Fear of dogs is known as cynophobia. It’s a common phobia and can vary in severity from person to person.
It’s hard for most people, especially pet lovers, to believe that some dislike or fear dogs.
For me, this is a fear very familiar. I remember growing up, and occasionally, when I’d bump into the neighbor’s dogs, I would run for my life.
One time, in particular, was very embarrassing for me. I was walking to school when I noticed a pack of dogs following closely behind me.
As usual, fear told me to run, that they had no good intentions following me, and that’s what I did.
I jumped into a farm, thinking they’d divert their attention from me. Anxious in fear for my life, I kept looking back to see if they were still following me, and in one of the turns, I tripped and fell.
I was so afraid that I soiled my clothes. But when the dogs got to me, they only sniffed me and left.
So, contrary to popular belief, the fear of dogs is real. I find solace in knowing that some celebrities share my fear and aren’t afraid to speak up about it.
Here is a quick list of well-known celebrities who either share a dislike for dogs or simply fear them.
1. Michael Jackson
Popularly known as the King of Pop, Michael Jackson was a renowned singer-songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist.
MJ once admitted to his fear of small dogs. That was probably attributed to the fact that a dog once killed his Ilama.
Also, when Michael was young, his father owned several violent fighting dogs.
However, throughout his lifetime, Michael possessed several dogs, most of which were family dogs he got for his children.
In the early ’90s, Michael owned two dogs, Sasha and Shadow.
So, we can conclude that he was simply afraid of strange or feral dogs.
2. Bobby Brown
Brown is an American dancer, singer-songwriter, and rapper.
He was a member of the R&B boy band New Edition. He is also the ex-husband of the late Whitney Houston.
Bobby is one of the few celebrities who share a dislike for dogs.
Unlike Michael Jackson, he owns no dogs, which we can pin on his fear of dogs.
Since dogs are the closest and most loyal friends a human can have, Bobby, like most people, does not discuss much about his cynophobia in public.
3. Woody Allen
Heywood Allen is an American award-winning actor, comedian, and filmmaker.
The 87-year-old is the star who shares the most phobias in the film industry.
In ‘What Are You Afraid Of,‘ a book by Dr. David Jeremiah, fears Allen shares are listed.
Apart from an uncontrolled fear of dogs, he also fears bright colors, cancer, children, crowds, deer, heights, insects, small rooms, and sunshine.
Despite his fears, Allen managed to get out of his comfort zone and make it in the industry.
4. Nadine Coyle
Nadine Coyle, the accomplished Irish singer, songwriter, actress, and model, grapples with a pronounced fear of various animals, ranging from dogs and cats to snakes, spiders, and rodents.
Rising to stardom on the TV talent show Popstars: The Rivals in 2002, alongside Girls Aloud members, Coyle enjoyed immense success with multiple chart-topping singles and albums.
Beyond her musical journey, the 34-year-old artist has openly discussed how her anxiety, rooted in inexplicable fears, affected various aspects of her life, even leading to a reluctance to drive and a heightened fear of flying.
5. Kajal A Kitchlu
Kajal is a 38-year-old Indian actress.
She had cynophobia since childhood and couldn’t stand being around dogs.
However, since marrying her husband, Gautam Kitchlu, in 2020, who grew up around pets and is a huge dog lover, Kajal overcame her fear of dogs.
Gautam had to give his all to convince her to get a dog, and in 2021, they adopted Mia while she was still a puppy.
Wrap Up
Cynophobia is real, and many people have their reasons for possessing this phobia.
Celebrities who share a fear of dogs prove that they are humans just like us.
Stars like Nadine, Kajal and Allen also demonstrate that, contrary to traditional beliefs, it is not just black people who fear dogs—it’s a universal phobia.
