Smitten by a tummy rub and a tail wag

DOGS are no longer man's best friend, with research finding women value their four-legged friends more. Blokes, what do you think?

Alana Saphin

DOGS are no longer man's best friend, with research finding women value their four-legged friends more.

While men have usually been associated with a closer bond with their pets, two in three female pet owners rate their dog or cat as a better listener than their partner.

And almost half of female pet owners want to cuddle their four-legged friends at the doorstep before anyone else in the home, while 70 per cent of women feel "down" when their furry friend is not around.

The Woolworths Pet Insurance study also revealed 63 per cent of women surveyed were more likely to smile as a result of their pet's antics instead of their partner.

Pyrmont's Alana Saphin said her spoodle Laurie was a very important part of her life. "They are always there for you unconditionally and it doesn't matter if you have a good day or a bad day - they always make you smile because they are always so happy to see you," she said.