A dog's sense of smell is 10,000-100,000x better than humans. Licking allows them to better analyze scents on your face.
Scent Detection
Dogs have 1,700 taste buds compared to 9,000 in humans. Licking allows them to explore tastes they find interesting.
Taste Exploration
Mother dogs lick their puppies to groom and soothe them. Face licking is calming and comforting.
Soothing Instinct
Dogs can detect health issues like cancer through scent. Licking provides information on your health and wellbeing.
Health Check
Dogs lick when bored or stressed. Face licking self-soothes and passes time.
Boredom Buster
Dogs study human facial expressions. Licking helps them learn what you like or don't like
Preferences
Bottom line - dogs lick your face because you're their family. It shows they trust and feel affection for you.
They Care