The age old battle between cats and dogs features many clashing opinions. Yet for all the controversy, deciding is relatively simple. Why settle for a second-rate cat when you could enjoy a man’s best friend?

In general, dogs are better pets than cats. They walk, play fetch and interact with owners, whereas cats stalk around on their lonesome during night’s dark hours. Although some may view dog’s eager loyalty as a downside, companionship builds close relationships. Dogs treat you as a member of their pack, while cats treat you like a personal servant.

Dogs also unleash their energy outside. While letting dogs out is bothersome, it is a far better alternative to cats trapped within indoor confines. Cleaning up the havoc a cat wrecks, whether it be a litter box, breakables pushed off a table or ruined furniture, requires more from an owner than occasionally letting out a dog.

Obviously each individual animal is unique, and stereotypes may not apply to all breeds. However, dogs offer a wide array of choices to suit each individual, totaling 190 breeds according to the American Kennel Club. Cats pale in comparison, yielding only 42 breeds according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association.

Beyond being the superior pet, dogs are also exceptional members of society. Guide dogs assist the visually impaired, and canine units protect us. Dogs also provide emotional support to cancer patients, hence their role in fundraisers such as Bark For Life.

Despite their poor qualities, cats aren’t inherently terrible pets. Nonetheless, they can’t hope to compare to the superiority of dogs.