DOGS AND CATS!!!

I was wondering what dogs are best with cats, I would like a companion for my cat when it gets older. I don't mind the size but I wouldn't like a dog that is renowned for getting messy. I understand that no matter what the breed is the dog will always smell "doggie" but I would prefer a dog known for it's cleanliness. I have looked up for odorless dogs and found some but many people say there is no such thing, I tend to believe them. The smell is not that big an issue though.

Any suggestions would be great,

thanks.

xxx

A lot of the "dog smell" comes from what you feed them, as well as the breeds. I have dachshunds and they don't smell unless they've eaten food with grain. Over bathing and skin issues can also cause them to smell. They make a lot of sprays that you can spray your dog with the help with any odors and they do work pretty well. Just get the dog used to being sprayed as a pup and you'll be fine. Most of the sprays are also beneficial to the coat and skin. 

If you go online and search for dog breed selector quiz, there are quite a few out there that are fairly accurate. I took a few of them and then cross referenced the results. Of course I did this after I got my dogs, lol, but dachshunds were on my list as were Irish Wolfhounds (a breed we will be getting in the next few years). 

We've had a beagle, 3 cocker spaniels, and some mutts, and all got along with the cats. I believe it is not the breed but how the human raises the dog and cat together. My mother was especially good at this (though I suspect some sorcery was involved. I think she had some magic powers. )
The last time we had a dog and cat together, the cat was almost a year old, and the dog was a puppy so they were about the same size (and in this case the same color. )

As for a breed with little smell, I can't help there, sorry.

Thank for the replies, I will defianetly look into spaniels and dacshunds. I really like the look of Irish wolfhounds but I've heard their coats get quite smelly and easily get dirty. Would you agree?

thanks

xxx

Poodles don't shed or smell so are very clean.  They do require A LOT of care of their coat though as far as brushing and being clipped either by a groomer or by yourself, if you are so inclined.  I have 2 standard poodles and groom them myself most of the time.  I have learned this mostly by books and the internet.  Mine are not great with the cats though a lot of them are according to what I read on a poodle forum I frequent.  I think it has a lot to do with how you raise and train them.  I guess I messed up there and also my kitties were older and well established in my home when the dogs came along.  

Siberian Kitty said:

Thank for the replies, I will defianetly look into spaniels and dacshunds. I really like the look of Irish wolfhounds but I've heard their coats get quite smelly and easily get dirty. Would you agree?

thanks

xxx

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I wouldn't agree with that necessarily. I have a couple of friends that breed them and they never smell. They also do lure coursing and other activities like that, again, I've never noticed a smell from them. 

Bichon frises don't have as much of a doggie odour as some dogs do. they don't shed much. they are happy dogs. I think part of it is adventure of both cat and dog. and also how they are introduced. I would rub a towel over the dog and then rub it on the cat and vice versa. that way they get used to the smell. Keep them separated for a bit initially and gradually build to longer and closer meetings. I think if they are closer in age then they get along better. j could be wrong about thd. My older cat tolerates my 5 year old mutt (part Bichon) but my younger 3 year old cat is much closer to my dog. Not bosom buddies but they play.and sleep together.

Thank you everyone.