Forget catfishing, ‘dogfishing’ is the new online dating trend everyone’s talking about

If you've been on any dating app recently, then you've probably noticed how every second guy seems to have a dog on his profile. And they're cute ones too, cuddling with his golden retriever, a cutesy outdoor shot with a husky, or even a baby indie perched on his lap. Of course, it feels like heaven for dog lovers. Even if you realise that most of those dogs don’t even belong to them. That picture-perfect pooch is often a friend’s pet or one they spotted at the park, and sometimes it's just a borrowed prop for the sake of a right swipe. Welcome to dogfishing.

If you thought online dating couldn’t get sneakier than catfishing, meet dogfishing. A new sneaky, but evidently effective trick to make a man's dating profile instantly attractive. Yes, those puppy eyes you’re falling for might not belong to the guy who's posing with them. 

What is ‘Dogfishing’?

Put simply, dogfishing is when someone uses a dog, whether it’s their friend’s, a stranger’s, or just a random internet photo, in their dating profile to seem more attractive. It’s basically a shortcut to looking instantly lovable, trustworthy, and approachable. After all, who wouldn’t melt at the sight of a guy holding a golden retriever puppy or a girl cuddling a pug?

But here’s the twist: when you finally meet them, the dog is nowhere in sight. And sometimes, neither is their actual love for dogs.

Why do people do it

Dogs have become the ultimate dating accessory. Studies show that pet owners are often seen as more caring, empathetic, and fun. A dog pic on a profile signals warmth and friendliness, which can speed up that coveted right swipe. For millennials and Gen Z, who are already obsessed with pet content on Instagram, adding a pup to the mix feels like an instant charm hack. It’s also a conversation starter: “Omg, what’s your dog’s name?” is way easier (and cuter) than a dry “Hey.”

But when the dog’s not real, that’s when it gets shady.

Why Gen Z cares

Gen Z daters are all about authenticity, whether it’s Instagram dumps or Hinge bios, they value real over curated. Dogfishing feels like another manipulative move in an already tricky dating landscape. Plus, pets aren’t just props. They’re family. Pretending to have one isn’t just a white lie, it’s like faking a whole lifestyle.

On the surface, it might feel like a silly white lie. But for people who are genuinely looking for shared values (like being animal lovers), it can feel manipulative. Trust is already fragile on dating apps, and dogfishing only adds another layer of doubt. If they lied about a dog, who knows what else they're lying about?

How to deal with it

Dogfishing isn’t as extreme as catfishing, but it still plays with trust. Imagine bonding over your shared love of dogs, only to find out your match doesn’t even like animals. That’s not just disappointing; it’s misleading. So how do you know if you're being dogfished? If you come across profiles that have only one suspiciously perfect dog picture with no other signs of pet love, or people who give vague or dodgy answers when you ask about the dog.

If you suspect dogfishing, just keep asking questions about their dog; most people can’t fake dog knowledge for long. Notice if their stories add up, or if their socials back up what’s on their profile. And remember, you’re dating the person, not their pet.

Dogfishing shows how dating apps keep evolving, and not always for the better. Puppy pics might be cute, but authenticity will always matter more. So the next time you see someone cuddling a dog in their profile, make sure you’re falling for the human, not the borrowed Labrador.

Because at the end of the day, a fake dog won’t give you real love.

Lead image: Getty images

Also read: Are you really in love or just trauma-bonding?

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