The wellbeing of the domestic dog depends entirely upon his relationship with humanity. The personality traits we find so endearing did not happen overnight and they are not entirely natural. Centuries of breeding from the original wolves, who somehow managed to work symbolically with a few humans, has changed and indeed created all the breeds of dog we know today. As certain traits were considered most desirable, only those who displayed them were kept and allowed to breed.

The protective pack nature of dogs is an expression of a primal instinct. The ability to work as a group gave dogs, and humans as well, evolutionary advantages over those creatures who worked and lived alone. This increased lifespans and allowed for better health through shared benefits. For example, if one member was less successful at the hunt one day, that animal would still eat. Modern dogs extend that pack mentality to include the humans they live with.

The other qualities that make dogs such desirable companions that we call them, “Man’s best friend,” are perhaps less instictive and more social in nature. A cute face and a soft coat are asthetic human preferences. Caring for the coat is shared between the dog and owner, and both benefit from that preference. The dog stays healthier and pest free, while the owner doesn’t have a dog who smells and gets fleas in the bedding.

Behavior choices like the licking of a face, the ‘puppy dog eyes,’ and even cuddling up at our feet are effective tactics for gaining human trust and protection. These tendencies, because of their value to humans, have been passed down between generations. However, the trade off is incredibly valuable; love, sustenance, protection, health care beyond the ability of any dog to achieve independently and a climate controlled environment all contribute to the wellbeing of dogs. As survival mechanisms go, friendship with humans is a brilliant strategy. The results for the individual animal’s overall health cannot be overstated.