The personal computer has overtaken the family dog as man's best friend, according to a study.

Researchers found that just 6 per cent of us believe that 'most people rely more on their dog than they do on their PC', while 67 per cent think the opposite to be true.

Even 38 per cent of dog owners confessed to relying more on their PC than on their dog, although 36 per cent disagreed.

And 71 per cent of 18 to 24-year-old dog owners said they relied more on their computer.

Paul Allen, editor of Computeractive magazine, which conducted the poll with the Royal Society For The Protection Of Cruelty to Animals, said: 'These days you can even take your PC for a walk, provided you have a laptop or tablet.

'It's only a matter of time until the first PC that fetches your slippers.'

Researchers questioned 2,000 British adults to find out about the change modern technology has brought to their home life.

They found that male dog owners are almost twice as likely as female owners to rely on their computer than a canine companion.

Mr Allen said: 'With broadband bringing them global news and newspaper sales falling, the family dog even misses out on the pleasure of taking the paper to his owner.'

But it's not all bad news for obedient dogs.

'The family PC has given dog owners access to a wealth of resources and information that can help with the long-term care that a dog needs,' Mr Allen said.

(Read by Renee Haines. Renee Haines is a journalist at the China Daily Website.)