Rating boosted by dog lovers?

Not trying to be provocative, but... (disclaimer, I'm neither a cat nor a dog man now, though had cats when I was a kid)

Do dog lovers rate this film more highly than 'regular' viewers? I've had a poke around in the message boards and it seems that there is a lot of love for the dog and discussion about his traits eg loyalty etc. There doesnt seem to be that much talk about the film, the way it is written/filmed/directe etc.

It seems to me that people who love dogs are drawn to this film ad love it becase it is about dogs. Not so many people are drawn to it as a film yet it has (at the time of writing) an 8.2 score. I can only think that a sentimental film about a dog and his relationship with the owner is triggering a big response for people with dogs. I'm not being judgemental, just trying to understand the reasons behind it's high rating.

For what it's worth, I can cry at a shaving foam advert but during this film the only hint of teariness wat the point where the wife came and found Hachi still waiting. I remained dry though. More dreary than teary. It was an unremarkable film, and gave it a 4, nothing that will stay with me beyond the viewing.

Interested in people's thoughts.