This Survey Confirms People Are Obsessed With Their Dogs More Than Their Spouses
A new survey adds fuel to a familiar household truth: many people pour more care and attention into their dogs than into their partners. You can see it in small daily moments, from the extra treats to the constant fussing and the way a pet’s needs quietly take priority. Riley’s Organics set out to measure this dynamic, and the results mirror what countless couples already notice at home.
Love Stacks Up Stronger For Dogs
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Riley’s Organics found that 52 percent of participants kiss their dogs more than their significant others. That same percentage prefers sleeping next to their dog instead of their partner. Other surveys echo similar habits.
A Heart Radio study of 2K pet owners showed nearly half of them loved their cat or dog more than their partner. Four in ten preferred cuddling with their pet on the couch. Many admitted that one-on-one time with a dog felt easier and more comfortable than time with the person they live with. When multiple studies point in the same direction, it says something about how secure people feel with dogs.
Photos Tell A Bigger Story
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One of the most consistent findings across surveys is how often people document their dogs. A WTVD piece citing research from Rover.com reported that 65 percent of dog owners take more photos of their pets than their partners or friends. Nearly a third post more dog photos on social media than pictures of themselves.
Another survey showed that pet owners keep an average of 40 pet photos on their phone, often more than they keep of their partner. When you think about it, the phone never lies. If the camera roll becomes a dog scrapbook, the priorities speak for themselves.
Satisfaction Levels Tilt Toward The Dog
A large study published in Scientific Reports backed up the emotional side of this trend. More than 700 participants rated their relationships across multiple categories. Dogs scored higher than their closest relatives and best friends in areas like affection, reliability, and support.
People also reported fewer conflicts with their dogs than with children, partners, or family members. Many described the dog relationship as one of the most satisfying bonds in their lives. The researchers noted that the dog bond does not replace human relationships. It simply gives owners something they never quite get elsewhere. The low conflict, high support, and daily companionship create a steady emotional anchor.
Jealous Partners And Growing Trends
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Another entertaining detail comes from the Heart survey, where three in ten participants believed their partner felt jealous of the pet. This dynamic shows up in smaller ways, too. Many respondents said they buy more gifts for their pets than for their partners. Others spend more time hugging or kissing their dog than their significant other. At first glance, these habits seem playful, but together they map out a cultural shift. Dogs are no longer treated as simple pets. They sit in the emotional center of the home.
Pets win the affection race in many households, and most owners do not feel conflicted about it. They feel understood, supported, and comforted in a way that keeps reinforcing the bond. Couples can laugh about it, but the numbers keep growing, and dogs continue holding the top spot on the relationship scorecard.