The Question
Let’s be honest, we all become a little competitive when it comes to vying for our pup’s affections. Ask any dog parent, and he/she will tell you that Fido loves one or the other the most, but do these preferences have anything to do with gender? Tackling the age-old question, “Do dogs prefer men or women,” we take the battle of the sexes to the dogs.
The Research…Size Matters
The one fact that is clear from the many studies on canine preferences is that dogs do indeed have favorite types. Your pooch will generally respond better to people with calm mannerisms, predictable behaviors and soothing voices. This is the reason that, unless socialized from an early age, many dogs are uncomfortable with children.
In the same way that pooch preferences favor adults, these same preferences tend to favor women. Women generally play and interact more calmly with dogs, and their voices are softer and more soothing to canine ears. In addition, the female body type is also preferable to the discerning canine eye. Research shows that men’s larger body frames and facial hair often intimidate sensitive fur babies. This means that dogs generally prefer the look, sound and attitude of women; so far women 3, men 0.
The Answer
Based on this research, you may think that we may now definitively state, “dogs like women more.” The answer, however, is not that clear. Puppy love is, as it turns out, a rather complicated matter. Dogs do indeed prefer the characteristics attributed to women, but it is the characteristics that they are attracted to and not the gender. This means that men who interact with their fur babies in a calm manner and with a soothing voice may become their pup’s favorite. Also, larger breeds are not as intimidated by men’s body frames and louder voices.
Finally, how a dog is socialized and who the primary caregiver is plays a huge role in his/her preferences. Simply stated, fur babies will usually become closer to the one who takes the kindest and most consistent care of them, meaning that there is no absolute preference for women. Rejoice puppy Papa, you still have a good chance of becoming your dog’s alpha parent; that is if Mama will allow it. Treats at the ready, let the battle commence!
