A woman petting a white and brown dog outdoors.

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How Did Dogs Become “Man’s Best Friend”?

written by Tori Holmes

The bond between humans and dogs isn’t a modern marketing invention, it’s the result of a relationship that has been fostered over centuries. Dogs have earned the title of “man’s best friend” thanks to the cooperation, communication, and unconditional companionship they offer their human counterparts. Let’s explore the journey that cemented dogs as our closest animal allies.

How Did Our Partnership With Dogs Begin?

Thousands of years ago, less aggressive wolves began lingering at the outskirts of human camps, with the hopes of being offered food scraps. This was the first step in the human-canine relationship – humans gained an early warning system against threats, while the wolves secured a more reliable food source.

Over generations, natural selection favored canines that were more tolerant, communicative, and cooperative with humans. This resulted in physical changes, but it also gave them the ability to understand human cues – following a pointed finger, understanding tone, and making meaningful eye contact. This was the foundation of dogs becoming man’s best friend.

How Did Dogs Become Partners for Humans?

As our societies grew, so did the roles for our canine companions. We began to selectively breed dogs who were able to perform crucial jobs, such as herding livestock, guarding property, hunting game, and even pulling sleds. As a result, dogs transitioned from scavengers to integral contributors to our safety, food supply, and transportation. Trust was built on a daily basis, elevating dogs from a useful animal to a respected partner.

Why Do We Have a Strong Emotional Bond With Dogs?

While many dogs still work, the relationships we hold with them today are grounded more in our emotional connection. Dogs actively improve our lives by encouraging routine, physical activity, and social interaction with other people during walks and outings. What’s more, their consistent, happy presence and unwavering enthusiasm provide a deep sense of being valued.

As a result, when we interact with our dogs, we both experience a release of oxytocin, which is also known as the "bonding hormone". This is the very same hormone that fosters deep feelings of trust and affection between parents and their children. The more we interact with our dogs, the more this chemical reward strengthens our mutual feelings of safety, contentment, and attachment – further cementing their role as “man’s best friend”.

Why Have Dogs Been Called Man’s Best Friend?

Ultimately, the title of “man’s best friend” is earned not through a single trait, but through dogs integration into human history. They evolved to understand us, worked alongside, and now support our emotional well-being. It’s a timeless bond that continues to enrich our lives every day.