I would like to get a dog that is under 40 pounds, calm, sweet, good around cats, would help protect the cats if a fox or some animal comes around. What kind of breed do u recommend?

are you on land? if so a maremma is a good guard dog of animals they use them to guard flocks of sheep. so if you have a decent sized yard it could be a good option

a dwarf bulldog...

rough collie,lovely nature,fantastic with other animals and great gaurd dogs.

Airedale Terrier is good, if raised with cats in the same household. The dog would not protect your cat, but when turned loose on your property, he will certainly tree or kill any small predators within reach. I had Airedales, when we have cats in the house. German Speherd Dog would be Ok as well. When raised since puppy age, the dog will learn that cats are not game.

Airedale Terrier is good, if raised with cats in the same household. The dog would not protect your cat, but when turned loose on your property, he will certainly tree or kill any small predators within reach. I had Airedales, when we have cats in the house. German Spepherd Dog would be Ok as well. When raised since puppy age, the dog will learn that cats are not game.