What is it about dogs and their relationship to humans that has seen them dubbed “man’s best friend”?

According to the experts, it’s down to tens of thousands of years of shared history – not to mention their incredible ability to tune into our emotions. Here’s a brief explanation of just why dogs love their owners so much – and how to deepen your relationship with your hound.

An evolutionary love story

“From an evolutionary perspective, the human-dog bond is one of the most fascinating examples of co-evolution we have,” says Caroline Wilkinson, a certified animal behaviourist, and founder of pet coaching service Barket Place. “We didn’t just domesticate dogs – we grew up together. Early wolves who could tolerate humans likely found survival advantages – warmth, food, safety – and in turn, humans gained hunting partners and protection.”

The hormone connection

Owners may joke about their pets being their “fur babies”, but according to Wilkinson, that’s not so far from the truth. “Over time, we’ve both developed brain and hormone responses that actually mirror each other – when we look into our dogs’ eyes, both species release oxytocin, the same bonding hormone shared between mothers and infants.”

She adds that dogs are so good at reading human emotion and behaviour that their own emotions can be impacted by our levels of stress, and that is also why they can be such good predictors of our behaviour.

“I don’t think any other species has adapted so precisely to human social cues,” she says.

Breed, purpose and personality

Of course it may be that certain breeds have triumphed because they have innate characteristics that have proved useful for humans. In the case of Canine Partners, the charity that partners specially trained assistance dogs with people who have physical disabilities, some crosses work particularly well.

“We use a Labrador / Golden Retriever cross quite a lot because Labs are hard-working and motivated, while Retrievers are similar but with a more laid-back, empathetic nature. So the cross tends to be very biddable and trainable,” says Ellie Chadwick, a partnership trainer with Canine Partners. “They are quite easily motivated for food, toys and affection and they’re usually very sociable. Plus they tend to be a good height, which is important for the physical work we need them to do.”

If you want a cuddly dog, gun dogs and spaniels might be your best bet, says award-winning dog trainer, Niki French, founder of the Pup Talk training school. “Sighthounds and Huskies were developed for more independent roles so their loyalty may look different,” she says.

But don’t just focus on breed. French says true attachment is about the individual personality of the dog, and the relationship we build. “A dog who feels safe, understood and supported will always form a deeper connection, regardless of genetics.”

Building a better connection

“The best ways to strengthen a bond are through shared, positive experiences rather than obedience or control,” says French. She recommends a combination of “sniffy walks that let dogs make choices and use their incredible noses, play and enrichment games that build joy, confidence and trust, and calm, predictable time together that helps dogs feel secure.”

Chadwick agrees, saying that in her line of work, the strongest partnerships come from when it’s a real two-way relationship. “Our dogs love to do things for people, but their human partners also need to understand what they can do for their dogs.” And, as with humans, that can be very specific.

“Think about what the individual dog lives for,” suggests Wilkinson, “be it play, sniffing, eating, cuddles or tearing apart a cardboard box. Spending time together on a regular basis – either walking, training, playing or just ‘being’ are the best ways to grow your bond together.”

Fundamentally, it’s like any other relationship. Dogs, like humans, are open to the idea of companionship and a relationship that works for both parties. But, as with humans, it’s about give and take, working out what works for you individually, as a couple, and as a family, and working together to accommodate that.

“The strongest bonds come from choice, trust and shared joy – when dogs feel safe with us, they give that love back many times over,” says French.

Canine Partners is one of four charities supported by this year’s Telegraph Christmas Charity Appeal. The others are Prostate Cancer Research, Motor Neurone Disease Association, and The Not Forgotten. To make a donation, please visit telegraph.co.uk/appeal2025 or call 0151 317 5247