Is your spouse not too sure about adopting a dog? Do they prefer independent pets like cats, or think that a pet may not be something they want to deal with? I’ve had several friends that found out that their spouse wasn’t much into the idea of getting a furbaby, and that became something of an issue. If you want a dog, but your spouse just isn’t on board, I’ve got some good news.
Dog’s Products on Amazon
Last update on 2023-12-21 at 07:41 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
First, though, here’s some bad news: If a person just doesn’t like dogs all that much, they may never be fully converted. Consider someone trying to turn me into a person that loves ferrets for example! But if you really want a dog, and you live with someone that would rather have no pet or a cat, the best thing you can do is some research into the right breed. So the good news I was talking about? It’s the fact that you can find a dog that will be perfect for an owner that isn’t too sure about dogs.
Quick Note
Before we begin talking about the breeds, I wanted to say that I’m talking about dog breeds that would be good for owners that prefer cats or other types of pets – these aren’t suggestions for breeds that get along well with cats and other pets. These are dogs that display personality traits that a cat-lover or a no-pet-lover is probably going to prefer, such as independence, cleanliness, and so on. If you can only have one pet, or you just want one pet, and you really want a dog for the companionship and fun, these are some breeds that will likely give your partner the least problems.
First Up: The Basenji
Do you ever wonder why people might like cats or other pets more than dogs? What makes a caged lizard so exciting? Why would anyone want to spend their time caring for a snake? If you were to ask this question, you’d get a lot of answers. Most often, people who prefer unique pets like the fact that these pets don’t tend to be overly friendly to strangers, and can be observed more than interacted with. In other words, they like independent pets that are smart and sort of keep to themselves. And in my opinion, that sounds just like a Basenji.
Basenjis are also quiet dogs that don’t really bark – they yodel when they want to communicate, but they are usually silent. They tend to be reluctant to embrace strangers, and they often prefer to simply hang out and observe from their corner.
Another Quiet Option: The Whippet[easyazon_image align=”right” cart=”n” cloak=”y” height=”250″ identifier=”B008ESY894″ locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/618Se7Owf2L.jpg” tag=”natur0da-20″ width=”250″]
If your partner likes the way that cats or ferrets scamper around exploring drawers and satisfying their curiosity, then you’ll love a Whippet. These dogs are known for turning your house into their own little kingdom, exploring every nook and cranny. But they are also pretty shy around strangers and tend to be very quiet – both things that non-pet-lovers will enjoy. Whippets tend to be pretty laid back as well. They don’t necessarily need a lot of exercise when they get older, and they are often content to nap.
Younger Whippets do require some exercise, so someone who isn’t interested in a dog may not like that. Be sure that if you intend to get a puppy, that you’ve got a few long-distance running toys like [easyazon_link identifier=”B008ESY894″ locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”natur0da-20″ cart=”n” cloak=”y” localize=”y” popups=”n”]fetch discs[/easyazon_link] on hand to keep the dog’s energy low when they are around your partner. You’ll need to spend some time exercising them heavily, so they don’t make your spouse regret their decision.
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/2Hozwa6″ target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#FF6600″ size=”14″ center=”yes” radius=”5″ class=”muz_amazon_buy_button”]BUY IT NOW ON AMAZON[/su_button]
For the Major Cat Lover: The Shiba Inu
If your spouse is a cat lover above all else, I’m not really sure why you married them. (Kidding!) But if they do prefer cats and you’ve compromised on a dog, the Shiba Inu is an excellent choice. These dogs are the epitome of aloof independence. They are often content getting just a bit of affection and then being left alone for the rest of the day. They are known for being very calm and sort of detached from activities, preferring to observe instead.
They often go around looking for prey – similar to the way a cat hunts mice. They tend to clean themselves regularly. Basically, a Shiba Inu is a cat in a dog’s body. However, for you – the dog lover – they still do provide puppy companionship. They’ll just need to be given time alone after your fun.
For the Person Who Doesn’t Want a Pet: The Japanese Chin[easyazon_image align=”right” cart=”n” cloak=”y” height=”250″ identifier=”B0042I5G2I” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31Y8wH58NrL.jpg” tag=”natur0da-20″ width=”250″]
If your spouse just doesn’t want to have to exercise a dog when you aren’t around, a Japanese Chin is an excellent choice. These little dogs are adorable, lots of fun, and like to snuggle up with you on the couch – but don’t need much exercise. Playing around with them in the house and letting them out to use the bathroom is usually enough to keep a Chin happy.
You can take them for a walk of course, but you can also just break out some toys like a [easyazon_link identifier=”B0042I5G2I” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”natur0da-20″ cart=”n” cloak=”y” localize=”y” popups=”n”]flirt pole[/easyazon_link], and let the Chin play with it like a cat. If you think your spouse will warm up to a lap dog but just does not want the responsibility, this is a great breed.
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/2lI7FV4″ target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#FF6600″ size=”14″ center=”yes” radius=”5″ class=”muz_amazon_buy_button”]BUY IT NOW ON AMAZON[/su_button]
For the Spouse Who Things Dogs are Goofy: The Afghan Hound
Does your partner just think that dogs are too silly and goofy for them? Look no further than the Afghan Hound. With their flowing coats, their uniquely graceful movements, and their calmly dignified spirits, this breed will prove this theory wrong. Afghan Hounds are also great for cat lovers. They often tend to attach themselves to just one or two people, but for those that they do trust, this dog is very gentle and even affectionate.
They never fail to melt hearts if they do choose to grace you with their presence, and if your spouse just prefers not to have much to do with the dog, at least they’ll enjoy the pretty picture that this breed makes. Afghan Hounds are also known for having unique personalities all their own.
For the Allergy-Prone: The Poodle
If your spouse gets the sniffles around dogs, never fear! There are breeds that are considered hypoallergenic. Look for breeds that don’t shed and don’t drool – such as the Poodle. The Poodle is an adorable curly dog with a big attitude! They like to think of themselves as the king or queen of the house, and that may make a cat-lover laugh since that’s a very cat-like attitude.
A Poodle is fun and friendly for you, but they think highly of themselves and have confidence to spare. Their curly coats don’t tend to shed, and they are generally very clean dogs. For dog lovers, you may also like the fact that you have many options with a Poodle – get a large dog in a Standard Poodle, or go all the way down to teacup version.
Another One for the “Lazy” Dog Owner: The Greyhound[easyazon_image align=”right” cart=”n” cloak=”y” height=”151″ identifier=”B00YORXQWE” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41WWPEBAylL.jpg” tag=”natur0da-20″ width=”250″]
Similar in appearance to both the Afghan Hound and the Whippet, Greyhounds are another sight hound that is great for dog owners that don’t want to do a lot of exercising. Greyhounds are the kings and queens of cat naps and love to be couch potatoes more than anything.
They need a short time to exercise hard every day to get out their energy, but otherwise, they can often be found catching up on their beauty sleep. Get them a [easyazon_link identifier=”B00YORXQWE” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”natur0da-20″ cart=”n” cloak=”y” localize=”y” popups=”n”]comfy dog bed[/easyazon_link], and you can count on a Greyhound to curl up in the corner and let you do your thing. They are also known for coming to you when they want attention, rather than expecting you to be giving it out all the time. Expect to feel that gentle cat-like nudge on your hand for petting before the Greyhound goes back to bed.
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/2iarmGS” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#FF6600″ size=”14″ center=”yes” radius=”5″ class=”muz_amazon_buy_button”]BUY IT NOW ON AMAZON[/su_button]
Why Do Certain Breeds Just Not Do It for Some People?
So now you have some ideas about what types of dogs could be suitable for a spouse that isn’t such a dog lover. But why is it that some breeds, like a Labrador, just seem to be so off-putting to people who prefer cats or other pets? Unless someone was injured or scared by a dog when they were younger, I often have a hard time understanding the aversion to dogs. But understanding this can help you come up with solutions when you try to convince your spouse to get a dog, so let’s dive in.
The biggest reason is that dog lovers, and lovers of other types of pets, want their pets around for different reasons. Dog lovers want a friend. They want a creature to hang out with and form a bond with. They like the fact that dogs are pack animals, and they want to have a “pack”. It’s all about mutual companionship for dog lovers.
However, with almost all other types of pets, people are actually looking for something they can lavish affection on, rather than bond with. They don’t necessarily want something to hang out with or form a relationship with – they just want the comfort of affection from time to time.
Studies also show that cat lovers tend to appreciate the fact that cats need their own space and time, and tend to be very similar. However, dog lovers tend to be family oriented people that find the pack mentality closer to their own. That isn’t always true – I’m pretty introverted myself – but it’s another way to understand why someone may love a cat or another pet more than a dog.
There’s one more reason that some people may not like dogs, and it’s because many movies and TV shows have convinced people that dogs are goofy and just not as smart as other animals. The fact is that dogs are extremely smart, but the natural acrobatic ability of cats, for example, often makes them appear to be of higher intelligence. If you want a dog that is big and ungraceful, keep in mind that these traits may be precisely what makes your spouse think dogs aren’t that smart.
Dog’s Products on Amazon
Last update on 2023-12-21 at 07:41 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Final Word
So, once you’ve done the research on dog breeds and have something picked out, you need to approach your spouse in a way that convinces them that a dog would meet their own needs from a pet. I wrote an old article about convincing parents to let kids have a dog, and in it, I had a few good points to share in a conversation like this”
- Dogs offer you, the owner, more exercise opportunities. Your spouse may be interested in helping out your health.
- Dogs can offer a sense of safety in the home, which can be a deciding factor.
- Dogs do require a budget for food, toys, vet bills, and so on, so be sure you’ve done the math and can afford a dog.
- Bring up all the pros of the breed you are interested in, as it relates to your spouse. The more you know about a breed, the more serious you look.
- Remind your spouse that by rescuing a dog from a shelter, if you choose to do so, you are saving its life.
- Bring out some pictures of puppies of that breed and cross your fingers that cuteness overload helps your case.
If you can’t come to a reasonable compromise, consider looking for a dog breed that is friendly with other types of pets, and consider getting one of each, so you both have something. If your home doesn’t allow two pets, however, it may be best to wait to adopt a dog if your spouse isn’t on board. Overall, their distaste for the dog will only make the dog’s life less fulfilling. Until then, keep researching dog breeds till you find the perfect one to convince your spouse that a dog would be perfect for the two of you.
Sources:
https://www.rover.com/blog/best-dog-breeds-for-cat-lovers-in/
https://iheartdogs.com/the-12-best-dog-breeds-for-people-who-love-cats/2/
https://stories.barkpost.com/good/dogs-that-are-cats/
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-differences-between-dog-lovers-and-cat-lovers.html