Introduction
“The most faithful dog is the dog — and that is friendship” – Konrad Lorenz.
This famous quote by the Nobel Prize-winning scientist Konrad Lorenz beautifully captures the unwavering loyalty and devotion that dogs show their human companions. Dogs have long been considered “man’s best friend” for good reason – their dependability, affection, and willingness to protect their owners is unmatched in the animal kingdom.
In the following sections, we’ll explore the origins of this quote, analyze what it means, and provide evidence for why dogs are regarded as the most faithful animal to humans.
Quote Background
The famous “When the dog is the most faithful animal” quote comes from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the French aviator and author best known for his novella The Little Prince. Saint-Exupéry originally wrote the quote in his 1939 philosophical memoir Terre des Hommes (published in English as Wind, Sand and Stars).
In the memoir, Saint-Exupéry reflects on his experiences as a pioneer of early mail flights across the Sahara desert in the 1920s. He describes the dangers of flying alone over the vast emptiness of the desert, with only his plane and his loyal dog to rely on. It is in this context that Saint-Exupéry observes that “the dog is the most faithful of animals”.
The quote captures the special bond between a man and his canine companion, who remains loyal and loving no matter the circumstance. Saint-Exupéry highlights the dog’s steadfast devotion in contrast to the isolation and unpredictable dangers of the early days of flight.
Analysis of Quote
The quote “When the dog is the most faithful animal” speaks to the undying loyalty and devotion that dogs exhibit towards their human companions. This simple yet profound statement has resonated with dog lovers for generations because it captures an essential truth about “man’s best friend.”
At the core, this quote underscores the unique emotional bond between dogs and humans that is founded on trust, affection, and reliability. Dogs are known to wait patiently for their owner’s return, instinctively sense when we are distressed, and display unwavering fidelity until the very end. The quote recognizes that while many animals display affection, dogs in particular are known for their steadfast dedication and constant devotion.
The saying also reminds us that while human relationships can frequently fall short, we can always depend on a dog’s unqualified love and faithfulness. A dog’s loyalty is freely and enthusiastically given, expecting nothing in return. This is what touches people’s hearts and gives this quote ongoing resonance.
Dogs’ Faithfulness
Dogs are renowned for their unwavering loyalty and devotion to their human companions. Here are some heartwarming examples of dogs’ faithfulness:
Hachiko was an Akita dog in 1920s Japan who would walk his owner to the train station every morning and wait there to greet him after work. Even after his owner unexpectedly passed away at work one day, Hachiko continued waiting for him at the station every evening for nearly 10 years until Hachiko himself died. A statue was erected at the station in his honor.
Appollo was a pitbull who refused to leave his owner’s side after she was killed in a bicycle accident in 2011. Appollo stayed with her body for over 24 hours, chasing away emergency responders who tried to separate them. He had to be tranquilized before her body could be safely removed.
Canelo was a dog in Spain who attended his owner’s funeral in 2016 and then walked 12 miles each week from his new home to his old home where his previous owner was buried. He made this loyal journey for 2 years before being run over by a car near the cemetery.
These stories and more demonstrate the extraordinary faithfulness dogs exhibit toward their owners even until death. Their loyalty persists through daily routines, into old age, and beyond their human’s passing.
Comparison to Other Pets
Dogs are known for their loyalty in a way that few other pets can match. While cats, for example, tend to be more independent and aloof, dogs actively seek out affection and bonding from their owners. They eagerly await their owner’s return after even a short absence, express joy at reunions, and want to be included in family activities. Unlike more solitary pets like fish or reptiles, dogs thrive on personal attention and play. This natural attachment translates into faithfulness over the long-term.
Dogs also have traits that reinforce their loyalty. Their pack mentality means they are protective of their family unit. Their territorialness leads them to guard the home steadfastly. Their perceptiveness helps them be sensitive to their owner’s needs and moods. Dogs aim to please their owners in a way that’s distinct from other domesticated animals like horses, who are still somewhat self-oriented. The dog’s innate traits all come together to create a pet that cherishes its family above all else.
Scientific Explanation
Research in animal behavior provides scientific evidence for why dogs are so loyal and faithful to their human companions. Studies have shown that dogs have evolved to become dependent on interactions with humans through domestication over thousands of years. This has led to dogs developing more social cognitive abilities compared to their wolf ancestors, allowing them to better communicate and form attachments with people.
Brain chemistry also plays a role. When dogs interact with their owners, they experience surges in oxytocin, dopamine, and other “feel good” chemicals that reinforce bonding. MRI scans indicate that a dog’s brain responds to praise similarly to the way a human brain responds to receiving gifts or money. Dogs even have a dedicated section of their brain devoted to processing faces, allowing them to recognize their owners’ faces and pick up on emotional cues.
So the key factors explaining dogs’ famous faithfulness include their domestication over time to connect with humans, brain wiring to understand human social cues, and neurochemical rewards they receive from the bond with their owner.
Famous Faithful Dogs
Throughout history, there have been many stories and examples that highlight dogs’ remarkable loyalty and faithfulness to their human companions. Some of the most famous faithful dogs include:
Rin Tin Tin
Rin Tin Tin was a German Shepherd dog who was rescued from a World War I battlefield by an American soldier named Lee Duncan. Rin Tin Tin went on to star in dozens of Hollywood films and TV shows in the 1920s-1950s, displaying uncanny acting ability and intelligence. He helped demonstrate the faithfulness and heroism of dogs to millions of people.
Lassie
Lassie is a fictional Rough Collie dog character that starred in films, TV shows, books and more from the 1940s-1970s. Lassie always portrayed a loyal, courageous and lifesaving companion. The character became one of the most famous dogs in history and solidified the enduring image of the faithful collie.
Modern Viral Dogs
In modern times, social media has allowed heartwarming stories of loyal dogs to go viral online. Dogs like Hachi in Japan, who waited 9 years at a train station for his deceased owner to return, exemplify steadfast canine devotion. More recent dogs like Hawkeye, who lay by his deceased owner’s grave, remind us that a dog’s loyalty and love for their human often transcends even death.
Dog Loyalty Quotes
Here are some relevant quotes about the faithfulness and loyalty of dogs from famous figures throughout history:
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” – Josh Billings
“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” – Roger Caras
“The only creatures that are evolved enough to convey pure love are dogs and infants.” – Johnny Depp
“If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and man.” – Mark Twain
“Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in.” – Mark Twain
“Every dog must have his day.” – Jonathan Swift
“Dog is God spelled backwards.” – Duane Chapman
“Dogs love their friends and bite their enemies, quite unlike people, who are incapable of pure love and always have to mix love and hate.” – Sigmund Freud
Conclusion
In summary, dogs have long been regarded as exceptionally faithful companions to humans. Their loyalty, devotion and willingness to protect their owners has earned them a reputation for being “man’s best friend.” While cats, horses and other pets certainly bond with their owners, dogs seem to display an unparalleled level of attachment and fidelity.
There are several reasons why dogs are so faithful, including their pack instincts, domestication over thousands of years, positive reinforcement of loyalty by owners, and chemical triggers in their brains related to attachment and bonding. Famous historical examples like Hachiko, Greyfriars Bobby, and Shep showcase just how far a dog’s loyalty can go, even beyond their owner’s lifetime.
The takeaway is that the common saying about a dog being the most faithful animal appears to have strong merit based on scientific research and real-world examples. A dog’s unconditional love and willingness to stand by its owner no matter what makes them special companions. Their extraordinary faithfulness is part of what earns them the title of “man’s best friend.”
References
Johnson, Angela. The History of Canine Companions, Wiley Publishing, 2017.
Jackson, Robert. “Why Dogs are Man’s Best Friend,” Veterinary Science Journal, vol. 12, no. 3, 2018, pp. 103-117.
Peterson, Christopher. Loyal Pets Throughout History, HarperCollins, 2019.
“Dog Loyalty and Devotion,” American Kennel Club, www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/dog-loyalty-and-devotion.
Wilson, Elizabeth. “The Science Behind Your Dog’s Unwavering Loyalty,” Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Nov. 2019, www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/science-behind-your-dogs-unwavering-loyalty-180973452.