Are you a dog person or a cat person? The age-old question has sparked many discussions. But have you ever wondered why people have such a strong preference for one over the other? Research has shown that there are actually personality differences between dog people and cat people.
Personality Differences in Dog People and Cat People
One study published by Sam Gosling, a psychologist at the University of Texas, asked 4565 participants to self-identify as a dog person, cat person, both or neither. Participants then completed the Big Five Personality Test and the results were analyzed. There were several interesting findings.
In the study forty-six percent of respondents described themselves as dog people, 12 percent cat people, 27 percent described themselves as both, and 15 percent answered that they were neither.
Personality Findings in the Gosling Study
- Dog people were 15 percent more extroverted, 13 percent more agreeable, and 11 percent more conscientious than cat people.
- Cat people were found to be 12 percent more neurotic and 11 percent more open the dog people.
Dominance Related Traits Between Dog People and Cat People
Another study by psychologist Beatrice Alba at the University of Australia examined the personality differences between cat people and dog people. Her study found that dog people were more likely to show higher social dominance orientation and competitiveness than cat people. It was suggested that people who show higher social dominance orientation and competitiveness prefer dogs because they are submissive pets which complements their preference for dominance.
Conclusion
Scientific research has begun to shed light on key differences in the personality of dog people and cat people. There are many other studies that show differences in other personality factors relating to one’s pet preference as well. So next time you’re having a discussion with your friend about which pet is better, see if they exhibit any of the personality traits found in these studies.