Dogs heighten our sense of community, but cats don't, research shows

Dog owners tend to have a stronger sense of community, research in Japan has shown. The same can't be said of cats and other pets, however. — Photo: Christin Klose/dpa

"So cute: Is that a Labrador? Can I pet him? Oh, a terrier you say - my next guess! Did you move here recently by chance?"

And so begins another friendly chat with a stranger thanks to a dog. Be it getting a bit of tree-infused park air, ambling round the block or just a quick wander to the shops, having a dog on a lead or seeing one is always a potential ice-breaker.