20 of the Most Loyal Dog Breeds

When it comes to choosing a dog for you family, many people look for the quality of being loyal. Although most breeds express a certain amount of loyalty to their owner and family, some breeds have a better sense of loyalty than others. Loyalty to you and your family may mean one thing to you and another, to a different dog owner, but essentially, loyalty from your dog means; obeying you and your commands. It means that the dog will protect you in a dangerous situation. And it means that he is always with you and wants to be with you above anyone else. When you think a dog who exhibits this type of loyalty, typically people will get a quick visual of the German Shepard breed, a Doberman or Retriever. Well, these breeds do fall into this category, but there are more and here 20 of the most loyal dog breeds available.

Kuvasz

The Kuvasz is a large, breed that hails from Hungary. The breed is extremely loyal by nature. It was originally bred to be a royal guard dog as well as to guard livestock. Over the past seventy years, the dog began to become more of a house pet than for use in a guard position. The Kuvasz has thick, white fur that is actually made up of two coats, the top coat and under coat. Although its fur is very white, the skin of the Kuvasz should be dark in pigmentation and its nose should be black. These dogs love to be clowns and can have this type of personality on into adulthood. They are very intelligent dogs, however, you may need to work with them to get them to be at their optimum for obedience. They think for themselves and can be stubborn, which means training may be a challenge, but once they learn, they are excellent pets. This is not a breed recommended for first time dog owners.

Newfoundland

This breed is very large and very loyal. They are most recognized for their love of water and will take any risk to save someone from drowning, especially a family member. They have been known to jump in and rescue a family member who was just playfully swimming in the water, thinking they were drowning, which is just their love, devotion and loyalty shining through. These dogs weigh in between 130-150 pounds, which makes them one of the largest breeds, and not a good breed for apartment living. They require a lot of exercise, and you can expect a lot of drooling and shedding with this breed, however, if a super sweet disposition and loyalty are what you want in a dog, you cannot go wrong with the Newfoundland.

Boxer

The Boxer is a very protective and loyal dog, not only to one owner, but to the entire family. They love the entire family and will go to any length to protect them. They are a medium sized breed of dog plus its short, smooth coat make this a great dog for any type of environment or climate. They are very loving and have a very sweet disposition, which makes them one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the US. If you are looking for a loyal and all-around great dog for your family, you can’t go wrong with the Boxer.

Akita

Akitas are fiercely loyal dogs, especially to one owner. They will attach themselves to one family member, the main caregiver, and become very protective and loyal to them, for life. These dogs hail from Japan. They are medium sized dogs with short fur, an athletic build, and are most recognized for their bushy tail that curls over their back. They do prefer the cold weather and seem to thrive in it, preferring to stay out in the cold, hunting rabbit and small prey during cold months. They do shed and require quite a bit of exercise, so they should not be cooped up in a house or apartment for long periods of time.

Dachshund

This little dog, also referred to as the “hotdog” dog, is small but feisty and very protective of its owners. It doesn’t let its small size detour it from being trying its best to keep you safe from harm. They are known as a very loyal dog with a quirky and often humorous personality. They have short legs, short, (except for the long-haired version), smooth fur and come in a wide range of colors. These are great pets for a family and have been a very popular breed of dog for families and the elderly, here in the US.

Yorkshire Terrier

This is the smallest of the dog breeds who fall under the category of loyal dogs. Despite their small size, this dog doesn’t seem to realize that it is small, and you’d never know it by the way it carries itself. It walks with a very confident gait, head held high and ready to protect you from anything or anyone that may harm you. The terriers have been very popular pets for people who cannot have a big breed of dog, especially the elderly. They have a sweet and loving disposition. They do require regular grooming for their long coats to keep them tangle-free.

Brittany Spaniel

The Brittany Spaniel was originally bred as a hunting dog and they have mostly been used for this purpose in the past, due to their mil manner, and eager to please and listen to their owner. Over time, people started to realize their sweet disposition as a family pet and they grew in popularity for being family pets. They are very loving, loyal dogs and care for their family. This is a medium sized breed that can get along with children and other dogs, so long as they are properly trained how to.

Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard breed was originally bred to be a guard of Switzerland’s Hospice Saint Bernard. The large breed is most thought of, for its ability and loyal nature in rescuing injured people and people in despair. They were used in the mountainous areas where heavy snow and avalanches were common, and could locate and rescue them. The breed eventually began to take notice in the US. They have migrated into homes across the US and have made exceptional family pets that take their loyalty and dedication to their owners, seriously.

Jack Russell Terrier

This little breed may be small, but don’t be fooled by his size and what he is capable of. This breed has a heart of gold and means very well when it comes to wanting to protect you from harm. He loves his owners and will always jump to your rescue to protect you from harm. He has a funny, quirky and bubbly personality, and he can be quite the clown and show-off. This is another breed that grew in popularity over recent years, and they are often seen in movies and TV shows, due to their ease in training, as well as their eagerness to learn and obey.

Collie

When you think of a Collie dog, most people immediately think of Lassie, the television show dog, and she really was a prime example of the breed, in general. This is a breed that was originally used to guard and protect herders flocks of sheep. They are very loyal dogs with an excellent personality and sweet disposition. The highly intelligent breed of dog is easy to train and always willing to please their owner. Collies make great family pets and are loyal to their entire family.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large breed of dog that falls into the hound dog category. It is a strong and muscular dog that has a very well balanced build from head-to-toe. Ridgebacks are very active and have a great deal of endurance and speed. Their temperament is affectionate toward their master, very loyal dogs to their owner, always wanting to please and be obedient, and will typically be aloof and reserved with strangers. They are known for their ridged back, which is where their name hails from.

Cocker Spaniel

The Cocker Spaniel is typically a small to medium build dog, depending on the breeding. It is a very loyal breed to its owners. It was designed to protect its family and be a watch dog. Yo will see its loyalty by all the affection and kisses it will want to give you. Their fur is typically short on the majority of its body, while having longer fur on its legs, head and ears. They have short, stubby tail and long ears.

Welsh Corgi

The Corgi was designed for herding. They are dedicated to their owner to be good listeners and care about getting the animals they are in charge of, home safe and sound. They want to please their owner, which is why they are considered to be very loyal dogs.  Corgis are known for being the favorite dog of the Royal family. Many Royalties have owned several Corgis, which has also created a pique of interest with the breed here in the US. Corgis have funny little personalities and love to cut up. They like to run and play, even though it may seem that their short legs would mean a lounging dog. They like staying active and being with their owners, whether during play, or snuggling on the couch.

Beagle

The Beagle is a hunting dog. Hunters on horse, used the Beagle to go out hunting for game and required a brave and loyal dog to be by their side. This breed has proven its fierce loyalty for generations to the degree that owners would train them to be their hunting buddy. They make excellent family pets due to their loyalty along with their sweet dispositions. They are compact in size, easy to groom and easy to train. The Beagle has a lot of energy and should not be kept penned up inside for long hours. They need regular, and adequate exercise to keep them active, both physically and mentally. They long for playtime, games, running, hiking, and just time spent with their family. They are good breed for taking places that they are allowed, car rides, dog park and other outings.

Great Pyrenees

The large breed, Great Pyrenees were bred to be flock and livestock keepers. They are very much a loyal breed of dog, wanting to do their job well and protect whatever they were given to oversee. So loyal, in fact, that they would even consider the livestock they kept, as part of their family. Great Pyrenees dogs are loyal and protect the entire family, showing no favoritism to any one family member. They are considered gentle giants because of their sweet dispositions. The Great Pyrenees will want to be with his family as much as possible, and it is a good idea in order to strengthen that bond with you and the family. This is not a good breed to leave alone for long hours because of their need to be with their pack leaders, (your family). They do require grooming on a regular basis, basic hair brushing and nail clipping, to keep them tangle free and neat and tidy.

German Wirehair Pointer

Bred as hunting dogs, these small dogs are extremely loyal and will be by your side no matter what kind of danger there is around. This was the reason they became a popular hunting dog; hunters could rely on their bravery and loyalty. They are protective and oversee the entire family’s safety, children included. They are short to medium length haired dogs, and do not require a lot of grooming, just basic baths, ear cleaning and toe nails clipped regularly. The are very sweet natured, and love to part of the family, so take him where you can and spend some quality time with your German Wirehair Pointer to really build that bond.

Schnauzer

Schnauzers come in two sizes, which makes it nice to be able to pick the size that will best fit your family’s lifestyle. Both sizes are very loyal dogs and have the same type of sweet disposition and funny little personalities. They love to be a part of the family and go with you where they are welcome. The Schnauzer has been a popular breed of dog for families and even the elderly, due to their loyalty and loving nature. These are also good dogs for those who live in smaller homes or an apartment due to their compact size, especially the smaller variation of the breed. They do require some regular grooming to keep them neat and tidy and will need to be walked and exercised. The more time you spend with your Schnauzer, the better pet he will be.

Labrador Retriever

The Lab is a retriever of water fowl and other game. He was bred to be by a hunter’s side and act on command, retrieving what their owner shoots. They are highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train for hunting dogs. They are known lovers of water and being outdoors, and are extremely good-natured dogs. Families love Golden Retrievers due to their loyalty to the entire family, from children to other pets. They can get along with just about anyone. The Labradors are short haired and are shedders, so if you don’t mind a little dog fur along with the love this breed gives, this could be the perfect pet for your family.

Golden Retriever

Another retriever dog, is the Golden Retriever. They are equally as loyal as the Lab and have an intense desire to please their owner and get approval, which is what makes this dog breed, a very loyal breed. They are very gentle natured and one of the most popular breeds among families. Goldens are often used as a breed to cross with others, due to their nature. They want to bring the best of a Golden Retriever and mix it with another, to make a perfect hybrid. The Golden Retriever has longer hair than the Labrador Retriever and will require more grooming. They do have high energy and require exercise to keep them healthy and in normal weight range, as well as to stimulate their minds.

German Shepard

When most people think of a loyal dog, a German Shepherd is probably the most popular breed to come to mind. They are so loyal, in fact, that they are often train for important jobs, such as, military positions, police force work on the K-9 unit, bomb and drug sniffing, seeing eye dogs, and therapy dogs. They are protective, highly intelligent and easy to train. They want to work, they want to protect, and they want to please, which are all qualities of a highly loyal dog. Many people get German Shepherds to protect their home and family, because not only do these dogs have a protective streak, they are also gentle and loving towards their family members.

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