From sensing our emotional and physical ailments and stressors to becoming our bedtime cuddle buddies, the most loyal dog breeds and their personal beauty stand in their own light within our lives. As the common canine was the first domesticated animal in history, it’s no surprise that these magnificent animals are nicknamed “man’s best friend.”
The most loyal dog breeds of today, selectively bred over millennia, are recognized for their breed-specific physical attributes, sensory abilities, and behavior. Each is known for their home and field-work characteristics. Some guard precious livestock, others stand tall and proud next to police offers to protect the public, several have been trained to assist the disabled, and the nicest of boys have been given therapeutic roles. Whatever their purpose, it’s safe to say that many of us have selected our friends based on short introductions and recommendations regarding the most loyal dog breeds.
This independent yet powerful breed may appear whimsical or reserved in front of strangers yet affectionate with family members. As this breed is especially dominant, training should commence as early as seven to eight weeks.
These self-assured dogs have been bred for their intelligence – able to learn simple tasks after as little as five repetitions. These beautiful and loyal dogs have an eagerness to find a purpose – to love a family, perhaps? If trained poorly, they may become overprotective.
Historically, the kuvasz have been protectors of royalty as well as livestock for centuries. In other words, they have been bred for their independence and work ethic. Nonetheless, these dogs will become loyal to an owner once a bond of trust has been established.
The American Kennel Club has noted that the bulldog be “equable and kind, resolute, and courageous (not vicious or aggressive), and demeanor should be pacifist and dignified. These attributes should be countenanced by the expression and behavior.” They are seen are family pets due to the strong connections these dogs form with children.
As the breed has been used as protection for centuries, the Chinese shar-pei still maintains a watch-dog mentality. If trained early, the shar-pei will be an affectionate, devoted family dog that can become amenable with strangers given time.
The Rhodesian ridgeback is native to Africa, revered for its tracking and howling abilities and known to even face down lions. Proud owners should be aware of this dog’s innate sense of tracking and independence.
Before you even meet the dog, the “whippet” name is synonymous to “streamlined grace.” This gentle and amiable animal is known as the “poor man’s racehorse.” If you’re looking for a workout friend, you’ve found him.
Awaiting any command from his a trusted master, the shikoku is known for their energy and alertness. These dogs are avid hunters and have keen senses.
For their loving, devoted, and beautiful coats, the golden retriever is one of the country’s favorite breeds. If not working in the field, these dogs will enjoy a family with a carefree nature
Not to be outdone by its golden brethren, the friendly and outgoing Labrador retriever is America’s most beloved dog. For families seeking a larger dog, this highly energetic animal will bring enough love to the entire family.
As males can reach up to 175 pounds, the great dane may not be the perfect family dog in smaller spaces. If given the room, however, this dane will provide its family with a large amount of patience and dependability.
Given his physical statue, it’s not surprising to learn that the basset hound is a low-key but charming breed. While stubborn, they’re still considered a favorite breed around the world.
With roots in the Swiss Alps, the St. Bernard is loved worldwide. Even at their massive size, ~150 pounds, they’re gentle with small children, watchful, and playfully charming.
Of times past, the Irish wolfhound was viewed as a big-game hunter, even capable of combating single wolves. Today, this calm and dignified breed are known for being agreeable and peaceful pets.
Though bred for controlling cattle, this smart and affectionate breed also became known for its sweet and endearing face. Work or not, the Welsh corgi can easily become a cherished friend.
Whether you use a beagle’s inbred hunting abilities, they love company. In fact, they were bred to act as a pack during hunting expeditions. The beagle is curious and merry in its happy-go-lucky demeanor.
With unmistakable muscles, the rottweiler is known for its aloofness outside of the home but as a local guardian inside. This strong protector will be a gentle addition to any family.
Despite its large and imposing looks, the mastiff is a generally good-natured, courageous, and docile beast. This heavy-boned yet formidable dog will protect family members from threats with its tremendous strength.
“Aussies” are well known for being a very loyal breed. They naturally take ownership of their “herd” and that often means their family. They stay with their people and continuously circle back around them while walking to ensure everyone is walking in the same direction. They’re dependable and do very well when given a task.
The French bulldog is easily recognized by its whimsical bat ears and playful, alert nature. This small breed is a great match for those that call the city home. The French bulldog is adaptable, smart, and largely irresistible.
The Coton De Tulear breed is also known as the “Royal Dog of Madagascar.” This dog will follow a trusted owner around the home and charm with its happy-go-lucky play-style. If you would like a dog that will make you laugh, take a deep look into the Coton De Tulear.
The spirited schnauzer comes from a line of farm dogs in Germany. This smart and strong-willed canine is still as reliable as they come. Be sure to enjoy their facial hair.
Large, expressive eyes and gentle personalities bring the impish cocker spaniel breed to life. While originally bred for hunting, they now exist as small, huge-hearted companions
“His intelligence and willing tractability, his modesty and cleanliness make him a highly desirable family dog and cheerful companion. He is the soul of honesty and loyalty, and is never false or treacherous even in his old age.” – 1938 AKC Boxer Breed Standard.
The brittany, known on both sides of the pond, is a stylishly, upbeat gun-dog. These intelligent and tireless dogs require much exercise from those that respect both its play and work-minded attitude.
This beautiful breed, realized by its long, thick coat, was originally served as livestock guardians. They may act mellow, but these clam and patient animals will keep watch over their families – up in snow-tipped mountains or down in the living room.
Lovingly called the “Weiner Dog” for its low and long silhouette, the Dachshund is loved for its natural form factor. Even better, this spunky and alert canine is full of energy. You can’t go wrong letting this little guy into your home.
There’s a reason that television’s legendary loyal dog Lassie was a collie. According to Bill Lambert, head of health and welfare at the official kennel club of the U.K., “Much like the breed’s fictional representation, the breed is a great companion dog, happy and active as well as being good with children and other dogs.”
Yorkshire terriers, or Yorkies, pack a ton of loyalty into their relatively small packages. They quickly get very attached to their owners and in-turn become skeptical of and slightly hostile towards strangers.
The American Staffordshire Terrier, nicknamed Am Staffs for short are generally friendly, alert, and obedient. Their reputation as a loyal guard dog is attributable to their muscled body, and adeptness for physical activity including swimming and jogging.
Doberman pinschers have a reputation for being mean and aggressive, however much of that is due to their naturally protective nature and bad-breeding. A normally trained doberman are loyal and loving… unless their owners are threatened.
Chihuahua’s are well-known for being strongly committed to a singular owner. In fact, their loyalty is so well-known that it’s a part of folklore. According to some Spanish-speaking tradition, they’re the breed that “guides” their human to heaven.
English Cocker Spaniels are loyal and friendly to humans that, according to most experts, they don’t make good guard dogs because – on the whole – they’re generally not aggressive enough.
Viewers familiar with Peter Pan already know that Newfoundland’s have a reputation for being nanny dogs. Dogtime.com goes on to further explain that “They’re happiest when they’re with their families, and need lots of exercise and training to help satisfy their curiosity and intelligence.”
Giant schnauzers are deeply loyal to their families and instinctively territorial, to the point that they have a reputation for being inherently mean to those they don’t know. However to their owners, they’re incredibly loyal and protective.
Norfolk Terriers aren’t just adorably small at about 12 pounds and 10 inches tall – they also make excellent companions that won’t leave your side. The Norfolk tends to be more outgoing than other types of terriers, but they are also wary of strangers and may get jealous of other people and animals!
The Belgian Malinois (also known as the Belgian Shepherd) is less affectionate and cuddly than other breeds on this list, but they’re highly intelligent, easy to train, and very protective of family and property. They’re often used by the military, police, or even therapists for their diligent and loyal disposition!
The Shetland Sheepdog, commonly nicknamed the “Sheltie,” is like a miniature version of the Collie. But while they look incredibly similar, these two breeds differ in that Shelties tend to shy away from strangers while Collies will happily approach them without much thought. Nonetheless, Shelties love their families fiercely and will remain by your side through thick and thin.
Pugs are beloved dogs not only for their adorably silly-looking faces, but also because they “live to love and be loved in return,” according to the American Kennel Club. They make great loyal family companions for those who have children. Although, due to the number of health issues pugs often have due to over-breeding, we’d like to encourage you to adopt rather than purchase one from a breeder!
Don’t let the beard fool you; the Brussels Griffon may be very silly-looking, but it’s also an incredibly loyal breed that’ll never leave your side. These dogs are mentally sharp but are often wary of people they don’t know, making them more inclined to stay by your side. As a sidenote, they aren’t the best choice for those with kids or other pets in the home!
Italian Greyhounds have traditionally been quite popular with nobility, and perhaps their loyalty is a reason for that. In fact, this breed is so loyal to its owner that it can often come across as being rather needy – but if you can get past that, they’re also very gentle, affectionate, and good with kids.
Not only are they adorable, Papillons are also friendly, curious, loyal, and great for families with children. That being said, it’s important to always supervise your young kids around a dog so that they do not accidentally do something to upset the dog (but we’re betting you already knew that).
Border Collies are known for being incredibly intelligent and very energetic creatures. As such, you shouldn’t plan to get one if you don’t have the time and patience to give your pup the amount of exercise and constant mental stimulation that he or she needs. But if you are in fact able to provide these things, Border Collies are without a doubt one of the most loyal dog breeds in existence!
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a happy breed that’ll remain very dedicated to its family “pack.” They’re great with kids and will absolutely stand outside of the bathroom waiting for you. As a fair warning, they do need quite a bit of physical activity every day!
The Irish Setter was originally bred for hunting, so it’s in their nature to stick by their human’s side while working. They’re great with kids because of their affectionate personalities and they’re always eager to please!
Despite its name, the Tibetan Terrier is actually not a member of the terrier family at all. It was given the name due to its physical resemblance to other types of terriers. The Tibetan Terrier is an affectionate family dog while being more reserved around those they aren’t familiar with. Word of caution: if you’re easily annoyed by loud barking, this may not be the breed for you.
Native to central Turkey, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog was originally bred to guard large livestock and territory, so naturally they make for very loyal and protective companions. Word of caution, however: this breed is not for inexperienced dog owners because they require copious amounts of exercise and are not as friendly as other breeds on this list.
The Portuguese Water Dog is a working breed, meaning they’re most inclined to stick by their owner’s side waiting for instructions, although they’re typically still friendly with strangers and love the attention. They’re highly intelligent, meaning they’re easy to train, and have been known to learn and perform agility skills with ease.
The Skye Terrier is known for being one of the most loyal breeds in the terrier family, but unfortunately they’re also one of the most endangered breeds native to the United Kingdom, according to The Kennel Club. If you are lucky enough to adopt one of these guys, you can expect that they’ll never leave your side. Even better if you’re a bit of a couch potato: they don’t need much exercise! As you can see from the photo, your Skye Terrier companion may need you to clip his long shaggy hair out of his face!
