10 Most Loyal Dog Breeds That Will Love You Forever

Although each dog is unique, they all have specific breed-related traits. The traits of different breeds are then used to determine the most loyal dog breeds. However, that does not mean dogs of other breeds are not loyal. The way in which you raise your dog will play a significant role in its adult personality traits, including loyalty, regardless of breed.

If you want to bring a dog into your family but are unsure which breed to choose, you might find the perfect pooch among those on the list of most loyal dog breeds. According to the American Kennel Club, breeds of the working dogs group typically form close bonds with their human families. These include herding dogs, hunting dogs, etc.

Even those that became domesticated decades ago maintain their innate loyalty to their owners. These dogs are typically protective of their human families, but friendly with others. They just have a special bond with their owners and show their devotion with unconditional love.

1. Labrador Retriever

A list of the most loyal pooches will not be complete without the Labrador Retriever. The AKC lists Labs as the most popular breed in the U.S. since 1991. They are incredibly friendly and easy to train. Labs love to please people, and their love for their human families is unconditional. Your precious Lab will always be glad to see you, and they never run out of wet kisses — which they dish out without hesitation.

Labradors are more than capable of forming unique, deep, loving bonds with every member of their families but will often be slightly more attached to one person in particular. That favorite person is often, though not always, the main caretaker or leader of the “pack.” Labradors are some of the most suitable dogs for all types of work, including acting as service dogs, emotional support dogs, and therapy dogs.

2. English Bulldog

This heavy-set, muscular, and very stocky dog is typically associated with a slow-moving and slow-acting animal, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. The Bulldog is a very loyal, loving, and calm dog. They have a wonderful temperament and love their humans, even small children, and they are incredibly patient and kind. The Bulldog gets along well with other house pets and companion dogs when properly socialized and trained.

They will bark when strangers approach, and they can be very protective of their families, particularly if they feel a threat. The Bulldog, despite their large size, loves human attention. When they are young, they are very active and will want to be in the middle of the activity, but as they age they will become more content to just sit back and watch.

3. Golden Retriever

Golden retrievers are probably at the top of your list when you think of friendly and devoted family dogs. Throughout history, these dogs have been known to be outgoing, powerful hunting companions with endless energy and loyalty.

The Golden Retriever has proven time and time again that it is the most loyal, and friendliest dog breed. Whether you want to play outside all day, snuggle at bedtime, or need an intelligent canine companion who will look out for you and warn you of danger. One thing is sure, the Golden Retriever ticks all the boxes of one of the most loyal dog breeds, and indeed, (hu)man’s best friend.

4. Border Collie

Border Collies are not one of the smartest dog breeds, but also one of the most loyal dog breeds out there. They Are not just loyal to one person – they are also fiercely loyal to their pack. This means that they will be equally protective of other members of their family, including children and even other pets. This pooch will never stop showing you just how much it loves you.

The ways they show love include, laying their paws on you to claim you as theirs, nudging you with a wet nose, and never running out of neck nuzzles. Your Border Collie will gaze deeply into your eyes while wagging its tail and sneaking by with a quick kiss. In short, Border Collies make loyal and loving companions that will always have your back.

5. Newfoundland

Weighing in at one hundred thirty to one hundred fifty as an adult male and one hundred to one hundred twenty as an adult female, Newfoundlands are amazingly gentle. Beneath the Newfie’s bear-like features and fluffy coat is an extremely patient and devoted pup. Friendly is an understatement—they love to cuddle with families and are super gentle.

They were originally bred to help fishermen pull up nets and haul wood. You won’t find a breed more loyal than the Newfoundland. Newfies are known to physically place themselves between their humans and strangers as a form of protection. They’re also commonly referred to as “nanny dogs” due to their gentleness toward children in the family. Now if that’s not loyalty, I don’t know what is.

6. Saint Bernard

A trusty furry companion too proud to cling and too well-mannered to bark a lot, a Saint Bernard is a mighty but gentle giant dog with an even bigger heart. This precious pooch has infinite patience for children who treat her kindly. Those slobbery kisses will never run out. Because she’s so bright, she responds well to gentle training and appreciates a casual stroll with you each day, so you can share deep thoughts while she puts her sniffer to work.

The St. Bernard is known for its loyalty and vigilance and is tolerant of both children and animals. Because of these traits, it has become a family dog. They also make good watchdogs, as their size can be intimidating to strangers, though their temperament is gentle. Furthermore, St. Bernards have been used as service dogs for search and rescue, weight pulling (drafting), carting, service work, and as drool-worthy family companions.

7. Rottweiler

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. Including a Rottweiler in all family, activities is the key to their heart. Rottweilers can, in fact, be one-person dogs, capable of developing a special bond with their favorite person. As natural protectors, Rottweilers will bond with every member of a loving family but can be encouraged to favor one in particular, especially if they see this person as the leader of the pack.

8. Yorkshire Terriers

These little dogs are one of the smallest, spunkiest, but mightiest canine companion breeds. They get very attached to their owners and quickly become skeptical of strangers. One look into those little eyes will assure you that Yorkies are not to be messed with. Yorkies have tenacious but affectionate personalities. They tend to be very vocal, protective, and loyal companions. And, despite their small size, they can make excellent guard dogs.

Yorkshire Terriers are sweet, intelligent dogs who are truly affectionate and extremely loyal. Once a Yorkie knows who her pack leader is, she will realize her place in the household’s hierarchy. After you achieve this outcome, you can feel free to allow her around children and to pop up for a cuddle in your lap.

9. Brittany

Thanks to its great intelligence and unwavering loyalty, the Brittany, also known as the Brittany Spaniel or French Brittany, is a very popular hunting dog. They are energetic family dogs, popular with adults and children alike. Their faces are highly expressive, displaying their great intelligence and loyalty.

A Brittany is a perfect fit as a hunting partner, as its high energy does the best when it has a job to do. This sweet, good-natured, and loyal breed is also a wonderful family dog. Brittanys love their families and will be willing to play or follow them anywhere. They are excellent around children.

10. Pug

Pugs are bred to be companion dogs, and that’s why they strive to please their owners and will remain loyal no matter what. Their loyalty is also the reason they never want to leave your side. Loyalty goes a long way so make sure to return that loyalty to them. It is definitely one of their top qualities.

Just like humans, animals will develop a close relationship with their favorite humans. Pugs are loyal dogs and if you become their favorite person, you’ll have a four-legged friend for life. Not only that, but they will stare at you and watch your movements, so they can get to know and understand you better.

And There Are More…

As I mentioned, there is no way to limit loyal dogs to a list like this one. A bit of research will show that the list of most loyal dog breeds is endless. This is because dogs are typically the product of their human families’ lifestyles, and the level of training, socialization, and love they received from puppyhood. Ultimately, love and loyalty between dogs and their humans are reciprocal, and unconditional on both sides.

If you’re still unsure of the best choice for a loyal family dog, the list below contains breeds that families recommend. They swear their canine companions are the most loyal, and best dogs. This is what they say about their precious pooches.

• Collie – Yes, the same Lassie dog from the 1950s television series. Known for their unwavering devotion to their owners, Collies are affectionate, loving, and loyal creatures, sometimes to a fault.
• German Shepherd – German Shepherds have a particularly strong sense of loyalty. They would protect not only their owners but also all their family members in the household. Furthermore, German Shepherds are some of the most intelligent dogs in the world, and they are very popular for work as police and rescue dogs.

• Great Dane – Loyal, striking, and loving, the Great Dane will make a wonderful addition to any family up to the task of living with such a large companion.
• Mastiffs – Known as gentle giants, Mastiffs are loyal, affectionate, and friendly yet protective.
• Doberman Pinscher – Doberman pinschers are one of the most loyal dog breeds. That means once they attach themselves to you, they are loving and protective.

Medium-Sized Dogs That Form Part Of The Most Loyal Dog Breeds List

• Staffordshire Terrier – They’re fearless, fiercely loyal, and awfully fond of people. This loyalty means that they’ll do anything for their owner.
• Akita – The Akita has its roots in Japan, and is a loyal and affectionate dog toward his family and friends, but quite territorial about his home and aloof with strangers. Hachico is the proof of Akita’s loyalty. It is the true story of a loyal Akita that met its owner at the train station every day as he returned from work. After Hachico’s owner died, the Akita waited at a train station for its deceased owner, every day for about nine years Hachiko waited for its owner, until the day of its death.

• Spaniel – They stick to you like glue, and their loyalty will melt even the coldest of hearts. You’ll never be lonely or bored with a spaniel around.

Small Breeds That Form Part Of The Most Loyal Dog Breeds List

• Chihuahua – Chihuahuas are loyal to their owners even though they are not big dogs. Chihuahuas are lapdogs that belong to the toy dog group and love attention. In turn, it offers unconditional love and loyalty to its owners.
• Beagle – While beagles are friendly with everyone, they tend to be loyal to one person
• Dachshund – Dachshunds are a loyal breed and often attach intensely to one person—usually, the one that feeds them or spends the most time with them.

Hopefully, we have helped ease your process of choosing the perfect canine companion from this list of most loyal dog breeds that will love you forever.