Half of Chihuahua owners describe their pet as their baby

22 September 2014

Half of Chihuahua owners describe their pet as their ‘baby’, the largest online survey of British dog owner suggests.  

The survey was commissioned ahead of the airing of Dogs: Their Secret Lives on Channel 4 (Tuesday 23rd September at 8pm) – a live interactive show, presented by Mark Evans presents a live. 

Over 24,000 dog owners have filled in the survey which helps build up a picture of how happy and healthy the UK's dogs are - http://dogs.channel4.com/survey/

It also suggests that two thirds of owner’s keep a photo of their dog, while a quarter of dogs are never let of their lead during walk time. 

British dog owners were asked a series of questions about their relationship with their dog, as well as information about their dog’s behaviour, diet and exercise.  The survey suggests: 

Relationship:

• Almost half (49%) of Chihuahua owners describe their dog as their baby. 
• 44% of people let their dogs sleep on their bed
• More than two thirds (68%) of people keep a photo of their dog

Bad behaviour - most prevalent behaviours in the UK's dogs: 

• Pull on lead - 52%
• Jump up - 50%
• Not come back when called - 49%
• Aggressive to other dogs - 32%
• Steal food - 25%

Diet and exercise: 

• 1 in 4 dogs are never let off the lead during walk time
• 20% of dog owners feed their dogs snacks, dinner leftovers and takeaways
• Approximately 15% of owners think their dog may be overweight, however our survey indicates that a further 15 - 20% of dogs could be overweight

In tonight’s programme, Mark Evans, former chief vet at the RSCPA, will be joined by a panel of experts to tackle viewers’ questions using surveillance filming and the latest science.  Aided by the UK’s leading behaviorists he’ll analyse footage of what viewers’ dogs get up to. 

He’ll also tackle dog owners’ questions in our mission to turn the nation’s canine companions into happier hounds. Whether it’s weight issues, aggression, incessant barking, dealing with anxiety or simply trying to understand our best friends a little more, this programme will explore the challenges facing 21st century dogs and their owners.

Notes to Editors
Dogs: Their Secret Lives, Tuesday 23 September at 8pm on Channel 4
Twitter:  #ADogsLife https://twitter.com/DogsC4
Website and survey:  http://dogs.channel4.com/

Press Contact
Peter Heneghan, Channel 4 Press Office