Loyal and playful, Birman cats can be taught to obey commands. They tend to be sweet and gentle characters.
Savannah Cats – Full of zest and requiring plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation, Savannah cats are among the cat breeds that like water and can be trained to walk on a leash.
Chausie Cats – Chausie cats have the appearance of a wildcat but the behaviour of a sweet and loving dog. They are affectionate, eager to please, and sociable, with high energy levels.
Havana Brown Cats – Sleek, short-haired cats with a striking chocolate-brown coat, Havana Brown cats are friendly, outgoing, and playful.
Selkirk Rex Cats – Mellow and affectionate, Selkirk Rex cats form close bonds with their humans and resemble the more laid-back canine breeds in their calm and easy-going nature.
American Bobtail Cats – Active and sociable, American Bobtail cats greet their owners at the door and can be trained to walk on a leash and perform tricks.
Egyptian Mau Cats – Extraordinary athletes, Egyptian Mau cats are greyhounds of the feline world, sharing the stereotypical doggy traits of loyalty, playfulness, and trainability.

These breeds consistently appear across authoritative accounts as the most "dog-like" cat breeds due to their behaviour, sociability, and attachment to humans.

Some pet owners might find Siberian Forest cats behaving more like dogs, as they bond loyally with their owners and cherish interaction and attention.
Bengal cats, with their high energy levels and love for play and interaction, can be trained to play in water sources and retrieve toys, resembling some dog breeds' behaviors.
Birman cats, known for their loyalty and trainability, can even be taught to obey commands, displaying dog-like obedience.
Savannah cats, with their zest and high energy levels, are among the cat breeds that can be trained to walk on a leash, reflecting dog-like trainability.
Chausie cats, despite their wildcat appearance, have the behavior of a sweet and loving dog, being affectionate, eager to please, and sociable.
Havana Brown cats, with their friendly, outgoing, and playful nature, are often considered dog-like due to their friendly and playful demeanor.
Selkirk Rex cats, who form close bonds with their humans, resemble more laid-back canine breeds in their calm and easy-going nature.
American Bobtail cats greet their owners at the door and can be trained to walk on a leash and perform tricks, exhibiting dog-like behaviors.
Egyptian Mau cats, athletic and greyhound-like, share the stereotypical doggy traits of loyalty, playfulness, and trainability, often resembling dog behavior.
It's important to provide proper care, grooming, and entertainment for all pets, no matter their breed, to ensure they lead a happy and fulfilling lifestyle.