Why do we love dogs more than humans? Scientists have found the answer
A dog is a member of the family, a pet, a best friend.
But what does this bond actually look like in terms of psychology and social relationships? Researchers from Eötvös Loránd University (Hungary) decided to figure it out and compared the human-dog relationship to four types of human bonds: child, partner, relative and friend.
After interviewing over 700 dog owners, they found an interesting thing: the dog in our world is a hybrid of a child and a best friend, only with added control.
🧠 What did the study reveal?
A dog is the ultimate companion. Owners cited their dog as their most trusted companion, with whom they had the least conflict.
Unconditional love. People felt their dog was the one who loved them the most - more than their partner, children and friends.
Like a child - but without the tantrums. Dogs make you feel cared for, secure, needed. Almost like a child - but without the scandals.
Like a friend - but obedient. A dog is easy, pleasant, and you're in charge. Unlike friends, a dog doesn't argue or betray.
👑 The owner is in charge
Scientists emphasise: an important part of this special bond is the asymmetry of power. That is: the person decides everything - where to live, what to eat, when to take a walk. It is this sense of control that makes such relationships stable and predictable. Hence the high level of satisfaction: minimum conflict and maximum reciprocity.
💬 What do the scientists themselves say?
Dr Eniko Cubini, author of the study:
"The relationship with a dog combines the warmth of parental care, the ease of friendship and the reliability of a subordinate, which makes it particularly valuable for humans."
But there's an important clarification. The study found that people with good human connections also have stronger bonds with dogs. So a dog is not a "replacement" for a partner or friend, but a complement.
Dr Dorotia Ujfaluššši adds:
"We expected lonely people to be more attached to dogs, but it turned out to be the opposite - the more supportive they are in life, the warmer and warmer the bond with the animal."
🧩 So what does this all mean?
The authors of the study suggest looking at dogs not just as "pets" or "family members", but introduce a new, multi-dimensional model of relationships in which the dog occupies a unique place between caring, friendship and personal autonomy for humans.
This is why, for many, a dog is more than an animal. It's part of their social and emotional stability.