5 cat-like dog breeds

To be honest, we had never heard of anyone looking for a cat-like or cat-behaving dog breed, but we thought it would be an interesting collection.

We should make it clear from the outset that we have examined the properties by highlighting them, and of course, we cannot remain completely objective in drawing up such a list. Not to mention that, although different breeds have their own characteristics, each dog is different and each dog is an individual. With this in mind, please browse through our following collection of cat-like dog breeds.

Here are 5 breeds of cat-like dogs

1.) The Japanese Chin

Historians have debated the origin of the breed for many years. Some say that Japanese Chin is actually a Chinese product, while others say they are actually Korean-born. Various origin stories attribute the introduction of the Chin to Japan sometime between 500 and 1000 years ago to Buddhist monks, Chinese emperors or European traders. But one thing is universally agreed upon. The Japanese nobility are clearly responsible for the breed as we know them today. They were unknown in the West until 1854, when Japan reopened to trade after 200 years of isolation.

The Japanese Chin was ranked first because even the literature often describe them as cat-like. And not just because of them being graceful, flowing, generally quiet and extremely affectionate. They often groom themselves like cats, even licking their paws. For this reason, they are considered to be among the cleanest of all dog breeds.

2.) The Shiba inu

The original job of this ancient breed of Japanese dog was to flush small game and birds in the bush. Their distant relative is thought to be the Chow Chow, but their modern form is now achieved by the inclusion of Irish Setters and Pointers. As a consequence of World War II, the Shiba Inu almost died out, but fortunately, they were rehabilitated.

Even though the Shiba Inu are deeply attached to their favourite people, they are not entirelly dependent on them. Thes dogs are an independent, distinctly autonomous breed with their own thoughts and ideas. They are alert and very attentive dogs who, like cats, absorb their owners’ emotions. They are also characterised by a high demand for cleanliness and tidiness, which must be reflected in their own grooming and that of their environment.

3.) The Chow Chow

Some research suggests that this blue-tongued breed existed in China as long as 3000 years ago. But whether or not the Chow Chow are a Chinese breed is not entirely certain. They are also thought to be related to the Samoyed, the Norwegian Elkhound, the German Spitz and other Nordic Spitz-type dogs. These suggest an Arctic origin. They are dogs with a rather interesting character and have many famous fans, having been brought to Europe on board ships in the 18th century. Among them were Sigmund Freud, Konrad Lorenz and Elvis Presley.

They are famous for their dignified but aloof character. Although most are not lap dogs and are not particularly fond of cuddling, like many cats, they are most comfortable when they are near their owners. They also appreciate a clean coat and environment. They also have no characteristic dog smell and, according to their owners, are very easy to house-train.

4.) The Shar Pei

China is, and has been in the past, a very closed society, so there is less external influence. This is also very well measured in dog breeds, especially when it comes to the Shar Pei look at the Shar Pei. The breed is thought to date back some 2000 years to the Han dynasty. The Shar Pei was the dog of the peasants, and was extremely versatile. They could be used as hunters, guard dogs and shepherds. Later, unfortunately, they were also used as fighting dogs, where their loose, wrinkled skin was a great advantage because if a rival grabbed it, all it did was damage the animal’s skin. According to some sources, these dogs were also given wine to drink before clashes.

The Shar Pei also has a high degree of autonomy. Although their owner is everything to them, they do not necessarily express this by cuddling. Thanks to their guard dog past, they always have one eye on the family and their favourite person. They are most comfortable when they can lie quietly somewhere close to their owner. They are aloof with strangers, whether they are other dogs or people. But when they loosen up a bit and get used to others, they can show off their almost cat-like personality traits.

5.) The Maltese

Malta is not far from Sicily, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. In ancient times, the island was visited by pilgrims, sailors and wealthy merchants from three continents as far back as 3500 BC. It was a thriving seaport and a centre of finance and culture. Over a period of 2,000 years, beginning in 1500 BC, conquering peoples, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs and Normans, tried to take it over.

The island abounded in valuable goods such as spices, silks, gems and a certain white little dog. It is assumed that the Maltese were brought to Malta by the Phoenicians, who ruled the Mediterranean before the rise of Greece. Later, the Greeks were so fascinated by these little dogs that they depicted them on ceramics. Aristotle even called them ‘perfectly proportioned’. Finally, it was thanks to the Roman Empire that the Maltese was able to become even more perfect, and thus a status symbol. Even the Emperor Claudius succumbed to the breed’s charms. The Maltese was a recurring motif in Roman myths, poems and tales that praised the breed’s loyalty. After the fall of Rome, Chinese breeders rescued them from extinction and crossed them with their own breeds to create an even more refined dog.

They are a close-knit pet who loves to be involved in everything that goes on in the household – just like cats. Although at first glance they may appear fragile, like the felines, they are very agile, brave, playful, curious and energetic. Although they are lively little dogs, they are never intrusive; they also prefer to spend their time in a quiet and calm environment rather than in a constant hustle and bustle.