MUMBAI: Looks like television in the US is going to the dogs, literally. A recent survey in the country indicates that dogs are increasingly watching television.
 

The survey -- released by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and The Iams Company -- shows that almost 50 per cent of dogs surveyed watch television. However, it may be quality time with their owners and not televison programming per se that is drawing them to the tube.

This is borne out by the fact that 87 per cent of owners surveyed said their dogs curled up next to them or at their feet when watching television. Owners also said that the characters played by Jennifer Aniston and the gang on the sitcom Friends are remarkably similar to their canine companions. Just like Joey or Monica, dogs can be silly or serious, messy or meticulous, calm or chaotic.

The AKC and Iams have also suggested that the relationship could be nurtured be planning special dates with the dog. Of course, Animal Planet is one of the channels that would be a natural choice. The online survey covered 1,086 dog owners 18 years or older.