If you’ve spent any time with native English speakers, watched American and British TV shows, or read English books you’ll probably have come across the phrase Man’s Best Friend. Man’s Best Friend does not refer to an actual person, a favourite car or even the latest mobile phone. Man’s Best Friend is – of course – the faithful dog.

First of all let’s make something clear; the man in this phrase (and this article) is of course the human being. Dogs don’t care if you are a man or a woman.

Walkies

Walkies!

Dog’s Years

This phrase has come about as a result of the long relationship and close bond between man and dog. For hundreds of years the dog has been a faithful and loyal servant for man. Dogs have been hunting, tracking, fetching and guarding for man for centuries. You can read about an early example of the close bond between man and dog in The Legend of Gelert. This legend goes back to the 13th century. Man’s Best Friend has always been there for us. This quote from Voltaire (French philosopher) dates back to the 18th century:

It seems that nature has given the dog to man for his defence and for his pleasure. Of all the animals it is the most faithful: it is the best friend man can have.

Today dogs are more of a companion than a servant. Dogs are the perfect companion because they are loyal and always pleased to see us. All over the world workers are greeted on their return home by a grin and a wagging tail. Dogs don’t ask for much in return – some food, an occasional stroke and perhaps a walk now and then.

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