Research commissioned by Bayer Animal Health has revealed that dogs really do look like their owners.

The research, which is being used to promote Drontal Bone, the company's new bone-shaped wormer, was conducted amongst 3,000 British dog-lovers. It found that the overwhelming majority of owners share at least one common physical attribute with their pet, whilst one in ten owners could be described as the spitting image of their dog, sharing six or more physical attributes:

• 27% of petite owners have small or toy dogs.
• 29% of overweight owners admit their dog also carries a few extra pounds
• 12% of owners and canines were mutually described as obese
• 61% of dogs with closely cropped fur, such as Jack Russells and Boxers, have owners sporting short hair styles
• 26% of people with long locks also owns a canine with tumbling tresses, such as an Afghan Hound or Shih Tzu.
• 19% of owners with curly of frizzy hair own a dog with similar tresses such as a Labradoodle or Bichon Frise.
• 34% of dark-haired mutts also has an owner with brown or black tresses, with the same amount of light haired humans sharing the tone with their pooch.
• 29% of owners with highlights or lowlights owns a mutt with tri-colour fur
• 23% of dogs with grey hair have owners with matching locks, such as a Schnauzer.
• 47% of dogs and owners were described as friendly and playful
• 39% admit that their dog is as grumpy as them.
• 25% of canines have inherited their owner's timid personality
• 16% admit they both have a naughty side.

As part of the campaign, Bayer has launched the Give Your Dog a Bone competition, a nationwide search to find the UK's "Top Dog". The competition is split into four video and photographic categories, with one open exclusively to dogs that have formed a special bond with their owner. Top dogs can enter via the competition website - www.giveyourdogabone.co.uk - where owners can upload photos, videos, and explain in under 100 words why they think their pet should win a Drontal 'Bonies' award.

Give Your Dog a Bone Judge Emma Milne MRCVS, said: "When dogs seem to have the same characteristics as their owners, it could be because people subconsciously choose a pet that resembles themselves. It is often found that more energetic breeds, such as s Red Setter have an owner who is sporty and most happy when taking their pet on long country walks, while a glamorous owner who enjoys grooming themselves might choose a dog which also requires lots preening, such as a Maltese Terrier. The Give Your Dog a Bone awards give us the chance to recognise the unique traits and talents that make dogs such an important part of our lives. With four very different categories, this competition will be wide open to dogs of all shapes, sizes and personalities!"

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