Dogs vs. Cats: Why Dogs Reign Supreme

While cats love to lounge and sleep all day, dogs are all about having a blast. Play is basically their life mission, whether they prefer fetch in the park, participating in a puppy playdate, or batting around their fave toys. Those countless walks and exercise sessions count, too, revealing that your furry friend doesn't intend to slow down. They love joining you on any adventure, making lively companions whether you're headed on an evening stroll or across the world for the week.

You've heard the saying countless times, but it didn't come out of thin air. Dogs have been domesticated for over 30,000 years, compared to just 12,000 for cats. That's nearly 20,000 years more of companionship! Our four-legged friends have evolved to become loyal helpers, aids, and protectors in time of need. The humans in a dog's life are the center of their world, and they'll go to the ends of the earth to satisfy you.

Sure, training takes work, but it's much easier to teach an old dog new tricks than it is to take down Queen Cat. Felines are the center of their own universes, and they don't mind walking away from training sessions or tuning out when they see fit. Dogs, on the other hand, learn to enjoy the training process. Since they love seeing you satisfied, learning new skills gives them a greater sense of purpose; it gives them a job to do and a reason to work for your attention. If you've got treats in tow, Fido will happily shake, flip, and lie down to get what they want.

Leave it to cats to require their own private box to do their business. While litter boxes are easy to empty, they cause an unmistakable odor that lingers if you don't clean it out immediately and often, and that litter can easily trail across your abode. Dogs, on the other hand, can be house trained. While the dog-averse believe your furry friend is routinely waking you up in the middle of the night or the early morning, four-legged companions learn to stick to a schedule that mirrors your own.

Cats are the ultimate introverts and prefer their alone time, but dogs are filled with life from the moment they wake up in the morning. Like humans, they require routine exercise to stay strong and healthy, so they can help you stay active as well. From regular walks to running, chasing after a disc, playing ball, or swimming at the local watering hole, dogs make incredible companions for outdoor adventures.

Even the most minuscule change tends to upset cats, especially environmental disruptions such as a new home or addition to the family. Dogs, on the other hand, take all these changes in stride. Since they want to make their owners as happy as possible, they remain calm in the face of obstacles. Some furry friends have longer adjustment periods than others, but most quickly learn to adapt when you bring that new baby home from the hospital, vacation, or relocate.

While cats remain relatively similar, dogs offer countless variety. There's a pup for every home and lifestyle, whether you reside on a farm or in a studio apartment, and they not only look different; they come with varying personality traits. You can find a shy dog, an over-the-top one, or a pile of cuddles that's perfectly content on your lap. There are protectors, and there are loyal companions. With the right breed, you get both! Whether you want a Great Dane or an itty bitty Chihuahua, pups offer options.

We've all heard about coming home to a pup destroying your best pair of shoes, but that doesn't happen as often as we assume. Cats go where they want to go and do whatever they see fit, but dogs are the exact opposite. While they can damage your furniture or clothing, they can also be trained to stay off surfaces and leave those things to themselves. Crate training is key; the right crate gives dogs ample space to spread out, curl up on the blanket, and play with toys, so many consider them their safe spaces. Once you've trained your pup, they'll learn to obey and keep messes at bay. Not so for cats.

While cats offer cuddles and smiles, dogs have been working hard to help humans for thousands of years. They've helped herd sheep, aid the police in the search, aid those in need through therapy, and offer loyalty through every stage of life. From guiding the handicapped to helping the military during search and rescue missions, dogs are some of the hardest workers on earth.

While cats will scurry off at the first sign of trouble, dogs have a deeply ingrained instinct to guard and protect. You've noticed them growl as strangers approach, and they're quick to frighten potential intruders with resounding barks. Since dogs are highly alert, loyal, and naturally protective, they're welcome additions to any home.