New research has shown that many New Zealand men and women prefer their pooches to their partners.

A survey, released by pet product manufacturer Purina, showed that 31 percent of females agreed that their dogs have better listening skills than their partners do; conversely, 14 percent of males think their dogs give them more love than their partners.

After extensive interviewing of dog owners the research also found similar results with 50 percent of female cat owners.

A company representative said that 80 percent of cat and dog owners admit to "cherishing" their pets, with more than 50 recent considering themselves as mom or dad to their pets.