The dating universe, too, is a dog-eat-dog world.

A staggering 86 per cent of dog owners would break up with their significant other if they weren't into their pup, according to new research.

The new poll of 3,500 dog owners found many a pup has a say on their owner's romantic life—determining everything from which partners make the cut to just how long the relationship can last.

Pet matters: A staggering 86 per cent of dog owners would break up with their significant other if they weren't into their pup, according to new research

Input: A poll of 3,500 dog owners found many a pup has a say on their owner's romantic life

Uh oh: The research found that disliking dogs can be a major turn off—more so than not wanting kids, being a bad tipper, and having terrible fashion sense

Four out of five dog owners say their dog's reaction to a new suitor is an important factor in determining whether or not they're a match.

The research, which was commissioned by the on-demand dog walking service Wag! and conducted by OnePoll, found that disliking dogs can be a major turn off—more so than not wanting kids, being a bad tipper, and having terrible fashion sense, according to the results.

But pups don't just stand in the way of romance—sometimes, they precipitate it too.

Three out of 10 dog owners have used their dog to attract a potential partner and more than 60 per cent said they've been flirted with when walking their pooch.

Turns out the pup-magnet are strong: when people used their pooch to attract a potential love interest, they were successful 84 per cent of the time.

Most significant other: More than 16 per cent of married dog owners said they would choose to celebrate their pup's birthday over their spouse's

Something in common: Our four-legged companions can help seal the deal in more ways than one: 78 per cent of dog parents are more likely to go home with someone if they say they have a dog versus someone who doesn't own a pooch

Dogs can even help attract a potential mate without even meeting.

As dating apps have become increasingly common, 73 per cent of dog owners are more likely to 'swipe right' on a person's profile photo if it includes their pup.

Our four-legged companions can help seal the deal in more ways than one: 78 per cent of dog parents are more likely to go home with someone if they say they have a dog versus someone who doesn't own a pooch.

Some pooches play a crucial role in making sure romantic relationships last.

One in five dog owners have even gone so far as to stay in a relationship simply because of their partner's dog.

Some dogs really are their owners' most significant other, regardless of marital status.

More than 16 per cent of married dog owners said they would choose to celebrate their pup's birthday over their spouse's.

While dog lovers live all across the country, those in the Northeast use their pooches as match-makers the most. More than 25 per cent of dog parents in these states found love at a party for a dog.

Primarily Published at : Dailymail Online