Personality differences between dog- and cat-owners: psych study

Hello,

I came across this today.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/canine-corner/201002/personality-differences-between-dog-and-cat-owners

Might be rubbish, but this paragraph stood out. Do you agree? (ps I used to own a cat.)

"Just on the basis of the nature of dogs being more sociable than cats, one might expect that the personalities of dog lovers would also reflect higher sociability. The results showed that dog people were generally about 15 percent more extroverted and 13 percent more agreeable, both of which dimensions are associated with social orientation. In addition dog people were 11 percent more conscientious than cat people. Conscientiousness involves is a tendency to show self-discipline, to complete tasks and aim for achievement. The trait shows a preference for planned rather than spontaneous behavior."

Maybe it's true in general, but I'm a horribly socially anxious person, I just hate cats, they seem to just do what they want and dogs are more affectionate

The last paragraph there does seem to sound quite familiar. I've never owned a cat, but do cats have owners or staff

Rupertsbooks wrote: The results showed that dog people were generally about 15 percent more extroverted and 13 percent more agreeable, both of which dimensions are associated with social orientation. In addition dog people were 11 percent more conscientious than cat people. Conscientiousness involves is a tendency to show self-discipline, to complete tasks and aim for achievement. The trait shows a preference for planned rather than spontaneous behavior."

I'm not sociable, i'm not very concientious, I have very little self discipline & I'm very spontaneous.

Oh, and I don't like cats!!

this is frighteningly close to many cat people though.

Not a cat lover personally. Feed it, let it out, see it X hours later.

We have 3 cats and 1 dog, Bacchus, and love them all. But dogs do interact more with humans than do cats.

Do sociable people keep dogs or do they become more sociable because of their dog? The latter seems to be true.

reuben wrote:Do sociable people keep dogs or do they become more sociable because of their dog? The latter seems to be true.

Hmmmm Yeah, possibly. Although you do come across some right grumpy people whilst out walking. And u find it tends to be female dog walkers of a certain age. No offence ladies

We have 4 cats and 2 dogs. The cats are more aloof and do their own thing whereas the girls are glued to my side. If I were to choose between cat and dog I would have a dog as they are more loving.

I don't think I'd have a cat if you paid me!

What's wrong with cats Caryll?

I just don't like them!

I dont mind cats at all, we had both growing up but I must admit I have far more memories of the dogs than the cats.

I think there is def a social thing to dogs that breaks down barriers as well. If I was to walk through the park without the dogs no one would speak to me and alot avoid eye contact altogether.
If I do the same with the dogs you get all sorts of people from all walks of life and ages chatting away to me, dog owners or not.