“Are you a cat person or a dog person?” If that’s a question you get on a first date, there’s a 50% chance it will be your last. There exist unspoken rules about your domestic animal preference. Not only could it change the course of your life (as in the first date example), but it instantly puts you in one of the two schools of life: that of dogs or cats. 

If you want to escape this question and give a diplomatic answer, you can instantly talk about this Vietnamese dog that looks like a cat. This puppy might be the long-needed answer to the eternal split between cat and dog people. People on this subreddit were quick to share conspiracy theories about the breed of this cute puppy. One user claimed “he looks like a cartoon,” and another insisted “it’s a Hmong dog breed.” 

Do you have any ideas about what this cat dog could be? Please scroll down to discover what the owners, Hai Anh and Tuan, based in Vietnam, told Bored Panda about their viral cat-dog hybrid!

Which Dog Looks Like a Cat, and What Is the Hmong Breed?

This purrfect boy is now on his way to becoming a four-legged star in Vietnam.

Image credits: Gấu Mèo Bắc Mỹ

Image credits: Gấu Mèo Bắc Mỹ

Image credits: Gấu Mèo Bắc Mỹ

Image credits: Gấu Mèo Bắc Mỹ

Some speculate that it might be a hybrid between a corgi and a local Vietnamese breed called Hmong

Image credits: Gấu Mèo Bắc Mỹ

It’s not surprising if you’re hearing about the Hmong dog for the first time since it’s an ancient breed of Vietnamese native dog used initially by ethnic people in the area. They are considered excellent hunting and guard dogs with exceptional strength and intelligence. 

The Hmong dog originates from the mountainous area of northern Vietnam. It’s known for its cute-looking docked tail and a squishy face. Mr. Tran Dinh Thao lives with two black Hmong dogs and states, “They are a very loyal and cute animal.” Hmong dogs get along with children very well and are generally exceptionally social animals.

Image credits: Gấu Mèo Bắc Mỹ

Image credits: Gấu Mèo Bắc Mỹ

Bored Panda contacted Hai Anh and Tuan, the owners of this puppy, and discovered that the puppy’s real name is Dúi ( meaning ‘bamboo rat’ in English). “It’s been only 5 days since we created Dúi’s fan page, and it now has more than 40,000 likes. The dog now has loads of fans both in Vietnam and around the world,” Hai Anh told us.

So, What Exactly Is This Dog Breed That Looks Like a Cat?

Finally, the truth has arrived: is Dúi a cat or a dog? Hai Anh explained that “he is a mix of a native dog breed and a short-legged dog called Dingo. But I think he might have a gene mutation, too, making him look like some sort of corgi mix. I bought him in a mountain province in Vietnam.”

This mixed breed dog is a happy-go-lucky one, and “like every puppy, he likes playing with both humans and dog friends. He is really sweet and funny!” The pictures don’t lie! Like Dúi, some dogs think they are cats and act like furry felines. It can be hilarious to witness their hysterical antics.

Image credits: Gấu Mèo Bắc Mỹ

Image credits: Gấu Mèo Bắc Mỹ

Image credits: Gấu Mèo Bắc Mỹ

Which Is the Cat Breed That Looks Like a Dog?

Just like this is a dog that looks like a cat, some cats look like dogs. Maine Coon cats are a prime example of this. It is one of the largest domestic cat breeds. Males can weigh anything between 12–18 pounds (5–8 kg), and females weigh between (4-6 kg). These stunning cats are similar in size to dogs and have prominent personalities.

These cats are loving, playful, and loyal to their owners. Maine Coon cats are giant kitties with the softest characters. They are a great option if you are looking for dog-like cat breeds. 

Are You a Dog or Cat Person?

Whether you’re a cat or a dog person might not simply be a thing of preference. Denise Guastello, an associate professor of psychology at Carroll University in Wisconsin, believes the selection stems from some of our underlying personality differences. 

“It makes sense that a dog person is going to be more lively because they’re going to want to be out there, outside, talking to people, bringing their dog,” Guastello said. “Whereas if you’re more introverted and sensitive, maybe you’re more at home reading a book, and your cat doesn’t need to go outside for a walk.” 

It suggests that our environments, preferences, and personality traits are deeply intertwined. As a result, we are more likely to pick an animal that fits our lifestyles. The best part is that many pets and their owners are similar and share certain traits or even look alike.

Image credits: Gấu Mèo Bắc Mỹ

Image credits: Gấu Mèo Bắc Mỹ

Image credits: Gấu Mèo Bắc Mỹ

Image credits: Gấu Mèo Bắc Mỹ

Image credits: Gấu Mèo Bắc Mỹ

Image credits: Gấu Mèo Bắc Mỹ

Image credits: Gấu Mèo Bắc Mỹ

Image credits: Gấu Mèo Bắc Mỹ

Is the Cat-Dog Breed Real?

Image credits: Gumball Watterson

Which Are the Cats That Act Like Dogs?

Just like dogs that act like cats, certain species of cats act like canines. The American Curl is one such cat breed that is playful, energetic and has dog-like features. It has unique curled ears, an explorative nature, and canine-like attentiveness. 

Many cats that act like dogs are often social and like to spend time with humans. This might even happen if a cat was raised with dogs and picked up their mannerisms over time. The best example is from this Japanese couple whose American shorthair cat thinks she’s a dog.

The Animal Who Has a Dog Face That Looks Like a Dog and a Body That Looks Like a Cat

Now that you know about the Hmong dog and have learned about dog-like cat breeds, it might be time to answer whether you like cats or dogs better. If you still can’t choose after seeing these cute pictures, maybe you should get both! If you’re worried about cats and dogs getting along, you don’t need to fret because they can learn to be best friends.

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