It's a common belief that love isn't exclusive to humans, and those who live with dogs know this well. While canine affection may not mirror human romantic love exactly, dogs are capable of forming strong emotional bonds, displaying intense attachment, and exhibiting behaviors that resemble love.
From seeking proximity to another dog to showing affection and loyalty, many owners have witnessed what appears to be genuine canine infatuation. But do dogs really fall in love? Or is it simply a manifestation of their social instincts?
According to Philip Tedeschi, professor at the Institute for Human-Animal Connection at the University of Denver, dogs can indeed experience love and form deep emotional bonds with their owners and other animals. The bond between humans and dogs is scientifically supported. Oxytocin, known as the "love hormone," plays a key role in these relationships.
A 2015 study by Dr. Miho Nagasawa demonstrated that eye contact between a dog and its owner activates the oxytocin system in both, strengthening the affective bond. This same mechanism is present in other significant relationships, such as between mothers and children or human couples.
Tedeschi explains that, although canine love isn't identical to human love, both share the capacity to feel deep emotions and demonstrate affection intentionally. Concepts such as the Theory of Mind (ToM) and the Belief in Animal Mind (BAM) support the idea that dogs are highly sensitive to social connections.
A study reveals that 94% of owners believe their dogs love them, and 88% claim to understand their "love language."