A dog is not just a pet; rather he is a friend, a partner and a defender. His master is in turn his life, his love and his leader.

Study suggests a canine companion may dramatically help in expanding social network, reports the Hindustan times.

The study found that 46 percent Britons think loving animals makes a person more attractive, with women more likely to be attracted to animal lovers 49 percent than men 40 percent, reports The Huffington Post.

The survey conducted in more than 2,000 British adults found that pet owners were perceived to have positive character traits.

Around 32 percent amongst those surveyed said someone with a dog is more likely to be loyal, compassionate and kind.

Besides romance, 46 percent of people surveyed remarked that walking a dog is one of the easiest ways of making friends.

This explains why 29 percent of dog owners have met lifelong friends while walking their pets.

The survey, conducted by Direct Line, isn't the first to suggest that dogs can help humans make connections.

A previous study from the Tufts University also suggested that people who have strong connections to their pets have social and relationship benefits.

Tuft researchers surveyed 500 people between the ages of 18 to 26 and found those who had "strong attachment to pets reported feeling more connected to their communities and relationships".