Dogs have a natural urge to fetch and return things, which probably comes from their wolf ancestors, who brought prey back to their pack.
Also, some specialized (think Retrievers) were bred specifically to retrieve things, and that instinct makes them bring their favorite toys or items to you.
Another reason dogs learn gift giving is the praise they get after it. All in all, most dogs play tug of war with you by bringing you things they like.
Let’s see which dogs are eager to bring you their favorite stuffed animal to show love and affection.
Dog Breeds That Bring Owners Their Favorite Items Daily
1. German Shepherd
German Shepherds were bred as hardworking herding dogs with strong instincts. Since their job was to herd and protect sheep, they were expected to carry things without hurting them.
Naturally, that instinct to bring back things is strong in the breed; it has only shifted from sheep to toys, balls, or whatever they like.
German Shepherds have one of the highest working IQs (they are ranked third among the smartest dog breeds) and are a top choice as military and police dogs.
These pups have long been used as working dogs, and when a German Shepherd dog brings you something, it means it’s reporting back to the leader. To them, you’re their pack leader, and showing or giving you their toy feels like a job well done.
2. Poodle
Poodles were bred for duck hunting in Germany and were later used as water retrievers, as per Pawlicy. These dogs were loved for their looks (pretty privilege?) and soon became popular in the nobility all across Europe.
These smart dogs understand patterns quickly and know what gets your attention. So when they bring you chew toys or stuffed animals, they’re thinking, ‘Look, I did something good. Now let’s play. And you’d better match that energy to keep the dog busy.
This breed’s work ethic and eagerness to please make Poodles natural sharers, so when a saliva-riden soft toy is dropped on your feet, take it as a sign of love.
3. Border Collie
Border Collies are sharp-minded, quick-footed overachievers who are always a step ahead. They live for challenges, thrive on purpose, and can turn even the simplest task into a mission. The AKC says that a Border Collie is a bit too amazing for pet owners who do not have the time or energy to keep it occupied, hinting at this one’s cheerful nature.
These joyful dogs were bred as ultimate herding dogs, and they worked alongside herders for centuries. Their job was to spot what’s out of place and bring it back to make sure the boss is happy, and that instinct is still going strong.
Border Collies’ ‘collect and deliver’ nature can sometimes focus their playtime on finding what’ll make you happy and delivering that.
4. Labrador Retriever
The answer is in the name; a Labrador Retriever’s job is to retrieve things to make the owner happy. According to Purina, these dogs were bred on the coast of Newfoundland to help fishermen with fishing nets, and their nature still carries those traces.
Even today, a Lab cannot resist grabbing its toy and dropping it at your feet because that’s what it’s bred to do. Also, these dogs are people pleasers. They read your mood fast, and if you feel distant or down, they try to gain your attention by bringing you a gift.
If you praise or play with them for the gifting gesture, their brains release feel-good and bonding hormones to make them feel even more loved by you.
5. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is one of the most loved dogs worldwide because of its people-centric personality and gentle nature. These dogs were bred as hunting dogs and also to fetch ducks from the water without damaging them.
That’s the reason Goldens are natural fetchers because their instinct to pick things up and bring them to you comes from generations of being bred to grab game and gently return it.
These adorable dogs love humans, and if they learn that bringing something makes you happy, that praise becomes their reward for this little fetching exercise. They might also bring you toys as an invitation for a walk, talk, or play session in case you haven’t done that in a while.
6. Papillon
Papillons might look like fragile toy dogs, but their roots go back to European royal courts, where they were known as dwarf Spaniels. These small dogs were both companions and problem-solvers as they would frequently chase small pests around palaces.
These dogs’ active Spaniel blood is still in them, which is why they love picking things up and bringing them to you. For them, it’s natural to see an item, grab it, and show it off to their owners.
They quickly learn that when they bring you a toy or something you dropped, they are praised, and who doesn’t like a little pat on the back? These social butterflies bring you their favorite toys to say, ‘Hey, let’s have fun together.’
7. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds were bred to be quick thinkers, fast movers, and all-day workers. Their initial job was to spot a stray sheep, circle it, and bring it back. Naturally, that ‘find it and return it’ behavior hasn’t gone anywhere.
Today, instead of rounding up livestock, an Australian Shepherd might proudly bring you its favorite item or something they found outside and liked; sometimes that can be a little tacky, so don’t say we didn’t warn you. But it’s the thought that counts, right?
Aussies are one of the top working breeds in terms of intelligence, and they love having tasks to complete; the things these puppies bring to the house are part of their daily tasks.
These efforts are also good for their physical and mental stimulation because the study things they find and bring them to you safely; all of that requires focus.
Conclusion
Dogs love their owners, and when you love someone, you do things for them. So if your dog brings a little souvenir for you, return the favor with some treats and make your home even happier. These furballs have their ways of showing love; encourage them and enjoy the perks of a happy pet.
These dog breeds are gentle and lively; they bring their favorite stuff to their owners to seek their attention. This brings them happiness.
