The Dog Breed That Acts Most Like A Cat

Everybody knows that when a pet doesn't conform to its stereotype, it's behaving like another's stereotype. For example, a cat that's friendly, playful, and doesn't glare at you like every breath you take is a waste of oxygen is obviously acting like a dog. Likewise a dog that doesn't beg for your attention and attend to your every need, prefers to lick itself instead of your sweet-tasting face must be acting like a cat.

Granted, if cats act like dogs, and dogs act like cats, then maybe their distinguishing behavioral traits aren't quite as distinctive as people think. Or maybe your pooch is so in tune with your needs that it feels compelled to pretend it's something that it's not so that you'll love it more. Nah, it's probably easier to put your dog in a box, specifically a litter box. Here's the canine most likely to get catty with you.

The dog's meow

PetMD ranked what it considers the three most cat-like dogs. Coming in at number three is the Manchester Terrier. A combination of the Black and Tan Terrier and the Whippet, these canines are rat-catchers by design. Despite all the time they spend with dirty rats, these animals are "impeccably clean." They're also not needy and not inclined to cozy up to strangers.

Second place goes to the Basenji. Commonly called the "Barkless Dog," the Basenji tends not to make much noise, and when it does, it usually yodels. Fastidious self-cleaners and fast to get bored, these good boys are bad at following orders. However, they're great at hunting. Basenjis excel at jumping, climbing, and quietly killing things.  

Topping the list is the Italian Greyhound. A canine that "enjoys sunbathing like kitties and really hates getting wet," this cat in hound's clothing also revels in "elevated surfaces," according to executive secretary of the American Kennel Club Gina DiNardo. Like any good feline, this canine has authority, but you can train them to use a litter box, which is the mark of a true scat cat.