persuasive writing dogs are the best pet

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Dogs Are Better Than Cats (Persuasive Essay Sample)

A time comes in life when we start to think about adopting a pet either for ourselves or our children.  At that point, we all start to think about whether we should adopt a dog or a cat as these two are the most popular pet species. Almost all of us love both of them but the problem comes when we have to choose only one. It’s time to heat this timeless debate on why one is better than the other. In this essay, I will persuade you to believe that dogs are better than cats through the arguments presented below.

Dogs are Better Than Cats Essay 700 Word Long Persuasive Essay

Dogs and cats are two animals commonly kept as pets at home. Dogs are considered a man’s best friend and truly so because of their special connection with humans. On the other hand, cats are also the cutest furballs that are all cozy and cuddly. Most homeowners prefer keeping dogs to cats however some also prefer cats. Dogs are stronger, smarter, and sharper as compared to cats and can fit in many roles. I am a dog person myself and do prefer dogs over cats. Through this persuasive essay, I will make sure you also become a fan of keeping a dog as a pet.

Dogs are playful and engage their owners in different activities to help them stay active. Owning a dog is like having a loyal friend to talk to, laugh with, and take short walks in the evening. It’s because dogs are more loyal and loving than cats can ever be. Furthermore, Dogs can also fulfill guard roles by protecting us within our homes. Dogs are much better house guards than burglar alarms and security cameras. Dogs are also smarter than cats, they can understand gestures through voice tone and body language. Most importantly, dogs bring real joy and share a bond of unconditional love with the owner and the whole family.

Unlike cats, dogs need to be active, they are always ready to go outside and enjoy a walk with their owners. Due to this the dog owners also have to go with them which also serves as a healthy daily exercise . Taking your dog for a walk on a daily basis means you will also achieve all your daily exercise targets. Unlike cats who don’t go out for walks and develop behavioral problems like scratching and oversleeping, dogs don’t have these problems. Taking your dog out deepens your connection with the pet and helps build a stronger bond of love.

Here Are More Benefits of Keeping a Dog as a Pet

• Unlike cats, dogs can be easily house trained for litter. Almost all cats use the litter box and no matter how much you try to avoid bad odor you just can’t escape it.
• Dogs don’t shed as much hair as cats. People who keep cats as pets are more likely to suffer from breathing problems.
• You can’t play fetch, chase, or tug-of-war with your cats. Most cats only play on their own and are not nearly as fun to be around as a dog.
• Unlike cats that dislike change, dogs make better pets because they adapt to change very easily.
• Dogs are far more intelligent than cats and can be trained fairly easily.
• Police dogs, rescue dogs, and service dogs can also prove to be better house pets than cats.
• According to a study, on average a cat sleeps more but a dog sleeps less, making dogs better pets.
• Dogs require less maintenance than cats and guide dogs can detect bombs, illegal drugs, illegal substances to save lives.

Other than all these benefits your untrained pet dog can be trained to become your service dog. Dogs as pets love to take care of all family members by promoting an active lifestyle. Dogs can also be trained to reduce anxiety, depression, encourage exercise, ease loneliness, and improve heart health. They can even detect seizures and heart attacks even 12 hours before they happen to save the life of their owner.

In conclusion, comparing cats and dogs is like comparing two different fruits. Both of these animal species are unique in their way and have their benefits. Dog lovers will love dogs and cat lovers will love cats no matter how much you convince them. This centuries-old battle doesn’t need to continue. Both cats and dogs can live together so why not get both?

Short Custom Essay About Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats

Dogs and cats as pets have become a part of our humane society and culture. Choosing between both of these lovely and irresistibly cute furballs is a very hard task. People generally assume dogs are better pets as they have acquired the title of becoming the man’s best friend. However, as a cat person, some people are crazy cat lovers. In this short persuasive essay about why pet dogs are better than pet cats, I would convince you why dogs are better.

Both cats and dogs are different animal species and obviously, both have different personalities and unique qualities. A dog is a man’s best friend but a cat is an irresistibly cute furball. Despite all this, there are so many reasons why people prefer dogs. Dogs promote a healthier lifestyle, they force their owners to engage in daily exercise through constant walks and playful activities. Dogs are much more interactive than cats. Cats can play on their own but dogs always want their owners to play with them. A dog’s love for his owner can never be compared to a cat’s love, as their loyalty is out of this world.

Unlike cats, pet dogs can understand gestures by noticing the owner’s body language and tone of voice. Service dogs can even detect seizures and heart attacks 12 hours before they happen. Unlike cats, dogs can be house trailed for litter. On the other hand, you can’t escape bad odor coming from a cat litter box no matter where you place it. Cat’s shed more hair than dogs and due to this cat owners can suffer from asthma and other breathing problems.

In conclusion, dogs are the most popular pets on the planet but cats still have their own place. Most people may rank dogs as the best pet but they can never turn a blind eye towards the beautiful little furballs. This is certainly an age-long discussion on which of these two is a better pet. However, one thing’s for sure that these two can stay together and if you like both you can keep both at the same time.

FAQ About Dogs Are Better Than Cats Essay

How to write dogs are better than cats essays.

To write a perfect essay about pets, start by introducing what you like and dislike about cats and dogs. In the body explain why you love dogs more than cats and end it with a short conclusion.

How to write a persuasive essay about pets?

To write a persuasive essay about pets, introduce both of the pets in the introduction. In the body paragraph, use arguments to persuade the reader why one pet is better than the other. End with a conclusion based on arguments.

Where to get Cats are better than dogs’ essay samples?

Essay Basics has the biggest database of free essay samples including cats essay dogs essays. You can also order your own free essay from Essay Basics about why cats are better than dogs.

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/how-to-start-exercising-and-stick-to-it.htm https://www.thesprucepets.com/potty-training-puppies-pooping-2805076 https://www.thesprucepets.com/what-is-a-service-dog-1118678

10 Reasons Dogs Are Better Than Cats

Alycia Washington is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) with nearly a decade of experience as a small animal emergency veterinarian. She currently works as a relief veterinarian for various emergency and specialty hospitals. Dr. Washington recognizes the importance of education and also works as a freelance veterinary writer.

The Spruce / Georgia Lloyd

In many people's opinion, dogs are better than cats. Dogs are more trainable, use the bathroom outside, can protect you, and promote a more active lifestyle. Having a dog has many benefits that make it better than having a cat.

And it is possible to think one is better than the other but still love both. Let's explore some reasons why dogs may be better than cats . (Not to worry, cat lovers! There are also a lot of reasons why cats can be better than dogs .)

No Litter Boxes!

It's probably fair to say that even cat lovers don't love litter boxes. No matter how well you keep up with them, there always seems to be a lingering odor. Plus, litter often tracks all over the house. It's practically impossible to find a good place to put the litter box in a small house. Scooping the stuff is stinky and dusty. 

Dogs don't need litter boxes. They can be house-trained  and most can stick to a schedule. They can use the yard or do their business during walks around the neighborhood. You only have to pick up the poop, not the urine the way you have to do with litter boxes. And as for the poop, you can simply use poop bags on walks and a poop-scooper in the yard. Cleaning up poop may not be fun, but many think it's the lesser of two necessary evils.

Best of all, the poop and pee happen outdoors, not inside your home!

Dogs Just Wanna Have Fun

There's only so much play you can do with your cat. Many cats love to play with string toys and they'll bat their little cat ball toys around, but it's almost like they're humoring you. They can play on their own, not just with people.

Dogs absolutely love to play, and it's often interactive play that they want, especially with you. You can play fetch with a ball or a disc. You can enjoy an exciting game of tug-of-war . You can play chase in the yard. If your dog gets along well with other dogs, you can even set up a doggie "playdate" with another pup. Just make sure both dogs are healthy and will get along. 

Dogs Adapt Better to Change

Picsea / Unsplash

Cats are usually sensitive to their environments and dislike change. Many dogs tend to accept change more easily, especially when their owners act like it's no big deal. Of course, there are plenty of anxious and fearful dogs out there, but as a species, they're often calmer in the face of significant alterations to their lifestyles. 

When it comes to introducing new people, pets, or items to your home or moving to a new house, cats generally need more time to adapt. They don't automatically trust that all is well. They want proof first. Most dogs take their cues from their owners. If you're cool and calm when that new baby comes in your door, chances are that your dog will be, too. Of course, some might not be quite as accepting of strangers. 

More Control Means Less Destruction

The Spruce / Kristie Lee

Try to control a cat and you might hear the tiny sound of kitty laughter. Most cats will go where they want to go, jump where they want to jump, scratch where they want to scratch, and mark whatever they think needs marking. Then there are those hairballs, which are most easily found when you're barefoot in the middle of the night. 

Yes, dogs can cause a whole lot of destruction, but you can usually crate train a dog and keep him and your home safe and secure while you're away. Most crate-trained dogs consider their crates to be their own special places. Try putting a cat in a crate or behind a closed door and you'll have one unhappy kitty. 

Corrective training and a stern voice can have a lot of power over a dog. Try this with the average cat and you'll be lucky if he glances in your direction while continuing to do whatever he was doing. 

Training Dogs is Easier

Okay, cats can technically be trained, but even cat lovers admit that it's not usually as easy as training a dog. Even food-motivated cats will soon tire of training sessions and walk away. Or, they'll just smack the food out of your hand and eat it anyway. In general, cats train us humans better than we could ever train them.

On the other hand, most dogs actually enjoy training . It seems to give them a sense of purpose. It's a job, and most dogs love to work. Plus, many dogs are highly motivated by food and attention. They'll gladly sit, stay, shake, lie down, and roll over in exchange for a delicious reward.

Dogs seem to display a sense of pride when they've done a good job. In fact, dogs sometimes misbehave when they're bored. They need more exercise and mental stimulation. Training helps provide the latter. 

Dogs Can Protect You

It's not in a cat's nature to defend you or your home. Cats are more likely to run and hide when faced with trouble. On the other hand, most dogs will instinctively protect their owners and their territory. They'll  bark or growl to alert you to the presence of strangers, and many will even scare off intruders. Dogs can sense our fear and they'll respond if they think we feel threatened.

A large dog with a loud bark may seem like the better watchdog, but small dogs are sometimes even more alert when it comes to detecting outside noises. The little ones may not be able to physically fight off intruders, but they'll certainly alert you about the danger. And many would-be intruders will avoid contact with any dog for fear of being bitten, no matter what the pup's size. No offense, kitties, but protection is not your specialty.

Dogs Have Greater Potential

Heather Paul / Getty Images

When's the last time you saw a cat in a vest working hard to help people? It's true that cats have an important place in animal-assisted therapy , but they're generally not as well-suited to other types of work the way dogs are. Dogs have been helping people just about as long as they've been on earth. They were working on farms as herders and drovers hundreds of years ago.

Today, many dogs still work on farms, and they serve even more noble purposes. They act as  service dogs , guiding the blind, assisting the handicapped, helping the police and military, participating in search-and-rescue efforts, and comforting the sick. Some dogs can even detect seizures and sniff out cancer. That's some way to earn one's keep!

Dogs Promote an Active Lifestyle

Cats tend to stay home and do their own thing, or they go out and do their own thing. Some people have been known to walk their cats through the neighborhood on harnesses, but that's not the norm. 

Just like humans, dogs need plenty of exercise. The great thing is that we can make them part of our own exercise routines. Most dogs love to go on walks . Many enjoy running with their humans. Some can even be trained to run alongside a bike .

Many dogs make wonderful hiking companions. Also, dogs can participate in dog sports  like agility, flyball, disc, and diving. Dog sports are great for fulfilling a dog's need for mental and physical exercise.

Dogs Come in More Shapes and Sizes

Alvin Nee / Unsplash

There are different breeds of cats, but many of them don't vary a whole lot in shape and size. Sure, you have your giant Maine Coon and your uniquely-coated Devon Rex, but most house cats are mixed breeds, sometimes called " moggies ." They come in many beautiful coats and colors, but the differences between cats are subtle compared to the differences between dogs.

It's hard to believe that a tiny little Yorkie is the same species as the huge Great Dane . If you decide to get a dog, you'll have plenty of choices available. Do you want a giant dog , a small dog breed , or something in between? Would you like a herding dog with endless energy or a cuddly lapdog? Perhaps a well-balanced mixed breed is your preference. Mutts are not to be overlooked! There are even some low-allergen dogs for the mildly allergic. There's a type of dog for just about any household.

Human's Best Friend

The term "man's best friend" exists for a good reason. Dogs have been domesticated for at least 30,000 years or more. Dogs have been the faithful companions and loyal helpers of the human race throughout history. The bond between humans and dogs is unmistakable.

Cats seem to know that they were once worshiped as gods. Perhaps they resent the fact those days have ended. They may still be holding it against us. 

I think it's fair to say that a dog's human is the center of his universe. A cat is the center of its own universe. We humans are merely orbiting servants (willing servants, of course). 

Are Dogs REALLY Better Than Cats?

Comparing dogs and cats is like comparing apples to oranges. Each species has its pros and cons, and both are special in their own ways. This age-old battle of dog people versus cat people doesn't really need to continue.

Can't we all just get along? Cats and dogs can learn to live happily together . Why choose? Just get both!

Breitenbuecher, Christina et al. Protein Expression And Genetic Variability Of Canine Can F 1 In Golden And Labrador Retriever Service Dogs .  Canine Genetics And Epidemiology , vol 3, no. 1, 2016.  Springer Science And Business Media LLC , doi:10.1186/s40575-016-0031-3

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Smiling and Shining in Second Grade

Second grade teaching blog and shop

Opinion Writing: The Best Pet

My class has been busy writing opinions on which animal makes the best pet.    When you begin your opinion writing unit, you need to start with teaching them what it is.  First, I like to read lots of books to my students so they get lots of ideas on a topic and an opinion is.  Next, I will show them a video. Then we do lots of brainstorming together and I model many times.

Here are some great videos I like to use to introduce opinion writing to my class.

Videos for Opinion Writing

Write an Opinion! by Kristen McCurry is a great book to introduce opinion writing.  Another great book to read to your class is Stella Writes an Opinion by Janiel Wagstaff. I was lucky to meet this amazing author at a conference.  I put a list of many books that work well with writing an opinion at the end of this post.

We continue reading other books for ideas on what makes a good pet.  After brainstorming ideas, my students fill in their graphic organizers and begin their rough draft.  Click on the picture below for your free copy of the graphic organizer and writing paper.

My students love this fitness activity!  They try to guess the pet and complete the exercise.  It isn’t as easy as you would think to guess the pet.  It is a fun and engaging brain break for students.  There are two versions of this activity.  It is a fun way to end the day after writing about your favorite pet.  

I have included links to my favorite mentor texts to use when teaching opinion writing unit of study. (contains affiliate links) 

Books I Use for Opinion Writing (each title is clickable) . These links are Amazon Affiliate links.

• Write an Opinion
• You Can Write a Terrific Opinion Piece
• Can I Be Your Dog?
• The Perfect Pet
• Hey, Little Ant
• I Wanna Iguana
• I Wanna New Room
• I Want a Dog: My Opinion Essay
• I Want a Cat: My Opinion Essay
• Stella Writes an Opinion

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Persuasive Writing: Cats or Dogs? (Plan and Resources, Key Stage 2)

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Age range: 7-11

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19 Reasons Why Dogs Are the Best Pet

Posted: February 22, 2024 | Last updated: February 22, 2024

Descendants of wolves, dogs have become our constant companions and now exist in a plethora of different breeds. Here are 19 compelling reasons dogs deserve the title ‘man’s best friend’ and are truly the best pet of all.

Unconditional Love

While they might be unable to express it in words, dogs show us their unconditional love like no other pet. They don’t care about your appearance, finances, or lifestyle choices, and they love you no matter how many mistakes you’ve made! This unwavering adoration can make even the lowliest person feel special.

Michelson Found Animals states, “Loyalty is also just a natural behavior for dogs. Dogs are pack animals, meaning they are social creatures who prefer the company of other animals.”

In a modern world of brief friendships and short attention spans, dogs offer dependable, consistent companionship that’s hard to beat.

Social Catalysts

If you’ve ever taken a dog to a dog park or out walking among strangers, you’ll know they make excellent icebreakers and conversation starters. A study in the National Library of Medicine found pet dogs made it easier for their owners to make friends and connect with other people, greatly enhancing their lives and social success.

Mental Health Boosters

The Guardian claims dogs can have a ‘magical effect’ on their owners’ mental health—boosting their mood, alleviating stress and anxiety, and reducing the likelihood of depression. Canine companionship triggers ‘good feelings’ similar to a human parent/baby bond but with far less crying and hard work!

Improve Fitness

Owning a dog encourages regular exercise, promoting a healthier lifestyle. The Mayo Clinic writes that feeling obligated to exercise your dog ensures regular exercise like walking, playing fetch, or swimming, and can improve motivation , fitness, and cardiovascular health. The effect is greatest with larger, more athletic breeds like Spaniels and Pointers.

Even the smallest dogs are natural protectors, whether in their homes or out and about. Their acute hearing, sense of smell, and instinct to protect their pack make them excellent deterrents to crimes like burglary, assault, home invasion, and violent crime. Pet Safe lists a dog’s greatest security attributes as barking, loyalty, and speed.

Teach Responsibility

PetMD asserts that dogs make excellent family pets for teaching children responsibility. Caring for a dog and meeting all its needs takes work, empathy, and planning, while learning to feed, walk, groom, and train a dog teaches children valuable lessons about caregiving and the value of responsible pet ownership.

Bring Comfort

In times of illness, sorrow, or loneliness, dogs have a unique ability to provide comfort without words. Country Living even reports that dogs are used in therapy to help people suffering immense grief. Their ability to ‘pick up’ on human moods and offer their presence as support is both comforting and healing.

Boost Self-Esteem

Unsurprisingly, dogs’ unconditional love and unwavering friendship can help people with low self-esteem. If the human world seems unfriendly, judgmental, and unappreciative, dogs can give a person a significant confidence boost, making them feel more worthwhile and valued.

Encourage Routine

Dogs thrive on routine and are surprisingly good timekeepers. The American Kennel Club says, “The responsibility of caring for a dog can provide a sense of routine and structure, which is particularly helpful for those struggling with mental health challenges.” The necessity of regular toileting, walks, playtime, and meals can help bring their owners purpose and consistency.

Reduce Loneliness

For those living alone or with limited social interaction, the constant companionship dogs provide helps alleviate loneliness. While standard conversations may be impossible, dogs crave interaction and have their own ways of communicating and responding to their owners’ needs, making them an excellent replacement for human company.

Aid in Recovery

Prestige Care states that dogs are used in AAT (animal-assisted therapy) and can significantly speed up recovery times for people with various ailments, including physical injuries, mental health issues, and developmental disorders. Interacting with dogs often results in patients experiencing improved mood, mobility, and faster healing.

Promote Laughter

Dogs can be goofy and hilarious and have an uncanny ability to bring laughter and joy into a home. Their playful antics, curious nature, and expressive faces are often a source of merriment and can help lighten the mood, especially on tough days. Such silliness is sure to entertain and improve the lives of everyone they live with.

According to The Wildest , “dogs have a natural ability to cope with novelty” and are great at adapting to different situations and living environments. Whether you live on acres of farmland or in a penthouse city apartment, there is a dog to suit you. This adaptability also goes for lifestyle; there are dogs to suit fitness fanatics, outdoor enthusiasts, and couch potatoes!

Teach Empathy

Dogs are typically much more expressive than aloof cats, reptiles, and birds, and interacting with them teaches compassion. Understanding and responding to non-verbal cues (like knowing when your dog is hungry, depressed, or in pain) is important in providing adequate care and keeping your pet happy—a vital lesson in empathy, especially for children.

Improve Social Skills

For people who struggle to develop and improve their social skills, dogs can play a crucial role as ‘practice’ friends! For children especially, their unconditional friendship can help them learn social cues and about boundaries and respect. Dogs can even be a social skills booster for shy or awkward adults.

Living in the Moment

Dogs don’t worry about the mistakes they made last year or what will happen tomorrow; they live entirely in the moment. Watching a dog fully immerse themselves in the present can inspire their owners, helping them appreciate simple pleasures, like a sunny day or a good meal, and reduce stress and anxiety.

Medical Skills

It’s not just mental health and recovery that your canine pal can assist with—some dogs are also capable of sensing life-threatening health problems. Medical News Today reports that, besides reducing blood pressure and cholesterol, some dogs can sniff out cancerous tumors and alert diabetics to imminent blood-sugar dips/spikes.

Familial Harmony

It’s hard to argue with your family member if it’s upsetting the family dog! Typically adored by everyone, dogs have an uncanny ability to improve household dynamics, strengthen bonds, and reduce fighting. Sharing the joy of dog ownership, like playing or walking together, also helps improve familial unity and promote teamwork.

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Dogs understand our words more than they let on, science reveals.

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Science shows that dogs learn to form mental representations of words, shedding light on why they ... [+] often seem to grasp our conversations.

Nothing quite captures the heart like videos of dogs appearing to understand human language . Scroll through any platform, and you’re bound to find countless clips of pet owners testing their dogs’ comprehension, stringing together sentences with all their pet’s favorite words—walk, ball, park, food—to elicit those adorable head tilts and excited barks.

From afar, it seems like these furry friends have mastered the art of associating certain sounds with certain outcomes; say "sit," and they know a treat is on its way for complying. But this understanding of words as mere triggers for actions might only scratch the surface of how dogs process our language.

As it turns out, all dogs seem to be capable of forming mental representations of words, demonstrating a deeper level of linguistic comprehension that is not altogether different from how humans understand and process language, according to a recent study published in Current Biology.

How Are Humans And Dogs Similar When It Comes To Mental Representations Of Words?

In human language understanding, an effect called “the N400” plays a crucial role. It’s a response in the brain that happens around 400 milliseconds after a person hears or reads something that doesn’t match up with what they were expecting, based on the context.

For instance, if you’re reading a sentence about a cat playing with a “shoe,” but suddenly the word “apple” pops up instead, your brain might show an N400 response because “apple” doesn't fit the expected context. This response is a well-established marker for semantic processing, meaning it shows how our brains deal with meanings and associations between words and concepts.

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The fascinating part about this recent study is that it applied this concept, which has been well-studied in humans, to dogs. By using a similar approach—comparing brain responses to matched and mismatched words and objects—the researchers were able to observe an effect in dogs that resembles the human N400 effect. This means when dogs hear a word that they expect to be linked with a certain object, and then see something else, their brains show a distinct response, suggesting they were expecting the matching object based on the word they heard.

Regardless of their "vocabulary" size, dogs understand that words refer to specific objects. This ... [+] referentiality of lexical processing indicates an understanding of language similar to humans.

This finding is groundbreaking because it provides the first neural evidence that dogs, much like humans and preverbal infants, are not just reacting to sounds or performing trained behaviors. Rather, they actually understand, on some level, that words refer to specific objects in their environment. This discovery significantly deepens our understanding of how dogs process human language and suggests that the capacity for referential understanding of words might not be unique to humans.

How Did The Researchers Discover This?

Traditionally, to test if those without the ability to speak—like infants or animals—understand words, researchers have relied on asking them to make an active choice. For example, dogs might be asked to fetch a specific object after hearing its name. However, these tests often show that dogs fetch objects correctly at a rate no better than chance, suggesting they might not truly understand the words.

Seeking a deeper insight into dogs’ comprehension of human language, the researchers in this study took a novel approach. Instead of relying on physical actions like fetching, they decided to measure the brain activity of dogs using a non-invasive technique known as electroencephalography. An EEG allows scientists to observe how the brain reacts to different stimuli without requiring any physical response from the subject.

In their experiments, the owners of 18 dogs would say the name of a toy the dog was familiar with and then either present the matching toy or a different one. For instance, an owner might say, "Look, the ball," and then show either a ball or a different object, while the dog’s brain activity was recorded. This setup was designed to see if the dogs’ brains reacted differently when the object presented matched the word they heard versus when there was a mismatch.

The EEG recordings revealed distinct patterns of brain activity in dogs when they were shown the object that matched the word they heard, compared to when the object didn’t match.

Interestingly, the study also found that this capacity for understanding wasn’t limited to dogs with a large vocabulary of object names. Even dogs with a smaller number of known words showed this brain activity pattern, indicating that the ability to form mental representations of words and understand their referential nature is a widespread trait among dogs, not just a skill of a few exceptionally trained individuals.

What Does This Discovery Mean For Humans?

This discovery that dogs can understand words in a way similar to humans shakes up our views on language’s uniqueness. It suggests that the ability to link words with meanings might not be exclusively human, affecting theories on how language evolved. For dog owners, it’s a revelation—our furry friends likely grasp more than we realize, understanding some words as we do, not just following commands.

This research raises questions about whether this linguistic capability is unique to dogs or if other animals share it, hinting at broader implications for our understanding of animal intelligence and the origins of communication. It challenges us to rethink the cognitive abilities of non-human species and their potential for language-like understanding.

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Dogs in the middle ages: what medieval writing tells us about our ancestors’ pets

Associate lecturer in the school of art history, St Andrews Institute of Medieval Studies, University of St Andrews

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Emily Savage does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

University of St Andrews provides funding as a member of The Conversation UK.

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In the middle ages, most dogs had jobs. In his book De Canibus , the 16th-century English physician and scholar John Caius described a hierarchy of dogs, which he classified first and foremost according to their function in human society.

At its apex were specialised hunting dogs, including greyhounds, known for their “incredible swiftnesse” and bloodhounds, whose powerful sense of smell drove them “through long lanes, crooked reaches, and weary ways” in pursuit of their prey.

But even the “mungrells” that occupied the bottom rungs of the canine social ladder were characterised in terms of their labour or status. For example as street performers, or turnspits in kitchens – running on wheels that turned roasting meat.

The place of dogs in society changed when hunting became an aristocratic pastime, rather than a necessity. Simultaneously, dogs were welcomed inside noble homes – especially by women. In both cases, dogs were signifiers of elite social rank .

Indeed, in his ranking, Caius positions the “delicate, neate, and pretty” indoor dogs below hunting dogs but above the base mongrels, because of their association with the noble classes. As for puppies: “the smaller they be, the more pleasure they provoke”.

Although the church formally disapproved of pets, clerics themselves often owned dogs . Like women, clerics’ dogs were generally lapdogs, ideally suited to their indoor pursuits.

Read more: Cats in the middle ages: what medieval manuscripts teach us about our ancestors' pets

In praise of dogs

Not everyone had such affection for dogs. Concerned about potential violence, urban authorities in England regulated the keeping of guard dogs, as well as violent popular entertainments, such as boar, bear and bull-baiting.

In the Bible, dogs are often characterised as filthy scavengers. Proverbs 26:11 famously describes how they return to their own vomit.

On the other hand, the story of St Roch in The Golden Legend , a popular 13th century collection of saints’ lives, tells of a dog who carried bread to a starving saint, then healed his wounds by licking them. One of Roch’s saintly attributes, a motif by which viewers can recognise him, is a devoted dog .

The trope of dogs defending their owners or lamenting dead ones can be traced back to the classical period, to texts like Pliny the Elder’s Natural History .

This theme is repeated in the medieval bestiary tradition, a moralising compendium of knowledge about animals both real and mythical. One common story tells of the legendary King Garamantes who, when captured by his enemies, is tracked down and rescued by his faithful dogs. Another tells of a dog who publicly identifies his master’s murderer and attacks him.

The tale of one greyhound, Guinefort, even inspired an unofficial saint’s cult . Writing in the 13th century, Dominican inquisitor and preacher Stephen of Bourbon described a noble family who, falsely believing the dog to have killed their infant, killed Guinefort in retribution.

Upon discovering the child unharmed (the dog had really saved it from a venomous snake), they honoured the “martyred” canine with a proper burial, which led to its veneration and alleged healing miracles. Although Stephen’s story intended to reveal the sin and folly of superstition, it nonetheless underlines what medieval people perceived as the special qualities that distinguished dogs from other animals.

According to the Aberdeen Bestiary (c. 1200): “No creature is more intelligent than the dog, for dogs have more understanding than other animals; they alone recognise their names and love their masters.”

The association between dogs and loyalty is also expressed in the art of the period, including in relation to marriage . In tomb monuments, depictions of dogs indicate fidelity of a wife to the husband who lies beside her.

In the case of clerical tombs, however, they may suggest the faith of the deceased, such as Archbishop William Courtenay (d. 1396), buried in Trinity Chapel, Canterbury Cathedral. Courtenay’s alabaster effigy reposes atop a tomb chest on the south side of the chapel. The archbishop wears the robes and mitre of his office, and two angels support his cushioned head. A long-eared dog wearing a belled collar lies obediently at his feet.

Although it’s tempting to wonder whether the dog depicted on Courtenay’s tomb may represent an actual pet owned by the archbishop, the belled collar was a popular convention of contemporary iconography, especially for lapdogs.

Pampered pooches

Like their modern counterparts, medieval dog owners with means kitted out their companions with a variety of accessories, including leashes, coats and cushions made from fine materials.

Such material investment was central to the aristocratic culture of vivre noblement (the art of living nobly), where the deliberate consumption of luxury commodities publicly demonstrated one’s status.

Popular perceptions of dog owning and accessorising also fed gendered stereotypes. Whereas men were more likely to own active dogs for the protection of their life and property, women preferred lapdogs they could cradle and pamper. Toy dogs, then, could also be associated with female idleness and vice , as seen in Hans Memling’s painting Allegory of Vanity (c. 1485).

But even working dogs needed meticulous care and attention if they were to perform at their best. A miniature in a lavish 15th-century copy of Gaston Phébus’s influential book Livre de la Chasse (Book of Hunting) shows kennel attendants examining dogs’ teeth, eyes, and ears – while another bathes the paws of a very good boy .

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