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14 Dog Breeds That Connect Most Deeply With Humans

By: Arlene Divina
Arlene Divina, one of the content writers at IHD, loves going on adventures with her adorable fur baby. She now creates informative content for pet parents. Read more
| August 18, 2024

Dogs have long been known as “man’s best friend,” and this bond is particularly strong with certain breeds. These dogs are known for their deep emotional connections with humans, often forming bonds that go beyond companionship. Whether through their empathetic nature, loyalty, or protective instincts, these breeds have an uncanny ability to understand and respond to human emotions. They thrive on close relationships with their owners and are often described as more than just pets—they become true family members. In this article, we’ll explore 14 dog breeds that are known for their ability to connect deeply with humans, highlighting the unique qualities that make each breed stand out.

14. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, often affectionately called the “Staffie,” is a breed known for its unwavering loyalty and deep connection with its human family. Staffies are incredibly affectionate despite their tough exterior and are often described as “nanny dogs” due to their gentle nature with children. They are highly attuned to their owners’ emotions and are known to provide comfort and companionship during difficult times. Their strong bond with their human family is evident in their eagerness to please and their desire to be close to their loved ones at all times. Staffies thrive on human interaction and are happiest when they are included in family activities, making them one of the breeds that connect most deeply with people.

13. Irish Setter

The Irish Setter is a breed known for its friendly and outgoing personality. These dogs are incredibly affectionate and thrive on close relationships with their human family. Irish Setters are highly sociable and enjoy being involved in family activities, whether it’s going for a run, playing in the yard, or simply lounging on the couch. They are known for their ability to sense their owners’ emotions and respond with empathy and affection. Irish Setters are also highly loyal and protective, often watching over their families and alerting them to potential dangers. Their deep connection with humans is evident in their affectionate behavior and desire to be close to their loved ones.

12. Greyhound

Greyhounds are often associated with racing, but they are also known for their gentle and affectionate nature. Despite their reputation as high-energy dogs, Greyhounds are actually quite calm and enjoy spending time with their human family. They are known for their loyalty and strong bond with their owners, often following them from room to room and seeking out physical closeness. Greyhounds are also highly empathetic and are often used as therapy dogs due to their ability to sense and respond to human emotions. Their deep connection with humans is evident in their affectionate behavior and desire to be close to their loved ones.

11. Brittany Spaniel

The Brittany Spaniel is a breed known for its energetic and friendly nature. These dogs are highly sociable and thrive on close relationships with their human family. Brittanys are known for their loyalty and strong bond with their owners, often forming deep connections through consistent training and interaction. They are also highly intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train and a joy to be around. Brittanys are happiest when they are included in family activities, whether it’s going for a hike, playing in the yard, or simply relaxing at home. Their deep connection with humans is evident in their affectionate behavior and desire to be close to their loved ones.

10. Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are known for their sweet and gentle nature, making them one of the most beloved companion breeds. These dogs are incredibly affectionate and thrive on close relationships with their human family. Cocker Spaniels are highly attuned to their owners’ emotions and often provide comfort and companionship during difficult times. They are also known for their loyalty and desire to please, making them easy to train and eager to be involved in family activities. Cocker Spaniels are happiest when they are close to their loved ones, whether it’s snuggling on the couch or going for a walk. Their deep connection with humans is evident in their affectionate behavior and desire to be close to their loved ones.

9. American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog, often called the “Eskie,” is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and deep bond with its human family. Eskies are highly sociable and thrive on close relationships with their owners, often forming deep connections through consistent training and interaction. They are known for their affectionate nature and their desire to be close to their loved ones at all times. Eskies are also highly intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train and a joy to be around. Their deep connection with humans is evident in their affectionate behavior and desire to be close to their loved ones.

8. Clumber Spaniel

The Clumber Spaniel is a lesser-known breed that is known for its calm and gentle nature. These dogs are incredibly affectionate and thrive on close relationships with their human family. Clumbers are known for their loyalty and strong bond with their owners, often forming deep connections through consistent training and interaction. They are also highly intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train and a joy to be around. Clumbers are happiest when they are included in family activities, whether it’s going for a walk, playing in the yard, or simply relaxing at home. Their deep connection with humans is evident in their affectionate behavior and desire to be close to their loved ones.

7. Keeshond

The Keeshond is a breed known for its friendly and outgoing personality. These dogs are incredibly affectionate and thrive on close relationships with their human family. Keeshonds are highly sociable and enjoy being involved in family activities, whether it’s going for a run, playing in the yard, or simply lounging on the couch. They are known for their ability to sense their owners’ emotions and respond with empathy and affection. Keeshonds are also highly loyal and protective, often watching over their families and alerting them to potential dangers. Their deep connection with humans is evident in their affectionate behavior and desire to be close to their loved ones.

6. Schipperke

The Schipperke is a small, energetic breed known for its intelligence, loyalty, and strong bond with its human family. Schipperkes are highly attuned to their owners’ emotions and often provide comfort and companionship during difficult times. They are also known for their affectionate nature and their desire to be close to their loved ones at all times. Schipperkes are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train and a joy to be around. Their deep connection with humans is evident in their affectionate behavior and desire to be close to their loved ones.

5. Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin is a small, affectionate breed known for its friendly and loving nature. Bred to be companion animals, Japanese Chins have a long history of forming deep bonds with their human companions. They are known for their loyalty and devotion, often following their owners from room to room and seeking out physical closeness. Japanese Chins are also highly empathetic and often seem to sense their owner’s moods, providing comfort and companionship when needed most. Their deep connection with humans is evident in their affectionate behavior, desire to be close to their owners, and friendly nature.

4. Tibetan Spaniel

The Tibetan Spaniel is a small, intelligent breed known for its deep connection with its human family. Originally bred as companions and watchdogs in Tibetan monasteries, Tibetan Spaniels strongly bond with their owners and are known for their loyalty and affectionate nature. They are highly attuned to their owners’ emotions and often provide comfort and companionship during difficult times. Tibetan Spaniels are also known for their protective instincts, often watching over their families and alerting them to potential dangers. Their deep connection with humans is evident in their affectionate behavior, loyalty, and desire to be close to their loved ones.

3. Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized, energetic breed known for its intelligence, loyalty, and deep bond with its human family. Originally bred to assist fishermen, Portuguese Water Dogs are highly attuned to their owners and thrive on close relationships with their human family. They are known for their affectionate nature and their desire to be close to their loved ones at all times. Portuguese Water Dogs are also highly intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train and a joy to be around. Their deep connection with humans is evident in their affectionate behavior, loyalty, and desire to be close to their loved ones.

Portuguese Water Dog

2. Sussex Spaniel

The Sussex Spaniel is a lesser-known breed that is known for its calm and gentle nature. These dogs are incredibly affectionate and thrive on close relationships with their human family. Sussex Spaniels are known for their loyalty and strong bond with their owners, often forming deep connections through consistent training and interaction. They are also highly intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train and a joy to be around. Sussex Spaniels are happiest when they are included in family activities, whether it’s going for a walk, playing in the yard, or simply relaxing at home. Their deep connection with humans is evident in their affectionate behavior and desire to be close to their loved ones.

1. Bergamasco Sheepdog

The Bergamasco Sheepdog is a rare and ancient breed known for its deep connection with its human family. Originally bred as a herding dog in the Italian Alps, the Bergamasco Sheepdog is known for its loyalty, intelligence, and strong bond with its owners. This breed is highly attuned to its human family and often forms deep connections through consistent training and interaction. Bergamascos are known for their protective nature, often watching over their families and alerting them to potential dangers. Their deep connection with humans is evident in their affectionate behavior, loyalty, and desire to be close to their loved ones.

Dog Breeds That Connect Deeply With Humans

These 14 dog breeds are known for their ability to form deep, meaningful connections with their human families. Whether through their loyalty, empathy, or protective nature, these breeds offer more than just companionship—they become true family members. If you are looking for a dog that will connect deeply with you, consider one of these breeds, as they are known for their strong bonds with their human counterparts. Understanding what makes these breeds unique can help you choose the right dog for your family, ensuring a loving and lasting relationship.