Shih Tzu

Bred as a companion rather than a hunter or herder, and it shows. A Shih Tzu is small, gentle and cuddly, and is more likely to want to settle near a cat than to make a project of it. That makes it a strong match for a quiet home or a shy, older cat. The trade-offs sit elsewhere: the long coat needs regular grooming, and the short muzzle means it overheats more easily than most dogs, so hot days call for short, gentle walks.