The Truth Behind Why Dogs Love Their Owners' Hugs
The Origin of Hugging
One of the many reasons why dogs enjoy hugging so much is because it provides them with warmth. There's an old saying in foreign countries that describes the extreme cold of winter as "a night with three dogs" – it's said that even if a person were to hold three dogs at once, they would still freeze to death.
In recent years, archaeologists have uncovered numerous fossils showing human ancestors embracing their canine ancestors. This discovery has led many zoologists to believe that the initial reason humans domesticated dogs, aside from providing warning signals, was for warmth.
From an evolutionary perspective, dogs also exhibit hugging behavior among themselves. Newborn puppies instinctively know to huddle together for warmth. Conversely, have you ever seen a newborn animal that doesn't instinctively seek warmth by huddling together? Those animals that did not evolve this instinct have long since become extinct.
Researchers believe that the reason humans and dogs can coexist so harmoniously today is because of the unique bond they share. Theoretically, in the wild, humans and dogs would have had to hug each other for warmth to survive. This behavior has evolved from a shared survival instinct to a symbol of affection.
From a dog's perspective
For dogs, hugging their owner not only provides warmth but also serves as a way to express affection. Why do dogs use hugging as a means of expressing love? Studies have shown that when humans and dogs hug, both parties experience fluctuations in oxytocin levels.
The longterm evolutionary relationship between humans and dogs has reinforced this behavior, and it is this hugging that reflects how closely connected our ancestors were. Would you hug a chicken? Would you hug a cow? Of course not, but humans do hug dogs. This is because oxytocin not only brings happiness but also fosters trust between individuals.
Why do some dogs prefer hugging?
Genetics play the most significant role; simply put, smaller dogs tend to enjoy being hugged by humans more. This is not only because they need the warmth provided by human bodies but also because small dogs often feel less secure and more lacking in confidence, so they seek a "protector."
On the other hand, dogs with a strong sense of independence usually do not like to be hugged by humans. The most common example is the terrier breeds, such as the Boston Terrier, which are known for their stubbornness. Their greatest compromise is to lean against their owner, but if you try to give them a heartfelt hug, they might mistake it for a threat.
