Vet‑Approved 2025: Can Dogs Really Have “Best Friends”? Understanding Canine Bonds 🐶💞

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Many pet parents wonder: Do dogs bond with specific four‑legged companions the way humans form friendships? Research and real‑world experience say yes. In 2025, veterinary behaviorists recognize that dogs can form meaningful social bonds—choices and preferences that go beyond simple pack survival. This guide explores how canine friendships form, how to identify them, why they matter for health & wellbeing, and how you can support your pup’s social life.

🐕 What Defines a “Dog Best Friend”?

According to PetMD, canine “best friends” aren’t just playmates—they are preferred partners who:

• Stay close to each other when free to roam.
• Display more play and positive interaction with one another.
• May share toys or rest areas more willingly—but often not food, bed, or owner.

These bonds may cross species lines—dogs can become best friends with cats, even rabbits or their humans.

🧬 What the Science Shows

1. Oxytocin strengthens dog‑dog bonds

A study in PNAS found that dogs release oxytocin—the “bonding hormone”—when interacting positively with conspecifics. This is the same hormone associated with friendship and parenting in humans.

2. Social benefits boost health & happiness

The Dog Aging Project revealed that dogs living with companions enjoy better health outcomes—social interaction ranked stronger than financial or age-related factors.

3. Human–dog bonds mirror child and partner relationships

Recent studies show that owners often describe their relationship with dogs as uniquely satisfying—combining traits of a friendship and parent‑child dynamic.

4. Owners believe their dogs have friend groups

A Camp Bow Wow survey found 69% of US dog parents believe their dog has the best canine friend, and 54% say their dog socializes more than they do.

🤔 How Dogs Choose Their Friends

• Comfort & personality match: Dogs may favor friends with complementary temperaments or play styles.
• Early socialization matters: Puppies exposed to other dogs during the critical 3–14‑week window form stronger later bonds.
• Repeated positive interactions: Walks, playdates, daycare—these let friendships form organically.
• Common routines & experiences: Dogs who live or travel together often become tighter companions.

🌟 Signs Your Dog Has a Best Friend

📈 Why It Matters for Your Dog’s Wellbeing

• Emotional support: Friendships ease stress, separation anxiety, and transitions.
• Social enrichment: Play sharpens cognitive skills, reduces behaviors linked to boredom or fear.
• Better health: Social dogs may live longer and enjoy better physical wellbeing.

🛠 Encouraging Healthy Canine Friendships

• Neutral location introductions: Short leash walks facing opposite directions, gradually decreasing space.
• Parallel walks: Let dogs walk side-by-side without direct contact—builds trust.
• Supervised off‑leash play: Watch body language, recognize friendly signals vs. tension.
• Regular playdates: Encourage meetup consistency at parks, daycare or friends’ homes.
• Respect personalities: Don’t force interactions if one dog prefers solitude.

🔍 Common Misconceptions

• All dogs must be best friends: Some dogs thrive solo or prefer your human companionship.
• Breed determines friendship: It’s about personality and experience, not size or coat.
• Sharing food equals bonding: Some dogs bond but guard food or beds—it's normal.

📱 Ask A Vet App 2025 Support

• 📹 Share introduction or play session clips—get feedback on timing, consent, and cues.
• 🧩 Receive tailored social planning—ideal companion suggestions based on play style and schedule.
• 💬 Live coaching—help navigating group park settings, pack integration, or quiet solo times.

❤️ Final Thoughts

Yes, dogs can have best friends—relationships built on trust, positive experiences, and mutual enjoyment. In 2025, vet‑approved science supports canine friendship as a source of emotional wellness and physical health. By recognizing signs, respecting personalities, and supporting healthy interactions, you help your dog thrive socially. Whether it's another pup or even you, they deserve friendships just like we do. 🐶✨

Want a playdate planner, friendship tracker, or dog-friend compatibility quiz? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app for expert retrospectives, custom recommendations, and live support—helping your dog connect, play, and grow happier! 🐾