Jean Marie Bauhaus
|September 17, 2018
You love your dog with a devotion that may rival how you feel about any person. But does your dog feel the same way about you? When your dog gazes up at you adoringly, is that genuine dog devotion, or is he simply wondering when you'll serve him his next meal? If you ever wonder if those doggy kisses and cuddles are simply meant to butter up his meal ticket, don't worry. The bond you share with your dog is indeed mutual, and dog loyalty is very real.
Dogs are naturally loving and affectionate. Their pack animal nature makes it easy for dogs to develop strong bonds with those they perceive as members of their pack. But dogs don't just develop bonds to other dogs. A scroll through your Facebook feed on any given day will likely turn up videos showing dogs who've struck up friendships with all sorts of unlikely animals, including foxes, deer, tortoises, pigs, ducks, wild seals and river otters! And anyone who has a multi-species household knows that, far from being natural enemies, dogs and cats can be the best of friends. It's pretty clear that dogs are social animals, but the bond formed between dogs and humans seems to go a lot deeper than simply enjoying our company.
The symbiotic relationship dogs have developed with humans — taking care of their physical needs in exchange for canine companionship — goes back several millennia and certainly plays a part in the bond humans share with dogs. But that doesn't explain the lengths a dog will go to for his human. Studies examining the dog-human relationship have found that over such a long time of living so closely with people, dogs have developed the ability to empathize with human beings, read our body language and facial expressions, and develop their own ways of communicating with us, says Psychology Today.
It's easy to see how devoted your dog is when you come home after a long workday — or maybe just after running a quick errand — and your dog greets you at the door as if he hasn't seen you in ages and this is the best moment of his life. But what seems more amazing is the way dogs appear to not only remember us, but actively miss us during a long absence. You've no doubt seen the myriad Internet videos of dogs being reunited with their military humans after a long tour of duty — and you've also no doubt shed a tear or two as you've witnessed the joy each dog feels at the reunion. There's also story after story of lost dogs finding their ways home to their beloved families, sometimes trekking across several states to get there. A dog's devotion doesn't end with their owner's passing, either. More than one story has gone viral involving dogs standing vigil at their deceased owners' caskets or refusing to leave their grave sites.
But some dogs really go above and beyond to show their loyalty and devotion, even at the cost of their own safety. Recently, one golden retriever was hailed as a hero for saving her elderly owner from freezing to death after the man slipped and fell in the snow. The dog stayed with him, using her body to keep him warm and barking continually until help arrived, reports CBS News. Stories like these abound, showing that the bond of love and devotion between dogs and humans is a special one indeed.
Now you might be asking yourself if certain breeds are more loyal dogs. The truth is that all dogs are pack creatures and are devoted to whomever they see as their leader. So, while some breeds may seem more affectionate or willing to please their pet parent than others, all dogs are capable of being loyal. So, if you really want to know what the most loyal dog breeds are, just a take a look at, well, any of them! The important part for getting a dog that has unconditional love for you is to properly socialize him, spend time with him and shower him with lots of love. The more you show him love, the more likely he is to show it back to you. So the next time you look at your dog and see those adoring brown eyes gazing back at you, you can be certain that the love you perceive in his gaze is the real deal.
Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger, and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of fur babies.
Chicken & Beef recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Large Breed dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat. In a delicious large bite size for large breed dogs.
Delicious braised beef paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Supports healthy joints, immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
For the faster metabolism of Small & Mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat.
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
For the unique nutritional needs of mature Small & Mini dogs
This weight management and mobility support dog food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs.
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Beef & Barley Entrée with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day 1
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat. In a delicious small bite size
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome. Delicious food in a small bite size
Learn why your dog might be eating his own stool or the poo of other animals. Find out what you can do to try and change this behavior in your dog.
Taking your pup on a road trip? Learn the safest means of traveling with dogs in a car.
Learn what types of dog behavior mean for your best buddy's health and well-being. Once you notice his signals and moods, you'll know how to help him.
Learn helpful tips if your dog is bitten by a spider, including which spiders are most harmful, how to identify the bite, and what to do after spotting it.
Learn how to tell if your dog is getting to be overweight and discover helpful advice on how to help him get down to a manageable, healthier weight.
Learn if your dog may be experiencing symptoms of IBD, why it's different from IBS in people, and how your vet can help manage and treat this condition.
U.S. Dog Breed Spotlight: 5 Popular Small & Toy Dogs
Learn how to make a DIY dog obstacle course at home with items you already own. Follow these instructions and you & your pup will be training in no time!
Learn what heart disease and heart conditions are for dogs, their causes, how to spot the symptoms, and what to do if you suspect it in your dog.
Learn whether it's safe to share a slice of pizza with your dog, which ingredients can cause health issues, and how much is a concern if he does eat some.
An enlarged spleen in dogs can be potentially life-threatening, but the condition is treatable. Learn about the causes, symptoms and treatment options.
Learn whether your dog is ticklish, how to recognize if they are & which spots are most sensitive, as well as how to tell if they don't like being tickled.
Teething is a part of a puppy's life. Use these 3 tips to help your puppy through this difficult time and protect your household from teething incidents.
Learn how to make an inexpensive homemade dog bed your pup will love, using low-cost materials and items you may have around the house!
Nutrition is one of the most important components of keeping your dog healthy, so choosing a well-balanced dog food full of nutrients is key. Learn more.
Learn how to tell what your dog is feeling from his tail wagging, including what mood he might be in based on the motions and speed of his tail.
If you're looking for an easy way to create healthy, homemade dog treats for your dog, try one of these 2 recipes from Hill's Pet Nutrition.
Whipworms in dogs are a common problem. Learn what they are, the signs and how whipworms in dogs are diagnosed, treated and prevented.
Learn the reasons why puppies bark and whine, and how you can train them to stop the unnecessary barking.
Learn all about laryngeal paralysis in dogs, including types of the condition, signs & symptoms, risk factors, how it's diagnosed and treatment options.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2025 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool