Dogs are considered to be one of the most loyal animals on the planet. There are a number of dog breeds that are known for their unwavering devotion and loyalty to their owners.
There are a number of dog breeds that have a reputation for being loyal and devoted to their owners. These include the Akita, Chihuahua, Dachshund, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Doberman Pinscher, and St. Bernard.
While loyalty is often bred into these dogs, it is also important to remember that every dog is an individual and some may be more loyal than others.
Training and socialization from a young age can also help promote loyalty in dogs.
21. Kuvasz
The Kuvasz is an ancient breed that originated in Hungary. The name “Kuvasz” means “armed guard of the nobility”. The breed was used as a guard dog by the Hungarian aristocracy. The Kuvasz was brought to the United States in the 1930s. The American Kennel Club recognized the Kuvasz in 1931.
The Kuvasz is a large, muscular dog breed and is known for being loyal. In fact, they are known to be very protective of their family and home. Kuvasz makes a great companion for an active family.
They are gentle giants who are devoted to their families. They bond strongly with their owners and will do anything to protect them.
20. Brittany
Brittany is a loyal dog breed that originates from the French region of Brittany. They are one of the most popular dog breeds in France and are also known by the names Breton, Briard, and Bracco Italiano.
The Brittany is a small to medium-sized breed that typically weighs between 30 and 40 pounds. They have a short, dense coat that can be either orange and white or liver and white in color.
Their loyalty is due to them being intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are also affectionate companions that make great family pets.
19. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are incredibly loyal dogs, and will often form close bonds with their owners. This loyalty can sometimes manifest itself in the form of possessiveness or jealousy, but overall, chihuahuas make for very devoted and loving companions.
They are also fiercely protective of their loved ones and will do whatever it takes to keep them safe. This type of loyalty is not often seen in other dog breeds, which makes chihuahuas all the more special.
18. Newfoundland
Newfoundland dogs are known for their loyalty to their owners and their willingness to please.
This breed is best suited for families who are active and have a lot of patience. Newfoundland dogs need plenty of exercises, so they are not a good fit for families who live in apartments or who do not have a yard.
Their size, loyalty, and protective nature also come in handy when they are used as guard dogs. It has also seen its successful use in other lines of work including rescue dogs, especially where swimming is needed for rescue and retrieval.
17. Beagle
This is the perfect breed for dog lovers who want a more chilled-out pooch personality. They are very laid back but friendly with people they are familiar with. They are also very intelligent and easy to train for a variety of activities from guarding to hunting.
With the latter in particular, these breeds have a long history of use as scent hounds. This might make them a bit stubborn at times but their loyalty is something you can always count on.
16. Greyhound
The Greyhound is easily one of the most impressive dogs as far as athleticism is concerned. With speeds up to 44 mph and incredible stamina, these pooches are perfect for outdoorsy dog lovers.
The best part is that they do just as well indoors as they do outside. They love to cuddle and are the perfect nap time buddies for children. The trick is to strike a healthy balance between both lifestyles and you will have a devoted and happy dog.
15. Japanese Akita Inu
The Japanese Akita Inu is a very loyal dog. In fact, the most loyal dog in history, Hachiko, was an Akita.
These dogs, however, are often emotionally bonded to a small number of people that it has the most interaction. They may be a bit more aloof with unfamiliar individuals and therefore require early socialization.
They are also known for having a stubborn streak which means that obedience training should start as soon as possible.
14. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman is a very loyal dog breed and this is what makes it so good at its job as a guard dog. They are also quite intelligent and obedient, which makes it easy to train them for specific protection tasks whether it is by individuals or law enforcement groups.
If you are on the wrong side of whoever the Doberman is loyal to, things may not look great for you as their protective nature easily and quickly translates to aggression in the right settings.
13. Border Collie
The Border Collie is the most intelligent dog breed. Their intelligence also comes with intense devotion to their human friends especially if you spend a lot of quality time with them from an early age.
They are also quite needy and require a lot of attention and loyalty from their owners in return. This means everything from investing in playtime together to letting them cuddle up to you whenever they are feeling affectionate.
12. Yorkie Terrier
A Yorkshire terrier has often been described as having a Velcro personality. These dogs tend to form strong, emotional bonds with individuals they are exposed to and interact with the most. They will more often than not stick to one individual whom they become obsessed with following them around everywhere.
It goes without saying that this is incredibly endearing. It is also easy to earn this honor as all you have to do is play with them, feed them, and give them cuddles.
11. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler has a reputation for being one of the most aggressive and dangerous dog breeds there is. To be honest, this is definitely a dog breed you do not want to get on the wrong side of. Fortunately, their aggression is more about their protective nature and not so much about a volatile temperament.
Therefore, as long as you do not pose any apparent threat to their beloved master then you have absolutely nothing to worry about.
10. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog breed according to the American Kennel Club for quite a few years now. With their high intelligence, friendly nature, and loyalty to their families it is not really hard to see why they have continued to capture our hearts as dog lovers.
They are also very protective over small children in the family and have been known to hover over them to take care of them in case of any danger.
9. Dachshund
Doxies can be quite stubborn which is without a doubt their least flattering trait. However, where they lack in obedience and focus they more than makeup for in their loyalty.
They are also known to love trailing their favorite owners and are very sensitive to rejection. So if you want a dog that will love and be devoted to you as much as you are with them then this is without a doubt the breed for you.
8. Golden Retriever
Goldies have been close to human civilizations for centuries. Whether they were kept as hunting dogs or as companion pets, their loyalty has always been one of their best features. They have been known to form strong and lasting bonds even with periods of separation from their close human friends.
These breeds are very smart and intuitively protective, therefore the ideal addition to any home with or without children.
7. Giant Schnauzer
As far as working dogs go, the Giant Schnauzer is easily one of the most versatile breeds there is. These breeds have done it all from herding sheep to guarding homes and even serving in the military.
In addition to their intelligence, resilience, and strength, their loyalty makes them perfect for all these applications. It is also why they have successfully made a great transition into life as companion pets.
6. Shikoku
This is one of the six dog breeds native to Japan. The Shikoku in particular is popular for its laid-back nature and devotion to its owners.
These pups love the outdoors and require a lot of exercise time to stay happy and healthy. They, therefore, tend to form the closest bonds with people who take them out often.
They are also quite independent and often prefer their own company but will always come to the aid of their owners when the need arises.
5. Great Pyrenees
This dog is not only loyal but also fiercely protective. It is these traits that made it suitable as livestock and homestead guarding dogs. Their strong build and confidence made them capable of standing up to both wild animals and suspicious humans in defense of their loved ones and other animal charges.
Today, the Great Pyrenees is not very easy to come by but its loyalty and gentle nature have made it a hit among those lucky enough to own one.
4. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are another very versatile breed having been used in herding, livestock protection, personal protection, and even in law enforcement.
They are very intelligent, obedient, and eager to learn which makes training them quite easy. They also often form the strongest bonds with their trainers especially when rewards are used in the process.
As companion pets, their loyalties lie mainly with individuals who spend the most time with them or those who feed them.
3. Skye Terrier
As a breed in general, Skye terriers are quite devoted to their owners. They have also produced some of the most heartwarming stories of canine loyalty.
The best known in this case is that of the Skye terrier named Greyfriars Bobby. This little pooch stayed by his master’s grave for 14 years until his own demise.
This is just one of the many publicized and unpublicized stories of the devotion you have to look forward to with a Skye terrier.
2. Boxer
This is another often misunderstood and misjudged dog breed. It is not large or intimidating in any sense. However, its similarity in appearance to dog breeds like the infamous pitbull and Staffordshire terrier give it a bad reputation it honestly did not earn.
Boxers are some of the sweetest dogs you will ever interact with. They love humans and are known to form particularly strong bonds with their families. However, they may need some socialization to get along with strangers.
1. St. Bernard
The St. Bernard is a large and intimidating dog with heights up to 35 inches and weighs as heavy as 180 pounds. Despite their fearsome sizes, these dogs are surprisingly friendly and very loyal.
This has a lot to do with their history where they were used as rescue and guard dogs. Their loyalty and focus on the mission explain why they are great at their job, making them fantastic companions today.
Related Questions
What Is The World’s Most Loyal Dog?
An Akita Inu from Japan named Hachiko holds the title of most loyal dog of all time. His is a story that is both sad and incredibly heartwarming. He is said to have waited at a train station for his deceased master every day for 10 years. His legacy is immortalized in the famous statue at the Shibuya station in Tokyo, Japan.
What Are The Most Loyal Pets?
Dogs are easily the most loyal pets you can have. There is a good reason why they are considered our best furry friends. However, other animals especially birds and cats can be just as loyal if not more than some dog breeds. They just need to feel safe and loved and they will be devoted for life.
Which Dog Breed Is Most Loyal And Protective?
The Kuvasz is the most loyal dog breed. While they are generally friendly and mild-mannered, they can be quite protective over their human family. They have actually been known to show aggressive behavior especially when they feel the people they care about are in danger. This makes them excellent guard dogs.
