- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
It’s an old adage that dogs are man’s best friend—but why dogs are so loyal to humans? For lots of pet parents, a dog’s tail wags, gifts, and affection reflect a deep devotion that seems to go beyond thanks for snacks and a warm bed.
To learn more about the relationship between humans and canines, we reached out to two experts. Here’s what Dr. Terry Fossum, a board-certified veterinary surgeon and the CEO and founder of Dr. Fossom’s Pet Care, and Dr. Nell Ostermeier, DVM, a veterinary advisor at Figo Pet Insurance, had to say about why dogs are so loyal.
How Did Dogs Evolve To Be Loyal to Humans?
According to experts, the relationship between humans and dogs dates back to prehistoric times.
“Dogs evolved from wolves, and through domestication, they developed a bond with humans based on mutual benefit. Early humans provided food and shelter, while dogs offered protection and companionship. Over time, this relationship deepened, leading to the loyalty we see in dogs today,” Dr. Fossum told Rover.
Added Dr. Ostermeier: “There is evidence from ancient times that dogs were buried along with humans, indicating a relationship and possibly even a bond that goes back thousands of years.”
As dogs and humans evolved together, people began selectively breeding dogs for certain traits and behaviors to aid with specific tasks. For instance, Shepherd and Collie breeds were utilized to herd livestock on farms and ranches, while hunters capitalized on Hounds and Spaniels‘ superior sense of smell to help them locate and retrieve fowl and other game.
Nowadays, many dogs are considered companions and part of the family. Dogs reciprocate by offering emotional support to their families in the form of unlimited nuzzles, licks, and tail wags. In addition, research has shown that owning a pet may even offer health benefits for people, such as an improved mood and reduced stress. Regular walks around the neighborhood with a dog may also provide a boost to cardiovascular health.
Loyalty, Love, or Reinforcement History?
Loyalty in dogs is often characterized by how attentive a dog is to their primary caretaker. Some dogs will even follow their favorite person around the house from room to room. This type of behavior demonstrates a strong attachment to their primary caretaker. After all, it makes sense for dogs to want to stay close to the person who is their main source of food, entertainment, and attention.
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Are certain dog breeds more loyal than others?
While all dogs can demonstrate loyalty, working dogs are especially inclined to be loyal, given their close working relationship with humans.
According to Dr. Fossum, “Some breeds are naturally more loyal due to their history and temperament. Breeds like Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Border Collies are known for their strong loyalty, often stemming from their working roles alongside humans.”
However, many pet parents believe the bond they share with their dogs goes beyond simple loyalty, an idea that Dr. Fossum strongly agrees with.
“Dogs absolutely feel love, not just loyalty,” she said. “Research shows that dogs produce oxytocin, often called the ‘love hormone,’ when interacting with their humans. This suggests that their bond with us goes beyond loyalty to a deep emotional connection.”
Why are dogs loyal to abusive owners?
It can be challenging to understand why dogs still demonstrate loyalty to owners who don’t treat them well. While we can never know exactly what a dog is thinking in these situations, a dog may continue to demonstrate loyalty out of fear and a desire to please, explained Dr. Ostermeier.
“Dogs in abusive situations are constantly striving to do the right thing. I think the reasons are complicated and different for every dog, just as they are in humans who stay in abusive situations. But dogs have no choice,” she explained.
Is pack mentality a myth?
Some people believe that dogs demonstrate loyalty out of allegiance to their “pack leader,” their owners. However, this idea is now an outdated one, according to experts.
“While dogs do benefit from structure and leadership, they are not necessarily driven by the same dominance hierarchies seen in wolves. Positive reinforcement and understanding your dog’s needs foster a better relationship,” said Dr. Fossum.
Dr. Ostermeier agreed. “Older training models for dogs suggested that you need to establish a hierarchy due to pack mentality, meaning you need to show dominance as the pet parent by walking through doors first, standing above them, or eating first. We now understand that the relationship between dogs and their family is much more dynamic, and positive training methods are more effective. So, ditch the pack or dominance approach, and work as a family team on positive reinforcement with your pet.”
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How Does a Dog Show Loyalty?
Here are some of the ways that dogs may demonstrate loyalty to their owner, family, or favorite person. Behaviors to watch for include:
- Greeting or showing excitement when their favorite person comes homes
- Following their person from room to room
- Sitting or lying down close by
- Closely watching their person or making eye contact
- Listening to and obeying commands
- “Guarding” or protecting their person from perceived dangers
- Seeking out attention or physical touch
- Showing affection by licking, cuddling, or nuzzling
- Bringing their person “gifts,” such as a stick or a leaf
The reasons why dogs may exhibit these behaviors can vary largely. For instance, dogs who may protect their owner may be doing so as a form of resource-guarding. Some breeds may have naturally protective instincts after generations of selective breeding for that trait.
Also, don’t be surprised if a dog prefers one of their owners over another, especially if the person they prefer is the one who always dishes out the food and treats. The dog may simply be motivated by the positive reinforcement of that relationship rather than out of pure loyalty.
A dog may show loyalty for reasons that are more nuanced than meet the eye. But one thing is certain: Dogs have become part of our families. We take pride in our dogs, play with them, hold them close, and rely on them. Often, dogs truly deserve their status as a person’s best friend.
