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I am a Top. I have lately come to the conclusion that I'm a Top because I'm not courageous enough to be a bottom. However, I do like bottoms, and I often wonder about their submission.

One of the things I came to realize is there are distinctly two types of bottoms, "Feline" and "Canine", dubbed after two of the most popular pets. These are two broad generalizations and in no way should be considered terms that cover all submissive behaviors. However, I do think that most bottoms would be able to relate to one of the two, or feel that they possess more characteristics of one type than the other. It seems that these distinctions are very clear in some bottoms, while more vague in others, but almost always applicable.

The two different classes differ in their drive and approach to bottoming, submission and pain. The Canine submissive is aiming to please. He takes pride in being owned and collared. The Canine sub looks for ways to please his owner, and will enjoy and appreciate positive feedback for his actions. The Canine sub focus is on his Dom. He will suffer pain to please his Dom, offering it as a sacrifice.

The Feline submissive takes pride in his ability to choose. He will offer his submission only to a Dom he can appreciate. He will feel less at ease being owned or collard, and will offer his submission in return of to the gratification of his needs. The Feline sub uses pain as a personal tool for personal growth, where the Dom serves as a means to reach it.

A Feline submissive evaluates his relationship with his Top according to the ability of his Top to provide to his needs, both physical and mental. A Canine sub would tend to evaluate it according to his ability to please his Top.

After a good long scene a Feline submissive would be more likely to say something like: "Thank you Master, that was so good!" while a Canine would be more likely to say: "Thank you Master, I hope you liked that!"

Since this is based on personal observation, and not on any kind of research, I can only present the following as reasonable assumptions, which aside from stirring up some controversy, might lead to a further discussion. If any empirical research were to be done, I would bet that these would be some of its results: - When first met with their Dom partner, most Feline made the "first move," while most Canines reacted to courting of their Dom. - In a non-scene environment most Feline submissives present more dominant and aggressive characteristics than average people. - Most Switches will show Feline tendencies when bottoming.

D is a 'switchable sub', by her own definition. "I'm really more of a submissive, but I would sub almost to no one, but my husband. When I play with others I usually Top. I wouldn't let just anyone dominate me. … I need to know that my Top is experienced and I can trust him. … In that respect, I'm very 'feline'."

A is a 'bi-sexual slave'. While talking to him about my perception he said: "I don't submit to anyone either. When I do submit, I give everything I have to my Top. It's simply to much effort to give to just anyone. … But yes, I do feel that during a scene my main motive is to make my Top happy. ... I'm little slave-bitch, ha?"