Would You Dump Your Partner if Your Dog Didn’t Approve? One in 10 in the South West Say Yes

Survey reveals just how much our furry friends influence our love lives

Dog disapproval could mean heartbreak

A new survey has revealed that one in 10 dog owners in South West England have ended a romantic relationship because their dog didn’t take to their partner.

The research, carried out by dog toy company Tug-E-Nuff in partnership with OnePoll, shows just how much people in the region value their pets’ opinion when it comes to dating.

Half of dog owners in the South West said it’s important for a partner to get along with their dog, and four in 10 said it’s important their partner gets along with all dogs.

Younger people more likely to call it quits

The survey suggests younger generations are even more swayed by their dog’s judgment. Dog owners aged between 18 and 34 are nearly twice as likely to end a relationship if their dog doesn’t like their significant other.

Dogs helping people find love

It’s not just about break-ups either. Dogs appear to help spark new relationships too. A third of those currently looking for love in the region said they’re more likely to swipe right or start a conversation with someone whose dating profile includes a photo of a dog.

The survey also found that people think dog owners have qualities that make them better partners. More than a third believe dog owners are more caring (37 percent), responsible (34 percent) and affectionate (33 percent) than those without pets.

Which breeds win hearts?

When it comes to the most desirable dogs to date alongside, Golden Retrievers top the list. Nearly a third of people in the South West (29 percent) said they’d most like to be with someone who owns one.

Next on the list were Labradors (25 percent), followed by Border Collies and Springer Spaniels (both 13 percent), with Cockapoos rounding out the top five (11 percent).

‘A kind of love we can understand’

Commenting on the results, Tug-E-Nuff’s Managing Director Danny Nelis-Rouse said: “We’ve always been barking mad about dogs, but now we know it’s not just the pets that people are falling for; it’s their owners too.

“It’s interesting to see that being more caring and affectionate – both traits we associate with our favourite four-legged friends – are exactly what people want in a romantic partner.”

The survey also found that one in five see dog owners as more playful, a trait Danny said reflects Tug-E-Nuff’s customer base, who look for new ways to bond with their pets.

“We love seeing dogs and their owners bring out the best in each other,” he added. “It might not always be romantic, but it’s definitely a kind of love we can understand.”