New pet owners are likely deciding between the two most dominant species of pets: dogs and cats. Still, it can be a tough decision to make. After some researcher, it’s no surprise that dogs are better than cats.
Dogs are physically and emotionally dominant when compared to cats. Scientific studies have been conducted that prove dogs are more likely to exhibit loyalty. When someone goes for a walk in the park, they see other humans, many of which have dogs. It is extremely rare to see a cat out and about in society with a human.
Many reasons exist that settle the age old debate: dogs are better than cats. Dogs simply lead to a better life. One can mold their lifestyle and culture around their dog if they so choose. Read on as we elaborate on why we feel dogs are better than cats.
10 Reasons Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats
There’s a reason why people say “dogs are a man’s best friend.” The saying has been around for decades. So far, nobody has been able to prove otherwise.
Dogs learn easier and also learn more than cats. Dogs can literally learn how to execute jobs. Dogs have jumped from airplanes, climbed ladders, lead the blind, and even saved humans from dire straits throughout history. They will always be there for you at the end of a rough day.
Dogs Can Have Jobs
Dogs can perform tasks that cats simply cannot. Dogs are stronger and can assist humans with a wide array of jobs. Dogs have always helped humans perform their daily tasks. Here are some common jobs dogs have:
- Search & Rescue
- Drug Busts
- Emotional Support
- Blind Assistance
- Military Deployments
- Herding
- Sled Dog
- Mascot
- Racing
- Entertainment
- Police Work
Dogs have a unique ability to learn things that can also help their human counterparts. You will never see a cat in a war, nor will you ever see a cat herd up sheep.
Dogs Can Protect Humans
People don’t buy cats to ward off intruders. Even a small dog can be more terrifying than a large house cat. A dog’s bark is usually enough for most people to step back.
People who have been with dogs their whole lives will usually check themselves before approaching a barking dog. In truly intense situations, a dog might also show its teeth. A snarling, barking, drooling dog that flashes its fangs means business.
That’s why a stereotype exists to describe “guard dogs.” People have used dogs throughout history for an added layer of protection on their property.
Dogs Can Hunt With Humans
Humans have been hunters and gatherers since the dawn of time. Even the tamest of dogs also possess an innate instinct to hunt.
Many dogs love to play fetch; some take it a step further and will try to chase down wild critters. Dogs have a characteristic known as prey drive. This is an instinct that naturally draws them to an attempted hunt of a wild animal.
Prey drive is a useful instinct that can be harnessed and trained to help humans hunt. Try taking a cat into the woods on a hunt–it won’t end the same!
Dogs Are Smarter Than Cats
An age old debate exists: which species is smarter, dogs or cats? Objectively speaking, dogs have larger brains than cats. The sheer size difference isn’t the only indicator that dogs are smarter than cats. Dogs also possess nearly twice as many neurons in the brain.
According to the American Kennel Club, a Golden Retriever’s brain “[has] even more cortical neurons than the African Lion and brown bear.” These facts coincide with a dog’s ability to learn new tricks and commands with relative ease. Some cool tricks dogs can learn are:
- Crawling
- Fetching a newspaper
- Climbing ladders
- Attacking intruders
- Hide and seek
- Sing
- High Five
- Kiss
Dogs Are More Loyal Than Cats
Dogs and cats both rely on their human for food. However, dogs are much more loyal than cats. Believe it or not, science backs up this claim. The linked study claims that dogs are at least five times more loyal than cats.
To prove this, blood samples were taken before and after “play time.” Dogs had considerably higher amounts of oxytocin after play time. This chemical is secreted in human brains when expressing love. It appears that dogs are similar as their brains also release the same chemical when playing with their humans.
Dogs Can Improve One’s Health
Mental and physical well being are a top priority for humans. Even the CDC recognizes the added health benefits of owning a pet. A pet can:
- Reduce stress
- Reduce loneliness
- Reduce anxiety and depression
Yet, owning a dog can help someone’s physical health. Dogs need exercise. When dogs don’t get exercise, they themselves might get depressed. This can lead to a dog acting up. A dog owner is more likely to go for walks and hikes. This creates more opportunities for dog owners to get in better physical shape.
Dogs Can Sense Distress
Believe it or not, a dog can tell when you are feeling anxious or stressed out. Humans possess a drive to continually better themselves. Humans are generally motivated by their work.
It can be difficult to assert how much stress a person is willing and able to take on. Owning a dog can help monitor personal stress levels. A dog will mirror their owner’s emotions. Nobody likes to see a sad dog! Furthermore, knowing there is a loving entity that also possesses entity can make a stressful workday easier.
Dogs Make It Easier To Make Friends
A dog owner might be more willing to explore new areas. Not to mention, society is fairly accepting of dogs. Some companies even allow employees to bring their canine friends to work. Here is a list of dog-friendly public spaces that might make it easier to make friends:
- Breweries
- Parks
- Bass Pro Shops
- Home Depot
- Apple
- Beaches
- Lakes
Dogs Can Travel Easier
Humans love bringing their canine friends with them everywhere they go. Dogs can adapt to car rides easily. Even though some cats are also able to handle car rides, there’s a reason why you see more dogs out and about. Cats need a litter box.
Litter boxes are a necessity when traveling with a cat. Dogs, however, can relieve themselves outside. Not to mention, dogs can “hold it” better and for longer durations of time than cats. A cat can survive being left for a week with minimal check ins from a family member or friend. Dogs can’t, which is why many choose to bring their dog with them.
There Are More Breeds Of Dogs
Picking the right breed of pet can be tough. While some are happy to choose from whichever dogs might be available at a local shelter, some choose pets for specific reasons. Thus, dogs are a better choice as a pet because there are more breeds to choose from.
Generally speaking, there are less than 50 breeds of cats out there. The World Canine Association asserts that over 300 dog breeds exist. Some dog breeds are more or less active than others. Some breeds are swimmers, while others are sniffers. Some of the most popular breeds that people love include:
- Labradors
- Golden Retrievers
- Rotweilers
- Greyhounds
- Jack Terriers
- Pitbulls
- German Shepards
- Beagles
- Bulldog
- Poodle
- Dachshund
- Boxer
- Husky
A person is much more likely to find a breed that matches their personality simply because there are more breeds to choose from! Dog breeders also look to breed certain dogs to create a “mutt” that exhibits characteristics of both breeds. That’s why some dogs have better sight, smell, and prey drive than others.
Wrap Up
There are many rewards to reap as a dog owner–some physical, some mental. A dog can lead to a happier life.
Last but not least, you are more likely to find a dog breed that perfectly fits your personality. The choice between a dog and a cat is simple: dogs are better and come with more life changing positives than cats.
