It is the classic conundrum: dogs vs kids, who gets the golden ticket to join us in public?
For me, the answer is simple: dogs? Definitely.
Children?… Only if they behave.
I’m a dog lover through and through, and leaving my furry companions home alone is simply not an option. So, I happily welcome fellow doggy parents and their four-legged friends.
Children, on the other hand… let’s just say I appreciate them more from a respectable distance. I often hark back to the good old days when “children should be seen and not heard” wasn’t considered controversial. Because, let’s face it, nothing quite ruins a lovely meal faster than a child with a tantrum.
The Lower Red Lion pub in Fishpool Street in St Alban’s, UK, hit the headlines last year when it proudly declared itself dog-friendly and child-free. Landlord David Worcester defended the policy, saying he just wanted a quiet space for his customers: “It only takes one child to kick off, and it spoils it for everyone.” Cue outrage!
Dogs vs kids: The numbers game
A YouGov survey gives us some clues. Nearly half of Britons (46%) say they “love” dogs, and another 26% say they like them. Only 10% dislike them. Children, on the other hand, are less adored: 31% “love” them, 34% “like” them, but 11% openly admit they dislike them. Combine the answers and you find that 40% of people feel more warmly about dogs than kids, while 28% go the other way.
But when it comes to public spaces, the results flip. People are more tolerant of children than of dogs.
Where should dogs be allowed?
The friendliest spot for dogs is the pub without food: 82% say canines should be welcome in at least part of the space, and 57% say they should have the run of the place. Coffee shops are also popular, with 72% happy for dogs to join, though most would prefer them kept to a section.
After that, enthusiasm drops. People are less keen on dogs in food pubs, casual restaurants, fast food joints or on planes. Gyms, spas, fine dining restaurants, galleries, museums and libraries are largely off-limits, at least in public opinion.
Where should children be allowed?
Children fare much better. In most venues, over 90% of people think they should be welcome somewhere. Fast food restaurants, museums, galleries, coffee shops and libraries all get strong backing for full access.
Planes divide opinion more than you’d think: 66% say kids should be welcome everywhere onboard, while 16% want some restrictions. Only 3% favour a full ban. Fine dining is trickier; just 26% think children should be free to roam, while 17% say no children at all. Gyms and child-free pubs attract the harshest attitudes, but even then, most people stop short of a total ban.
Dogs vs kids: Who wins?
In short, Britons may love dogs more than children, but they prefer children in most public spaces. Dogs might be man’s best friend, but when it comes to pubs, planes and posh dinners, children still get the invite first.
But what about you? Are you Team Furry Friend or Team Rascal? Would you rather dodge a barking Labradoodle or a screaming toddler?
