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The top 10 reasons dogs are better than cats at this whole friendship thing (Yes, we’re actually serious)

Hot dogs or hamburgers? *NSYNC or Backstreet Boys? These are some of the greatest debates in history.

However, perhaps no debate causes people to fight like cats and dogs more than the debate over, well, cats and dogs. Which pet makes a better best friend? Of course, like the debates over BBQ fare and boy bands, this fight is all in good fun. Both types of pets make great friends, and the best one for you often depends on your personality and lifestyle.

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However, if we’re being real, dogs are better than cats. There. We said it. Consider these points before you and your kitty swipe and hiss at us.

Dogs are much better friends than cats — they crave affection, love snuggles and home offices, and don’t launch covert “attacks”

a gray cat and a black pug sitting on an indoor bench

 Dogs aren’t annoyed by your presence

Some offices have made remote or hybrid work permanent since the COVID-19 pandemic. If your employer is one of them, your dog is likely still living their best life. They love the mid-day snuggles and play sessions. On the other hand, cats are hoping remote work is not the way of the future.

They actually like being touched and petted

It’s not that cats don’t enjoy getting petted, but it has to be on their terms. Dogs are more likely to welcome a good belly rub whenever, wherever. Feeling your touch—even when they’re in the middle of a nap—makes them feel loved, not irritated. They won’t get up in a huff and walk into another room.

They don’t randomly scratch or bite you

Cats can be a bit mercurial. One second they’re sitting pretty on a window perch. The next moment, they may pounce on you. Your dog? They would never. Your dog loves you unconditionally and wants nothing more than to be loved in return. (Real talk: Cat aggression is common and often fixable. Not all kitties display these behaviors.)

a yellow lab puppy in a dog bed

Dogs are much better housemates. They’re trainable, have far better etiquette, and use the bathroom outside (Read: No gross litter boxes to clean.)

They actually want to please you

Dogs like knowing you are happy and will do what it takes to put a smile on your face. They’ll jump up and lick your face when you walk in the door. They’ll also “leave it,” even though they really want to eat that chicken you dropped on the ground. Because of this, dogs tend to be easier to train. Cats? They’re little savages who do not care. It’s your job to please them by feeding them on time, happily accepting their half-eaten surprises, and cleaning their litter box, not the other way around.

They don’t topple holiday trees

The holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. If you have a dog, you might take sweet photos in matching pajamas or let them pick out their gifts at the local pet toy store. Cats like to play the role of Scrooge, especially if you have a tree. The internet is full of memes and videos of cats knocking the whole tree over. Bah humbug, indeed.

They poop outside

Do you want a box of crap in your house? We’re talking literal crap, not those unfashionable sweaters your mom keeps buying you. If your answer is yes, by all means, stick to cats. Cats typically use a litter box, whereas pups go outside. While you need to pick it up, it’s not nearly as gross as knowing you have a toilet that doesn’t flush in the next room.

Dogs don’t bring home unwelcome surprises

Though many cats are indoor-only, some go outside. When they do, they actually think they’re being helpful when they bring home half-eaten animals. These gifts are about as useful as Mom’s sweaters and arguably make your stomach churn more. Though some dogs are instinctual hunters, they typically spend their time outside bathing in the sun or fetching a ball, not a bird.

They sleep through the night

Dogs may spend much of their days napping, but they’re also willing to sleep at night. Sometimes, they may crawl into bed with us and keep us warm. Cats are crepuscular, which means they’re most active at dusk and dawn. Unfortunately, that also means they like to provide the soundtrack to their human’s sleep by batting items off shelves and meowing at the door, demanding to be fed at 4 a.m. If you enjoy a good night’s sleep, a dog is your best friend.

Good friends help you become the best versions of yourself. Dogs are no exception. They lift you up physically, mentally, and socially.

Dogs keep you active

If you’re looking to get in shape, consider your dog your secret weapon. Studies show people with dogs are four times more likely to get the recommended amount of exercise than people without them. It makes sense: Dogs need walking, and it’s fun to explore parks and trails with our furry friends. Other pups, like Dobermans, make great running buddies.

Dogs help you make friends

Dogs are known as humans’ best friends. However, they can also help their people make friends with other humans. One survey found that more than half of dog parents made friends while on walks. As great as having a dog is, it’s always nice to talk to someone who can talk back, and we can thank our pups for that.

Both dogs and cats are great. If you have room in your home, heart, and schedule, you may have both in your home. Nearly half of pet parents have multiple animals in their home, and it works out great. Dogs and cats can peacefully co-exist in the same house and even be friends. That said, sometimes it’s fun to compare the two based on stereotypes and common behaviors. Some people swear dogs are better than cats. They say they’re more affectionate and less likely to ruin winter holiday decor. Ultimately, as long as you find a pet you love, you’re doing it right.

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It can be a time to go on an important date or to stay at home with a bottle of your favorite Napa cab, but Valentine's Day also offers the opportunity to focus on the other important "people" in your life. This year, celebrate a different kind of love — the lasting bond between human and pup (no pricey chocolates included).
You don't have to have a human partner to observe Valentine's Day in style (though they can always tag along to your pet-themed activity). Here are a few things to do with your dog for a different kind of holiday experience.

Have a dinner date
Pick out a special dinner for you and Fido to enjoy together at your home or find a pet cafe or pet-friendly restaurant to dine out as a "couple." Most dogs can eat cooked meat in small quantities, so perhaps you want to share a chicken or steak on this special day. Of course, don't change up their diet if they have a sensitive tummy and cut only a piece that includes the same number of calories you'd ordinarily give them for dinner.
Go for a hike
OK, this isn't a classic Valentine's Day with your dog, but it's one your pup is sure to love. Enjoy the great outdoors together for exercise and scenic views, away from the noise of the day. Make it special by picking a unique destination and bringing some extra special snack.
Take your pooch on a date with their one true love
Does your pet have a best friend? Get them together on V-Day so your pup feels both human and canine love (bonus points if you and their owner also bring along your chosen beverage). A park day or pack walk will get everyone out of the house and feeling their best for this February 14th.
Watch romantic movies
All dogs love to snuggle on the couch with rom-coms. Find a couple of flicks that you've had on your list (or want to rewatch) and indulge in treats together in front of the TV. Your beloved pup won't judge if you tear up at the end when the couple finally gets together. Extra points if you pick out a dog- or cat-themed movie that might pique their interest with pet sounds.
Volunteer together
If your four-legged friend has the right temperament, consider training them to volunteer at a nursing home. It can be tricky to get approved for this; and only dogs that truly have a personality suited to the environment should try it. But if you can get them through the training, you'll both have a blast and brighten the days of everyone who gets to give you dog pats and biscuits.

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The Guinness World Record oldest living dog
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You may have seen similar news several times in recent months, but it's true -- there is yet another titleholder for Guinness World Records' oldest living dog. Meet Bobi! This well-cared-for senior dog recently dethroned Spike the Chihuahua as the oldest living dog in the world... but that's not all. Bobi is also the oldest dog ever recorded. At 30 years and nearly 270 days old, according to Guinness World Records' Twitter account, the pooch from Portugal has no idea just how special he is!
We have a feeling he'll get used to being a bit of a celebrity, though. Bobi already enjoys lots of attention and human food at his countryside home, where several of his family's other pets have lived amazingly long lives.
https://twitter.com/GWR/status/1620936535188340737
Meet Bobi, the Guinness World Record holder for the oldest dog ever recorded
Bobi's owner, 38-year-old Leonel Costa, first met (and later rescued) Bobi when he was only 8 years old (via Guinness). The Rafeiro do Alentejo pup had been born to one of his family's livestock guardian dogs, and shortly after birth, only narrowly escaped a tragic fate.

"Unfortunately, at that time, it was considered normal by older people who could not have more animals at home […] to bury the animals in a hole so that they would not survive," Leonel told Guinness. Bobi, however, was hidden in the stacks of wood near where he was born.

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That being said, you'll want to take extra precautions with your dog in winter weather. Here's everything you need to know about spending time with your dog in cold conditions, so you can ensure they stay safe and cozy warm throughout the winter.

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