The Kennel Club survey found that one in four adults said that though their children come first they actually prefer going out with the dog, the Daily Express reported.
One reason is the devotion of a four-legged friend to its owners, with 80 per cent of those questioned praising their pet for being invariably loving.
Only 50 per cent could say the same even for their partners.
"Given how much we love spending time with our dogs, it is surprising that there are still so many businesses that refuse to allow them in, but there is a real appetite for this to change," Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko was quoted by the paper as saying.