In many homes and gardens there are pairs of dogs searching for each other, chasing each other, grooming each other, and lying together as if they were inseparable. For those who live with dogs, the idea that some animals form special bonds, beyond mere tolerance, is self-evident. But in animal behavior science, things are usually viewed through a magnifying glass: Is what we see as friendship, or just a coincidence of common interests and habits?
In recent years, interest in these relationships has increased. from Transferring stories into systematic notes At doggie day care centers, the question has gone from an anecdote to a researchable hypothesis. At the same time, comparisons with wild canine relatives, such as wolves, call for caution, since social structures vary widely between species, and domestication has significantly modified canine social communication.
What does it mean for a dog to have a “best friend”?
In humans we talk about friendship as an ongoing emotional relationship, with reciprocity, preference for company and mutual supportive behaviors. Applying the term to dogs requires translation These criteria are related to observable behaviors, such as topographical preference (seeking the company of a particular individual), synchrony in play, tolerance in resource sharing, stress upon separation, and support behaviors in situations of threat or illness.
Not all experts use the word “friendship” in the same way, and some ethicists prefer to talk about “preferred partners” or “preferred companions” to emphasize that in animals, this bond can be functional (beneficial in terms of survival or stress management) rather than morally analogous to human friendship.
Story and science
Records abound. Stanley Coren, the famous psychologist and dog researcher, collects famous episodes in one of his articles, such as the story of a Labrador dog who rescues and adopts a kitten, or the story of dogs who refuse to give up a run over companion, which to any human being would seem like acts of friendship and altruism. These stories are valuable because they show the emotional and social capacity of the dog, but they are not a substitute for systematic studies.
On the other hand, ethological research and work in natural contexts have documented that many social mammals develop associative preferences. In domestic dogs and in controlled situations (such as doggie day care centers and socialization groups mentioned above), observers have consistently described that Some individuals choose to play with specific partnersWith whom they share space and show less aggression towards each other. That is, there are repeatable patterns that justify talking about real social preferences.
What benefits does having a best friend bring you?
Studies and clinical practice indicate clear advantages. Dogs with a preferential disposition towards a specific other person play and exercise more, which leads to better physical condition. They are also present Low stress levels In group settings, resulting in fewer problem behaviors.
Surprisingly, veterinarians have noticed the appearance of these types of dogs Better immunity and overall healthwhich may be linked to reducing chronic stress, although evidence for these physiological effects is still in its infancy. On a practical level, knowing that your dog has a special relationship can help you plan social gatherings and choose compatible playmates.
What determines whether two dogs will become friends?
There is no single formula to explain why two dogs love each other. Friendship between them is a complex process, shaped by multiple factors that interact with each other. One of the most important Early experiencePuppies who grow up surrounded by other dogs learn to communicate, read body signals, and better tolerate the presence of different individuals. This early socialization leaves a lasting mark that facilitates coexistence and understanding in adult life.
he Game type It also plays an important role. Many dog relationships are born at the park when two dogs discover that they enjoy the same things, such as running in circles, chasing each other, or exchanging tugs of war. Compatibility in play style is, in a way, the canine equivalent of sharing human hobbies.
Added to this are individual characteristics. mood, Energy levelOr force or even measuring They can influence how a relationship develops. An overly excited dog can be confusing to a calmer dog, and vice versa, so temperamental closeness is usually just as important as physical closeness.
he Human context It also has a noticeable weight. Dogs who share the same walks, parks, or daily routines tend to generate stronger bonds simply because their trainers encourage frequent encounters. These are what we might call “proximity friendships,” the bonds that arise because people meet again and again in the same places.
Finally, though Sex and reproductive status It can affect the dynamics, there are no fixed rules. Stable friendships exist between males, between females, and between individuals of the opposite sex, and infertility can modify some behaviors, but it does not prevent the formation of bonds. Ultimately, canine relationships are as variable as human relationships, influenced by chemistry, shared experiences, and, above all, time.
How to Foster Healthy Canine Friendships
If we want our dog to thrive socially, the key is Controlled and repeated exposure Through joint tours, gradual and supervised meetings, avoiding forced contact. Games should be safely interruptable and not turn interaction into a competition for resources.
Choosing partners with a compatible play style and remaining alert to signs of stiff postures, tense ears, or avoidance gestures reduces risk and promotes mutual tolerance.
And “enemies”?
At this point, it is worth remembering that preferences also mean aversions. If some dogs find their best ally in others, it is not difficult to imagine that some individuals become intolerable to them. Jealousy, incompatibility in play, fear, or past negative experiences can turn another dog into a stressor, even a social enemy. But this We will explore this in another article..