Anthropomorphism in Dogs: Is It Always a Bad Thing?

True understanding comes when we stop seeing dogs through a human lens and start seeing them for who they are — sentient, emotional, and beautifully canine.

Have you ever been told, “Don’t humanise your dog – they’re not people”?

It’s advice many dog guardians hear. The concern is that if we see our dogs as too much like us, we’ll misunderstand them.

And yes, dogs are not people. They experience the world differently, with their own instincts, senses, and needs. But does that mean recognising familiar emotions like joy, sadness, or frustration in our dogs is wrong? Not at all. In fact, empathy is one of the best tools we have for understanding dog behaviour and emotions.

Do dogs have emotions like humans?

Research shows dogs experience a wide range of emotions, and they express them through behaviour and body language (Horowitz, 2009; Miklósi, 2015). When a guardian says, “I think he looks sad”, they may not be far off.

Where humanising dogs (anthropomorphism) becomes harmful is when we misinterpret those emotions. For example, believing a dog chewed the sofa “out of spite” rather than because of stress, boredom, or unmet needs.

Why dogs and humans connect so deeply

Dogs have evolved alongside humans for thousands of years. They are highly skilled at reading our gestures, following our gaze, and forming emotional bonds with us (Coppinger and Coppinger, 2001; Miklósi, 2015).

This co-evolution means anthropomorphism is not only natural but often helpful. When we describe dogs as loving, joyful, or loyal, we are recognising traits they were selectively bred to develop (Serpell and Duffy, 2014).

Treating dogs as family doesn’t erase who they are – it celebrates the relationship they were made for.

Is it bad to humanise your dog?

The key is balance.

Dogs do share overlapping emotional expressions with us, but their needs don’t always align with human lifestyles. A dog that dislikes cafés isn’t “antisocial” – their sensory world may make that environment stressful. Respecting those differences is part of loving them as family.

So rather than asking whether anthropomorphism is bad, a better question is: how do we use it?

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Three ways to connect with your dog without over-humanising

1. Notice feelings, not motives

It’s fine to say your dog looks happy, excited, or frustrated. But avoid attributing human-style motives like revenge or spite. Dogs aren’t out to get us. Instead, ask: “What might they be feeling, and what do they need?”

2. Think about context

Your dog’s sensory world is not the same as yours. They hear, smell, and experience environments differently. A busy café may feel fun for you but overwhelming for them.

💡 Tip: Before taking your dog somewhere new, ask yourself: “If I were a dog, would this feel safe and enjoyable?”

3. Respect your dog as an individual

Every dog is different. Some love novelty and adventure. Others thrive on routine and predictability (Hsu and Serpell, 2003; Jones and Gosling, 2005). Respecting their preferences helps them feel safe and strengthens your bond.

💡 Tip: Try writing a list of your dog’s “green zone” activities (things they enjoy and feel safe doing) and “red zone”activities (things that overwhelm them). This helps guide everyday decisions.

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Final thought

Anthropomorphism in dogs isn’t the enemy. Done thoughtfully, it helps us empathise and connect. The key is balance – using our human perspective to tune into dogs’ emotions, while respecting their unique needs.

Because the strongest bond isn’t about making dogs more like us – it’s about celebrating who they are.

References

• Coppinger, R. and Coppinger, L., 2001. Dogs: A New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior, and Evolution. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

• Horowitz, A., 2009. Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know. New York: Scribner.

• Hsu, Y. and Serpell, J., 2003. Development and validation of a questionnaire for measuring behavior and temperament traits in pet dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 223(9), pp.1293-1300.

• Jones, A. and Gosling, S., 2005. Temperament and personality in dogs (Canis familiaris): A review and evaluation of past research. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 95(1-2), pp.1-53.

• Miklósi, Á., 2015. Dog Behaviour, Evolution, and Cognition. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

• Serpell, J. and Duffy, D., 2014. Dog breeds and their behavior: The scientific study of Canis familiaris. In: A. Horowitz, ed. Domestic Dog Cognition and Behavior. Heidelberg: Springer, pp.28-54.