Are Dogs Altruistic?

Altruism, for me, is a controversial topic. Before getting into that, a definition is in order Simply; altruism is the practice of a selfless concern for the well-being of others. From a zoological view, it is the behavior of an animal that benefits another at its own expense. The same applies to the human animal.

Philosopher-novelist, Ayn Rand, says the basic principle of altruism is "that man has no right to exist for his own sake-that service to others is the only justification for his existence." She doesn't end there.

Continuing, she says, "self-sacrifice is his highest moral duty, virtue, and value."

The complaint I have about Altruism is this: Someone has to be in need or suffering for one to be altruistic. Just think about that for a moment. Are you going to be the next person to suffer? Are you going to be the next person to need someone to suffer so you can be altruistic? Forgive this old philosophy professor's digression.

Do animals, especially dogs, behave in such a way that demonstrates the primary defining clause of altruism? Despite my own trepidations, dogs do demonstrate, unequivocally, the willingness to sacrifice themselves for others, especially their human friends.

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of examples of dogs making the supreme sacrifice for the human friend. [I prefer not to say master or owner.] A case in point is a dog named Lucy, a mixed breed. As reported by CBS, Boston, Lucy and her human friend were out for their usual walk. While crossing a street they were struck by a speeding car. The man suffered multiple injuries and was knocked unconscious. Lucy suffered a torn ACL and leg fractures. Despite her injuries, Lucy crawled to the nearest building and began barking. She continued to bark until someone came to see what was wrong. Lucy led them to her companion who was still in the street. Both survived their injuries.

ABC News reported a German shepherd mix in New York City was with its fellow dog when it was hit by a car and badly injured. When the police arrived, the shepherd would not allow them to go near its injured companion. Finally, the police were able to get the wounded dog and take it to a veterinarian. Board certified veterinarian and animal behaviorist, upon watching the video of the dog's behavior said, "It's possible-there was a social bond." And there was. The protective shepherd was the injured dog's offspring.