The Great Debate Part Two: Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred.

If you’re a dog person, you might think there’s no debate at all, but you should check out Part One: Why Cats Are Better Than Dogs so you can get the full story. Many pet owners, myself included, enjoy the companionship of cats and dogs, but there are very few that would consider themselves to feel equally attached to both species. There are aspects of feline cohabitation that ailurophiles find irresistible, and dog lovers find repellant, while many cat lovers cringe at the thought of the wet tongues, daily walks, and boisterous behavior that sometimes come with canine companions.

Sharing my home with five cats and five dogs puts me in an ideal position to assess the various pros and cons of life with both, and whether it’s possible to be both a cat and dog person. So let’s start by looking at the reasons why dogs are better than cats.

Dogs Are Better Than Cats Because…

• Theirs is the very definition and embodiment of unconditional love

• You will never feel lonely if you have a dog

• They get us outside, keep us active, and help us socialize

• They are (mostly) keen to please, obedient, and readily trained

• They will alert you to danger, and even protect you (from intruders, delivery drivers, that suspicious-looking tree branch…)

• They readily adapt to your lifestyle and schedule

• They can come with you on adventures

• They are always excited to see you, whether you’ve been gone 2 weeks or 2 minutes

• Puppies!

• They have eyes that stare into your soul

• Some dog breeds shed very little

• They come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and temperaments

Although the list of things that make dogs amazing is long, it’s only fair to talk about some of the downsides to canine cohabitation, even if they may seem like trivial inconveniences to dog people:

• Some slobber very little, some slobber a lot, and some slobber on EVERYTHING

• They can be noisy, boisterous, and jump on people

• Toilet training can be a real challenge for some dogs

• Some dogs shed A LOT

• They cannot be left alone for long periods

• They need to be let out to the toilet and taken for walks

• They can engage in embarrassing activities like humping and bum-scooting, usually in front of guests

• Dogs that live outside or in kennels tend to be smelly

• Behavioral problems can be challenging and even dangerous

• They can cause conflict with neighbors if barking is an issue

• Bored and frustrated dogs have been known to destroy shoes, furniture, carpets, doors, and walls

Who Identifies As A Dog Person?

Without falling victim to the sweeping generalization, I happen to believe that there is much to be gleaned about a person’s personality by whether they fall into camp dog or cat. According to no scientific research, the classic dog person:

• is more extrovert than introvert

• is comfortable in large groups

• makes friends easily

• enjoys exploring new places

• gets bored easily

• is optimistic, and always looking ahead

• likes lots of space to spread out

• likes (and may even have) cats, but doesn’t really understand them

• prefers running, lifting weights, or an aerobics class to yoga or meditation

• loves dogs

Am I a Cat Person or a Dog Person?

In Part One of this Great Debate, I indicated that I leaned towards the feline persuasion, but there are certain factors that need to be factored in. Those factors are called Ned and Fred, and before them, Potato.

I always considered myself to be a cat person, loving their independent nature, feeling privileged by their attention, and preferring a pet that doesn’t require hours of exercise. Then I discovered Chihuahuas. I mean, obviously I was aware of the breed, I just hadn't got to know one on a personal level, until Tate entered my life. Through him, I discovered a whole new level of devotion. To me, Chihuahuas are the embodiment of all the best parts of dogs - the constant love and companionship, loyalty, affection, and outgoing personalities, along with so many appealing feline traits - compact size, low exercise demands, and the ability to be litter trained. They are the ultimate cat person’s dog.

So am I a cat person or a dog person? It turns out, I’m a Chihuahua person!