Why Are Dogs Better Than Cats?
This is probably one of the most controversial questions amongst animal lovers - ever.
While dogs are man’s best friend, cats ooze sophistication and charm. The ancient Egyptians thought that cats were magical creatures, bringing good luck to their owners.
Other ancient civilizations like the Mesopotamians and Greeks revered dogs for their ability to hunt and offer protection. So… Which is better?
While cat lovers will be coughing up a fur ball about this decision, his article chooses sides with the canine kind. Here are 7 reasons why we think dogs stand alone on the top step of the household pet podium.
#1 Dogs Are More Social
One of the biggest reasons why people tend to choose having a dog as a pet over a cat is that they are more social creatures.
A cat will choose a cozy spot in the sun on the couch or another spot in the house and barely acknowledge your presence when you return home. But a dog will always be there to greet you, smothering you with doggy breath kisses and a wagging tail.
Dogs are always ready to go for a run, a session of tug-of-war, or a game of fetch. They’re great for social events, and if trained properly, they even associate well with other dogs and humans.
If you’re a social person, a pet dog is just for you. Cute breeds like French bulldogs or Pomeranians even help with starting conversations, making them the perfect wingmen…
While not all cats are social misfits, most of them will reserve their affection and social skills for a bit of a scratch behind the ear or a rub against your leg when asking for food.
#2 Dogs Are Easier To Train
Not only are dogs easier to train, but they also have a much greater ability to understand a variety of tricks and commands.
And there’s research to back this up.
“While cats have 250 million neurons in their cortex, dogs have roughly 530 million.
This research suggests that dogs have the capacity to learn much more complicated skills and behaviors than cats ever could.” (1)
Some people say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but many dog owners will dispute that idea. Dogs thrive when challenged with new tricks and commands.
From learning the basic sit, stay, and fetch to more important commands like sniffing out a banned substance at a security checkpoint, dogs have proven to be more useful to their owners in this regard.
#3 Dogs Are True Companions
Dogs seem to have a no-strings-attached type of love.
No matter what - they will always be there to greet you at the end of the day. They don’t ask awkward questions and don’t choose when or how much to love you. Dogs will show loyalty to their owners through thick and thin.
And this makes them ever so enduring to their owners.
They’re always up for a road trip or exploring the woods behind your house. They are ok to cuddle on the couch during a rainy day and to swim in the ocean, no matter the size of the waves.
Some breeds like the labrador retriever are even used as therapy dogs as they have a kind and calming demeanor, bringing comfort to those around them.
Yes, dogs are true companions, no wonder that many people see them as part of the family.
#4 Dogs Are Less Maintenance
If you have a cat, you’ll understand the fur ball reference I made at the beginning of this article.
Cats groom themselves constantly, but all this licking causes hair to accumulate in their throats until they eventually cough a big fur ball up. Quite disgusting.
Another rather nauseating issue that pet owners will have to deal with when owning a cat is cleaning out their litter boxes. You’ll have to clean the litter box once a day to prevent bad odors in your home if you own a cat.
Dogs, on the other hand, can easily be housetrained. They can be taught to signal you when they need to use the restroom or if they have access to an exit point, they will even go outdoors themselves to do their business.
Sure, you’ll have to bathe or brush your dog from time to time, but I suppose that’s a more pleasant experience than dealing with a litter box daily or sweeping up hairballs.
Dogs also get sick less often than their feline counterparts. That’s right, most cats are exposed to and infected with viral infections more often than dogs, meaning less frequent trips to the local vet with a dog.
#5 Dogs Can Offer Protection
Unlike cats, most dogs offer some kind of protection to their owners.
They have a great loyalty to their human family members and often punch well above their weight when needed. And it’s not just big dogs that will stand up for their owners. Small dogs, like a chihuahua or beagle, can also be fierce when protecting their home.
With a bit of training, any breed can learn to protect a person or a property. Some breeds even specialize in guarding, like the Doberman Pinscher or Boerboel.
While protection might not be your main reason to opt for a dog, you’ll be glad they are at your side if trouble arises. Things can quickly escalate when you’re out on a walk or spending time in a dog park.
If you have a dog that is known as a heavy puller, make sure to use a strong leash or neck collar that has been designed specifically for strong dogs.
This will keep you and your pet safe when you run into any sort of trouble.
#6 Dogs Offer More Variety
While it’s true that there are many different breeds of cats, and a large variety of colors that these breeds come in, they’re all more or less the same, aren’t they?
They’re all the same size. They act the same. They have the same likes and dislikes.
But not dogs. Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. From the almighty Mastiff to the petite Pomeranian - there’s a dog breed out there for everyone.
And this is a good thing because no two people are the same. So if you’re an introvert who avoids groups at all costs or a social butterfly who can’t stand awkward silences - there’s a pup out there just waiting to be adopted.
While the experts don’t agree on the exact amount of different breeds, there are something between 2 and 400 in total. Each breed is known for its characteristics.
For example, Boxers are fun-loving, goofy canines, while Pit Bulls are known to be more serious and are often used for guarding and protection.
#7 Dogs Are Man's Best Friend - Literally
Dogs often earn the title of 'man's best friend' for good reason.
Unlike any other animal, dogs have formed a uniquely close bond with humans over thousands of years. They're not just pets; they're loyal companions who stand by us through thick and thin. Whether it's offering a wagging tail to greet us after a long day or providing unwavering support during tough times, dogs truly embody the meaning of friendship.
Their unconditional love and unwavering loyalty make them indispensable members of our families. So, when we say dogs are man's best friend, it's not just a saying – it's a testament to the special connection we share with these remarkable animals.
Conclusion
In the eternal debate between dog people and cat people, the verdict is clear: canine companions reign supreme.
From their unwavering loyalty to their boundless affection, most dogs embody the qualities that make them better pets than the average cat. Whether they're beloved family pets or dedicated service dogs, the impact of these four-legged friends is undeniable.
One of the most compelling arguments in favor of dogs is their remarkable versatility.
From the playful energy of a puppy to the steadfast loyalty of a seasoned companion, dogs have a unique ability to adapt to our ever-changing lives. Whether they're providing emotional support as therapy animals or performing life-saving duties as rescue dogs, their contributions to society are invaluable.
But perhaps what truly sets dogs apart is their innate desire to connect with humans on a deeper level. Unlike cats, who often keep to themselves, dogs actively seek out our companionship and thrive on our love and attention. This special bond between humans and dogs is exemplified by the countless stories of canine heroism and devotion.
Take, for example, the countless rescue dogs who risk their lives to save others in times of crisis.
From natural disasters to medical emergencies, these brave canines demonstrate the true meaning of loyalty and sacrifice. Their selfless acts serve as a powerful reminder of the unique bond between humans and their canine companions.
In conclusion, while cat people may argue the merits of their feline friends, it's clear that when it comes to choosing the ultimate pet, most would agree that dogs are in a league of their own. From their unwavering loyalty to their invaluable contributions to society, dogs have earned their rightful place as man's best friend.