Irish owners say companionship is the thing they love most about dogs
James Cox
Irish dog owners have ranked companionship as the thing they love most about their pets in a Dogs Trust survey for International Dog Day.
Results from the charity’s 2025 Dog Census found that companionship is the number one thing people love about their dogs, with 92 per cent of respondents choosing this.
Unconditional love followed closely behind at 90 per cent, while the positive impact dogs have on our mental health (70 per cent) and physical health (50 per cent) also featured highly.
While most people agree dogs are adorable, their appearance ranked much lower, with just 29 per cent of respondents choosing it as one of the things they love most about their furry friend.
The findings suggest that for dog lovers across Ireland, it’s not simply how their dogs look that makes them special, but the companionship, connection and joy they bring to their lives.
Dogs Trust also took to social media to find out how owners most enjoy spending time with their dogs. Snuggling up together came out firmly on top, with 61 per cent of votes. Going for walks followed at 21 per cent, while 14 per cent chose playtime as their favourite activity.
The positive impact dogs can have on our mental wellbeing was also explored further. When Dogs Trust asked its social media followers what their dogs do to help them feel better, making them laugh topped the list at 33 per cent, closely followed by giving the best cuddles (31 per cent).
For 29 per cent, their dog provides the motivation to get out of the house, while 7 per cent value having a four-legged friend who is always there to listen.
Paulina Padlo, communications manager at Dogs Trust Ireland, said: “There’s a reason dogs have earned their reputation as our best friends. They’re there to greet us when we come home, make us laugh when we need it most, get us out the door for a walk and, of course, provide the best cuddles.
“What really stands out from these findings is that the things people value most about their dogs are all about the relationship they share. It’s not about having the perfect-looking dog; it’s about that unique bond."
She added: “This International Dog Day, we want to celebrate those wonderful relationships, and the huge amount of happiness dogs bring to our lives. There are so many dogs in our care who have the enormous capacity to love, and who are waiting for the chance to build that special bond with someone of their own.”
To find out more about adopting a dog this International Dog Day, go to DogsTrust.ie/AdoptADog.
