Even after considering from all angles the question of whether to get a dog, potential dog owners who are single frequently forget to consider the impact a pet can make on future long-term human relationships. A dog can be a deal breaker in dating.
For those whose attitude is "Love me, love my dog" then of course getting a dog or puppy would make sense. If, on the other hand, you think there is even a remote possibility that you could form a long-term relationship with someone who doesn’t like pets, then getting a dog could limit your search for love. This angle of dog ownership is surprisingly infrequently discussed.
This article designed mainly toward those considering getting a dog or puppy.
This article is not so much geared toward people who own and really love dogs (and therefore already expect their future partner to have a similar viewpoint). This is more geared toward those who are wondering about all the ramifications of having that cute dog or puppy in their lives.
Why could a dog be a deal breaker when dating?
Dog ownership can be a strongly polarizing factor when looking for a long-term dating partner. People can feel as strongly about it as smoking versus non-smoking, kids versus no kids… the list goes on.
A potential dog owner may think, "What’s the big deal? My date should like me for who I am, not whether or not I have a dog!" However, from a non-animal-lover point of view, it means sharing the additional long-term responsibility of a dog. This is especially true if the couple is to be married or living together. The prospect of having the shared responsibility of doggy care – and someone else’s choice of dog at that! – can make some non-animal-lovers run for the hills when they find out a possible long-term dating partner. No, I’m not kidding here.
To someone who isn't a dog lover, a dog is a big responsibility and represents a similar situation to a child. In other words, if someone is looking for childfree dating (and many are) there is a chance they may be looking for pet free dating too.
This does not suggest that a solo person should never get a dog – that is silly, and there is no one-size-fits-all situation. Instead, your love life is something you should simply take into consideration when deciding whether to get a dog.
Of course, some non-animal-lovers could certainly adapt happily to a dog, especially if the dog has an easygoing temperament. But for others, any dog is a total deal breaker, much the same way as dating a smoker may be a deal breaker to some non-smokers. To be fair, it is equally acknowledged that a dog owner may look upon it as a deal breaker to date someone who isn’t interested in dogs.
Is a dog more of a dealbreaker for dating than other pets?
It depends on who you're dating and on the pet. A dog is more likely to be found on a list of dating deal breakers than a hamster, for example. This is because a dog needs a lot more time, attention and effort than some other types of pets.
You can't do a spontaneous romantic getaway easily with someone who has a dog, for example.
So if you're wondering about getting a different pet instead of a dog, understand that getting another long-lived pet that requires a lot of work is just going to put you back in the same position as getting a dog would.
Understand also that some people are allergic to certain types of pets, such as cats. So some other pets can be deal breakers in dating too. Therefore there is no guarantee that getting a pet that is lower-maintenance would help your dating situation.
Instead, it's important to understand what your attitudes are to pets and your dating life. If you are "love me, love my dog" then getting a dog probably won't limit your dating life. But if it worries you that a dog or other pet could turn away prospective dates, then maybe you should think very carefully before getting a pet.
Conclusion
If you can’t imagine life without a dog regardless of any ramifications it may have in your love life, then getting a dog or puppy may make sense. If on the other hand you think you could live with a future long-term dating partner who doesn’t like dogs, then be sure to at least think about this factor when deciding about getting a dog.
The bottom line is: your future love life is just one of many factors to take into account when deciding whether to get a dog. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but it is a question you will want to at least consider if you are deciding to get a pet.
If you're looking for more articles on your social life, then here's what to do when party guests arrive early to your event - how to come off as relaxed while not making more work for yourself. We also cover how to agree to disagree with someone - while gaining their respect.
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