Would you dump someone if your dog disapproved? One in 10 owners in the West Midlands would, finds survey

A survey has found that one in 10 dog owners in the West Midlands have been turned off and some have even ended a romantic relationship with someone because their dog disapproved. 

The poll paints a picture of a region in the grip of animal affection, with almost half (47 per cent) of dog owners in the West Midlands admitting it’s important to them to have a partner who gets along with their dog. 

Four in 10 added it’s important to them to have a partner who gets along with all dogs. 

Younger generations appear to be more likely to seek out a dog-loving companion, with those aged between 18 and 34 almost twice as likely to end things with somebody their dog didn’t like. 

The survey, conducted by dog toy company Tug-E-Nuff in conjunction with OnePoll, also looked at whether dogs are not only man’s best friend, but also the ultimate wingman or wingwoman - and, it turns out they are. 

A third of people looking for love in the region say they’re more likely to match with somebody if their dating profile includes a photograph of a dog.

According to those polled, dog owners are believed to possess certain characteristics that may make them a better romantic partner than those without a pet. 

Four in 10 think that people who own a dog are more caring than those who don’t, while a third reckon they’re more friendly (31 per cent) and responsible (30 per cent). 

Golden Retrievers could help those looking for love in the region bag the most dates, with almost a third (28 percent) of people in the region saying they’d most like a romantic partner who owns this breed.

This is followed by a Labrador (26 per cent), Border Collie (14 pe rcent), Cockapoo (14 per cent) and, rounding out the top five, a German Shepherd (13 per cent).

Commenting on the survey findings, Tug-E-Nuff’s Managing Director Danny Nelis-Rouse commented: “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 friendly - both traits we associate with our favourite four-legged friends - are exactly what people want in a romantic partner.” 

The survey also revealed that a fifth of people in the region see dog owners as more playful — a trait Nelis-Rouse says reflects its customer base, who often seek new ways to engage and bond with their pets through interactive toys.

“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.”