Oh I believe it. My BP is very affectionate and even cuddly. She clearly shows appreciation. For instance, if I help her complete a shed, she patiently waits there while i rub and rub and soak etc etc... Only when we are completely done and I have dried her off, I can count on her coming quickly up to my face in an almost giddy fashion, flicking my nose, and then rubbing her snout against my nose repeatedly, then just staring at me until I laugh. It's great.