Why dogs are so affectionate?

Answer 1

In all honesty not all dogs are affectionate. It really depends on the breed.

The affection level of dogs in general could probably be attributed to how over the years they've been breed for the sole purpose of either working for humans or serving as a companion. In addition to the fact that dogs are related to wolves and wolves are pack animals. They live together as a unit and require companionship instinctively.

Though, some breeds of dogs are not affectionate, or are very little. Certain breeds will bond with one person or maybe no one at all (a Chow Chow is such a breed) or literally everyone (a Siberian Husky). Another factor to consider is different types of people/things. Dogs can have very different reactions to strangers, adult family members, close friends, children, other dogs, other animals, and small pets.

For example, any member of the sight hound group will chase (and likely kill) any small thing that moves. This is what these breeds were breed for, and it's near impossible to override natural instincts. But at the same time, sight hounds are usually fine with other dogs. A lot of the guard Dog Breeds are very dominating and territorial, and so can be very dangerous to stangers and other dogs, but to their own family can be the sweetest dog in the world (if not allowed to dominate the family and run amok of course).

Usually its best to refer to a breed in question and then go from there.

It also helps in understanding a dogs actions if you consider what that particular breed was bred for. Even if its a mutt, mutts all came from purebreds at one point of another. So say you're thinking of getting an Akita (a big fluffy guard dog bred in Japan). These dogs are guard dogs, and were bred in cold climates. Knowing this gives you a clue that while everydog is an individual it's a good bet that a dog of this breed won't tolerate warm climates well, and will be very territorial, difficult to dominate, and bad with strangers and other dogs. But if you live in a secluded home and want a dog to guard your property/livestock/self and don't often throw parties and have a ton of guests over, and have enough room for this breed, Fantastic! Great breed for you!

Answer 2

In all honesty not all dogs are affectionate. It really depends on the breed.

The affection level of dogs in general could probably be attributed to how over the years they've been breed for the sole purpose of either working for humans or serving as a companion. In addition to the fact that dogs are related to wolves and wolves are pack animals. They live together as a unit and require companionship instinctively.

Though, some breeds of dogs are not affectionate, or are very little. Certain breeds will bond with one person or maybe no one at all (a Chow Chow is such a breed) or literally everyone (a Siberian Husky). Another factor to consider is different types of people/things. Dogs can have very different reactions to strangers, adult family members, close friends, children, other dogs, other animals, and small pets.

For example, any member of the sight hound group will chase (and likely kill) any small thing that moves. This is what these breeds were breed for, and it's near impossible to override natural instincts. But at the same time, sight hounds are usually fine with other dogs. A lot of the guard Dog Breeds are very dominating and territorial, and so can be very dangerous to stangers and other dogs, but to their own family can be the sweetest dog in the world (if not allowed to dominate the family and run amok of course).

Usually its best to refer to a breed in question and then go from there.

It also helps in understanding a dogs actions if you consider what that particular breed was bred for. Even if its a mutt, mutts all came from purebreds at one point of another. So say you're thinking of getting an Akita (a big fluffy guard dog bred in Japan). These dogs are guard dogs, and were bred in cold climates. Knowing this gives you a clue that while everydog is an individual it's a good bet that a dog of this breed won't tolerate warm climates well, and will be very territorial, difficult to dominate, and bad with strangers and other dogs. But if you live in a secluded home and want a dog to guard your property/livestock/self and don't often throw parties and have a ton of guests over, and have enough room for this breed, Fantastic! Great breed for you!