Are Siberian Cats Good with Dogs?

Siberian cats are an ancient breed of domestic cats, perhaps the most ancient of all domestic breeds. For as long as their breed has lasted over the centuries, Siberian cats seem to know their place on the pecking order, and sometimes, it makes them a little territorial. 

 

For the most part, Siberian cats will get along with dogs just fine. No worse than say, bringing another dog into the house when you already have an alpha male there. They are known for occasionally displaying an attitude with other animals who have “overstepped”. 

 

The fact is, although Siberian cats certainly aren’t known for being cats that are hostile to other animals and pets, they do have their own little personalities, lifestyles, and personal territory and they don’t appreciate any of the above being violated. 

 

Siberian Cat Traits

 

Siberian cats are like versions of Ragdoll-lite. They have a charming and playful personality and enjoy being in the company of their family members, other animals, dogs, and even other cats. 

 

They occasionally have aggressive playstyles, however, it rarely ever devolves into anything overly chaotic. While they do create their own, personal space, Siberian cats are not fiercely territorial cats. 

 

Occasionally, they will let their irritation be known if a larger animal wanders in too close to their little habitat. While they’re not in the same league as Ragdolls or Ragamuffins in their incredibly open and loving affections, Siberian cats love their dog companions and only disagree with them from time to time.

 

Like any family member, your Siberian may have an occasional disagreement with their canine roommate and they will air their grievances in a loud snarl and hiss fest that looks vicious but is almost entirely show. 

 

Then they apologize in their own canine and feline ways and resume their original friendship that only grows warmer and happier as time goes by. 

 

Worst Dogs for Your Siberian Cat

 

There are some select breeds of dog that are an absolute no-no for your Siberian cat—or indeed, any cat of any breed, whatsoever—as they simply do not get along with cats, or even other dogs. 

 

Terriers

 

This goes for most Terriers, including the Manchester Terrier, Jack Russel, and the Smooth Fox Terrier.

These dogs can match and far exceed the energy levels of most cats and although they can be socialized enough to get along with your Siberian, it would only happen after months of absolute, fur-flying chaos. 

 

Shih Tzu

 

Despite being the brunt of many a crude joke, Shih Tzus are very anti-cat. These are dogs that are dying for your constant attention and their jealousy will not leave room for an affectionate cat like the Siberian. They’re also small enough that your Siberian will find nowhere to hide and escape its wrath. 

 

American Pit Bull

 

This is one dog who will rarely intend to hurt your Siberian but simply cannot restrain itself from chasing after it. Unlike the smaller breeds on this list, the Pit Bull is capable of doing far more accidental damage than the others. 

 

Greyhound

 

Despite the popular understanding of Greyhounds, which is the misconceived notion that they are insanely hyperactive dogs, Greyhounds are seriously the most lay dogs across the board. They will lounge all day, never raising their head to do much more than warmly greet you when you get home.

 

Their one weakness is something smaller that moves. If it sees your Siberian moving across the living room, a Greyhound will be a bolt of grey, tan, or light brown lightning across the room and will be on the Siberian before it knows it’s been discovered. 

 

Siberian Husky

 

These cousins are closely bound by ice and distance, snow and cold, and their mutual hatred knows no bounds. The Siberian cat is a predator, make no mistake. However, the Siberian cat is a predator far lower on the food chain than a Siberian Husky.

 

Not only that, the Siberian Husky is an instinctual hunter, compelled by the timeless history of their ancestors hunting prey, perhaps Siberian cats, in the Russian snow.

 

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

 

Like the Siberian Husky, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a powerful prey drive, though it probably lacks the ancient animosity between Siberian Huskies and Siberian cats. You can probably train it out of your Bull Terrier, but it’s still likely to bolt after your Siberian cat at any given notice. 

 

Afghan Hound

 

If you really like fur, you’ll own a Siberian Cat and an Afghan Hound, because you’ll get plenty from both. If you hate conflict, however, you will keep these two far apart. The Afghan Hound has explosive speed that belies its odd body shape and long, flowing hair. 

 

It will be very difficult for it to resist tearing after your Siberian cat at a moment’s notice. Its not likely that it would want to harm it but when you’re dealing with dogs this big, it may do so accidentally. 

 

All of the above dogs on this list can be trained and socialized to get along with your Siberian cat. However, it isn’t likely that they will be able to repress their inner instincts and conflicts are far more likely with these breeds than any other. 

For more information on dog breeds go here.

 

All Things Considered

 

For the most part, Siberian cats will get along great with your other, canine pets. However, stay away from all things Terrier, along with the other dogs on the above list and you should be fine with just about any other breed.