by Dalliah the dog lover
If you heard someone say “A man’s best friend”, you would probably think of dogs. Why? Because that’s their nickname. WHY? Because they are loving, loyal and overall fantastic with people. Here are some reasons why dogs are great.
One reason why dogs are absolutely phenomenal is that they are very loyal. Have you ever heard of the story of Hachiko, whose owner suddenly passed away at work? Hachiko waited for him at a train station in Japan for ten years! Another amazing story is Greyfriars Bobby, who spent fourteen years guarding his owner’s grave! Maybe you’ve heard of Bobbie, who was separated from his family and traveled 2000 miles alone to get back to them. These stories are just a few of many true stories of dogs that demonstrate loyalty to their owners. Dogs are so loyal because of their evolutionary history. Wolves rely on each other to survive and since dogs come from wolves, it’s their instinct to make strong social connections. As Josh Billings said “A dog is the only thing on Earth that loves you more than it loves itself.”
Another reason why dogs are so great is because they help you stay active. There’s no better motivation to go on a walk or play in the park than those big, cute puppy-dog eyes ready to play with you. They turn exercise into a fun shared activity. They also encourage a variety of activities including hiking, swimming, and playing fetch. Some benefits of increased physical activity are improved cardiovascular health, better blood pressure and weight control. Staying active doesn’t only help you physically. It enhances mental health too. Physical activity boosts endorphins, which can reduce anxiety and stress and can improve your mood. Plus, the bond you have with your dog will strengthen as you spend more time with it.
Don’t know what breed is right for you? Maybe its coat is too much to take care of. Maybe its energy level is just too low for your outdoor lifestyle. A reason why dogs are so great is because they come in all shapes and sizes. Live in an apartment? Consider getting a small breed of dog like a French Bulldog, Maltese or Shih Tzu. Have a big house and yard? Try a Bernese mountain dog, Newfoundland or Labrador. There are hypoallergenic dog breeds like Portuguese Water Dogs, Poodles or Yorkshire Terriers that are less allergenic for people allergic to dogs. Can you stand a floof-nadoe? You could get a dog that sheds a lot such as a Leonberger, Akita or Golden Retriever. Don’t want any random dog hair around your house? Try a Havanese, Whippet or Puli. Dogs that don’t shed are usually hypoallergenic. There are so many breeds with so many different qualities!
These reasons are only some of the many that make dogs great pets. I would definitely recommend getting one!
