13/06/2025
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New research out of Sweden just proved your dog really does love you, but on a genetic level. Scientists at Linköping University found that oxytocin, the hormone tied to love and trust, plays a powerful role in how dogs bond with humans. Over thousands of years, dogs developed unique oxytocin receptor variants that make them more affectionate, more loyal, and better companions in our modern world.
Experts say we’re entering a brand-new phase of dog evolution. Unlike the past, when dogs were bred to guard or herd, today’s service dogs are being selected for traits like empathy, calmness, and emotional intelligence. They’re not just better behaved, they’re biologically wired to connect with us.
So yes, your dog isn’t just man’s best friend. They’re part of an ongoing co-evolution shaped by city life, human emotion, and a future where connection matters more than muscle.