Why do Americans love watching movies with their dogs?

Based on a new study, 43% of Americans would rather watch a movie with their dog than their partner.

According to the poll of 2,000 U.S. dog owners, those in a relationship said their dogs are better movie companions because they don’t interrupt (44%), don’t ask questions (42%) and are better cuddlers (35%).

Commissioned by the makers of ACANA pet food (https://www.acana.com) and conducted by Talker Research, the study found that 95% watch movies and shows with their dogs at home — 63% said they do it on a frequent basis.

Most of them (93%) said their dogs are able to pay attention to the screen and a third (30%) say they prefer classic TV shows and classic movies. So, even our furry best friends can’t get enough of the classics. 

Genres people believe their dogs prefer include nature (29%), cartoons (25%), adventures (18%), comedies (16%) and dramas (10%).

Over three in four (77%) said they sometimes leave the TV or radio on for their dog when they leave the house, letting their dogs watch or listen to cartoons that feature dogs or animals (28%), nature documentaries (23%) or classic music stations (10%).

Six in 10 (63%) said they’d be more likely to watch a movie or show if it included a dog as a character. Further, 73% are likely to watch if the dog is part of the main cast, even if it’s a genre they normally wouldn’t watch.

Seventy-two percent of dog owners said they enjoy or have fond memories of modern and classic movies that star dogs as the main characters.

“It’s not surprising that people would rather watch movies with their dogs than their partners! Dogs really are the perfect movie companion, and just like with any other aspect of pet parenthood, people want to make sure their pets are involved in their favorite pastimes, including watching classic movies and TV shows,” said Eleanor Blackmer, Brand Manager for ACANA™ pet food. “Our pets are part of the family – we believe they should be included and fed like them too.” 

Results also found 32% have named their dogs after famous TV and film characters, with 46% of them stating their dogs look similar to the character they were named after.

Likewise, 16% said they’ve named their dogs after a famous actor or actress, including Tom Cruise, Russell Crowe, Leonardo DiCaprio, John Wayne, John Cena, Humphery Bogart, George Clooney, Elizabeth Taylor, Danny DeVito, Conan O’Brien and Cher.

Forty percent said their dogs look similar to the actors and actresses they were named after.

Half of Americans said they’d likely name any future dogs they own after a famous character or actor and more than a third (35%) of dog owners believe their dog could be famous themselves. 

Of them, they said their dog could break into Hollywood thanks to having a big personality (79%), being playful (65%) and looking pretty (65%).

Others believe their dog has what it takes because they’re dramatic (45%), can follow directions well (42%) and are a popular breed (41%).

“There’s a strong sense of nostalgia with iconic, classic dog-centric movies because they have the perfect mix of quality and simplicity,” continued Blackmer. “It’s that same quality and simplicity you find in our pet food recipes that use thoughtfully crafted ingredients and all the good stuff, without any fillers.” 

WHAT MAKES DOGS THE PERFECT MOVIE COMPANION?

They don’t interrupt – 44%

They don’t ask questions – 42%

They are better cuddlers – 35%

They fall asleep – 33%

They sit still – 32%

They don’t spoil anything – 29%

They aren’t as loud – 23%