Top 10 Qualities of Dogs that Make Them Man's Best Friend

We all know the saying. For thousands of years, we humans have lived on this planet alongside one other species that has been by our side through good and bad, war and peace, struggles and reliefs: the domestic dog.

Most people in the U.S. have a pet dog. These smart and talented creatures have extraordinary abilities. For example, did you know that a dog can smell up to 60 times better than a human? They have protected us by serving as military helpers, firehouse dogs, and more. Dogs can even cheer us up, whether they are therapy dogs or playful puppies. No other animal is as sensitive to human emotions as the dog.

This list is dedicated to the one other Earthling that has always stuck with us, through thick and thin, and will continue to be by our side until the end. Woof!

1. Loyalty

   This is very true. Dogs are loyal and want to stay with their owner all the time. Usually, cats run away and come back repeatedly.

   Your pet dog is more than a pet. It is a friend. It is your companion for times when no human can help you. Your dog knows when you're happy, sad, angry, depressed, tired, scared. Your dog will always be there for you.

   My dog Jade is also at my side when I'm sad.

2. Sense of humor

   I agree, my dog always has this little bottom row of teeth grin she pulls up when you call her name and you're holding food.

   Dogs can be funny! Playing with your shoes, chasing their tails, barking for no reason, even smiling for pictures!

3. Friendliness

   My dog always climbs over me when I come home from school. Thus, my dog is very friendly with my friends as well. He also sleeps with me at night and he is my only alarm to wake up.

   No other animal can be as friendly as your dog. When you get home from work, school, or elsewhere, your dog comes running to the door to greet you.

4. Helpfulness

   They can smell a bomb, they help the military, they work as firehouse companions, therapy dogs. They are truly helpful animals.

5. Companionship

   Your dog will always want to be with you. Whether it's going for walks, eating dinner (begging), sleeping, or just sitting around, this companion will never leave your side.

6. Intelligence

   Imagine trying to teach a giraffe to roll over. Does it work?

7. Showing emotion

8. Being kid-friendly

   A new puppy is all a little kid needs for pure joy.

9. Providing protection

   A dog will stand at your side through almost anything.

10. Playfulness

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Ability to detect disease

12. ?

    Entertaining behavior

The Contenders

13. Long history with humans

    Humans and dogs have been through a lot together.

14. Loving nature

    When you're having a bad day, a dog is able to notice it and does everything it can to make your day a whole lot better.

15. Resilience

16. Being non-judgmental

    Dogs never judge any person, but we humans do.

17. Being dopey

18. Caring about their owner

19. Staying by your side

20. Faithfulness

21. Trustworthiness

22. Cuteness

23. Persistence

24. Speed

25. Responsibility

26. Good looks