Why are dogs better than cats?

Cat lovers, don’t get your hackles up - as today, we’re diving into why dogs are better than cats. It’s one side or the other as the cats vs. dogs debate rages on, while some continue to claim that cats are better than dogs.

Why are dogs better than cats?

Below explore our 16 reasons why dogs are better than cats.

1. Dogs help with making friends
2. Dogs can learn tricks
3. Zoomies
4. Dogs will (mainly) love you no matter what
5. Dogs keep us active
6. Dogs have served humans for centuries
7. Dogs can detect seizures
8. Dogs can support our mental well-being
9. Dogs combat loneliness
10. A dog will actually greet you
11. Dogs are protective of their pack
12. Dogs will play games with you
13. Not a litter box in sight
14. Dogs are more accepting of strangers
15. There’s more variety in dogs
16. Dogs, not gods

1. Dogs help with making friends

Why are dogs better than cats if you’ve just moved to a new city? The answer is simple! Pet parents and sitters walking with a dog in tow will know just how much easier it is to spark up a conversation with strangers than a walk without a dog.

2. Dogs can learn tricks

If you need to prove why dogs are better than cats, consider this - dogs are willing to learn not only your house rules, but a whole host of cool tricks that some even enter competitions for!

3. Zoomies

The question why are dogs better than cats can be answered with one simple word: zoomies. People with dogs or those who’ve had the pleasure of house sitting a dog will know the joy of zoomies. You don’t see cats become charged with a sudden burst of energy that causes them to charge around your home, only to sit down afterwards like nothing’s happened, do you?

4. Dogs will (mainly) love you no matter what

Most dogs will love you no matter what! Love isn’t earned with a dog - unlike cats, who seem to think it's their right to act aloof until they decide otherwise.

5. Dogs keep us active

Another reason that dogs are better than cats is that they make sure their humans stay active. One of the benefits of dogs is that they need (at least) a daily walk to stay happy and healthy. And while dogs need walks, cats tend to walk themselves (or don’t leave the house at all), and where is the fun in that?

6. Dogs have served humans for centuries

There is evidence that suggests dogs were domesticated over 30,000 years ago - that’s a whole lot of bonding time. From herders, drovers and sledge-haulers to farm workers and not to mention service dogs, it’s safe to say that dogs have and will continue to play a central role in human society for years to come. Today we can find dogs like Golden Retrievers assisting people with disabilities, German Shepherds working with the police, and many other loyal breeds playing their noble role alongside humans.

7. Dogs can detect seizures

Are cats or dogs better for keeping us humans safe? Well if service dogs are anything to go by, the answer is pretty obvious: dogs. Otherwise known as seizure-alert dogs, some dogs have the ability to be trained to sense a seizure, and let their humans know when it’s going to happen. So, while your dog is letting you know of a life-threatening medical situation, what’s your cat doing? Probably lounging in the sun and passing judgemental looks at all the barking.

8. Dogs can support our mental well-being

It’s no secret that pets are great for our well-being, but one of the reasons why dogs are the best pets is that they’re actually employed for it. Not only boosting our mood through their excitable charm, cool tricks and ever-loyal presence, dogs are so good at offering emotional support that there’s now such a thing as a therapy dog! Found in schools and other community spaces, dogs are employed for their calming presence that helps to center and comfort those around them.

9. Dogs combat loneliness

Not only are dogs at home unless taken out by their humans, they help to give their humans a purpose to leave the house, and complete other dopamine-boosting tasks like grooming, feeding and of course, cuddling.

10. A dog will actually greet you

Ever walked into a home with a cat and been quite literally ignored? We feel your pain. Dogs love nothing more than putting a smile on their humans’ faces as they walk in the door - hence all the tail wagging, licking and well-meaning accidents on the floor. So, while cats will (without effort) pretend you don’t exist, dogs will shower you with love and excitement which often ends with them rolling over for a belly rub.

11. Dogs are protective of their pack

Another reason why dogs are good pets (and better pets than cats, naturally) is because they actually care if your house is getting broken into. Yup, a cat will happily sit back and watch your TV get escorted out of the room by strangers, content so long as their food, scratching posts and snooze spots remain intact. On the flip side, dogs have a sharp sense of smell, incredible hearing, and natural guarding instincts.

12. Dogs will play games with you

If there was ever a games contest with dogs vs. cats, it’s pretty clear which would win. While cats are admittedly skilled athletes, you won't catch them asking for a game of fetch or hunt-the-treat.

13. Not a litter box in sight

Another reason why dogs are better than cats is that their business is done outside and it stays outside! With a dog at home, pet parents can rest assured that litter isn’t being scattered around the house.

14. Dogs are more accepting of strangers

If you’re thinking about welcoming a new partner, friends or even a new baby, you can count on your cat giving them the cold shoulder for quite a while, and maybe even forever. A well-trained dog on the other hand will happily warm to new people and make a new space home as long as you’re in it.

15. There’s more variety in dogs

There are a number of cat breeds out there, but let’s face it, they don’t vary a whole lot - at least in the domestic world. Dogs, on the other hand, can suit almost any home and human, varying in shape, size, energy levels and personality. After a loving lap dog? Welcome a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Or maybe it’s a trainable, pocket-sized dog bursting with energy you’re after - have a Jack Russell. Or if aesthetics are important to you, welcome a dog with floppy ears. The canine world has it all.

16. Dogs, not gods

And last but not least for our reasons why dogs are better than cats - dogs don’t need to be revered as deities to know they’re welcome in our households. While dogs have been a man’s best friend (and by man, we mean humankind - naturally!) for over 30,000 years, cats have been worshiped as godlike creatures in that time. The result? We’ll let you figure that one out…

From one echo chamber to another…

Still not convinced? Well as much as we hate to share this, you might feel happier on this blog, where we explore why some people believe cats are better than dogs.