Why do women seem to really love dogs (the animal) lately?

[Anonymous]

I don't know if anyone's noticed this lately, other than me, but it seems more and more women are absolute fanatics about dogs. You've heard of the movie 'Must Love Dogs' right? Well, even on the internet personals I see countless ads of women saying things like 'I really love my dogs' and 'it would be nice to meet someone who also loves dogs', and the countless pictures (along side the self-portraits) of their 'precious puppies'. Back in the day, it was typical for women to be more 'cat people' and men to be 'dog people'. What has changed? Ladies?

PS- Also what is with women loving those tiny (and ugly) pug dogs, toy dogs, and wiener dogs... and in apartment homes! Seriously, is it really worth it? Why not just get a cat?

[josei]

I actually know more men that prefer cats than girls that like cats these days. It goes both ways. When did guys start preferring cats over dogs?

I think it has something to do with the changing gender roles and pet roles in our society today. Dogs used to be considered outdoor animals. There are still families that keep their dog outside, but that's changed a lot even in just the past thirty years. Dogs aren't considered as much of an out door pet as they used to be.

Also, the gender role of women staying indoors and not participating in heavy sports or outdoor activities, other than gardening, has also changed. When my mom was growing up (she's in her fifties now) she was discouraged from playing outside when she'd visit her cousins on a farm. Instead she had to sit inside and listen to the women gossip about annoying soaps. Once she made enough stupid comments to show her complete lack of interest or respect for soaps, they'd get fed up with her and let her outside. Back in those days girls getting to wear jeans was a big deal still. This kind of thing doesn't happen anymore.

Men's gender roles have changed too. As a result, men are more free to express interest in cats, and women get to express more interest in dogs. Dogs are also generally considered inside pets these days, especially the small ones.

And as for why some women love the small dogs: they are far more trainable than cats. They're just as small, and they are obedient and loyal. But I don't know very many girls that like the small dogs. The smallest dogs most of my friends like are the hound dogs. For example, I have a beagle. He's twelve inches tall, but there's not a single cat-like thing about him, unless you count his couch perch that he uses to look out the window.

[Asker]

You made some really good points there, thanks for your input! =) The only reason I can theorize as to why more men are liking cats now is that for many of them, having a pet cat is a 'new' sort of thing for men as a whole, so they're wanting to try it out. As for me, I've loved both cats and dogs since childhood, but have liked cats much more, mostly because of their independent and self-sustaining nature.

[dryad]

I see what you're saying, but why not ask the men who prefer cats. One reason they'll give you is the one I posted --- too noisy. They bark at the stupidiest things, where as cats are quiet observant hunters. And for some men in martial arts, for example, admire that about cats. "They walk like warriors". And they like watching them stalk. Where as dogs can't hunt at all since you hear them a hundred meters away. Going on that, men also told me they admire cats independence.

[josei]

Dryad,

I'm not saying I think everyone needs to like dogs are anything by this statement, but: not all dogs are noisy, and dogs do hunt. My friend''s basset kills rabbits and squirrels on her property on a fairly regular basis. They hunt just as much as cats, but the style of hunting is different. In the wild, dogs hunt in packs, it's one of the reasons for their barking. Cats are far more solitary. They don't feel the need to notify anyone when they see or smell something.

[josei]

Cats also rely heavily on sight, which is why they stalk. They have to be able to sneak up on their opponent. Dogs rely on smell, they don't need to see the prey to know it's there, or to know where it's going. They also use the pack to corner the prey. Silence isn't required in their form of hunting because it's generally a teamwork process, not a solitary action. Not to say watching cats stalk something isn't fun, but that a dog's innate sense of teamwork is equally awesome.

[Asker]

Well lets not forget about big cats ;) lion prides' defintiely work as a team to take down an opponent. So do heyenas, which basically act like wild dog packs

[Kiwitulip]

Lol it's funny because I too was always more of a cat person but over the last year or so whenever I see someone walking their dog I just have to stop to pat it and compliment the owner on how beautiful their dog is.

I even put up an add in the supermarket once 'Dog Walker...' lol was hoping I might be able to volunteer my time to walk dogs without the hassle of owning one. Not that I can where I live! Only text I got was from a creepy dude who was new to town...and didn't have a dog lol.

I think it's just the loyalty of dogs that appeals to women and the companionship they bring :) Can't say I like the wee Paris Hilton dogs either haha. Come on dude you must love dogs too? :)

[Kiwitulip]

Sorry about the double answer. Wanted to correct it but it had already gone through before. Annoying you can't delete previous messages on here :S

[Asker]

haha np :) very intersting stuff about your dog walker ad! What a creepo! Oh and I do like dogs, just not the small ones (like I mentioned, toy, weiner, and the ugly pug); I really love border collies, siberian huskies, and golden retrievers, they're just so fun and friendly, and yes, loyal :) I guess what I'm really wondering is why women stopped liking cats... or started liking dogs more than cats, its just weird to me! lol

[Kiwitulip]

Hey those are totaly my three favorite dogs too! :D Well retriever and husky definitely, and German Shepherd and St Bernards :P I owned a labrador retriever but he died just over a year ago :( Old age. Man I bawled when I saw the movie 'Marley and Me' just a few days ago :'(. Flash back I guess lol.

Nah who said we stopped loving cats I certainly love them just as much. As pets I preferred them probably. But now don't have a favorite :)

[Kiwitulip]

Oh yeah...and the creepy dude. At first I thought it was funny and texted him a bit. But every time I tried to say see ya later he kept asking more questions! Added him to fb as he requested but then with further questions I decided to block him and as soon as he came home he asked about the friend request. Tried to give him the message I was not interested and for days he kept text and was like 'txt me when you get the chance' I told him clearly in the end...finally he got the message :Os

[dryad]

Not I

I can't stand dogs. I detest the noisy, territorial bastards

[Alicia24]

I am not really a cat person but why I love dogs is that I can walk them outside and meet new people. And also dogs can help you get the exercise you need.

[LAnights]

Because the always are warm and cuddly and cute and are always waiting for u!

[FashionNerd]

I hate dogs.

Just sayin.