@X-Ray
I don't care if you have handled lion cubs. They simply don't count. Only a nutter keeps them as pets :-P
The points you make about a dog's less savoury characteristics are fair enough. Most of these, however, are bad training.
Even if we allow your bad points to stand, their plus points so far outweigh anything a cat can offer it isn't even funny.
1) A dog can be trained. A cat will always do what the feck it likes.
2) A cat has never deterred an intruder (sole exception of above mentioned game cat keeping nutters) or a would be assailant.
When I was younger, some chavs tried it on whilst I was walking the dog (he was behind the bush at that precise moment, laying a few camines). They fecked off pretty quick when this large black & tan mass appeared and raised its hackles.
3) A cat has never rescued its owner.
4) A cat has never rescued a complete stranger or brought attention to someone in distress.
That old dog saw off a few unsavoury chav types pestering an old lady wating at the bus stop outside our house. I found him growling under the front door, put his leash on and walked into the garden. Said chavs again fecked off immediately, old lady makes fuss of large beast that was a moment ago straining at the lead.
5) Cats have never been used to sniff out drugs, explosives or do anything else which is of use to people in general.
6) Cats are lazy uncaring fat leeches that regard you solely as a source of food and shelter. For all his faults, a dog is a true companion and will willingly work for everything he gets.
In summary, cats are convenience pets that you don't have to make any effort towards (save food and shelter) and they give nothing (other than their tactile softness) in return.
Dogs can be every bit as fluffy, clean and cute as felines and still be useful too.
It's simple.
Dogs rule.