In social surveys, women admit that they consider men who own a dog to be more sensitive and caring. So does the fact of owning a four-legged dog increase our chances of finding a second half? It turns out that yes! We suggest why dog owners are great candidates for partners and what character traits are revealed by owners of specific breeds.
Remember the romantic comedy starring John Cusack and Diane Lane, "The Announcer Guy"? Sarah, the main character, comes on a date with Jack. The date is arranged by her sister, who posts Sarah's profile on a dating site. One of the criteria she marks is: the future partner must love dogs. This is also the original title of the film - "Must love dogs". Jack brings with him a beautiful black labrador. And so it begins...
1. In social surveys, women admit that they consider men who own a dog to be more sensitive and caring.
They are right, because note that being a good dog caretaker means:
- a sense of responsibility to provide him with everything he needs
- accepting limitations, such as having to come home early when your pet is waiting there, giving up a trip when you don't have care for him, etc.
- the patience necessary for the dog to learn the right behaviors, which does not come right away
- showing him affection and providing a sense of security
- covering expenses, sometimes even really sizable ones, related to living needs and medical care
- sometimes also putting up with inconveniences, such as having to take the dog outdoors even in a terrible slushy or crackling cold or at an early hour, despite having the day off.
2. People who walk their dogs are more likely to make friends.
Sometimes these are conversations with other dog guardians, and sometimes the dog's appearance or behavior provide a natural excuse and opportunity to make contact.
3. The presence of dogs triggers a sense of security and trust in us. It prompts us to behave in a pro-social manner.
When we have a dog with us, we can count on greater kindness. An experiment was conducted in which a woman asked for help picking up scattered objects. When she had her dog with her, the response was more positive.
4. Dog handlers are more "laid back," which helps with interactions.
Research shows that dog guardians have a better mental well-being - they are cheerier and can cope with stress faster, which has a direct impact on relationships. They also make new friends more often and much more willingly and are more open to them.
5. In an environment of people who love animals, it is easier to find a soulmate, and the topic of conversation with others comes up by itself.
This, by the way, is what singles themselves say, such as Marta from Warsaw, owner of an adorable female dog named Lulka. After just a few months of living with Lulka, Marta noticed how much her relationships with people, including neighbors, with whom she previously had no contact, had changed. She shared her observations on her Facebook profile, where she wrote: "I've only been a dog person for three months. And already I see that dog people are a community. Since I got a dog, my life has become more social, although I didn't want it at all."
Following her post, she gave several examples:
"I've been living on the estate intermittently for 20 years, until now I didn't know anyone. And since I have Lulcia:
- Strangers, that is, neighbors with dogs, tell me about their lives and ask me how I'm doing. I know, for example, that your neighbor's husband died 10 years ago, and another lady writes poems (I got a volume with a dedication)
- Other people's children say "good morning" to me
- A neighbor lady approached me and offered her help if I wanted to go out in the evening, and so that the dog would not sit alone, she would take care of
- Another offer of help - the lady's dog died, she is old, so a new one will not take permanently, but mine will take care if I need
- When she chews something harmful, strangers take it out of her mouth so she doesn't get poisoned
- and all the dog people know my dog by name!
It surprises me every day! How much love we have in us for dogs :)"
A last interesting fact. Apparently, when choosing a dog for ourselves, we are guided by preferences that can betray our character traits. Thus, guardians of:
Beagle - are intelligent and open-minded, cheerful and friendly
Boxer - like challenges and company, sometimes overly concerned about something
Bulldog - are cheerful romantics but also methodical and stubborn
Cocker Spaniel - they value friendship, loyal and family-oriented
Doberman, Pinscher - organized and firm
Dog - serious, introverted
Greyhound, Whippet - introverts, well organized
Husky - friendly, busy, affectionate
Dachshund - stubborn and sometimes apodictic
Labrador and golden retriever - friendly, active and social
Mops - cheerful, fond of pleasure
German Shepherd - seem aloof but have sincere and loving hearts
Pitbull - caring, protective
Poodle, Chihuahua and other "smaller" breeds - creative, sincere
Mixed breeds - carefree, open-minded, sociable, social
Rottweiler - loyal and expressive endowed with temperament
Irish setter, Cattleman - risk-takers, seek new stimuli
Terrier - sociable and adventurous, full of energy, like to talk