Third of dog lovers would pick their pet over partner, poll claims

Four in ten admit to giving their four-legged friend more affection

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A third of dog lovers would pick their pet over their partner if they were forced to choose between the two, according to a survey.

The poll of 2,000 dog owners also found four in 10 admit to giving their pet more affection than their other half.

Forty-two per cent even claim their dog deliberately intervenes when their partner tries to initiate a hug.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the survey found the nation’s pet pooches are responsible for three disagreements a week in British households, the survey found.

The research was commissioned by dog-friendly country pub chain Chef & Brewer, whose brand manager Heather Moore said: “It’s no secret that Brits love their dogs, but we were surprised to find out just how far that love extended.

“Dog owners love nothing more than treating their pets, either with snacks or taking them somewhere they’ll love.

“Our research shows that for some couples, the four-legged friend can take the starring role in the relationship.”

An eighth of the population have even seen their relationship reach an ultimatum of: "It’s me or the dog".

And 38 per cent say if they introduced their canine to a new partner and the dog didn’t like them, it would be a sign the relationship was doomed.

On the other hand, one in four would break up with someone if they felt a dog obsession was getting out of hand.

According to the OnePoll research, the main argument over the dog is about who should take it out for its needed daily walks – closely followed by who should clean up after it.

The third most common bust-up comes when one partner believes the other one is too free with the treats, potentially spoiling the pet.

One in 10 get also get wound up when they get home from work to find they’ve got to wait for their own dinner so the dog can eat first.

More than four in 10 adults who let the dog sleep in the bedroom claim this has had a negative impact on their love lives.​

SWNS