History Analysis / AnimalStereotypes

** Interestingly, when a human is described as "dog-like", it is usually a positive, probably referring to them being loyal, kind and/or cheerful (if perhaps [[DogsAreDumb a bit dim]].) However, if a human is referred to as "''a'' dog", this is almost universally an ''insult'', branding them cowardly, a scoundrel, or otherwise contemptible.

* '''[[RaptorAttack Dromaeosaurids]]''': Fast, intelligent and ferocious hunters. A counteract to the image of dinosaurs as lumbering giants. Usually hunt in packs like wolves, even though this is controversial. Almost always depicted resembling ''Deinonychus'' or ''Utahraptor'', but labeled as ''Velociraptor'' (which in real life is small and has a longer, more depressed snout). If portrayed with feathers, it is more likely to be portrayed as a FeatheredFiend than a GoofyFeatheredDinosaur, though it will fall into the latter occasionally.

* '''[[RaptorAttack Dromaeosaurids]]''': Fast, intelligent and ferocious hunters. A counteract to the image of dinosaurs as lumbering giants. Usually hunt in packs like wolves, even though this is controversial. Almost always depicted resembling ''Deinonychus'' or ''Utahraptor'', but labeled as ''Velociraptor'' (which in real life is small and has a longer, more depressed snout).

* '''Spinosaurus''': [[SavageSpinosaurs Giant and powerful predators]], even more so than ''Tyrannosaurus rex'' [[SpinosaurusVersusTRex whom it often gets into fights with]] (despite the two theropods never meeting in real life). Basically a fin-backed land crocodile that walks on two legs. Rarely portrayed as a semi-aquatic piscivore/generalist hunter like it might have been in RealLife, though recent media is beginning to catch on to its latest restoration in which it has shorter legs, a dip in its sail, and a paddle tail. Its spinosaurid relatives like ''Baryonyx'' and ''Suchomimus'' will be given the same treatment, though usually smaller.

* '''Spinosaurus''': [[SavageSpinosaurs Giant and powerful predators]], even more so than ''Tyrannosaurus rex'' [[SpinosaurusVersusTRex whom it often gets into fights with]] (despite the two theropods never meeting in real life). Basically a fin-backed land crocodile that walks on two legs. Rarely portrayed as a semi-aquatic piscivore/generalist hunter like it might have been in RealLife. Its spinosaurid relatives like ''Baryonyx'' and ''Suchomimus'' will be given the same treatment, though usually smaller.

* '''Spinosaurus''': [[SavageSpinosaurs Giant and powerful predators]], even more so than ''Tyrannosaurus rex''. Basically a fin-backed land crocodile that walks on two legs. Rarely portrayed as a semi-aquatic piscivore/generalist hunter like it might have been in RealLife.

* '''Fleas''': Often portrayed as likable, sympathetic hobos who associate with their hosts on a friendly basis. Otherwise they are annoying and disgusting smelly bugs. Also portrayed as associating only with dogs, cats and [[YouDirtyRat rats]] despite being external parasites to many species of mammal in RealLife.

** In a more humorous and positive portrayal can see vultures as Sport Commentators watching the players bruise and batter each other as they joke about the chaos. May sometimes be CreepyAwesome, since vultures look similar to bald eagles.

** Lesser known facts about the vulture is that their survival methods rely more on resoursefulness and guile than dignity. Vultures can't hunt live prey because their talons are too weak to restrain them, so they'll wait until for a predator to cut open the carcass first so they can eat it. Their urine actually sanitises their food, helps them cool them off on a hot day, and the urine sanitises the vulture's feet by neutralising the harmful pathogens found on the carcass. In fact, a vulture's stomach acid actually neutralises harmful pathogens and diseases such as rabies, cholera, botulinum, and anthrax. Since the vulture can't kill their own prey and can't tear open a fresh carcass, they will eat the softest parts of the body first as the rest of the body becomes softer through decay, which are [[EyeScream the eyes]] and [[AssShove anus]]. For the vultures, patience is not only a virtue but a lifesaver.

* '''Llamas and Alpacas''': Like camels, but a bit [[{{Cloudcuckoolander}} weirder]] and a little more even-tempered, if equally prone to spitting. Often seen as being [[UglyCute kinda cute in an odd and goofy way]], if not outright gentle and honorable.

* '''Dingoes''': [[BewareOfViciousDog Impulsive, boorish, vicious predators]] that are often shown trying to eat [[ToServeMan human]] [[EatsBabies babies]]. Almost always {{scavengers|AreScum}} or {{Angry Guard Dog}}s when they're not [[ProudWarriorRaceGuy "proud warrior race" dogs]]. This particular stereotype originated as a [[MemeticMutation memetic reference]] to [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_dingo_ate_my_baby "A dingo ate my baby!"]], a [[BeamMeUpScotty fake quote often misattributed]] to [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Azaria_Chamberlain the mother of an Australian infant girl who really was killed by a dingo]].

* '''[[ThoseWilyCoyotes Coyotes]]''': Cunning and tricky {{Insufferable Genius}}es, although their antics can backfire and make them look like the foolish ones. Lacking in courage when it comes to direct confrontation; may be TheStarscream. They are also likely to appear as [[GuileHero heroic tricksters]] as long as [[WesternAnimation/LooneyTunes Roadrunners]] don't get involved [[WebComic/WhiteDarkLife and they aren't being manipulated by genocidal sorceresses to hunt down families of foxes]].

* '''CrowsAndRavens''':

** A unique positive portrayal for Scorpions is that of a Barber. Their claws would make excellent scissors, with their stinger perfect for shaving (though like real razors, they'd have to be VERY careful). Best of all, they're quick, accurate and like professional barbers, have a knowledge of certain chemicals.

* '''Ankylosaurus''': Extremely strong but slow and dimwitted like ''Stegosaurus'' (see below). Often likened to a tank due to its [[ToughArmoredDinosaur heavy armour]] and tail club. Almost always shown as the one herbivore ''Tyrannosaurus rex'' cannot take down. Many depictions are actually based on its cousin ''Euoplocephalus'' (which was even more heavily armoured and had spikes).

* '''Bats''': Nocturnal, often bloodthirsty and [[BatOutOfHell most likely evil]]. They are often depicted as [[BloodsuckingBats bloodsucking]] or outright [[OurVampiresAreDifferent vampiric]], even though the only bats that suck blood are three species in Latin America and they'll mostly go for animals that won't slap them off their bodies, like cattle. Another portrayal has them [[{{Cloudcuckoolander}} quirky, eccentric, or downright insane]], possibly due to their severe disorientation in daylight and/or habit of sleeping upside down. They might also be depicted as having poor eyesight, which will [[BlindMistake cause them to fly in people's hair]], against all of nature's logic (so expect them to wear glasses or at least contacts). They tend to have high-pitched voices, most likely a reference to some species' use of echolocation. Remarkably, they can be portrayed as either [[CreepyCute cute]], such as the Flying Fox variety, or [[TheVamp sexy]] depending on the theme. May at times be CreepyAwesome. Usually male.

** '''Pythons and Boas''': Powerful, beautiful, and calm, yet frightening predators which are a force to be reckoned with, due to their KillerBearHug, especially if they're anacondas (part of the boa family) and larger pythons. Often ravenous enough to eat large prey including humans. However, when in a good mood and not hunting they can be friendly, if not noble. Their raw strength and lack of venom makes them popular choices for heroic snakes.

* '''Compsognathus''': Similar to dromaeosaurs, but super tiny. Either as a KillerRabbit or a harmless RidiculouslyCuteCritter.

** Note that the more negative stereotypes of bears only ever seem to be applied to black, brown, and polar bears; [[PandaingToTheAudience pandas]] (who have their own section way down below) are ''always'' shown as being cute and cuddly creatures. If a panda is portrayed as threatening or aggressive, it's usually PlayedForLaughs.

** '''{{Panda|ingToTheAudience}}s''': Usually depicted as having all the positive stereotypes of other bear species ''without'' any of the [[BearsAreBadNews negative ones]]; so they're often {{gentle|Giant}}, [[BearyFriendly peaceful]], [[BearyFunny comical]], [[CuteGiant adorable creatures]] ([[RidiculouslyCuteCritter especially when they're cubs]]). They're also often seen as being [[FatComicRelief fat and lazy]], even by typical bear standards. More likely to be male. If a panda's ethnicity is ever brought up, ''[[NationalAnimalStereotypes always]]'' {{UsefulNotes/Chin|a}}ese (accent optional). Often as a [[SubvertedTrope subversion]], pandas may be portrayed as [[FightingPanda martial artists]] when they're not portrayed as fat and lazy. Due to how notoriously difficult they are to breed in captivity, recent portrayals may show them disliking sex.