Why do we say, "loyal as a dog"?

What exactly is “loyalty”? It is simply a unit of measurement. Loyalty is the measure of our commitment to another. “As loyal as a dog” is a common, cliché catchphrase that people use when complementing a high level of loyalty from another person. Where does that come from? A dog is not just inherently loyal to its owner. Contrary to popular belief, a dog isn’t just born being naturally loyal to a human, but they do have an affinity for mankind. The harsh reality is that many, many dogs aren’t actually loyal to their owners. The owner is - absolutely - loyal to the dog, and the dog is well-aware of that. However, if you were new to this planet and observed the behaviors of a human and their dog, you would think that the dog was the more intelligent being. That it was the dog that was in charge. Thus, a one-way street of loyalty from the human, to the dog, that is not actually reciprocated. However, a properly raised and trained dog is probably more loyal than any human you will ever meet. Why? Because their entire universe is revolving around you. You are their gravitational pull. They orbit around YOUR axis. You are their sun. A dog like that would live and die for their owner. People think that my dedication to my dogs is “crazy”. I think... I’m not “dedicated” to my dogs, I’m LOYAL. If a person gave you their world and then revolved it around you… you would be more likely to do the same. How loyal do you want your dog to be? Think about it. Now, what are you doing to earn it? Regarding every facet of a dog, what you put into them, dictates what you get out. Training, diet, exercise, positive mental and physical stimulation, all of it. Are you expecting results you haven’t worked for? I say, expect the world of your dog, but give them that so you can watch them give it right back. Loyalty creates loyalty. Loyalty builds loyalty. Always do right by them, so they can do right by you. People make comments about the way my dogs look at me… but I’ve grown to expect it. I expect my dogs to do anything for me because I do absolutely do anything for them. Loyalty.