What is it about the English and dogs?

Question

They croon, swoon, stroke, chat to, pet... But they habitually ignore children. Anyone explain? I'm intrigued.

Years of observation, folks, years... Well these answers pretty much confirm what I thought anyway. The English feel more attuned to four-legged species than their own kind. I suppose it's an intellectual thing. Sorry to offend the intelligent minority of you.

Answer 1

You seem to have hit a raw nerve with this one. I adore cats and dogs (in general) and although I love my children and grandchildren I don't always like them. This may sound a bit odd or even harsh but if you've had children you should be able to understand what I mean. It is a different story where other people's children are concerned. I cannot stand children 'butting' in on adult conversations or having fits of temper if they can't get their own way (I'm not talking about babies here) My friends children are unbelievably rude and obnoxious and I dread her bringing them round to my house. I dare say they have got their nice ways but I haven't seen them yet and they are both teenagers. It isn't that I'm a child hater, it's just that I appreciate good manners and respect.

Answer 2

That's not true. It depends on the person, not where they come from. In my household the kids come first and the dog is bottom of the pecking order. We still make a fuss of him, but he certainly does not come before people.
Some people choose to have dogs over children, but that comes down to personal choice. I don't think it has anything to do with the fact they're English! There are plenty of crackpot Americans who insist on creating these strange looking little dogs or making extremely tiny versions of normal dogs (yorkies etc) that are designed purely as an accessory/doll to be babied like children and not to behave like dogs. Now I find that strange, why not just get a stuffed toy?

Answer 3

But it's so simple it should be obvious - dogs are easier to train, are more obedient, devoted & unconditionally loving. They don't have a list of "I wants", make no demands of you, don't complain that other dogs have something they aren't allowed - the list is endless. OK, so kids don't ususally cr*p in the middle of the lawn!!
PS I have 4 children & 2 dogs - and they're all wouldn't change them for the world, well, not the dogs!!!

Answer 4

Dogs are our best friends, we're allowed to stroke, chat to and pet them, I talk to my dog all the time (poor animal) in England you'd get arrested for stroking children, many people over here are even frightened to look at them, because the line between normal, sensible behaviour and what's unacceptable isn't defined very clearly, so it's often better to steer clear, for their own sakes.

Answer 5

I'm intrigued about how you come to the conclusion that the English habitually ignore their children....can you explain and provide the link that states this as a fact, or is it just your opinion?

Answer 6

Well, I'm not English but I feel pretty much the same way about my dogs. There is nowhere else you'll ever get that purely unconditional love, acceptance and trust. And besides, its therapeutic to touch them, talk to them, etc. I can go on and on... ;)
I don't know why they generally ignore kids, never noticed that myself, but I'm not too fond of kids myself. Horrible little spoiled terrorists in general ;P

Answer 7

Dunno where you come from...but....yes, I love my dog, but love and adore my family too. My dog is an extension of my family! In fact, in England, it is only a very small minority of children who are neglected.
Take a look at the countries where they pop out kids one after another only for them to starve to death, or end up living rough on the streets....but hey, they look after their cattle well!!
Have you ever had a dog? Have you ever had kids for that matter?

Answer 8

hahaha

It's beacuse dogs are very good listeners. They don't argue with you, don't ask you awkward questions. They seem to agree with every word you say. That's why they are very pleasant to talk to. Children, however, ask questions, tend to argue with you and in general don't listen so well.

I've heard a different version of this joke: "Real gentleman never talks to his wife when they go for a walk, but he talks to his dog when he's walking the dog."

Answer 9

That's not true...I was born in England .. live Canada now and love my dogs, but love my kids too..and my sisters kids..

I don't ignore kids, and neither do my relatives, including the ones in England.

Answer 10

Personally for me I find kids demand too much of your time & talk too much.They tie you down & you have to take them on holiday.You also have to stay home every night!

Anyone who says dogs tie you down should look at their kids.
I'm free to do whatever I want & leave my dogs at home.