So why do dogs and cats have this stereotypical relationship as enemies? We see it over and over in books, television, and film — think about Garfield and Odie, for example. Most dogs can learn to tolerate cats. It depends largely on the dog’s prey drive. Canines are predators. They chase and catch smaller animals for food; even thousands of years of domestic life can’t quite change that instinct to chase. Selective breeding has enhanced that trait in some dogs, and faded it in others. For instance, many terriers have high prey drives, as they were bred to be hunting … Continue reading →