An American student has set up a Twitter account which rates dogs out of 10 - and gives everyone a great excuse to 'aww' over cute puppies all day long.

Matt Nelson, who from Virginia and currently studying at Campbell University in North Carolina, invites Tweeters to send in pictures of their pet dogs to be graded, with only the best of the bunch chosen for public rating.

Matt launched the account on November 15 and it already has more than 57,000 followers so far, with pictures getting thousands of likes and re-Tweets every day.

Matt isn't here to diss any dogs - with most receiving above the top score of 10/10.

Indeed, the aptly named Shnuggels, an adorable fluffy white pup, received a 13/10 and the threat to others 'I would kill for Shnuggles'.

Another outrageously cute pup with sandy coloured fur and white paws seen sitting at the bottom of a tree is given an 11/10 and the caption, 'This is Sandy. She loves her spot by the tree. Contemplating her true purpose in the universe. Wears socks.'

One French bulldog looked like he'd already been given top marks as he donned a mini graduation cap and a medal. WeRateDogs also gave him a 10/10 saying, 'This is one esteemed pupper. Just graduated college. What a champ'

Alsatian Stanley was a bit confused by the teaspoon on his nose, but got full marks for his pose. 'Yes he is aware of the spoon's presence, he just doesn't know what he should do about it,' explained WeRateDogs

Another pup was awarded 11/10 for looking 'radiant' in her new colourful hat.

WeRateDogs has received the odd rogue photo of a cat, which the team is not happy about.

Captioning a picture of a cat with its head in a big plant leaf, Matt wrote 'Guys I'm getting real tired of this. We only rate dogs. Please don't send in other things like this Bulbasaur'.

He rated the cat submission with a lowly 3/10.