Dogs have long been known as a man’s best friend, but K9s may be getting a run for their money from an unlikely source — parents.

Research suggests more and more adult-age children are choosing their parents as best friends.

A Fusion.Net Millennial survey conducted by the Benenson Strategy Group, found that about 55 percent of millennials consider one of their parents to be their best friends.  

Benenson Strategy Group conducted a total of 1,000 telephone interviews nationwide from Jan. 6 to 11, asking young adults ages 18 to 34 basic questions about their parent’s marital status and political affiliation. The survey also asked more personal questions about who respondents considered their “best friend” and if they told their parents after the first time they had sex. 

The results varied by the respondents’ age, gender and region of the country. Mothers were found to be the preferred best friend by both genders.

Junior Salvador, junior in child, adult and family services, said he considers his mom to be his best friend.

“I talk to my mom every day about 7 p.m.,” Salvador said. “We talk about how my day went, what I ate and how are classes going.”

Salvador said he goes home three to four times a semester and, instead of hanging out with his friends, he lounges on his couch and enjoys his family or as he calls them — his best friends.

Females were found to be more likely to talk to their parents about the first time they had sex, according to the study. 

Mothers tend to be the first ones to talk about relationships and give dating advice, which may indicate why females are inclined to talk to their mothers about this subject.

According to parentingscience.com, parents can build close, personal relationships with their kids and still remain responsible adults.

Mackenzie Sissel, senior in mechanical engineering, does not call her parents everyday but still stays in close contact.

“I talk on the phone with [my mom] at least three times a week,” Sissel said.

Sissel said she and her mother have no boundaries with each other and can speak about anything.

Nathalie Fuentes, senior in biochemistry, does not think parents are made to be best friends, but speaks to her mother everyday and her father about once a week.

“It’s a great relationship, but parents are supposed to be just parents, not best friends,” Fuentes said. “I want to [guide] my children without losing respect and confidence. My definition of a best friend is someone who you tell every detail in your life. With parents, there is a boundary [that] we should always respect.”