What is the most loyal dog

15 Most Loyal Dog Breeds in 2023 (12 Are Big Dogs!)

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and buy we may make a commission, at no additional charge to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

While any dog can be a loyal best friend, some breeds are inherently more loyal than others.

A lot of this has to do with what the dogs were bred to do. While some dogs were bred to work independently, others were bred to work closely with humans making them great family dogs.

Any dog can be taught to be loyal, but maybe you dont want to work as hard to earn loyalty. Thats why we have come up with a list of the most loyal dog breeds.

This topic is subjective and a matter of opinion, but below well provide are our picks for the most loyal dog breeds.

What is Loyalty When It Comes to Dogs?

Merriam-Webster defines loyalty as unswerving allegiance. When it comes to dogs, that means that while they may love all people, their family comes first. They might befriend any person they meet, but at the end of the day,theyll only follow their own person home.

A loyal dog is one who willingly leaves the dog park when asked. Theyll do anything they can to make their owner happy. Theyll ignore temptations from others in favor of going with their family.

What is not a loyal dog is one that freaks out any time it is left alone. That is a sign of separation anxiety, a traumatic problem for dogs that must be handled with training. Loyal dogs are comfortable being alone but thrilled to see their peopleat the end of the day.

RELATED: 10 Most Affectionate Large Dog Breeds

Common Traits of Loyal Dog Breeds

Apart from being bred to work closely with people, loyal dog breeds tend tohave other traits in common, like:

• Protective instinctsWhile they may not outright attack anybody who gets near you, they may bark to alert you to strangers or stand between you and others. They want to keep their family safe from danger.
• IntelligenceIts no coincidence that the most loyal dogs are often the easiest to train. Intelligent breeds were bred to work closely with humans, and that closeness required loyalty.
• SensitivitySince loyal dogs are eager to please, they dont need a heavy hand during training. They need little encouragement to do what their people want.

15 of the Most Loyal Dog Breeds

Now that weve talked a bit about loyalty, lets talk about our picks for 15 of the most loyal dog breeds that make great family dogs.

#1St Bernard

You might associate the Saint Bernard dog with rabid Cujo or rowdy Beethoven. However, the Saint Bernard was bred to rescue people from avalanches.

These days, a St Bernard is more likely to be a large lapdog than a rescue dog. However, those instincts to help people are still there, and theyll do nearly anything for their family.

Bad breeding can lead to health or temperament problems. To ensure you get a healthy, loyal Saint Bernard, do thorough research to find a reputable breeder.

St Bernard Loyalty Story

Barry was a famous Swiss St Bernard who rescued somewhere between 45-100 people in the Alps from 1800-1812. His body rests in the Natural History Museum in Berne, Switzerland along with a monument to his legacy.

#2German Shepherd

German Shepherds were originally bred to herd sheep before becoming specialized police and military dogs. Both jobs required German Shepherds to listen closely to their owner or handler. As a result, German Shepherds are one of the most loyal breeds you can find.

While they are easy to train, they doneed plenty of exercise. A bored German Shepherd can cause trouble.

German Shepherd Loyalty Story

A German Shepherd named Alice is 2019s Service Dog of the Year. 5-year-old Alice alerts when her 13-year-old boy is about to have a seizure so he can lay down before falling. She will also stand between him and other people if she thinks hes being threatened.

#3Rough Collie

When you picture loyal dogs, its hard not to think of Lassie, the Collie who kept little Timmy safe. While Timmy never fell into a well, he still got in plenty of trouble where Lassie needed to save him.

Originally bred to herd sheep, Collies bond closely to their people and may also act as guardians. Theyre generally friendly with kids and other dogs making them great family pets.

Rough Collie Loyalty Story

Lassie is one of the most famous dogs in the world. The Rough Collie has been making fans since the first Lassie movie in 1943. The dog who played Lassie, named Pal, was paid twice as much as his female costara teenage Elizabeth Taylor.

#4Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular family dogs in the United States. Eager to please, the Golden Retriever will do anything for its family. Theyre easy to train and love doing anything with their owners.

Golden Retrievers make great therapy dogs, service dogs, and guide dogs due to their calm nature, intelligence, and loyalty. Its important to note that they need a fair amount of exercise to stay so calm.

Golden Retriever Loyalty Story

In 2018, Golden Retriever Todd tackled a rattlesnake that his owner had nearly stepped on. Todd saved his owner but was bitten in the face by the snake. Luckily, Todd recovered after saving his owners life.

#5Boxer

Even though Boxers are called the clowns of the dog world, they would do anything to protect their family. These sensitive souls may have focus issues, but they want to make their people happy.

This highly energetic dog breed loves a good run around the dog park. While theyll have fun with everybody else, theyll happily go home with their person.

Boxer Loyalty Story

Boxer Athens was so devastated when his dad was deployed to Iraq for 6 months that he would run around the house looking for him. Hide and seek was a favorite game the two played. When his dad finally came home, Athens was so overjoyed that he stuck to him like glue for an hour.

#6Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog in the United States for nearly three decades, for good reason. Labs always want to be with their people. They make excellent service dogs, therapy dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Their devotion to their family is limitless.

Labs love children. However, their enthusiasm can overwhelm a small child. Make sure your Lab gets plenty of exercise.

Labrador Retriever Loyalty Story

Labs Bella and Sadie saved their moms life after she had a stroke while taking a shower. They figured out how to open the unlocked front door, then ran to a neighbors house for help. When the neighbor brought the dogs back and discovered their owner unconscious, she called 911.

#7Great Pyrenees

Originally bred to live with and guard flocks of sheep, Great Pyrenees are quitehappy to guard humans, too. This giant lap dog will love every member of your family yet will scare off intrudersif necessary.

More independent and less clingy than some breeds, the Great Pyrenees would do anything for its family or flock. Because of their size, obedience training is crucial.

Great Pyrenees Loyalty Story

A Great Pyrenees named Zero gave his life to protect his family when a gunman opened fire at them. Despite being shot multiple times, Zero kept lunging at the gunman. Thanks to Zeros efforts, no human was shot above the waist before the shooter fled. Sadly, Zero did not survive his injuries.

#8Rottweiler

The stereotypical guard dog, Rottweilers can make a loyal addition to any family. They can begentle with children but aggressive with anybody who threatens their people.

Though they can be headstrong and stubborn, they adore their families and make better pets than their reputation might suggest.

Rottweiler Loyalty Story

Rottweiler Jack is so loyal that his dad made him the best man at his wedding. In fact, Jacks dad met his soon-to-be bride while walking Jack. A tiny tuxedo made Jack the perfect best man.

#9Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies become quiteattached to their people, but dont tell them theyre too small to be a guard dog. The Yorkshire Terrier is a big dog in a small body and will defend their person from any perceived threat.

Yorkie Loyalty Story

Fat Heath, a Yorkie, stayed with his 3-year-old human all night when she got lost in a cornfield. He responded to the bark of a search and rescue dog the next day, and searchers quickly found the girl. What a loyal dog!

#10Chihuahua

Like the Yorkie, Chihuahuas tend tobond closely to one or two people and may dislike strangers. Chihuahuas can be perceived as mean by strangers but would never harm a member of their family.

Chihuahua Loyalty Story

Two months after the passing of her 86-year-old owner, Chihuahua mix Detawas brought to the grave. Now owned by the daughter of her previous owner, Deta refused to leave the grave. She eventually had to be carried away.

#11Border Collie

Border Collies are the smartest dog breed and are naturals at obeying every command. While they thrive herding sheep, they are also excellent at dog sports like agility and flyball. Theyre always up for any adventure with their human.

Border Collie Loyalty Story

Border Collie Buddy saved his owners life by barking to wake him up when the mans electric blanket caught fire. The fire spread quickly, and waiting for the smoke detector may have been too late.

#12Brittany

Bred to spend all day alongside a human hunting companion, Brittanies are extremelyloyal to their favorite person or people. If you dont hunt, theyll be happy to accompany you on any adventure. They doneed plenty of exercise to keep them happy.

Brittany Loyalty Story

A couple was woken up by their Brittany, Cooper, after their two cars caught on fire. Thanks to Cooper, the family made it out of the home before it also caught fire.

#13Akita

This working dog is famously devoted to its family. Wary of strangers, the Akita loves its people and will protect themif necessary.

Akita Loyalty Story

One of the most famous loyal dogs of all time, Hachiko (also known as Hachi), was an Akita in Japan. He followed his owner to the train station every morning and waited every afternoon for him to come home. Sadly, Hachis owner passed away one day at work.

Hachi continued to go to the train station every morning and afternoon for the rest of his life (9 years) waiting for his human who would never come home again. There is now a statue of Hachi outside the train station to honor him and his loyalty.

#14Shetland Sheepdog

If a Rough Collie like Lassie is too big, a Shetland Sheepdog might be the loyal companion youre looking for. A close cousin of the Rough Collie, Shelties are just as loyal but in a smaller package. They make excellent agility dogs since they are so attuned to their owners.

Sheltie Loyalty Story

Shelties Brumby and Sonnet work as therapy dogs. They bring joy to residents of a nursing home and help kids learn how to read. They enjoy helping others but love coming home with their mom.

#15Dachshund

Bred to hunt badgers, Dachshunds have a tenacious spirit that they will use to protect their family. The Dachshund has a big personality in a small package. Theyre friendly but independent.

Dachshund Loyalty Story

The Dachshund has loyal followers of its own. In 2018, a Dachshund museum opened in Passau, Germany. It contains more than 4,500 Dachshund-themed items.

How to Encourage Loyalty in Any Dog

While some dog breeds are naturally more loyal than others, any dog can be encouraged to be loyal.

Here are a few ways to encourage loyalty in your dog.

1. Spend Time Bonding with Them

The more time your dog gets to spend with you, the more time they will want to spend with you. Most of us have to work, but when you get home, try to spend some quality time with your dog. Take them with you to dog-friendly places when you can and give them plenty of time and attention.

2. Give Them Lots of Praise

Dogs respond better to kindness than punishment. Thats why you shouldreward them every time they do something you like. When your dog learns that youre a constant source of positive attention, they will become more loyal.

3. Hand Feed Them

If youre directly responsible for every bite of food your dog gets, they may have a better appreciation for you. Even the most stubborn dog will be loyal to the person who feeds them by hand. A bowl of kibble plopped on the floor doesnt have the same effect.

4. Give Them Plenty of Exercise

Most dogs dont get enough exercise, and more than half of all dogs are overweight or obese. Your dog probably spends a lot of time sleeping while youre at work. Giving them plenty of exercise when youre home is good for your dog both physically and emotionally.

A Final Word on the Most Loyal Dog Breeds

Any dog can be the most loyal companion you could ask for. However, some dog breeds are naturally more loyal than others. While some dogs may need more encouragement than others, any dog breed can be loyal.

[wpdatatable id=59]

Jennifer Nelson is a passionate dog lover and pet care professional based in Denver, Colorado. With over 12 years of experience as a pet groomer, Jennifer has a wealth of knowledge and expertise when it comes to the health and well-being of dogs.

She is an accomplished pet care professional and writer who truly embodies the spirit of a dog lover. Her passion, expertise, and commitment to the dog community make her a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about the care and wellbeing of these wonderful animals.

Jennifers writing style is warm, engaging, and informative, and her articles are always well-researched and backed by her extensive professional experience. Her goal is to provide readers with valuable insights and advice on all aspects of dog care, from feeding and grooming to exercise and health.