Loyalty comes naturally to most dogs. They evolved from wolves (in fact, a recent study indicates they evolved from two specific lines of ancient wolf lineage) to become our companions. Bonding with us is basically hard-wired into their DNA—and we all benefit from canine loyalty. Devoted dogs serve in the military, watch over our kids, chase away predators and so much more. The most loyal dog breeds have either spent centuries protecting homesteads or comfortably clinging to our laps. They’re often wary of strangers or ignore them completely, preferring you and only you. Keep in mind loyalty is a two-way street. If you respect your dog, they will respect you back.
What does it mean for a dog to be loyal?
Loyalty manifests in different ways, depending on the breed. Many breeds on this list come from the working dog group. This means they’ve spent hundreds of years doing double duty as guard dogs and farm hands (among other tasks). These will be incredibly protective pooches who may be wary of strangers. Though independent-minded, they won’t hesitate to come if called or when they sense danger.
On the other hand, there are loyal dog breeds who live to please and want nothing more than your love and friendship. Their devotion is always present - in the way they follow you around, sleep next to you, initiate playtime and bring you gifts. Many of these pups will be obedient, learning and following commands easily because it brings them joy and fulfills their sense of duty.
Can you train a dog to be more loyal?
Loyalty is often inherent, though no dog is untrainable. Socialization and training commands should start from day one, as early as possible in puppyhood, to ensure good behavior later. Loyal dogs with reputations for being fierce guardians should receive consistent, firm, yet compassionate training throughout their lives to ensure they don’t lash out at strangers.
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1 Akita
Height: 24-28 inches
Weight: 70-130 pounds
Personality: Loyal, Brave
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: High
Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
If an Akita isn’t part of your household, don’t expect them to welcome you with open arms. They are incredibly protective and territorial dogs the American Kennel Club calls “profoundly loyal.” Akitas are working dogs from Japan (where they are seen as symbols of health and happiness) who shed like the dickens. Socialize early to ensure well-behaved adults!
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2. American Staffordshire Terrier
Height: 17-19 inches
Weight: 40-70 pounds
Personality: Highly Affectionate, Intelligent
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Low
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Think of American Staffordshire Terriers—AmStaffs for short—as affectionate watchdogs. Their history as fighting dogs makes them a misunderstood breed. We have humans to thank for this poor reputation! In reality, they love to love and generally get along well with new friends. An AmStaff’s strength and courage definitely make them formidable opponents should anyone try to harm their loved ones. Their intelligence and alertness also mean they are tuned in and ready to protect. Remember all dogs are individuals and aggression is often a learned behavior. Train early and socialize often for a happy, healthy Am Staff.
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3. Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Height: 27-29 inches
Weight: 80-150 pounds
Personality: Independent, Patient
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Seasonal
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
Anatolian Shepherds are ancient dogs born to protect territory, livestock and family members. They definitely lack the friendly, sweet nature of an AmStaff, yet they’ll go to any length to protect their charges. Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are not for novice dog owners or anyone without a large yard or space in which the dog can roam.
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4. Beagle
Height: 10-15 inches
Weight: 15-30 pounds
Personality: Friendly, Doting
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Welcome to the softer side of loyalty! Beagles are loyal companions in that they are happiest when around you, their favorite person, or their family. Sweethearts with merry personalities, Beagles also get along well with other pets and kids. They’re also sensitive souls, so be kind if they make a mistake (like loving you too much).
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5. Border Collie
Height: 18 - 22 inches
Weight: 30 - 55 pounds
Personality: Energetic, Smart
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Seasonal
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
As herding dogs, Border Collies have boundless energy and are incredibly smart. The loyalty you find in Border Collies falls into the obedience category. These pups love to learn and work alongside their people in agility and herding competitions. Teach them everything and they’ll happily follow you to the ends of the earth.
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6. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Height: 21-26 inches
Weight: 55-80 pounds
Personality: Loyal, sensitive
Activity Level: Moderate to High
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
Chesapeake Bay Retriever people say once you go with a Chessie, you never go back. An all-American dog breed, they’re more sensitive than other hunting hounds. Chessies have been known to work wonders as therapy dogs, which proves how loyal they can be to a person. These dogs are with you through thick and thin!
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7. Chihuahua
Height: 5-8 inches
Weight: 6 pounds
Personality: Charming, independent
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Low
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Out of Mexico comes the Chihuahua, a feisty, loyal pup who isn’t afraid to bark at someone they feel is encroaching on their territory (you). Meant to be lap dogs who go with you everywhere, Chihuahuas expect to be involved in everything you do. Be careful with these tiny canines around big dogs or rambunctious kiddos - and hold them close when it’s cold so they don’t freeze (they’ll love it).
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8. Collie
Height: 22 - 26 inches
Weight: 50 - 75 pounds
Personality: Devoted, Athletic
Activity Level: Moderate to High
Shedding Factor: Seasonal
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Collies pretty much invented the loyal family pet trope. Great with kids and eager to join in the fun, Collies are smart and athletic dogs. They thrive on companionship and won’t do well if left alone for long stretches of time. Collies are herding dogs, which means they love having a job to do, especially if it makes you happy.
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9. Dachshund
Height: 8-9 inches (Standard), 5-6 inches (Miniature)
Weight: 16-32 pounds (Standard), up to 11 pounds (Miniature)
Personality: Curious, affectionate
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Low
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
Like Chihuahuas, Dachshunds aren’t afraid to bark at perceived threats. They are incredibly affectionate with their families and prefer their people to everyone else. Dachshunds get along well with other Dachshunds but may be stand-offish with other breeds.
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10. Doberman Pinscher
Height: 24-28 inches
Weight: 60-100 pounds
Personality: Intelligent, alert
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: High
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Dobermans are basically brainiacs. One of the smartest breeds around, they’ve excelled at loyalty too through military service and working with people with physical and mental disabilities. Do they shed a ton? Yes. Will they cuddle with you at the end of a long day? Yes. Will they scare away anyone who tries to mess with you simply by looking intimidating? Absolutely.
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11. English Springer Spaniel
Height: 19 - 20 inches
Weight: 40 - 50 pounds
Personality: Dedicated, Friendly
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
The AKC says English Springer Spaniels “crave company and are miserable when neglected.” Take that as a warning! Leaving them alone for hours on end will result in some separation anxiety and perhaps destruction. These hunting dogs long to be with you and are dedicated to pleasing you (this is why they make excellent partners on outdoor excursions).
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12. German Shepherd
Height: 22-26 inches
Weight: 50-90 pounds
Personality: Loyal, confident
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: High
Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years
Like the Akita, the German Shepherd is a serious-minded dog wholly devoted to protecting its family. Literally known for their bravery (they work with police forces and on front lines in tumultuous situations), German Shepherds won’t hesitate to leap into action if they sense you’re in distress. They are not, however, the warmest breed. Expect a high level of independence and aloofness.
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13. Golden Retriever
Height: 21-24 inches
Weight: 55-75 pounds
Personality: Friendly, Devoted
Activity Level: Moderate to High
Shedding Factor: High
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Come on, the Golden Retriever? Perhaps the poster dog for dedication! Known for their keen abilities as therapy dogs and emotional support animals, these smart, sweet pups will become your BFF in an instant. They can be trained to be vigilant watch dogs, but a Golden’s nature definitely leans toward being friendly with strangers and pals alike.
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14. Great Pyrenees
Height: 25-32 inches
Weight: 85-110 pounds
Personality: Calm, Sweet
Activity Level: Low
Shedding Factor: High
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Great Pyrenees are large and in charge. They’ve spent centuries as guardians of the mountains, protecting both livestock and homesteads. Though incredibly even-keel, they willingly spring into action if they feel their families are threatened. Great Pyrenees are also notoriously patient with little kiddos.
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15. Kuvasz
Height: 26-30 inches
Weight: 70-115 pounds
Personality: Obedient, fearless
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Picture a Great Pyrenees but slightly smaller and in Hungary instead of France. You’ve got a Kuvasz. These are fearless dogs who learn quickly, happily obey commands and yet have a regal sensibility rivaling the most majestic monarchs. Kuvasz pups can be independent-minded, so go into training sessions with a firm resolve!
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16. Labrador Retriever
Height: 21-25 inches
Weight: 55-80 pounds
Personality: Outgoing, Fun-loving
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: High
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Similar to other Retrievers (Goldens and Chessies), Labradors are compassionate animals who dote on their favorite people. Energetic and outgoing, they are happy to meet new people. In terms of loyalty, they are highly trainable and constantly check in with their person. Labs have also been known to consider themselves lap dogs, so get ready for one to jump onto the couch with you.
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17. Mastiff
Height: 27-32 inches
Weight: 120-220 pounds
Personality: Courageous, patient
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 6-10 years
Mastiffs faithfully protect family members and give strangers some side-eye until they know them better. Huge and intimidating, a Mastiff bores easily when it comes to training, so have patience and make it exciting. Despite their macho appearance, they’re true softies at heart.
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18. Miniature American Shepherd
Height: 13-18 inches
Weight: 20-40 pounds
Personality: Smart, sweet
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
Loving and devoted, Miniature American Shepherds are less like guard dogs and more like pals. They want to be near you and do stuff with you! Get ready for little balls of energy who will perk up if you get ready to go outside. Smart and eager to learn commands, Miniature American Shepherds enjoy obedience and agility training.
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19. Rottweiler
Height: 22-27 inches
Weight: 80-135 pounds
Personality: Confident, loving
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 9 to 10 years
At home, Rottweilers are playful and loving companions. Out in the world, they usually give off a distant, detached energy. The truth is, they are so loyal they simply don’t care much for others. Rottweilers have earned a reputation for being aggressive; this happens without proper socialization and training. Avoid encouraging aggressive behavior by wrestling with puppies (or adult dogs!). Including a Rottweiler in all family activities is the key to their heart.
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20. Shiba Inu
Height: 13.5-16.5 inches
Weight: 17-23 pounds
Personality: Affectionate, Protective
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 13-16 years
As the most popular companion dog in Japan, Shiba Inus exude loyalty on a daily basis. In fact, they tend to adapt well (perhaps better than most breeds on this list) to a variety of environments, depending on where their people are. Once there, they’ll become territorial and likely won’t take kindly to new faces right away.
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21. Siberian Husky
Height: 20 - 24 inches
Weight: 30 - 60 pounds
Personality: Social, Loyal
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: High
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Bred to work alongside large packs of dogs in service of their humans, Siberian Huskies are loyal through and through. The thing is, like Golden Retrievers, these dogs make friends with everyone. Their devotion to you is deep, but to them, the more the merrier.
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22. St. Bernard
Height: 26-30 inches
Weight: 120-180 pounds
Personality: Charming, Watchful
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Seasonal
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
If you can get past the drool, you’re in good paws with a St. Bernard on your team. Known for their work as rescue dogs, these canines are patient, dedicated and strong—not to mention enormous. Great with kids and other pets, St. Bernards are friendly until they perceive a threat and their protective instincts kick in.
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23. Welsh Springer Spaniel
Height: 17-19 inches
Weight: 35-55 pounds
Personality: Happy, Dedicated
Activity Level: Moderate to High
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Dogs who follow their family members into the bathroom and stand guard are simply demonstrating loyalty. You can expect this from Welsh Springer Spaniels. Happy dogs with eager and friendly dispositions, they make great family pets (as long as you include them in everything).
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