Many of us like nothing more than curling up with the dog on the sofa and switching on the telly.
But it turns out that our pet may be enjoying the box just as much as we do – with research finding that eight out of ten dogs love watching TV. Some are even happy to sit and watch full-length movies.
After questioning more than 1,000 dog owners about their pets’ TV habits, scientists found that pedigree dogs, especially labradors, were the most avid viewers, mainly choosing to watch programmes about other dogs. They also enjoyed shows about nature, cartoons and cats. Winter sports and ice skating were among the least favoured.
After questioning more than 1,000 dog owners about their pets’ TV habits, scientists found that pedigree dogs, especially labradors, were the most avid viewers
While 86 per cent of dog owners said their pet watched TV
Overall, an astonishing 86 per cent of dog owners said their pet watched TV, but researchers cautioned against leaving videos on for home-alone dogs to watch as some canine viewers can get over excited, with 1 per cent lunging at the screen.
Most dogs (72 per cent) looked at screens at least once a day, with the average session not exceeding 20 minutes. However, some owners said their pet would sit and watch a whole movie, actively engaging with the content and reacting to the plot.
The researchers, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the US, also found that dogs may be attracted to watch TV by the sound of a familiar song, voice or jingle.
Staring at the screen was the most common behaviour, seen in 54 per cent of dogs, while 19 per cent barked, howled, whined or growled.
Dogs also seemed to prefer newer TVs – one owner said their pet showed greater interest in watching after the family upgraded.
