It is true that most dog breeds known for being good with children are good with cats as well. If you're a cat owner looking to add a new dog to your household, the American Kennel Club recommends that you consult a breeder of any specific breed to see if they would recommend their dog breed as a companion to your cat.

What are you looking for in activity level for your cat? The Maltese dog breed is more likely to nap with your cat than run and chase. The Affenpinscher toy breed likes to track and catch vermin, and would enjoy hunting with your cat.

Below, we outline what kind of activity you can expect between your cat and the recommended dog breeds to help you make the right choice.

The list below is not without exceptions as dogs and cats, like people, have their own personalities and tolerance levels. In any relationship, conflicts can and do happen.

Golden Retriever. This dog breed is regarded as one of the best for families. The Golden Retriever is naturally friendly, gentle and social, and tolerant of children and other pets in the household. They are excellent with cats because the breed is unlikely to play rough with your cat and will consider your cat a member of his family.

Goldens are not known for being guard dogs, but they have been known to adopt motherless kittens to raise and protect.

This dog breed is one of the easiest to obedience train.

Boxer. The energy of this dog breed may seem likely to turn off a cat, but not so. The Boxer Fan Club can verify that Boxers typically get along very well with cats. This strong and lively breed will wrestle and nap with your cat.

This dog is an excellent guard dog. Easy to train, the Boxer listens to their owners. If you are looking for a large breed dog for protection, that is good with kids and cats, the Boxer is a great choice.

Beagle. Though bred to be a hunter, Beagles socialize well with cats. Outside, a Beagle will run and chase with your cat. Inside, this dog breed is known to snuggle up with a cat for bedtime.

The Beagle is not the best dog breed for everyone. This medium-sized hound likes to track scents, and may ignore his owner if hot on the trail of something. They are not easy to train. The breed is also vocal. While the Beagle does not bark much, it howls frequently. If you and your cat don't want to hear a howling dog, you may want to select another companion.

Bichon Frisé. Happy and social, the Bichon views a cat as a friend and playmate. The concern is whether your cat can tolerate such a happy and playful dog. Laidback cats may find the super-friendly Bichon Frisé annoying.

What makes this breed the perfect pet for a family is its loving nature. The Bichon is easy to train and will not bark excessively.

This small dog's white coat doesn't shed a lot, but requires regular grooming. If their fur is not washed, trimmed and brushed regularly, mats and skin diseases can develop.

Maltese. A moderate- to low-energy level makes this dog breed perfect for cats who don't want to be overwhelmed. Friendly and gentle, the Maltese is more likely to cuddle with your cat than race through the house with him. Best of all, this dog breed won't pester a cat who wants to be left alone.

The Maltese is a lap dog who enjoys sitting with their favorite person. The breed is low-key and easy to manage, making them ideal for a first-time dog owner.

Papillon. Small and fine-boned, Papillons are not the right dog for households with large breed dogs or children that "roughhouse." The good news is that they are perfect for households with cats. Papillons and cats usually become fast friends and playmates, according to the Papillon Club.

It is typical to see a Papillon and her favorite cat gazing out a window together or sharing a couch cushion. Moments later, the two could be tearing through the house chasing a ball together.

The Papillon sheds moderately, but does not need a great deal of grooming beyond brushing. Although intelligent, the breed can be stubborn which can make obedience training a challenge.

Be sure to check out the best apartment dogs and the best dog breeds for people with allergies.

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