Dog Person or Cat Person? How to Tell.

Image by Riley

I have always considered myself to be a little of both. I really consider myself an animal person more than any specific species. I took the quiz linked below and not surprisingly am both with a tendency to all animals. Cat person, dog person, which are you?

Are there differences and similarities between the two? Can both factions get along? Are many of you like me and are more of crossover animal aficionados?

I took a straw poll and wanted people to comment on characteristics of dog and cat people so I could get a feel for what traits are associated with the different species. Here’s a sampling of what I found:

Dog People:
· Active
· Adventurous
· Animated
· Anthropomorphize
· Athletic
· Caring
· Charismatic
· Direct
· Down home personalities
· Energetic
· Faithful
· Focused
· Friendly
· Fun
· Generous
· Good
· Gregarious
· Happy
· Helpful
· Highly motivated
· Interact with their pets
· Kind
· Laugh more
· Leaders
· Like to talk to strangers
· Loyal
· More likely to be fit
· Obedient
· Opinionated
· Outgoing
· Pensive
· Persistent
· Rambunctious
· Sharers
· Smart
· Social
· Strong (Mind & Body)
· Talk to their dogs
· Talkers
· Team Player
· Thoughtful
· True
· Utilitarian
· Willing to work

Cat People:
· Admirer of Beauty
· Aloof
· Annoying
· Bad
· Busy outside the home
· Calm
· Caring
· Contemplative
· Critical
· Curious
· Dependent
· Discriminating
· Followers
· Graceful
· Hesitant
· Homebodies
· Independent
· Intelligent
· Intensely loyal
· Introspective
· Less likely to be fit
· Like Quiet
· Loners
· Loony
· More acquaintances versus friends
· Mysterious
· Needy
· Persnickety
· Picky
· Playful
· Reflective
· Reserved
· Sedentary
· Selfish
· Snobbish
· Snooty
· Snugglers
· Stand offish
· Stealthy
· Subtle
· Thoughtful
· Too busy to work with their pets
· Want self-sufficient pets
· Weird
· Whiners

Dog People and Cat People:
· Confused
· Intelligent
· Smarter than people with children



Most people generally think of cat people as introverts and dog people as extroverts. Cat people are thought to be readers, movie watchers and appreciate listening to music – classical usually follows the musical description. Dog people are more likely to be considered sporty, adventuresome and outdoorsy while their counterparts are indoor, homebodies. Cat people are more likely to “stay-cation” while dog folks are outdoor vacation types.

In my straw poll, cat people were seen as more selective about their friends with a small group of similar type people that were reliable and consistent. Dog people, on the other hand, had large numbers of friends and acquaintances that are considered close friends.

On a really amusing note, cat people were considered to be modest and not prone to drawing attention to themselves while dog people were far more boisterous and liked drawing attention to themselves and their deeds.

Some folks shared that cats are simpler than dogs. Once they are past the kitten stage where they want to play and interact, most of them are fairly self-sufficient. Cats sleep for a large portion of the day, usually are pretty good about using a litter box, and for the most part are a pet that most people don’t need to know you have.

Dogs, on the other hand, do require walking, outside bathroom breaks, training and especially the opportunity to interact with you on a regular basis. All of these can be very good for the dog and for you.

Regardless of your preference, you love your companion and appreciate them for all they offer you.

Links:
One Question Quiz
Dog or Cat Person Quiz
United Kennel Club
American Kennel Club
Cat Fanciers of America
Meet the Breeds
Custom Breed Banners
Meet the Breeds Blog
Pet Friendly Travel Blog

Firehouse Dogs - Dalmatians

When most people think about firefighting and dogs, the Dalmatian is the most recognized mascot.

The true origin of the Dalmatian is unknown, although it is believed to have originated in India. Paintings and figures of spotted dogs have been found in ruins as old as 5,000 years. Numerous written references to spotted dogs occur throughout history. The modern Dalmatian, notwithstanding his name however, was developed in Great Britain.

The Dalmatian weighs between 25 and 55 pounds and are between 19 and 23 inches tall. This is a physical breed with a strong muscular body that allows them to run great distances without tiring. Their white coat is short with black or liver (brown) spots.

Dalmatians are comfortable around horses and seem to have an affinity for keeping the horses calm. This was especially noticeable and was developed, as Dalmatians became a society dog and were trained to run alongside women’s carriages. It was during this period that they became known as Coach or Ladies dogs.

The position to the side and rear of a carriage where the Dalmatian would run became known as coaching. In the 1700’s Dalmatians were used to protect horses that pulled English stagecoaches. Two Dalmatians would run next to the horses as they pulled the coach and when other dogs tried to run out at the coach, the Dalmatians would chase the other dogs away.

Over the years, Dalmatians formed a bond with horses and this worked out to the horse owner’s advantage, as the dogs would ward off horse thieves. Coach drivers with a Dalmatian had the luxury of sleeping indoors as they knew their dogs would watch and protect the horses.

It was during this time that horse drawn fire fighting equipment was emerging and the Dalmatian was all ready well recognized for their carriage dog skills so it was a logical step to begin working with the fire services.

Fire horses spent hours waiting in the firehouse waiting for a call and then once on the scene of the fire were required to spend hours standing around. It became the job of the Dalmatian to be a stable mate and guardian to the firehouse horses, helping keep them calm.

The dogs would run with the horse teams to the fires and once there, would protect the equipment and the horses. These dogs are dedicated to their owners and the breed adapted easily to the new role of firehouse working dog.

As with most breeds, Dalmatians are not for everyone. These are high-energy dogs that require regular training and exercise. If you aren’t able to give a Dalmatian the time and effort required, you will be better served to find a different breed.



Links:
Paisley Dalmatians
Gone to the Dogs Blog

Dalmatian Club of America
UKC Dalmatian
Sparky the Firehouse Dog