Japanese sportswear retailer Asics has named Felix the Samoyed as its new ambassador.

He was appointed after research from professor Brendon Stubbs of King’s College London analysed State of Mind Scores and found dog owners are 35% more likely to meet physical activity guidelines, averaging around 240 minutes of exercise per week.

“The research shows dog owners are far more likely to meet recommended physical activity guidelines and have a much higher mood,” he said.

“In fact, 85% of dog owners feel a boost in their mood after moving with their dog.”

The brand has asked the British public to nominate their dogs for its Asics Mind’s Best Friend Ambassador programme.

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The selected dogs will become Asic’s influencers and receive an ambassador kit.

Alex Wood, chief creative officer, Golin London, said: “While other sports brands celebrate familiar elite athletes and suggest exercise should be serious, we wanted to tell an unexpected story about movement, focusing on feeling, fun and the everyday.

“We loved the insight that dogs are the world’s unsung exercise influencers, regularly taking millions of humans for a walk, so Asics signing one felt fitting.”

Asics has also asked people across the globe to share stories about how man’s best friend motivates them to raise money for mental health charities.

Every post shared using the company’s hashtag, #MindsBestFriend’ before 12 July will raise money for charity.