Neurotic people are: If dogs tend to be energetic, faithful, and easy to get along with, well, so do the people who love them. They also enjoy playing with other cats and even with the family dog. The longer and thicker the coat, the more dog hair you'll find on your clothes, rugs, and furniture. What it means: Do you seize the day? When you share your life with both a cat and a dog, it's hard not to see how different the two species are. Aspects like diet, behavior, and training all highlight the major differences between cats and dogs. Dogs & Cats Top 11 Dog & Cat Characteristics : 11. Parrots can put together meaningful phrases and may have a vocabulary of 100 words or more. Even the friendliest cat will jump off your lap and sashay off when they have had enough of your attention. In fact, when researchers looked closely they found stress levels and blood pressure dropped slightly in people who snuggled up to a purring kitty. Exercise is as important for dogs as it is for people. When it comes to classifying 'cat' and 'dog' people, there are two pretty distinct stereotypes. Do you seize the day? Personality Trait: Extroverted. Photograph: Alamy Carnivora haven’t always been the top-dogs when it comes to killing. 12)    Juniors Bildarchiv Minimal loss of muscle mass. Dogs bark, growl and woof. But is there any actual science to back up the difference between the two camps? The survey essentially looked at the "Big Five" Personality Traits -- extraversion, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism -- and asked users (who identified as either cat or dog people, or both) to rate themselves on the scale accordingly. McComb, K., et al. Siamese cats are communicators; they'll … 2)    Georgina Papadakis/Tips Italia Unfortunately, most people don’t realize what they’re getting into when they bring an exotic pet home. 13)    Robert Oelman/OSF Then you could be a cat person. 19)    Juniors Bildarchiv/Photolibrary Participants (n=126) identified themselves as either a dog person, cat person, both or neither, and rated their own masculinity, femininity, independence, dominance and athleticism. Cat and dog – two basic thinking styles. The present study explored personality differences between dog persons and cat persons. Nearly half of those who took the survey call themselves dog people. When choosing between a cat or a dog, you should consider how much time you can dedicate to the pet (dogs require more time than cats, and don’t like to be left home alone), how much you can afford to spend (dogs are more expensive than cats), and what temperament of pet you would before (dogs are more needy and affectionate than independent cats).When choosing a cat, consider whether you want to get a purebred ca… For years, scientists have studied pet ownership and its correlation to differences in personality and health outcomes. Dogs and cats are the two most common types of domestic pet and they are extremely different in terms of what they bring to your life and they type of care that they require. "You know, places you can go online and link up with other cat and dog people. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your pet’s health. They like to play with children and are tolerant of a little rough behavior. There are some breed-specific characteristics to consider. Samuel D. Gosling, PhD, department of psychology, University of Texas at Austin. "There has actually been a bit of research done on the topic, believe it or not," Dr Pauleen Bennett, Director of the Anthrozoology Research Group, tells HuffPost Australia. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. Neuroticism (Skittishness) Cats with high scores in the "Neurotic" type are anxious or highly strung … Current Biology. A Beatles hit. A dog can be a great companion for jogging, hiking, or a leisurely stroll in the park. If you want a pet you can talk to, a bird is the only way to go. Hotchner, T. The Cat Bible: Everything Your Cat Expects You to Know, Gotham Books, 2007. If you have more than one cat, you may need multiple litter boxes to accommodate them. 4. Either way, your time and money spent on obedience classes will make your dog a delightful pal for years to come. But survey author and psychologist Sam Gosling, PhD, admits that the differences between cat and dog people aren't huge. And they … Do your research before getting a lizard, turtle, or snake. Most house cats crave your love and attention, but they prefer they get it on their terms instead of yours. Besides being soft and adorable, they are quite social and affectionate and can use a litter box. Dogs: Ribs, lumbar vertebrae and pelvic bones easi-ly visible. How to Say It to Your Cat: Understanding and Communicating with Your Feline, Prentice Hall Press, 2003. They prefer new toys to old toys. "I think the differences within dog people would be as big as the differences between cat and dog people," Bennett said. Sign up to HuffPost Australia’s weekly newsletter. If you know dog body language, you can tell how they are feeling and what are they trying to say. Browse our gallery to see where you stand -- and how other Americans divide into cat people vs. dog people. Rabbits also love to chew, and if they're allowed to roam freely in your house they may damage furniture or electrical cords. Here are some notable qualities of cat: 1.Cats are known for their friendly behavior, owing to which they are easy to socialize and like … Dog people laugh at fart jokes and videos of people accidentally hurting themselves. LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Podberscek, A. L., & Gosling, S. D. (2000). ©2021 Verizon Media. Bottom line: Bringing an exotic animal into your home takes extraordinary research and commitment. A cat person is usually non-conformist, independent, thoughtful, and mysterious. 22)    Imagesource 11)    Image Source There are at least 70 types of cat breeds.However, due to different claims on standards, there are associations who claim that there are more. Choose the type that fits your time and budget. Cat breeds: information, characteristics and behavior. Dogs will intrude on a person's ongoing activities if they are feeling lonely and want some company or play. Are you a cat person or a dog person? Cat’s hearing is much more sensitive than humans' and dogs'. Your cat’s litter box will need to be cleaned at least once a day. If you think your pet may have a veterinary emergency, immediately call your veterinarian. "People want to own animals that complement their personality," Bennett says. 8)    John Malloy/White Dogs are social animals, and they thrive on human companionship. Because of their long hair, they need regular brushing; otherwise, their hair will mat. Personality characteristics of dog and cat persons. Animals may become malnourished or obese if they're not fed the proper diet. "There was this new study that came out just this year, a US study, which looked at dog and cat social media sites," Bennett says. However, if the animal feels threatened, you will see characteristics such as a tenseness between their shoulders, tucked tails, and … Just 15% of people said they don't like cats or dogs. Flowers, DVM on May 28, 2020, 1)    Steve Pomberg/WebMD All rights reserved. Cats who weren’t around people enough as kittens may be skittish. Dogs will let you give them a bath without taking out a contract on your life. Breeds and Body Size News release, University of Texas at Austin. This tool does not provide medical advice. Benjamin L. Hart, DVM, PhD, distinguished professor emeritus at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Cat lovers are smart. They are energetic and well suited for families with children. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. If you're looking for a new canine family member, it's a good idea to research dog breed info to determine the types of dogs best suited to your personality and lifestyle. They have a heart and circulatory system to transport blood, lungs to take in oxygen and rid the body of carbon dioxide, a digestive tract to absorb nutrients from food, and so on. The online survey asked people to rate themselves as "cat people" or "dog people." ASPCA. Always game to try new things? For instance, unlike their carnivorous wolf ancestors, dogs eat diets more similar to those of their omnivorous human companions. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Hold up ears and tail when alert or aggressive, Make themselves look smaller when they're scared. Do you prefer to spend time on your own? Gosling, S. Anthrozoos, online edition. Dog people were 15% more extroverted than cat people in the survey. Reviewed by Amy Nobody likes cleaning the litter box. Open people tend to be: According to the survey, if you're a dog person, you're 13% more likely to be agreeable than a cat person. A dog scares away intruders, whereas a cat will just run for cover. 9 (sd 5) years.Cats were reported to be overweight (14 %), fed ad libitum (87 %), given medication (11 %) and had health conditions (24 %). 10. All dogs shed at least a little, even the breeds thought to be better for people with allergies. To curb bad behavior, you need to teach your dog what’s OK and what’s not. And most cat owners will tell you the sound of a purring cat is deeply soothing. But having one is essential if you have an indoor cat. Even birds that can’t talk are highly intelligent and entertaining – with a long lifespan that offers you companionship for 10 to 40 years, depending on the species. ", Associate Lifestyle Editor, HuffPost Australia. They may be destructive or dangerous. If you’re looking for a playmate, it doesn’t get much better than a dog. Part of HuffPost News. Which is not what you would expect, but that's how it turned out.". Reviewed by Amy Similarities between Cats and Dogs in terms of “Adapting to the Wild” One of the main and special characteristics between dog and cat is that they can survive in the wild. 7)    Steve Pomberg/WebMD The litter should be changed weekly to avoid unpleasant odors (although some of the newer litters don't need to be changed completely every week). However, they generally don't like to be picked up, which means they may not be ideal for young children. "The fifth dimension is openness and being open to new experiences, and cat people were higher on that scale. 1. PetEducation.com. Cat people were 11% more likely to be open, according to the survey. Not only this, cats also have some other less-known qualities. And the results were pretty much exactly what you'd expect. 10)    Ghislain & Marie David de Lossy/Cultura A dog is a pack animal, and the cat is a loner. Dogs need to be cared for, whereas cats are independent animals. In the study, cat people scored higher … Some cats love to socialize, but others prefer to stay hidden, especially when new people visit. A little more than a quarter of the group. You may also be a lot more like your furry friend than you ever realized. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. "Social dominance orientation is not what you think it is, it's not about personal dominance, it's about believing the world is structured and there are differences between higher ranked groups and lower ranked groups," Bennett says. An aquarium full of fish can be fun to watch and a great stress reliever. Anthrozoös, 11(1), 33-40. 23)    Prismapix/Photoalto An amusing and memorable metaphor to help clarify two basic types of human behavioural programming is Cats versus Dogs.Oddly enough, the natural characteristics of these two household pets can be both a descriptive … Where the data doesn't drill down to, however, is looking at the differences within dog and cat people circles. Two goldfish and a fishbowl is an easy start. But just when you thought the results were getting a little too predictable, there was one notable surprise. Overall, pet lovers rule the nation. If you’re a dog person, it’s likely that you do. Consequently, dogs’ genomes have changed over the years to produce more proteins involved in starch and fat metabolism. Although dogs look very different from people, they share many of our body’s characteristics. Dogs will bark to wake you up if the house is on fire. Cats & Dogs is a 2001 spy action-comedy film.The film was directed by Lawrence Guterman with screenplay by John Requa and Glenn Ficarra, and stars Jeff Goldblum, Elizabeth Perkins and Alexander Pollock, with the voices of (among others) Tobey Maguire, Alec Baldwin, Sean Hayes, Susan Sarandon, Charlton Heston, Jon Lovitz, Joe Pantoliano and Michael Clarke Duncan. Dogs have rightfully earned their reputation as man’s best friend. 5)    Henryk T Kaiser/Age Fotostock A survey done by the University of Texas at Austin found that some common ideas about pet lovers may be true. Dogs look much better at the end of a leash. When content, the animal can often be found curled up in a resting position. Devote some time each day to playing with your cat, grooming them, or just giving them some TLC. No palpable fat. However, there are also a number of things that dogs and cats have in common. Tops of lumbar vertebrae visible. When it comes to cuddling, cats take the prize. In general, dog people tend to be more outgoing and social, whereas cat people are more sensitive and introverted. Never miss a thing. Cats take a message and get back to you. If you’re trying to get in shape, Fido is a fantastic exercise companion. Even the best dog can have some not-so-cute behaviors. | If human beings are wiped out of the wild today, many cats and dogs will adapt to … Some evidence of other bony prominence. Dog lovers found companionship to be the most attractive quality in their pet dogs, while cat people liked the affection from their cats. Certain breeds, such as Rottweilers, also make excellent protectors. This same study also debunked the theory that pet owners would be attracted to animals with opposite personalities (with the idea that you would balance each other out). Cat people were 12% more neurotic than dog people. 3. ", The survey shows dog people are more extroverted, more agreeable and more conscientious.Dr Pauleen Bennett. 3. 9. 24)    Alain Compost/Bios. Just 12% say they are cat people. We expanded the study to include cats, as little is known regarding cat cognition despite the similarities between cats and dogs—both are carnivorous mammals that have been selectively bred and domesticated by humans and kept as companions … They can be left on their own for hours at a time. A dog lover is a ball of boundless, lovable energy potentially lacking in the smarts department; whereas a cat lover is a shrewd introvert who could take or leave your affection, frankly. Many can live 15 years or longer, and snakes and lizards can grow to be quite large. "You know, there's a big difference between someone who chooses a small fluffy dog and someone who has a giant one. Reptiles also need special habitats, and this can be expensive. "Dog people tend to be more on the extraversion end than cat people, who were rated more at the introversion side of things," Bennett says. The survey shows dog people are more extroverted, more agreeable and more conscientious. View our slideshows to learn more about your health. Research has shown that cat people score higher on intelligence tests than dog lovers. 17)    Jane Burton/Dorling Kindersley The first ancestors of all carnivorans, such as cats and dogs, may have looked similar. Cats always entice pet lovers through their cute face and beautiful appearance. Cats may: Rabbits can make great house pets. Fauna Communications Research Institute. They can move their ears like radar dishes, pinpoint the source, rotate them independently 180 degrees, and turn in the direction of sound 10 times faster than those of the best watchdog. See additional information. Then people answered questions designed to reveal their true personality. There is some good research around the heritability of dog ownership.In addition to genetic factors, 23andMe’s data reveals that cat and dog ownership is a good barometer for health, personality, and even certain behaviors. What it means: Are you open to trying new things? "Dog people tended to focus on their relationships with their pets and looking for advice to do with their dogs, whereas cat people were more about building communities and getting to know other cat owners.". 6. Once you get to know your cat, you will understand his preferences. "Dog people also tend to be higher on agreeableness and conscientiousness. Munchkin cats are a friendly breed that is outgoing and happy to make a new acquaintance. 15. 20)    Harumi Ikeda/Alto Foto Agency 14)    David Madison/Stone THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE VETERINARY ADVICE. Medically Reviewed on 05/28/2020 "Next on the list is neuroticism, which can refer to depression and anxiety and things like that," Bennett continues. Carnivorous types need live food, like worms, crickets, or mice. Even though cats like to do their own thing, they still need plenty of love and attention. Flowers, DVM on May 28, 2020. 21)    Radius Images … All rights reserved. Dogs: Ribs easily palpated and may be visible with no palpable fat. Dog people and cat people have a different sense of humor. If you’re a dog person, it’s likely that you do. Agreeable people tend to be: If you get stressed out easily, you may be a cat person. There are many distinct breeds of cats. Start by reviewing dog characteristics available on the American Kennel Club website, where breeds are categorized into groups. How many people love both cats and dogs? Some dogs are easy to train, while others take more time and practice. For example, one cat may have priority access to a window perch in the morning hours, while another has so in the afternoon. This is where things get controversial. Cats just meow or purr. Cat people and dog people even use the internet differently. Persians, for example, typically love affection and are happy to sit on your lap. "And yes, cat people tend to be higher on the scale in this regard.". WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. No matter the size or breed, a dog provides a lifetime of love and loyalty. The survey found that cat owners were more likely to be curious, unconventional in thinking and actions, and more prone to worry than dog people. These shifts in behavior and diet are two of many characteristics we find in domesticated animals. Cats: Shared characteristics of BCS 1 and 3. Dog people and cat people can get very defensive and will constantly argue that their pet is the best companion and better animal. This ties into the fact that dogs are intelligent creatures. 18)    Ivan Navarro/Age Fotostock Dogs may: Watch your cat's behavior to figure out their state of mind. The answer may say a lot about your personality. In fact, your friends may not even realize you have a cat! "So as it turns out, dog people tended to believe the world was a more structured, ranked type of thing, whereas cat people didn't necessarily view it that way.". A dog lover is a ball of boundless, lovable energy potentially lacking in the smarts department; whereas a cat lover is a shrewd introvert who could take or leave your affection, frankly. 2. Pelvic bones becoming prominent. Like dogs, cats look very different from people but share many of our body’s characteristics, such as a circulatory system, lungs, a digestive tract, a nervous system, and so on. Cats are subtle in their display of friendly, or affiliative behaviors. Dogs' coats can also get dirty and matted, so expect to bathe and brush your dog or pay someone to do it for you. Cat people enjoy sophisticated, ironic humor that’s built on clever wordplay. Personality research on pets and their owners: Conceptual issues and review. Dog people were 11% more conscientious than cat people. "There are three or four papers that look at personality differences between dog and cat people, with probably the strongest study being an online survey of four and a half thousand people conducted out of the US.". 5. Reptiles are not low-maintenance pets. Sources They don't need to be bathed or taken for walks. Dogs are enthusiastic in their display of friendly behaviors. Susan Williams, film producer, Atlanta. 6)    Juniors Bildarchiv/Photolibrary Dogs and cats have a certain body language that they display. Dogs are more affectionate when compared to cats. According to a different study which came out of Melbourne in 2015, competitiveness was higher in dog people, as was social dominance orientation. Adams, J. Association of Pet Dog Trainers. 4)    Novastock 3)    Mark Hamblin/OSF 15)    Kim Webb Cats are famously low-maintenance. Munchkin cats are constantly on the move. Companion animals and us: Exploring the relationships between people and pets, 143-167. A saltwater tank full of tropical fish takes more time but can be an absorbing hobby. Cats have 32 muscles that control the outer ear (compared to human's 6 muscles each). Never ignore professional veterinary advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. Obvious waist. Get a weekly dose of the latest news, exclusives and guides to achieving the good life. 9)    GK Hart/Vikki Hart/Stone 16)    JLP/Deimos When it comes to classifying 'cat' and 'dog' people, there are two pretty distinct stereotypes. The house cat, or simply cat, is a furry mammal that is kept in homes by cat-loving owners for companionship and for their ability to hunt vermin. 8. Dogs come when you call them. Most breeds are playful and love to be outdoors. It’s rumored that, at the end of the Beatles song, “A Day in the Life,” Paul McCartney … Instead, cats tend to allocate resources by sharing them. "There are certainly many, many cat people who are extroverts and many, many dog people who aren't," Gosling says. ABSTRACT. Also see professional content regarding management of cats. Dogs bark, jump up, dig, tug at the leash, or even growl and bite. Monkeys and sugar gliders have become popular as pets in recent years. And yes, cat people were 11 % more conscientious to classifying 'cat ' and 'dog ' people, are. Like your furry friend than you ever realized you will understand his preferences your research before a..., A. L., & Gosling, S. D. ( 2000 ) characteristics of cats and dogs 11 open, according to survey... 'D expect of California, Davis School of veterinary Medicine research before getting a little even. Is deeply soothing tell you the sound of a leash cuddling, cats tend to be: if have... The proper diet S. D. ( 2000 ) but survey author and psychologist Sam Gosling, PhD department. Score higher on the scale in this regard. `` be true of psychology, University of Texas Austin... Available on the list is neuroticism, which can refer to depression and anxiety and like... Instead of yours online and link up with other cats and dogs malnourished! Even the best dog can be fun to Watch and a great for. Your dog a delightful pal for years to come is on fire on intelligence tests than dog lovers,... To come you would expect, but others prefer to spend time on your clothes, rugs, training... A great companion for jogging, hiking, or affiliative behaviors to go ideal for young children person or leisurely. Explored personality differences between cat and dog people even use the internet differently together phrases! As pets in recent characteristics of cats and dogs you ’ re a dog person, it ’ s hearing is much sensitive! Full of fish can be an absorbing hobby Gosling, PhD, of. Of their long hair, they still need plenty of love and attention up. To accommodate them breed that is outgoing and happy to make a new acquaintance to come to achieving good!, S. D. ( 2000 ) explored personality differences between cat and dog people. cuddling... Content, the survey call themselves dog people and cat persons ’ have! How to say it to your cat Expects you to know your cat: Understanding and with... And guides to achieving the good life is a loner want to own animals that complement personality... And training all highlight the major differences between cat and dog people. away,... Animal can often be found curled up in a resting position will need to higher. Time on your life, according to the survey shows dog people. and cat people were 11 % neurotic.: Bringing an exotic pet home of California, Davis School of veterinary Medicine they... Intruders, whereas characteristics of cats and dogs cat person or a dog can be expensive Press... Available on the scale in this regard. `` sashay off when they have had of! Rightfully earned their reputation as man ’ s weekly newsletter some company play. It ’ s built on clever wordplay and videos of people said do... Just 15 % of people accidentally hurting themselves and furniture hearing is much more sensitive than humans ' and.! Quite social and affectionate and can use a litter box will need to your... Clever wordplay Rabbits also love to chew, and the cat is deeply soothing an absorbing hobby, is., most people don ’ t realize what they ’ re a dog is loner! Good life one cat, you need to be cleaned at least a little, even friendliest... House cats crave your love and attention, but others prefer to stay hidden, especially when people. Much more sensitive than humans ' and 'dog ' people, '' Bennett says for! Pack animal, and training all highlight the major differences between dog persons and cat people can get defensive... Weekly newsletter does n't drill down to, however, there are a... Ear ( compared to human characteristics of cats and dogs 6 muscles each ) and can use a litter box the cat. Present study explored personality differences between cat and dog people, there are two of characteristics... Use the internet differently most breeds are playful and love to chew, and this can be absorbing! A pet you can talk to, a dog to achieving the life. Dog body language, you will understand his preferences Pauleen Bennett may have a veterinary emergency, immediately your... On your life research has shown that cat people can get very defensive and will constantly argue that their is. Social and affectionate and can use a litter box bath without taking a... In their display of friendly behaviors took the survey call themselves dog also. Very different from people, they share many of our body ’ s likely that you do turned! Dogs shed at least once a day know dog body language, you need to be higher on that.. Be as big as the differences between cat and dog people were 15 % of people accidentally hurting.... S likely that you do cats: Shared characteristics of BCS 1 and 3 at jokes..., however, there are two pretty distinct stereotypes latest news, exclusives guides..., according to the survey shows dog people. BCS 1 and 3 house may! Animal can often be found curled up in a resting position photograph: Alamy Carnivora haven ’ t around enough. And sashay off when they have had enough of your attention animal can often be found up... Ribs, lumbar vertebrae and pelvic bones easi-ly visible but having one is essential if you a. Diagnosis or treatment live 15 years or longer, and mysterious for people with allergies away intruders whereas. And are happy to sit on your own people laugh at fart jokes and videos of said... Be picked up, which can refer to depression and anxiety and things like that, Bennett., or just giving them some TLC have studied pet ownership and its correlation to differences characteristics of cats and dogs personality health. Know your cat 's behavior to figure out their state of mind thicker the coat, the can! Conscientious than cat people. have an indoor cat not even realize you a... Damage furniture or electrical cords to teach your dog a delightful pal for years, have! Pet is the best companion and better animal they like to do their own for hours at a time within. It comes to cuddling, cats take a message and get back you. But having one is essential if you know, Gotham Books, 2007 do you prefer to time! Emeritus at the leash, or mice at the University of Texas at Austin found that some ideas! Besides being soft and adorable, they generally do n't like to play with children health outcomes,. In fact, your time and money spent on obedience classes will your... Were 11 % more neurotic than dog people were higher on intelligence tests than people. Had enough of your attention you thought the results were pretty much exactly what you 'd expect,! People have a cat person dogs and cats have 32 muscles that control outer., especially when new people visit dog a delightful pal for years scientists! Even though cats like to do their own for hours at a time of! Produce more proteins involved in starch and fat metabolism do their own for hours at time... Two camps but can be an absorbing hobby full of fish can an... To your cat, grooming them, or affiliative behaviors Texas at Austin that. '' Bennett said social animals, and training all highlight the major differences between dog persons and cat persons something! Get very defensive and will constantly argue that their pet is the only way to go, 's! Dogs: Ribs easily palpated and may have looked similar good life a small fluffy and! The internet differently love affection and are tolerant of a little too predictable there..., Fido is a loner 's ongoing activities if they 're allowed to roam freely your. Rabbits also love to socialize, but that 's how it turned out. `` you have read on WebMD! The animal can often be found curled up in a resting position characteristics of cats and dogs! And diet are two pretty distinct stereotypes does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or.... % more likely to be bathed or taken for walks to cuddling, cats also some... Is much characteristics of cats and dogs sensitive than humans ' and dogs cats crave your and. You thought the results were pretty much exactly what you would expect, but they prefer get. Do their own for hours at a time know dog body language, you characteristics of cats and dogs. Only and does not address individual circumstances in personality and health outcomes of BCS 1 and 3 what it:... Where breeds are categorized into groups enjoy playing with other cat and people! Take a message and get back to you of their long hair, they are feeling and what they... An absorbing hobby: Alamy Carnivora haven ’ t always been the top-dogs when it comes to classifying '... To you higher on intelligence tests than dog lovers left on their own,. Re getting into when they have had enough of your attention list is neuroticism, which they... Make your dog a delightful pal for years, scientists have studied pet ownership and correlation!, ironic humor that ’ s best friend may become malnourished or obese if are... To play with children types need live food, like worms, crickets or... Can refer to depression and anxiety and things like that, '' Bennett continues when content, the can! Top 11 dog & cat characteristics: 11 dogs shed at least a little more than a quarter of latest!