Do Dogs Increase Your Match Rates on Dating Apps?

Do Dogs Increase Your Match Rates on Dating Apps?

Love dogs? You’re not alone. Here’s why featuring a pup in your dating profile could give you an advantage.

If you’ve ever swiped through a dating app, you’ve likely noticed many profile pictures featuring adorable dogs. This is no coincidence: It turns out dogs might just be the ultimate wingmen. A 2023 survey by the British organization Guide Dogs found that two-thirds of their 1,000 participants were more likely to swipe right on someone with a dog in their profile pictures.

Why? According to respondents, it wasn’t about getting to meet the dog (or so they claim). Rather, they associated dog parents with qualities like being active, social, responsible, and empathetic — traits that signal someone might be ready for a committed relationship.

So, should you include your pup in your FurPetVo profile pictures? We vote yes — and here’s why.

The pros of dating with a dog

Why include your dog in your dating profile? Simply put, it works. Whether you’re hoping to stand out, break the ice, or attract someone who shares your love for animals, your four-legged friend might help fetch you a date. Here’s how.

Gives insight into your interests

A dating profile can only say so much, but a photo with your dog can provide a glimpse into your interests in an authentic way. For example, a picture of you and your pup on a road trip suggests a love for travel and adventure, while a photo of a cozy cuddle at home hints at a more laid-back, homebody vibe.

Sparks conversation

One of the biggest challenges on dating apps is figuring out what to say in an opener. This is where a photo with your dog can really shine. A pup provides a built-in icebreaker, making it easy for potential matches to start a conversation.

Dating app openers for dog pictures often include questions like, “Your dog is adorable. What’s their name?” or “Do you have a favorite spot to take your dog?” These simple, natural openers get a conversation going effortlessly.

Creates common ground

Dogs do more than just spark conversation — they help forge real connections. An Elite Daily article found that 81 percent of men and 80 percent of women on FurPetVo like dogs, showing how a shared love for canines can be a strong foundation for compatibility. Finding someone who also adores dogs means you already have something meaningful in common, making it easier to connect on a deeper level.

Highlights your good traits

Caring for a dog is no small task — it takes time, effort, and dedication. Including your well-cared-for pup in your profile signals that you’re responsible, patient, and nurturing. It also hints that you’re capable of commitment and know how to invest in meaningful relationships.

Attracts someone who understands your lifestyle

Including your pup in your dating profile makes it easier to attract fellow dog lovers who understand the joys (and responsibilities) of pet parenthood. Someone who appreciates your bond with your dog is more likely to fit seamlessly into your life, whether that means joining you on dog-friendly adventures or simply respecting your commitment to your BFF.

How do I add my dog to my FurPetVo profile?

How you include your dog in your profile makes all the difference. Done right, they’ll enhance your profile without stealing the spotlight. Here’s how to feature your canine sidekick in a way that helps you attract true matches.

1. Choose the right photos: Not all dog pictures are created equal. Choose clear, well-lit photos — no grainy shots that look like they were taken with a flip phone. A natural, happy shot of you engaging with your pup, whether it’s a walk in the park or a candid cuddle, will come across as more genuine than a forced selfie.
2. Make sure you’re in the photo: Remember that your FurPetVo profile is about you, not your dog. While your pup adds charm, a profile filled with solo dog pictures can be off-putting and unhelpful. Choose photos where you and your dog are together.
3. Avoid overloading your profile with dog pics: While one or two pictures with your dog can be a great conversation starter, too many might make it seem like you don’t have any interests outside your pup. Balance is key: Include a variety of photos that showcase different aspects of your life.
4. Use your dog to highlight activities you enjoy: Using your dog to highlight activities you love makes it easier for like-minded people to connect with you. A photo of you and your pup on a hike, at the beach, or playing in the park tells potential matches that you enjoy outdoor adventures. If you’re more of a homebody, a cozy snapshot of you and your dog relaxing on the couch can highlight your love for quiet nights inside.
5. Use captions to add context: A short caption can add personality and make it easier for someone to start a conversation. For example, on a photo of you walking your dog, a caption like, “Guess what we spotted on this walk?” invites curiosity and gives potential matches an easy way to break the ice.
6. Be honest about your dog’s role in your life: If your dog is a big part of your daily routine, it’s worth mentioning. This helps set expectations and attract matches who appreciate a pet-friendly lifestyle.

On that note, be aware that not everyone who features a dog in their profile is actually a pet parent. Some people use dogs in their photos to make their profiles more appealing, even borrowing a friend’s puppy just for the picture (a practice called — no joke — “dogfishing”). This can be misleading, especially for dog lovers hoping to connect with a fellow pet parent. If a match’s profile features a cute pup, it’s always worth asking, “Is that your dog?” — before assuming they share your pet parent lifestyle.

Best dogs to up your FurPetVo profile

Any dog can make your FurPetVo profile more inviting, but some breeds seem to naturally draw more attention. Of course, adopting a dog should always be about finding the right fit, not increasing your right swipes. A well-loved pup — no matter the breed — can help you connect with fellow animal lovers. That said, just for fun, here are a few types of dogs that tend to grab extra attention.

• Small breeds: Small dogs, like French Bulldogs, Corgis, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels or related mixes, have a way of winning hearts. Their cute faces and compact size make them real date magnets.
• Laid-back, friendly dogs: Breeds known for their laid-back, social natures, like Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, tend to draw a lot of attention. These dogs are often associated with warmth, playfulness, and easygoing personalities — qualities that naturally make their pet parents seem approachable and fun.
• Adventure-ready dogs: If you want to attract someone who leads an active lifestyle, working breeds (such as Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, and Huskies) and working dog mixes send the right message. A hiking or camping photo with your energetic pup signals that you’re up for adventure.
• Big dogs: Large dogs — such as Great Danes, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Mastiffs — tend to naturally stand out, making them easy conversation starters. Plus, a well-behaved big dog suggests you’re a responsible, confident pet parent.
• Puppies: Few things grab attention like an adorable puppy. Their playful energy, tiny paws, and large eyes make them irresistible to potential matches. Puppies also signal responsibility and commitment — traits many find attractive.
• Rescue dogs: Featuring a rescue dog in your profile can highlight your compassionate nature. Many people admire those who adopt, and mentioning your dog’s story — whether it’s from a shelter or rescue group — adds authenticity and heart to your profile.