What I wonder about those who have dogs and cats that are buddies, is it because the dogs know the cats?
For example, if you take a dog and cat that never saw each other before and stick them in a room and observed - would we still see the dog befriend the cat?
If so, what actually governs dog/cat relations? Temperament of the dog/cat in question? How each reacts if there's a miscommunication? Whether or not there's human interference/influence (either for the help or harm of the meeting)? Breed of each? (Would a Terrier be more likely to be hostile than a Lab? etc)
In the case of my dogs I have always taught them "No chasing kitties" etc. My last dog, Kazi, knew "our" cats and on my say so would not only befriend new cats but would never forget those new cats. Same with dogs.. tho Kazi would kill anything on my say so as well. Either way was fine with her, but she never offered to do it on her own.. she ALWAYS asked... (I know this sounds far fetched, but I lived with this dog 24/7 and that was what she did).
Other dogs liked ALL cats. Never asked.. just assumed all cats were to be adopted.
Current dog just LOVES all cats. Wants them all to come up to here and rub on her legs and let her lick them (or do that flea chew thing along their backs). If the cat takes offense (and wise cats who do not know this dog do take offense) she lays her ears down and shows submissive "guilt" and slinks away..
If a cat she knows, like Oliver, pops her on the nose, she takes it as a reason to play (she knows her cats) and so they play (controlled play BTW).
Now I never had a dog that I knew to be a terrier, but they say that German Shepherds have tremendous prey drive to kill.. yet NO dog I have ever had has ever been a cat hurter or killer. I believe it is all in the training of the dog.. and I believe ANY dog can be trained.