Nearly half, or 48%, of dog parents would rather do without date in favor of cuddling up with their pooch, according to a survey by the Kennel Club.
At the same time, 41% of dog parents would prefer to spend their time with their dogs over anyone else, including other friends, on Valentine’s Day.
For couples who are also dog parents, 42% said they spend more time with their dog than their partner, and 71% of dog parents say that their dog is their ideal ‘go to’ for a cuddle and affection, with 50% choosing their partner, and 20% picking a friend.
In terms of potential romantic partners, 49% said they would not date someone who their dog did not like while 59% said they would not be in a relationship with someone who does not like dogs.
Bill Lambert, spokesperson for The Kennel Club, told The Sussex Express, “It’s well-known that dogs provide unconditional love and unwavering companionship so perhaps it is no surprise we prefer to spend quality time with our reliable best friends, compared with the uncertainty of meeting a potential partner.”
“However, just like any successful relationship, a dog requires long-term commitment and compromise and, with over 200 different dog breeds in the UK with varying needs, traits and personalities, the search for ‘the one’ requires plenty of dedication and patience,” Lambert added.
Meanwhile, 60% said that not only does their dog understand them better than most people, but that they find more comfort in their canines than humans.
