Loyal
Dogs are widely known for their unwavering loyalty to their owners and families. There are countless stories of dogs waiting for lost owners, protecting homes, and even putting themselves in harm’s way to keep their humans safe. For example, one story tells of a dog named Hachiko in 1920s Japan who continued to wait faithfully at a train station for his owner every day for over 9 years after his owner passed away (Source). There are also many reports of dogs vigorously defending homes against intruders and barking to alert families of danger. Their loyalty stems from the strong bond and devotion they feel towards their family and master.
Friendly
Dogs are well known for being very friendly animals. This friendliness towards both humans and other dogs likely stems from their highly social nature. As pack animals, dogs crave companionship and interaction. Studies have shown that the act of socializing and playing releases feel-good brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine in dogs (BBC News, 2017).
Dogs that are exposed to humans from a young age tend to view people as part of their social group or “pack.” Their desire for friendship drives them to initiate play and seek out affection from their human counterparts. Research suggests that key genes related to hypersociability, which enable dogs to read human social cues, may have developed during the domestication process (BBC News, 2017).
Dogs are also known to get along well with other canine species. This is likely due to their pack mentality and ability to communicate through body language and vocalizations. Dog parks and daycares take advantage of this friendly and playful nature by providing social opportunities for dogs to interact with members of their own species.
Dogs have even been known to befriend animals of different species, including cats, birds, and more. Their eager and non-aggressive nature allows them to form bonds across species barriers. With proper socialization, dogs can live harmoniously alongside other pets in the home.
Intelligent
Dogs are intelligent animals capable of learning a wide variety of commands, tricks, and jobs. According to PetMD, studies have shown that dogs can learn around 165 words and gestures. They are quick to learn basic obedience commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come,” as well as more complex tricks.
Working dogs like police dogs, bomb-sniffing dogs, search and rescue dogs, and service dogs demonstrate high levels of intelligence by successfully completing extensive specialized training. Border collies, poodles, German shepherds, and golden retrievers consistently rank as some of the most intelligent dog breeds due to their trainability and ability to learn new tasks.
Researchers believe a dog’s intelligence is similar in some ways to a human toddler’s level of cognitive development. According to Wikipedia, studies have shown dogs can count, understand object names, engage in deductive reasoning, and have some understanding of human emotions. A dog’s thinking and problem-solving capabilities can continue to improve with training and age.
Playful
Dogs are known for being playful creatures, especially when they are young. Playing comes naturally to dogs and allows them to express their instincts. As puppies and young dogs, play time helps them build physical strength and coordination. It also enables them to practice important skills like hunting, chasing, and fighting. Interacting and playing with humans and other dogs is key to developing social skills as well.
Play remains important for adult dogs too. It provides much needed physical activity, mental stimulation, and stress relief from boredom. Playing games like fetch, tug-of-war, hide-and-seek, and more is a great way to bond with your dog. It’s also an excellent opportunity for training. Playtime is essential for a dog’s health and quality of life. As the old saying goes, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” This applies to our canine friends as well.
According to pet experts, play is absolutely vital for dogs. As one article puts it, “Play Is Key To Our Dogs Well Being” (https://www.puppyleaks.com/importance-play-dogs-revealed/). Play allows dogs to express natural behaviors in a safe setting. It also strengthens the human-animal bond. Make sure your dog has plenty of playtime and interactive toys to stay happy and stimulated.
Affectionate
Dogs are highly affectionate creatures that love to show their humans how much they care through physical touch and emotional displays. One of the main ways dogs show affection is through snuggling and leaning against their owners. The physical closeness and gentle pressure releases oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone,” in both the dog and human. This hormonal response reinforces the bond between dog and owner.1
Dogs also show affection by smothering their owners with sloppy, excited kisses. While humans may not fully enjoy the sensation of dog kisses, this behavior comes from a place of genuine love and care. Dogs kiss using their tongues because it helps them gather sensory information about their environment. By licking their owners, dogs can better understand the scent, taste, and chemical makeup of someone they hold dear. So while dog kisses may seem unwelcome, they actually signify deep affection.2
Finally, dogs express their loving natures through exuberant greetings. When owners return home, their dogs often jump, spin, wag their tails, whine, and bark to show how much they were missed. These animated, excited reactions reflect the genuine joy dogs feel upon reuniting with their favorite people. Overall, dogs have numerous ways to demonstrate how deeply affectionate they are, from snuggling to sloppy kisses.
Happy
Dogs have a variety of ways to express when they are feeling happy and joyful. Two of the most noticeable signals are tail wagging and excited barking or jumping. When dogs are happy, they tend to wag their tails in a wide, circular motion. This shows their excitement. As the Whole Dog Journal explains, “Tail wagging is a near-universal sign of friendliness in dogs.”
Happy dogs also frequently engage in excited barking and jumping up, especially when their owner returns after being away. As Rover notes, “When your dog is really excited to see you, he may jump up or bark.” These behaviors are the dog’s way of communicating their happiness at your arrival.
Studies show that dogs do actually feel complex emotions like happiness. Research has found differences in brain activity between relaxed and excited states in dogs, indicating they experience various emotional states. So when a dog is eagerly wagging and jumping, it can be concluded they are genuinely feeling happy. Through tail wags, barks, and jumps, dogs are able to clearly communicate their joyful emotions.
Sources:
https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/behavior/what-are-signs-of-happiness-in-dogs/
https://www.rover.com/ca/blog/is-my-dog-happy/
Energetic
Dogs are naturally energetic animals that love exercise, play, and having a job to do. They have an innate need for both physical and mental stimulation in order to stay happy and well-adjusted. Without proper outlets for their energy, dogs can become bored, frustrated, and potentially destructive.
According to canine expert Sarah Stremming, most dogs should have regular off-leash walks or hikes to satisfy their need for exercise and decompression (source). The amount of exercise a dog needs varies based on factors like age, size, and breed. But daily walks and playtime are important for all dogs.
In addition to physical activity, dogs need mental stimulation through training, games, and toys. Engaging their natural intelligence and problem-solving skills prevents boredom and behavioral issues. Providing enjoyable activities that exercise both their bodies and minds is key to keeping dogs energized and content.
Sociable
Dogs are highly social animals that thrive when they have company. As pack animals, dogs enjoy being part of a group and interacting with other dogs as well as people. Socialization from a young age is very important for a dog’s development and helps them become well-adjusted canine citizens. According to this article, proper socialization teaches dogs how to interact appropriately with both animals and humans.
Well-socialized dogs that frequently interact with other dogs and people are generally happier, less stressed, and more confident. They know how to read canine body language and cues, which helps avoid conflicts and facilitates play. Taking your dog to a dog park or daycare provides an excellent opportunity to socialize and bond with other dogs. According to the American Kennel Club, well-run dog parks allow pups to play together off-leash, which satisfies their need for physical activity and socialization.
Brave
One of the most admirable qualities in dogs is their bravery and courage to defend their families or assist humans in dangerous situations. Working dogs like police dogs, military dogs, and search and rescue dogs exhibit immense bravery in their duties. For example, when a police dog chased down an armed suspect at night, it showed courage despite the risk (https://bravedogs.io/). Some stories of canine bravery involve dogs defending children from snakes or wild animals, pulling people from burning buildings, or alerting families to intruders or fires in the home.
Certain dog breeds are known for being particularly brave, including German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Doberman Pinschers, and Rottweilers. However, mixed breeds and dogs of all sizes have been known to demonstrate remarkable bravery. The bond between dogs and their human families can inspire dogs to perform heroic feats. With their protective instincts, intelligence, and loyalty, dogs have proven time and again just how brave they can be in the face of danger.
Loving
Dogs are known for being loving companions that form strong bonds with human families. This loving nature stems from their innate desire to give and receive affection (1). Dogs thrive when they can shower their human owners with unconditional love and act as loyal protectors and confidants. The loving connection between a dog and human can be just as strong as between family members. Dogs express their love through excited greetings, cuddling close, gentle licks, and tail wags. Their loving gaze and desire to always be near their owners shows how much they cherish the relationship. For many families, dogs are as beloved as any other member. Their innate loving spirit brings great joy and comfort. Dogs give love freely and make wonderful companions.
Sources:
(1) https://approvedbyfritz.com/blogs/news/why-dogs-love-people-and-people-love-dogs