If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Kennel Club figures show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels in recent years.
Around one-in-three UK households now contain at least one four-legged friend of the canine kind.
There are 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or crossbreed.
No matter what type of dog you choose to welcome into your home though, you'll be hoping to form a loving and strong bond with your pup.
And, while pooches can’t say ‘I love you’ out loud, they have numerous types of behaviour to let you know.
Here are 12 things your dog does that means they love you as much as you love them.
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5. They love your smell
If your dog is constantly sniffing at various parts of your body it's just because they love you - and your scent - very, very much. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Licking
Licking is a pretty straighforward way that dogs show affection and they learn the behaviour from their mothers who lick their heads shortly after they are born. The areas they tend to target are the cheeks and the hands. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Staying calm when you leave
If your dog seems oddly calm when you leave (particularly when they are so keen to welcome you back) it's not because they don't care - it's because they trust you completely to come back. Why wouldn't you, when you have such a good boy or girl waiting for you at home? Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Stealing clothes
It may be irritating, but if you regularly find socks, pants and tshirts in your dog's best - sometimes with a little light nibbling - it's just their way of feeling close to you when you are not physically near. Photo: Canva/Getty Images