We’ve rounded up some of the most loyal dog breeds that will make you feel like the center of their world. From the playful golden retriever to the protective German Shepherd, these breeds go above and beyond to show love and devotion. Some take a more of a guardian’s role, while others are known for being your shadow, providing comfort, protection, or just a friendly nudge when you need it most.
Science suggests that dogs’ loyalty is tied to their evolutionary history, where domestication has encouraged them to form strong attachments with humans.
When you bond with a dog, both sides of the partnership experience a rush of the “love hormone” oxytocin, according to a study by the National Library of Medicine. This is the same chemical that forms between mothers and their babies – creating a connection that goes beyond just companionship.
If you want to feel like the most important person in the room – protected and loved unconditionally – check out these especially loyal dog breeds.
Most loyal dog breeds
1. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are known for their intense loyalty. A highly intelligent and active breed, they have been developed to work alongside humans, whether it’s herding flocks, serving in the trenches, or as service dogs for the blind.
They have a naturally protective instinct towards humans, making them one of the best guard dog breeds, and typically form deep bonds with their families.
2. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is an extremely popular and likeable breed, which makes an ideal dog for families as they are loyal, trainable and usually gentle.
They have a naturally strong desire to please, are endlessly devoted, and cherish companionship in the home without being annoyingly needy. Top dog!
3. Golden retriever
Golden retrievers are typically friendly, gentle, and devoted to their human family. They tend to be an easy breed to train, which means they form a bond quickly with their owners and have that innate desire to please – which results in lovable loyalty.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
While some of the higher-energy spaniel breeds tend to be a bit too keen on running around, the toy Cavalier King Charles will sit on your lap and exemplify devotion. They are sociable, gentle, and fun, and they love human contact, making them a super family pet.
5. Border Collie
The Border Collie is not only the smartest dog breed around, but when you couple their brains with their excellent trainability, it results in a dog that is eager to please, forms bonds easily with humans, and is unstintingly loyal.
The one caveat is that this breed has exceptionally high energy levels, so they can get frustrated and sometimes destructive if they aren’t given sufficient vigorous exercise. Plenty of both physical and mental stimulation are essential.
6. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier does have a chequered reputation, but in good hands, they make super little family dogs.
They are natural people-pleasers, and are known for being exceptionally tolerant of children as well as cheerfully loyal to their own. They are sometimes nicknamed “nanny dogs” for their desire to keep the little ones in their families safe.
7. Jack Russell Terrier
The feisty little Jack Russell is a canine dynamo. They are full of pluck and adventure but also staunchly bonded to their families.
They often don’t want to leave their human out of sight, but whether this is out of devotion or because of their fear of missing out, we can’t be absolutely sure.
8. Akita
The Akita is an interesting blend of loyalty with a strong will. Loyal dogs are typically very trainable and eager to please, whereas the Akita needs an experienced training hand and can be independent.
That said, they are staunchly loyal and protective of their own family and aloof with strangers. They thrive on human companionship and are hardwired to protect their loved ones.
9. Beagle
The fun-loving beagle is not as automatically trainable as some of the loyal dog breeds, but they are devoted to their families and famously sweet-natured with children.
As a pack dog, they are predisposed to look after anyone within their “pack” and will act as a natural watchdog over them.
10. Chihuahua
Chihuahua owners are rarely seen without their tiny, bat-eared shadow because this is a pup that doesn’t like to let their person out of sight. This compact toy breed is a brilliant companion, as they thrive on human attention, love to sit in your lap, be carried in your bag and accompany you on car rides.
They have a fair old yap on them as they do their best to sound like a big guard dog in their devotion to their owner.
11. Doberman Pinscher
Loyal and fearless, the Doberman Pinscher has its origins as a protection dog, and this allegiance to its owner has never faded. However, while they have retained the look of a ferocious breed, their character has mellowed over time.
With appropriate training and socialization, they can be the best of both worlds – statuesque and imposing to intruders while devoted to their families.
12. Vizsla
Some might say the Vizsla is almost too loyal! The ultimate “Velcro dog”, this Hungarian sporting breed seems almost physically attached to their owner while also having sky-high energy levels. This means that if you own a Vizsla, you need to be as fit as he is. Be aware that this unstinting devotion means they are one of the dog breeds most likely to suffer from separation anxiety.
Separation anxiety can be managed, but is worth reading up on the signs and ways to reduce separation anxiety.
13. Maltese
This toy breed is the archetypal companion dog: small, cuddly, and super cute. Charming and devoted, they will yap at intruders to give some sort of impression of a serious guard dog, but overall, they are simply a little, lovable, and loyal companion.
14. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a funky, small breed with a huge personality. They are affectionate and loyal, bonding happily with people of all ages, from toddlers to grannies.
They thrive on human companionship and want to do whatever you’re doing, whether it’s a trot around the park or a lazy day on the couch.
15. Pug
Pugs make brilliant companions, being loyal and cuddly while also being fun and charismatic – the clowns of the canine world. They are known for bestowing unconditional love on their families.
As they are a brachycephalic breed, lots of exercise is off the agenda for pugs, but instead, they are happiest being a devoted companion.
16. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a sweet, affectionate breed dressed up as a small bear! Bred to be a working dog, helping fishermen, this is a breed that loves to be of service, which typically translates to loyalty and a desire to please within the home.
They are protective and loving, and despite their gigantic and sometimes clumsy physique, they are naturally gentle and calm. While they are not naturally aggressive, the mere sight of a dog with such presence and devotion to their people is enough to deter any intruders.
17. Collie
A collie’s loyalty is the stuff of legend, thanks to the Lassie movies. This fictional collie is depicted as a beacon of devotion who would go to any lengths to keep her family safe.
Developed to guard flocks of sheep, the collie is an intelligent, highly trainable breed that makes great, if lively and energetic, companions.
18. Shetland Sheepdog
In common with other herding breeds, the Shetland Sheepdog – or “Sheltie” – is known for being intensely loyal and devoted to its people.
They are highly responsive to human emotions and make superb companion animals as well as one of the best breeds for emotional support, service dogs, and around children.
19. Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is loyal, smart, and friendly. With high energy levels and a great work ethic, he’s passionate about working alongside you rather than sitting on the couch at home, but he has impeccable devotion to a task and a desire to please.
This loyalty knows no bounds. Expect an Australian Shepherd to be clingy to the extent that they’ll follow you into the bathroom...
20. Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees have been bred as herding dogs, which gives them great devotion to their flock, whether human or animal. They have an innate protective instinct, and while their statuesque physiques look impressive, they tend to be calm, affectionate, and mellow.
Lie many guardian breeds, they tend to form strong bonds with their owners but are aloof with strangers while they assess the threat levels.
Love to be loved? Check out the most affectionate dog breeds
Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis de Leaver.
Recent updates
This feature was last updated in April 2025 by Martha Terry.
