Dogs are a man's best friend? More like dogs are a kid's best friend. Growing up we always had dogs, and I can undeniably say that my childhood dog(s) changed my life and gave me a few extra characteristics that have been useful in adult life.
1. They help you build responsibility
Having a dog gives you a daily responsibility to take care of. You have to clean up after it, feed it, water it, and take it outside among many other things.
2. Dogs are protective
If you're in a sticky situation and you have your dog with you, it could provide protection especially if it's trained to do so.
3. They can be useful for things outside of the house
How? Hunting! This takes a little more time and dedication, but at the end of the day it's worth it. If you've got a loyal, trained, smart, hunting dog... you probably don't need much of anything else.
4. They're loyal
People crave loyalty, attention, and love; just like dogs. Dogs also like to give those things!
5. Having a dog is bittersweet, but even more sweet than bitter
Your life revolves around work, friends, and maybe a hobby or two. Your dog's life revolves around food, when you're coming home, when you're leaving, what you're doing, and why you're doing it. Your dog is all about you, and that's why they make great support pets.
6. Dogs make fantastic mental support pets
Dogs can sense when you're sad, mad, happy, etc. When you're sad dogs naturally try to make you feel better. Aside from that, you can train/get your dog trained specifically for anxiety/depression/etc.
7. They're the BEST companions ever
Dogs will have your back through and through. You can go to eat, go on runs, go to the park, and do many other activities with dogs.
At the end of the day, dogs make a great best friend. Dogs beat cats, birds, hamsters, and any other pet you could imagine having.