Why Do Dogs Recognize & Prefer Some Dogs Over Other Dogs?

When dogs meet other dogs while out on a walk or at the dog park, their reactions can range from friendly tail wags to cautious stare or even excited barking. It might seem like they’re recognizing each other as fellow dogs, but what’s actually going on in their minds? Do dogs truly know when another animal is a dog, and if so, how?

The answer lies in a combination of senses, instinct, and social experience. And, in fact, some dogs like a particular dog more than others. Let’s break down the different ways that dogs recognize ore even prefer other dogs.

Dogs Know Each Other by Smell

Dogs have an incredibly acute sense of smell.  While we humans rely heavily on sight to navigate our world, dogs use their noses to get information about their surroundings. Every dog has a unique scent, largely produced by their anal glands, and dogs often sniff this area as a way of "reading" each other's identity.

Through this olfactory interaction, they can learn not just the sex of the other dog, but also their age, health, emotional state, and whether they’ve met before. This kind of scent recognition is how many dogs identify and remember other dogs, especially if they’ve had repeated positive or negative experiences. This is why some dogs smell each other’s butts upon meeting.

Body Language and Visual Cues Matter Too

In addition to scent, dogs rely on body language and visual cues. Dogs are remarkably good at reading each other’s body posture, tail position, ear orientation, and facial expressions. These cues help them assess another dog’s intentions, whether they’re playful, submissive, dominant, or nervous. At the dog park or on a walk, dogs often perform a kind of social “check-in,” gauging whether the other dog is friendly or someone to steer clear of.

Why Do Dogs Like Some Dogs More Than Others?

One of the most fascinating parts of canine behavior is watching how they seem to form friendships with specific dogs. You might notice your dog pulling toward one pup with enthusiasm at the park while avoiding or ignoring another. This selective behavior can be based on a variety of factors, including temperament, past experiences, and even play style. In fact, some dogs might even howl at another dog just because they like that particular dogs.

Play Style and Personality Are Big Factors

Dogs, like humans, are drawn to others who behave in ways they understand and enjoy. A highly energetic dog that loves to wrestle may gravitate toward similarly active dogs, while a shy or older dog may prefer calm, gentle companions. When dogs’ play styles match up, they're more likely to form a bond. If one dog is too rough or doesn't respect boundaries, the other may feel threatened or simply uninterested.

A Dog’s Past Experiences Leave a Lasting Impression

Past experiences can also play a big role. If a dog has been frightened or hurt by a particular breed, size, or color of dog, they might carry that memory into future interactions. Likewise, if they've had great experiences with certain dogs, they may show more excitement or comfort when meeting similar ones. This isn’t necessarily a sign of aggression or even snobbery, it’s just your dog is using his or her past experiences to guide future choices.

Scent Memory and Familiarity

Scent memory plays into preferences as well. Dogs remember scents and associate them with emotional outcomes. If your dog had a good time with another dog whose scent they still remember, they may show excitement when that scent reappears. On the flip side, if a scent is associated with a negative event such as an altercation or a vet visit, your dog might act wary or defensive.

Socialization, Age, and Hormones Can Also Influence Behavior

Another aspect to consider is socialization. Dogs who were well-socialized as puppies tend to be more accepting and adaptable in social situations. They’ve learned how to read signals from other dogs and respond appropriately. Dogs with limited socialization may find other dogs overwhelming or confusing, leading to preference for certain “safe” dogs they feel they can understand.

Age and hormonal status also contribute. Young, intact males may be more competitive or selective around other males, particularly if there’s a female in heat nearby. Older dogs might be less tolerant of rowdy puppies. Gender combinations can also affect compatibility—many dogs are more relaxed when meeting members of the opposite sex.

Final Thoughts

Dogs are more socially intelligent than we often give them credit for. They can recognize other dogs through scent, sight, and behavior, and many are capable of remembering those they’ve met before. But whether or not they like another dog depends on a range of factors from personality and play style to past experiences and scent associations.

So, the next time you’re at the dog park or strolling through the neighborhood, take a moment to observe your dog’s behavior. You might start to see the beginnings of a budding friendship—or a polite decision to pass by. Either way, it's all part of how dogs navigate their social world.