So - why do you love your dog?

Did you chose them because they had the bushiest tail, the wettest snout or were they the scruffiest rascal in the pound?

The biggest research project of its kind is looking for people who are just about to get a dog - to ask them why they chose their pooch.

They want to recruit 2000 people who are thinking about getting a dog, from across the UK by the end of August 2020.

They have 120 potential dog owners signed up to the project so far, and over 30 of those have already brought their new dog home.

It doesn't matter if you are getting just one loved dog or have a pack - all dog lovers welcome.

We all know why we love our dogs (well I do) but now a special scientific research project wants to find out precisely what it is that made that pooch appeal to you.

The UK Dog Project run by veterinary researchers wants understand more about dog ownership in the UK.

The research is organised by Bristol University and is appealing for dog lovers across Somerset to take part.

You would need to complete an online questionnaire which should take no more than 20 minutes of your time.

Once you have your dog, then you will get three additional questionnaires; one soon after you have your new dog, one six months later and another 18 months after that. They are all online and will be emailed to you directly.

As a thank you for being part of the research project, the scientists will be sending a small gift for your dog - how lovely is that?

You will also be offered the chance to enter into prize draws at various stages with the chances of winning up to £100 of vouchers.

The team said: " Even if you don't end up getting a dog, or you no longer have your dog during the research project period, you will still be able to make a very valuable contribution to our research and understanding of what people think and do when considering getting a dog and their subsequent dog ownership practices."

The research is being conducted by the Animal Behaviour and Welfare Group at the Veterinary School, University of Bristol.

The project is open until August 2020 and you can get more details from the red button or you can email the PhD student who will be leading the research.

[email protected]