Here are the results of the 2005 Annual Survey by PEDIGREE(R):
VERNON, Calif., Dec. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- For many people, the love they have for their four-legged friend is demonstrated by their care for his/her well being -- a very personal practice that some take to more of an extreme than others. Because of their love for dogs, PEDIGREE(R) Food for Dogs decided to get a glimpse of the secret life of dog owners by surveying them to find out just how they feel about their beloved canine companions and how their canines affect their lives. From meeting your mutt match to pet-play dates, the second annual PEDIGREE Survey dug up some "bone-a-fide" nuggets on all things dog.
And They Call It Puppy Love ...
Dogs are more than just man's best friend, as most dog lovers say that choosing the right dog is a lot like finding Mr. or Mrs. Right. In fact, 82 percent of dog owners claim it was love at first sight when they laid eyes on their pooch. Moreover, nearly 60 percent admit they are as picky when selecting a dog as they are when searching for their perfect mate, with personality, physical attributes and pedigree taking top honors as the crucial criteria against which to measure their match.
Pushing their love to the limit, if trapped on a desert island, nearly 60 percent of those surveyed would want to have their dog there too, far outranking significant others, parents, siblings and friends as companions of choice -- a good thing since 55 percent of owners think their pet exhibits jealousy if they direct their attention to someone else.
"PEDIGREE recognizes the unique relationship that owners have with their dogs and appreciates the variety of ways they choose to express their love for their canine companions, from buying them lavish gifts to allowing them to enjoy activities typically reserved for humans," said Rob Leibowitz, Marketing Director -- Dog Portfolio, Masterfoods USA, the makers of PEDIGREE Food for Dogs. "As a brand that loves dogs, we conduct this annual survey to uncover the individual ways others celebrate their love and dedication to canines."
Make Room for Doggie
Move over dear, the dog needs more space. According to those surveyed, dogs are often the proverbial kings and queens of their castles, sharing many everyday experiences right by their owners' sides. In fact, 54 percent of those surveyed let their dogs sleep with them in their beds and 24 percent of dog owners said that they even allow their dogs to eat off of their plates.
All in the Family
One thing that's increasingly apparent: dogs are part of the family. Seventy percent of owners refer to themselves as their dog's "mommy" or "daddy," while more than 40 percent admit to having considered caring for their dog a dry-run for caring for a child. In addition, more than half of dog owners (62 percent) clearly feel that it is socially acceptable to feature their dog in family photos and/or holiday cards.
Doggie Dining
Food also plays a big role in the life of a dog. No longer seen as a basic need for survival, dog owners take what they dish to their dog very seriously. More than three-quarters of people surveyed (87 percent) consider food as a reward for good behavior (often in the form of an edible dog treat or snack). Unfortunately, nearly one third of dog owners (30 percent) say they give their dog table scraps/human food, which can contribute to canine obesity and lack the complete nutrition a dog needs for a healthy diet. Proper nutrition is critical for dogs, and it's important to choose a dog food that tastes delicious and contains all of the essential nutrients dogs need to thrive. PEDIGREE(R) Food for Dogs offers proper nutrition in a variety of flavors, which means even the most finicky dog will be wagging his tail with enjoyment when it's time for meals.
Yappy Hour
Social circles are as important to dogs as they are for people. Forty-five percent of dog owners claim their pooch has a regular group of playmates, while 52 percent of those coordinate play dates at least once a week. And if the sky was the limit for dog owners, Oprah Winfrey, Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson and Brad Pitt top the list for dog-loving celebrities, who, along with their dogs, they'd love to meet for an afternoon play date.
Star Power
Nowadays, celebrities are often seen gracing the pages of magazines with their dogs in tow. From pocket-size pooches to two at a time, stars are a high-profile example of the joys of dog ownership. So does all that star power influence the way everyday dog owners treat their pets? More than 50 percent say no way -- at least not when it comes to dictating choice of breed -- and a whopping 85 percent claim the way celebrities care for their canines has absolutely no impact on the way they treat their own.
About PEDIGREE
PEDIGREE(R) is the number one brand of dog food in the world, offering a wide variety of products for different dog life stages. As an innovative market leader, PEDIGREE is at the forefront of pet nutrition and understands pet owner needs by providing a range of innovative products and resources.
