Are you a dog lover? Cat lover? Both? Which do you think is smarter? It’s a long disputed question and I guess it depends on which four-legged friend/family member you prefer.

The majority of the people who weighed in with their answers outside of PetSmart on 91st Avenue, south of Peoria in Peoria on Monday, seemed quite sure which is smarter when asked, “Which do you think is smarter, dogs or cats and why?”

Peoria resident Julius Brown, who owns Amber, a Yorkie, said, “I think a dog is because I’ve never had a cat. This Yorkie can tell time too. Wants something to eat at the same time every night.” Amber is his third Yorkie and Brown said he also had a nice Cocker Spaniel, “She was very smart.”

“We like her (Amber) because we’re two old people. I’m 95 and my wife is 91.” Brown said.

“I don’t know, cats are probably smarter,” said Stephanie Gilsdorf of Peoria. “Dogs kind of follow you around and do they’re own thing. Cats are independent, by themselves, eat when they need to, go to the bathroom in their little place. Gilsdorf owns a Pitbull named Caspian.

Sun Citian Gerry Molumby said, “They’re about the same. I don’t know. I think cats are smarter.”

“I don’t think there’s any difference between them. I think they’re both very intelligent,” said Dodie Molumby, Gerry’s wife.

“Dogs. I think they can respond a little bit better than a cat, ‘cause they let you know what they want. Like going to the door, when they want to go out. When they want water, my dog will tap her bowl,” said Brenda Smith of Goodyear.

“Whereas a cat, and I’ve had cats, they won’t do that,” said Smith, who owns two Chihuahuas named Chic Chic and Bandit.

Dennis Tourville of Peoria said dogs. “Because they’re more affectionate, they show emotions a lot more than cats.”

Donna agreed with her husband Dennis. “Same thing. Dogs are really cool, especially Labradors and (they’re) good companions, love to be with you.

“We’re both retired, so we have her to spend our time with and she’s a love,” she said, referring to their Lab Ellie Mae.

Samantha, a Lab, and four cats, Cruiser, Morgan, Leo and Skittle, belong to Isabel Nettles of Phoenix. She said cats are smarter. “Cats are very independent. The only time they pay attention to you is when they want to eat.

“But dogs are more faithful. I love dogs, I love dogs more than I do cats, because really, they are lovable, they obey you. Their love is unconditional,” Nettles said.

Chris Smith of Peoria has 14 cats (some live inside, some outside), five dogs and three birds. As far as which is smarter, he said it was hard to say. “I just don’t know, I honestly don’t know.”

“Dogs. I like dogs, I don’t care for cats. I could never hurt one but I don’t like them,” said Florence Leghorn of Sun City. “You can teach them (dogs) to fetch and watch the house, they bark. It’s like a burglar alarm.” she said.

“Cats. Because they can be left on their own and they’re fiercely independent although very lovable,” said Peoria resident Fran Atkinson, who used to have two cats and a dog. She owns a cat named Flower after the skunk in “Bambi.”

Peorian Larry Davis said, “Dogs are just (smarter) because my personal opinion about cats are, for as much personality as they have, they don’t have much personality with me.”

Davis said besides teaching his Pitbull Sweet Lou, he’s learned from him. “When I’ve been around people with cats, it just seems like it’s a huge gap.

“I know people love their cats, but I’m saying dogs, 100 percent,” he said.

Yetta Parrish of Peoria said, “I would think both of them are, I’ve had both of them and they’re both pretty darn smart.

“My dog, I have a Chihuahua, and she knows everything. I can spell a word and she knows it. It’s so funny. She’s very smart, but I’ve had cats that were pretty smart, too.

“It’s kind of up in the air. I don’t know. I love them both.”

Parrish said Angel is her whole life. “If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be here right now. I was diagnosed with a horrible lung disease, a very fatal disease, and she keeps me going every day. If I wouldn’t have her, I wouldn’t know what to do. She’s my whole life right now.

“When I was diagnosed with this disease they only gave me five years to live and I’ve outlived it. But I live here every day for her, and she brings me so much joy. I would be lost without her.”

Tina Gamez can be reached at tgamez@yourwestvalley.com, or 623-876-2528.