Turns out dogs really have earned the moniker 'man's best friend' as, according to a new survey, dog owners are happier than their feline-loving counterparts.
According to the American General Social Survey (GSS) (which is headed up by the University of Chicago's social research organisation NORC): 36% of people with a dog reported being "very happy" compared to just 18% of those who owned a cat.
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But - don't be seduced by the wagging tail and lolling tongue of a Very Good Boy/Girl - there are possible other factors and lifestyle choices at play here, which can affect pet owners' happiness levels outside of the species they chose.
Take, for example, some of the survey's other findings, as reported in The Washington Post. These revealed that canine lovers are more likely to be married and own homes than cat owners - both of which play a role and are known factors in contributing towards life satisfaction.
The GSS who conducted the survey has been gathering data on the attitudes, behaviours, and attributes of Americans since 1972.
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And it's not just fur babies they want to know about - they track everything from participants' marijuana habits to their relationship status.
The sample size studied varies every year but tend to range from 1,500 to 3,000 adults.
The most recent survey they conducted, from which the data we're talking about was pulled, was conducted from April to November last year but the GSS isn't the only recent study to pit dog and cat against one another.
A study of 2,000 adults' habits recently revealed that dog owners walk an average of 870 miles a year - meaning they're not only fitter than those without a doggo, but they can also benefit from improved mental health and reduced stress levels.
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Another study from 2016 found dog owners scored higher on wellbeing surveys when compared to those with cats.
So should you send your moggie packing? Not so fast.
Sure, they ignore you when you call their name because they chooses to be little turds - but previous research has also said that they are mental and physical benefits to owning any pet. Yes, including your little feline terrorist.
A survey of 1,000 dog and cat owners over the age of 55 last year found pet owners as a whole tend to be more satisfied in their jobs with almost half saying their pet staved off loneliness.
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Other research has claimed that owning a pet can lead to improved cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure and that simply bonding with a pet has been linked to relieving symptoms of depression.
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