If you greet your furry friend before your partner when you get home, you’re not alone.

Whether you're experiencing a high or low in life, it's important to have someone to share it with. For many, that "someone" has four legs, a wagging tail, and always listens.

Recent research from Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary revealed that most dog owners rate their bond with their pet as more satisfying than other relationships. The study, which surveyed 717 dog owners, compared the quality of participants' bonds with their pets to relationships with their children, spouse, best friend, and close relatives. 

The criteria analyzed ranged from reliability and tenderness to complicity, balance of power, care, and frequency of conflict. The result: dogs typically outperform humans (with the exception of intimacy!). 

Less conflict, more snuggles

One of the biggest differences lies in the frequency of negative interactions: they are, naturally, much less common with dogs. There are no arguments over dishes, misplaced jealousy, or unresolved tensions. Owners also emphasize that their dogs offer them constant love, unwavering loyalty, and daily emotional support. In terms of affection, comfort, and reliability, dogs score higher than friends and close family members. 

The study notes that this unique bond also relies on a natural imbalance, with dogs depending on us for everything, from food and care to overall security. This dependent relationship reinforces a sense of purpose and connection in humans. 

In other words, “dogs can be (almost) anything we want them to be,” says Enikő Kubinyi, lead author of the study.

Pets bring out a different type of love

Be weary of idealizing the situation. While a dog loves you out of necessity, a human loves you out of choice. 

A partner, friend, or child brings a more complex love based on reciprocity. A dog will never confront you with your contradictions, but they also won’t push you to grow like a human relationship can. 

Next time you get home from work, be sure to greet your human loved ones as affectionately as your pet.

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