8 Dog Breeds with Feline Traits That Might Surprise You
When most people think of dogs, they picture eager tails, loyal eyes, and a constant need to please. But not every breed fits that mold. Some dogs carry themselves with independence, move with surprising agility, and even prefer high perches or solo time—behaviors more often associated with cats. In the list ahead, we’ll take a closer look at a few dog breeds known for displaying cat-like traits.
Borzoi
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If you’ve ever seen a Borzoi glide across a room like it owns the place, you get the cat comparison. This breed is quiet, sleek, and loves lounging in its bubble. It was originally bred for Russian nobility. You don’t train a Borzoi, but negotiate politely and hope they’re in the mood.
Saluki
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Salukis have that aloof, elegant energy that screams feline from the minute they step into a room. Bred for speed and grace in the deserts of the Middle East, they carry themselves like they’re above the chaos. They nap like pros, clean themselves obsessively, and tend to look at humans like we’re mildly amusing accessories.
Pekingese
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There’s something undeniably cat-like about the way a Pekingese struts around the house, unfazed by your agenda. These little dogs were pampered palace pets in ancient China and still act like royalty. They prefer doing things on their terms, nap with flair, and expect admiration without working for it.
Finnish Spitz
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Those perky ears and foxy features might catch your eye, but the Finnish Spitz acts more like a feline than you’d expect. This breed moves with stealthy confidence and tends to do its own thing unless food or fun is involved. Add in the fact that they love perching on high spots, and it starts sounding very familiar.
Afghan Hound
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Afghan hounds are like runway models who moonlight as philosophers, which sounds odd until you live with one. They’re proud, dramatic, and independent thinkers with a silky coat that takes center stage. They’ll love you quietly but prefer admiration from afar.
Greyhound
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You might expect non-stop action from a dog built like a rocket, but Greyhounds are low-key loungers most of the day. They curl up silently, nap for hours, and move so gracefully that they barely seem to touch the floor.
Japanese Chin
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Japanese Chins treat gravity like a mild suggestion—they climb furniture with the agility of a cat and settle into high spots with serious confidence. Their dainty size and obsessive grooming habits only add to the feline comparison. They’re sensitive and graceful, and they love being near you, but only when it suits their mood.
Whippet
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It takes about three minutes of watching a Whippet lounge to realize you’re looking at a dog-shaped cat. Long naps, selective attention, and bursts of play when the mood hits all check the feline box. This breed can sprint like athletes, but it’s also an expert loafer. They’re neither clingy nor needy—simply delightfully cool with doing their thing.
Maltese
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If there’s one dog breed that knows how to live well, it’s the Maltese. This toy breed thrives on pampering. They’re small enough to disappear into a throw pillow and have no problem setting boundaries with a cool head tilt.
Chow Chow
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Chow Chows have that unmistakable air of “I’ll come to you if I feel like it” energy. Their dense double coat and cool indifference resemble a lion one moment and a house cat the next. They tend to be aloof with strangers and independent in spirit, which means they respect personal space—and expect you to do the same.
Papillon
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Hop onto a couch, and you may find a Papillon already there, flicking its oversized ears like it owns the place. Despite their peppy energy, these tiny dogs are surprisingly cat-like in how they adapt from person to person on their terms. Their name means “butterfly” in French, which fits their graceful, floating movements.
Manchester Terrier
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If you think your cat has an attitude, try living with a Manchester Terrier for a week. These sleek pups have strong opinions and often choose one favorite human to shadow while side-eyeing everyone else. They love toys, sneak food, and demand respect for their independence.
Basenji
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Also known as the “barkless dog,” the Basenji swaps woofs for yodels and keeps things quiet, like a cat tiptoeing through the house. They groom themselves constantly, avoid wet weather, and prefer to solve problems solo. These small hunters are clever and curious but also highly selective about when they’ll humor your commands.
Shiba Inu
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Shiba Inus live like they’re starring in their documentary—self-assured, quietly dramatic, and completely in charge of the narrative. They’re neat, aloof, and famously picky about who gets their attention. They also often climb, clean themselves constantly, and have zero interest in following orders blindly.
Italian Greyhound
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These slender charmers adore warmth and solitude, curling up like cats on the coziest surface they can find. They’re dainty, quiet, and notoriously sensitive. However, if you’re loud or chaotic, they’ll judge you harder than a Siamese.