For thousands of years we humans have resided on this planet. The only other species that has always been by our side is the faithful dog. That may probably be one of the reasons why most families in the U.S. have a pet dog. They are also smart and talented. They have protected us, working right by our sides. So, this list is dedicated to these cuties who have accompanied us through thick and thin. It will help us to explore why dogs make the best companions for humans –
1. Loyalty
Dogs have been loyal in every situation. They have even helped their masters in wars and battles. Your dog is always at your side, especially when you are sad. This holds true for almost all breeds of canines. Dogs are extremely loyal if they see that their master is reciprocating the feelings. If the bonding between the pet and master is good, the canines want to stay with their owner all the time.
2. Sense of Humor
Dogs have a great sense of humor. In fact, the canine species love both – to play pranks and getting pranked all the time. You will agree that your dog always has a little grin when you call out its name during supper. Overall, dogs have such a funny personality! Playing with your shoes and chasing their tails, barking loudly for no reason, even smiling for pictures or gnawing anything it finds. They are always busy in entertaining themselves.
3. Friendliness
Dogs are extremely friendly with human beings. None of the human-animal bonding can come near to it. No other animal can be as friendly as your dog. When you return home from work/school, then your dog comes running to the door to greet you, and that is a sight to relish. Nothing else in the world can match up to this joy.
4. Helpfulness
Those frisky critters are helpful as hell! They can sniff and hear danger from a distance. Not only that, they can even find out when you have contracted a disease. Dogs also stand guard against prowlers at night. They are always eager to lend a helping hand…er…paw to anyone who needs it. They can smell a bomb concealed in a trunk, they even help in the military forces. They work as firehouse companions, therapy dogs and what not! Is there anything that they don’t do?
5. Companionship
They didn’t come up with the phrase, “A man’s best friend” for nothing! Your dog will always accompany you wherever you go. Whether it’s going for walks or eating dinner. If you are sleeping, or just sitting all by yourself, this companion will never leave your side. Dogs are amazing and loved by everybody. The house is never empty when you have your best companion by your side. They are loyal, loving and very forgiving.
6. Intelligence
Dogs are excellent hunters and know when they should pounce on a prey. Only cats are able to beat them in terms of intelligence. Dogs can sense impending danger like natural disasters and warn people ahead of time. When a house is on fire, it is the dog that makes sure that it and its master leave at the same time. Needless to say, a dog is like a friend who never deserts you in desperate times.
7. They learn new things quickly
As dogs are quite intelligent, they learn things faster than others. Generally, when they are taught something, they can grasp it in one try only. However, intelligence varies from breed to breed. So, if your dog is a Golden Retriever, then they learn things in a jiffy. The pugs however, might not the reach the same level of cleverness.
8. Emotion
One can’t think of any other animal that has emotions so similar to that of human beings. Although all animals are emotional at some level, but a dog’s emotions are so much pronounced. In fact, they can even catch what you might be feeling at the moment. If you are gloomy, it can read your eyes. Then it will make sure that it sits near your feet and comforts you till your mood hasn’t changed.
9. Kid-Friendly
A new puppy is a little kid that needs pure love. They are bundles of joy that require all the nourishment and nurturing in the world. That is why they prefer kids to adults. As they grow, their hearts develops a concern for you (similar to that of your parents’). If a new kid is born, they make sure that it gets the best protection. They will also be their favourite cuddly toy. They rarely mind the tugs on their fur when they are around babies.
10. Protection
A dog will stand at your side through almost anything. Be it hell or high water, they never sell you out. They will make sure that they protect you from anything. This is nothing but pure love and loyalty towards their owners. There are innumerable stories of dogs staying by their owners, even in the face of death.
11. Playfulness
Dogs are extremely playful. In fact, some of them are so frisky; they never sit down even for a moment. They are always at something or the other. This is because of their active lifestyles. The best aspect of their playfulness is that it helps to reduce the incidence of cardio-vascular diseases in their owners.
12. Loving
When you are having a bad day, a dog is able to notice it. A canine does everything in its power to make your day a whole lot better than it actually is. Dogs have a special quality about them that makes your heart go out to them. The bonding is such that you just can’t describe with words.
13. History Says It All
Ever since the Palaeolithic Age, dogs have always been by our side helping us in our daily lives. Humans and dogs have been through a lot together and this shall continue till eternity. There are many cave paintings which can prove that humans and canines have been compatible during all the historical eras.
14. Non-Judgmental
Dogs never judge any person but we humans do. We look at another person’s appearance, their social status and their etiquettes. However, dogs are completely the opposite. They do not judge you on these mentioned parameters. Their hearts are pure and full of love for their owners or companions.
15. They Care About the Owner
Yes, they care for their owners more than an owner would care for them. All pets do, except one. They sit on your lap and everything, and if you or your kids cry out, they respond in quick succession. In a movie I saw, the dog heard his owners yelp of pain and he came running to his owner to accompany him. Every dog cares immensely about the owner.