Scientists have researched whether dogs can reciprocate human love. The answer lies in your personal definition of love.
Studies show that dog puppies are more attracted to humans and make more eye contact than wolf puppies.
Dogs developed a facial muscle that enables them to establish eye contact with humans, communicating love and devotion.
Dogs' brains show activation in the reward center when they smell their owners, indicating the importance of humans in their lives.
Human and dog brains react similarly to emotion-laden sounds, indicating a strong ability to communicate emotions across species.
Oxytocin, the love hormone, enhances social motivation in dogs to approach and interact with their human partners.
While not identical to human love, the emotional bond dogs form with their owners is strong enough to be called love.