There’s no question, owning a dog can have a significant positive impact on our life, health and wellbeing.

And now a new study suggests a dog can even improve our social life.

The study surveyed 2,000 dog owners and found a number of illuminating findings.

Nearly half of the respondents said they have made new friends while they were taking their pet for a walk.

They met an average of four new people while out for walks, at the vets or at puppy training classes.

Similarly, one in ten owners have made friends while on holiday with their dog.

The majority of respondents said that owning a dog has boosted their confidence, especially when it comes to engaging with new people.

A perfect icebreaker and conversation starter, it is clear that our love and appreciation of dogs is widely shared.

And it seems dogs also help by getting us outdoors. On average, owners spend more than seven-and-a-half hours outside walking, one hour of which they arrange to spend with fellow dog walkers.

And we’re not the only ones benefitting a thriving social life: 60% of dog owners believe their pet has “dog buddies”.

The average dog is considered to have three friends, with more than one quarter having one they like to walk with.

Our very own “man’s best friend” appears to be helping us make new friends too. As if we needed any more reason to love them.