The debate has been ongoing for years, and while the two sides may disagree, psychologists are convinced that dog people and cat people are very different. Purebred Breeders came across a post titled Dog People vs Cat People by Stanley Coren’s for moderndogmagazine.com which asks a very important question: “Are there really personality differences?” According to Coren and the work he quotes the answer is “yes”. In fact, his summary states outright that “dog owners are more social, interactive and accepting.”
Coren pulled on two studies to back his claims: a) his own study which included 3,362 dog owners, 1,223 cat-only owners and 1,564 people who had neither; b) A study of 4,565 people by University of Texas Psychologist Sam Gosling. Purebred Breeders saw that both had similar as well as differing methodologies and relied on personality scales that (although different) led to similar conclusions being drawn.
Source
Based on what Purebred Breeders understands, dog people are more likely to live in dwellings with a yard, have a family, be extroverted, likeable, warm, and dominant in personality. Additionally, they are more likely to have a cat, or not be opposed to the idea of having one. They are also 11 percent more likely to “show self-discipline, to complete tasks, and aim for achievement” meaning canine lovers are more likely to plan and be routine. They are also considered to be more traditional.
Firstly, Coren was careful to point out that “cat people” in his analysis referred to those who only owned cats. If Purebred Breeders is to accept the findings, then besides being 68 percent less likely to admit a dog into their homes, these individuals were categorized by Gosling as being “12 percent more neurotic; however, they were also 11 percent more “open” than dog people.” They are also considered to be introverted, cool (as in low in agreeableness or warmth), low in dominance, and more likely to live in apartments. Coren’s test group also revealed that single females were more likely to own cats than dogs.
We know that many people will disagree with much of what was said. However, please bear in mind that this is merely Purebred Breeders interpretation of the findings that came out of each test group. What these results mean exactly is unclear however, it must be noted that there are persons who believe these difference and will use them to judge others.
In fact, Chip McCreary’s “Lucky Seven” is a set of seven questions used to test personalities during job interviews. Number 5 is “Do you have any hobbies or pets?” and as George Black points out in his article 7 Interview Questions to Determine Personality Fit:
“The real issue here is pets. The part about hobbies is a smoke screen. Dog lovers are generally loyal, have a group or pack mentality and can be trained. Cat fanciers are aloof, resist direction but have a great knack for survival. There is no right or wrong answer to this question because some positions require cats and some require dogs.”
Purebred Breeders will leave you to decide whether or not it is so. You can also see http://www.moderndogmagazine.com/articles/dog-people-vs-cat-people/10716 to learn more.
The Work behind the Conclusion
Coren pulled on two studies to back his claims: a) his own study which included 3,362 dog owners, 1,223 cat-only owners and 1,564 people who had neither; b) A study of 4,565 people by University of Texas Psychologist Sam Gosling. Purebred Breeders saw that both had similar as well as differing methodologies and relied on personality scales that (although different) led to similar conclusions being drawn.
What They Found
Dog People
Based on what Purebred Breeders understands, dog people are more likely to live in dwellings with a yard, have a family, be extroverted, likeable, warm, and dominant in personality. Additionally, they are more likely to have a cat, or not be opposed to the idea of having one. They are also 11 percent more likely to “show self-discipline, to complete tasks, and aim for achievement” meaning canine lovers are more likely to plan and be routine. They are also considered to be more traditional.
Cat people
Firstly, Coren was careful to point out that “cat people” in his analysis referred to those who only owned cats. If Purebred Breeders is to accept the findings, then besides being 68 percent less likely to admit a dog into their homes, these individuals were categorized by Gosling as being “12 percent more neurotic; however, they were also 11 percent more “open” than dog people.” They are also considered to be introverted, cool (as in low in agreeableness or warmth), low in dominance, and more likely to live in apartments. Coren’s test group also revealed that single females were more likely to own cats than dogs.
We know that many people will disagree with much of what was said. However, please bear in mind that this is merely Purebred Breeders interpretation of the findings that came out of each test group. What these results mean exactly is unclear however, it must be noted that there are persons who believe these difference and will use them to judge others.
In fact, Chip McCreary’s “Lucky Seven” is a set of seven questions used to test personalities during job interviews. Number 5 is “Do you have any hobbies or pets?” and as George Black points out in his article 7 Interview Questions to Determine Personality Fit:
“The real issue here is pets. The part about hobbies is a smoke screen. Dog lovers are generally loyal, have a group or pack mentality and can be trained. Cat fanciers are aloof, resist direction but have a great knack for survival. There is no right or wrong answer to this question because some positions require cats and some require dogs.”
Purebred Breeders will leave you to decide whether or not it is so. You can also see http://www.moderndogmagazine.com/articles/dog-people-vs-cat-people/10716 to learn more.
I do believe they do exist and I have both a cat lover and dog lover friend and basing on my observations regarding their characteristics, it mostly coincides with this study.
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