After we become the owners of dogs, as time goes by, we develop a special feeling towards them. This feeling can be described as a habit, a dependence, or even love. So, do dogs also develop a similar feeling towards us?

　　The emotion dogs have for humans can be summed up by the word "loyalty." We often see news reports about dogs who, despite accidents, remain loyal and unwavering to their owners. From an emotional basis, the loyalty dogs show mainly has two reasons: first, the motherly attachment and trust; second, loyalty and obedience to the group leader. Of course, here dogs see their owner as a "mother," and at the same time, the owner is the dog's leader, so the dog is very loyal and obedient to the owner.

　　Secondly, the loyalty of dogs should also be determined by their development history and personality. Research shows that dogs’ ancestors were actually wolves, and wolves are social animals that never act alone. Wolves always operate under the leadership of the alpha wolf. Every wolf pack has a leader, and the other members are absolutely loyal, obedient, and follow the leader. With genetic development, this gene was passed down into dogs’ bodies. Especially for dogs that have been with humans for a long time, they regard their owner as leader, family, and friend, so dogs are loyal and obedient to their owners.

　　During breed selection and cultivation, human preferences also become a selective pressure that changes the evolutionary direction of the breed. For example, when people find a dog smarter and more affectionate than others, if only one dog remains, they would naturally keep that dog and not the others... Similarly, people prefer to adopt offspring of loyal dogs as their companions. Over long-term production and life, humans have a vague understanding of genetics and believe that in most cases, their offspring will be relatively loyal. A fierce dog might be killed before producing offspring. Therefore, over time, dogs’ temperament gradually aligns with human expectations. Their nature slowly assimilates with the person who raises them. This is also why dogs are loyal.

　　However, dogs are not always "loyal" to their human owners. Dogs have different personalities, and only a small portion protect their owners. Dogs are social animals. In a dog's eyes, the owner is a member of their group. Whether the owner is a respected leader, a playful buddy, or a weak one to vent emotion on depends on the owner’s attitude towards the dog.

　　In conclusion, dogs treating you as a leader or an important member of the "team" is the premise for being their partner, and only if that dog’s personality is not cowardly will it show protective behavior in dangerous situations. (Source: PetsZone)