Introduction

For thousands of years, dogs have stood by our sides — as protectors, workers, companions, and family members. Many dog owners feel certain their canine companions love them back, but do dogs really love us in the way we understand love? This question, long fuelled by anecdote and instinct, has begun to find answers in science. In recent years, researchers have explored the emotional, physiological, and behavioural aspects of the human-dog bond. The results suggest that our furry friends may be capable of a deep and genuine form of affection — one that mirrors our own experience of love in fascinating ways.

The Role of Oxytocin: A Biochemical Love Link

In humans, oxytocin is known as the “love hormone,” promoting bonding between mothers and babies, romantic partners, and close friends. Dogs appear to respond in a similar way. In a study by Nagasawa et al. (2015), researchers measured oxytocin levels in both dogs and their owners before and after positive interactions like eye contact, petting, and talking. Remarkably, both species showed a significant increase in oxytocin, reinforcing the idea that a mutual, hormonal bond is formed through these shared moments of affection.

Empathy and Emotional Contagion

Dogs not only respond to their owners with affection but also appear to share their emotional states. This phenomenon, known as emotional contagion, was explored by Custance and Mayer (2012). In their study, dogs reacted more sensitively to their owners' distress vocalisations compared to those of strangers. Many dogs approached and comforted their owners, a behaviour that strongly suggests empathy rooted in emotional attachment — another hallmark of love.

Behavioural Evidence: How Dogs Show Affection

Beyond the lab, dogs continuously show their love through observable behaviours. In a pioneering study, Topál et al. (1998) investigated social referencing in dogs — the way they look to their owners for cues in unfamiliar situations. Dogs frequently sought reassurance from their humans, highlighting a secure base effect similar to that seen in human infant-parent relationships.

In another observational study, Miklósi and Soproni (2006) analysed how dogs behave during reunions after brief separations. Common behaviours such as tail wagging, leaning into their owners, excited vocalisations, and licking all mirrored expressions of joy and emotional bonding, adding qualitative depth to the evidence of affection.

Conclusion

So, do dogs really love us? The weight of current research suggests the answer is yes — at least in a way that’s emotionally meaningful, biologically reinforced, and behaviourally evident. From brain scans to wagging tails, dogs demonstrate affection that aligns closely with our understanding of love. While we may never know exactly what love feels like to a dog, the science tells us their bond with humans is strong, reciprocal, and deeply rooted in both emotion and biology. As we continue to explore this extraordinary relationship, one thing becomes clear: our dogs may love us more than we ever imagined.