Man’s best WINGMAN? Singletons are more likely to get a date if they feature a DOG in their dating profile
- Two-thirds of Brits more likely to match with someone with a picture of a dog
- Dog owners are seen as more social, active and empathetic, according to study
- It comes as experts revealed six faces owners pull when chatting to their dogs
They are man’s best friend – but dogs could also be your best wingman, too.
That’s according to a new study that found showcasing a pooch in your photos could help boost your chances of finding love.
When it comes to curating a dating profile, singletons can spend hours deciding on the best photos to try and attract a potential partner.
But those who have a dog in their pictures could be more likely to get a match, according to a study.
A poll of 1,000 British adults revealed two-thirds of people said they’re more likely to match with someone whose dating profile includes a picture of a dog.
They are man’s best friend – but dogs could also be your best wingman, too. That’s according to a new study that found showcasing a pooch in your photos could help boost your chances of finding love
Six in 10 believe owning a dog is a good sign that someone is ready for a committed relationship and to settle down.
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And participants said they believe dog owners are more social, active and empathetic.
Half of respondents even said they would borrow a family or friend’s dog to take a picture with for their dating profile to spark a conversation.
Paul Martin from Guide Dogs, who commissioned the research, said: ‘It’s no secret that as a nation we love dogs and it’s interesting to see that the same traits Brits associate with their favourite four-legged friends – such as empathy, patience, and trustworthiness – are also those they consider attractive qualities for their relationships.
‘Owning a dog can provide a great sense of emotional well-being thanks to the unconditional love they give, which is why they’re also great company and comfort for people when they’re building new connections.’
It comes as separate research reveals nearly half of dog owners wouldn’t date someone their dog didn’t like.
The survey, carried out by the Kennel Club, also found 59 per cent of owners said they wouldn’t be in a relationship with someone who didn’t like dogs.
The findings comes shortly after researchers from the University of Jaen in Spain revealed that men are seen as less intimidating and threatening when holding a small dog than when alone.
A group of 296 female college students were shown pictures of a man or woman either alone, or with a dog.
Studies have shown that having a dog in your photos, or an Apple product, increase your chance of getting a match
Based on the pictures, participants were asked to rate how intimidating and threatening they thought the people were.
The results revealed that participants felt safer, more dominant and less scared of the people when a dogs was present in the photo – in both the positive and negative contexts.
In particular, smaller dogs enhanced positive reactions and a sense of safety in the majority of contexts.
Dr Helen Fisher, a senior research fellow at the Kinsey Institute in Indiana and a chief adviser to Match.com, agreed with this finding in the New York Times.
She said: ‘Having a dog really says something about you.
‘That’s the bottom line message that women get when they see a man with a dog: He’s capable of nurturing, of giving without receiving a lot, of caring for another. He’s made a commitment to this animal.
‘And one thing women have needed for years and years is a partner who could share the load, be responsible, care for them if they’re sick and show up on time.’
Gay men and women also convey the same message to prospective partners, who are likely to pick up on these subtle signals and value them.
WHAT ARE THE TEN COMMONLY HELD MYTHS ABOUT DOGS?
It is easy to believe that dogs like what we like, but this is not always strictly true.
Here are ten things which people should remember when trying to understand their pets, according to Animal behaviour experts Dr Melissa Starling and Dr Paul McGreevy, from the University of Sydney.
1. Dogs don’t like to share
2. Not all dogs like to be hugged or patted
3. A barking dog is not always an aggressive dog
4. Dogs do not like other dogs entering their territory/home
5. Dogs like to be active and don’t need as much relaxation time as humans
6. Not all dogs are overly friendly, some are shyer to begin with
7. A dog that appears friendly can soon become aggressive
8. Dogs need open space and new areas to explore. Playing in the garden won’t always suffice
9. Sometimes a dog isn’t misbehaving, it simply does not understand what to do or what you want
10. Subtle facial signals often preempt barking or snapping when a dog is unhappy
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