Are Dog Owners More Narcissistic Than Other People? What Science Says
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When choosing a pet, people subconsciously select animals that reflect their personalities. If you have a pet dog, you’re probably outgoing and energetic, and you like to follow the rules. It’s also said that dog parents tend to be confident, persistent, and family-oriented.
However, there are also beliefs that dog owners are more narcissistic than other people. Sadly, there is no hard answer on this topic. If you’d like to know more about this, check out the rest of our article. We will provide details about how being a dog owner affects your traits and the general profile of a person who owns a dog.
What Does Being a “Dog Person” Say About You?
Dogs are among the most popular pets in the USA, and people of all profiles love dogs. Still, there are certain personality traits that we can connect with pets, so people who prefer dogs to other pets tend to have specific personalities.
There have been various studies on this topic and when comparing dog people to cat people, you can see that they share different values—generally speaking.
According to a study from Humboldt State University, dog people tend to be warmer, more active, and more extroverted. These people are typically outgoing and are not afraid to share their lives with the world. They love socializing, meeting new people, and spending time with friends and family. Another study from the University of Texas shows that dog people are more agreeable and tend to plan things rather than go with the flow. They tend to chase their dreams, complete tasks, and show self-discipline.
You can see some of dog owners’ most common personality traits below.
1. Outgoing
Dog people are more communicative and outgoing than other pet owners. They love to be surrounded by people and make new connections. These people also love to be the life of the party and the center of attention.
Although these traits are positive, they can sometimes backfire, making dog people appear narcissistic because they like attention. However, it’s more about being an extrovert than a narcissist, but it’s not unusual for dog people to seem like this at times.
2. Family-Oriented
Dog people are loving and family-oriented. They typically dislike being alone, so they love to surround themselves with friends and family. They are great with kids and strive to have large families where they can share their love. People who own dogs are not afraid to show affection for their loved ones and will be there for you throughout your life.
3. Dominant
Dog people are more dominant than others, which you can see through their daily actions of issuing commands to their furry friends. Although this trait has positive sides, it’s another reason people link dog lovers with being narcissistic. This trait can be both good and bad, depending on how you use it.
Why do Some People Consider Dog Owners Narcissistic?
Narcissistic people are egocentric, and they feel like the world revolves around them. They are also self-centered and require admiration.
You might wonder what those things have to do with dog owners. Dogs commonly become obsessed with their owners and get attached to them. When you have a dog, it will become your trusted companion, following you around, taking your orders, and doing everything to make you happy.
Such things are typically convenient for narcissists, which is why some people may portray dog ownership as narcissistic behavior.
Are Dog Owners More Narcissistic Than Other People?
There’s no scientific evidence proving that dog owners are more narcissistic than others. Sure, a dog’s behavior can be what a narcissist is looking for, and there are probably thousands of narcissistic dog parents, but it’s not the case with every dog owner on the planet.
Dog owners are loving and caring since they have to care for their canines constantly, which can sometimes resemble taking care of a child. It might seem easy, but being a dog owner is a tough job, and it takes a lot of time, dedication, and love for your furry friend to be a good dog parent.
Narcissistic people don’t care about anyone other than themselves, so they typically wouldn’t be able to provide a dog with the proper care and love.
Final Thoughts
There’s no doubt that dog owners can sometimes appear more narcissistic than other people because of dogs’ affection and love for their parents. However, it’s not something we should generalize because this personality trait doesn’t have a connection with good dog ownership at all.
Featured Image Credit: MagicalKrew, Shutterstock
