If you search for “top dog breeds” on Google and you will get over a million results listing the top 10, 15, or 20 most popular dog breeds in America.
While these lists are helpful, they don’t consider which dog breeds are genuinely the most loyal. After all, the number of dogs in each breed is strongly correlated to dogs’ number in rescue shelters.
There is also a high correlation between how many puppies a breed produces and how many dogs are surrendered to shelters.
So, rather than looking at the most popular breeds, we thought we would take a look at the most loyal dog breeds, those in which the percentage of dogs in shelters is significantly less than the overall US dog population.
There are many breeds of dogs that are popular as pets. Some breeds are chosen more often than others, and some breeds simply stand out for their loyalty and genuine spirit.
Whether you’re in the market for a loyal dog or you’ve already adopted one, we’ve got you covered.
Dogs tend to be among the most loyal animals, and when they choose us, they choose us for life. Even if you don’t believe your dog is the most loyal, we think it is safe to assume they are probably on the list.
The following are the Top 16 Most Loyal Dog Breeds that you might want to get or adopt:
1. German Shepherd
As loyal as a German shepherd can be, it is not the best dog for first-time dog owners. The breed’s high energy level and strong desire to work can make it somewhat difficult for people who do not realize the amount of exercise and mental stimulation they need.
As a result, they may become bored and destructive. (And before deciding on any of these dogs, be aware that they can live as long as 12 years and are known to reach a weight of between 80 and 100 lbs regularly!)
Wherever you travel in the world, you are bound to come across a German Shepherd. They are highly valued and trained as personal protection dogs as well as police and military dogs.
Besides, they have been bred to assist the blind as seeing-eye dogs for more than a century. While they have been a “guest breed” in the USA, German Shepherds have grown in America’s popularity.
Their reputation as a highly intelligent and trainable dog has spread. They are also known to be very loyal to their master.
2. Dachshund
The Dachshund is the dog breed that originated in Germany. It’s a short-legged, long-bodied dog, which is muscular, medium to small in size, and has short, stubby legs. The Dachshund is a scent hound and is used for hunting badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals.
The Dachshund is a cute, short-legged dog in three varieties: the standard, the miniature, and the kaninchen.
The standard Dachshund was bred to hunt badgers and other ground-dwelling mammals and are named for their ability to fit into badgers’ dens.
Dachshunds have a fierce and courageous temperament and will hold their own against animals many times their size. They are also very loyal to their owners and never shy away from strangers.
3. Yorkshire Terrier
They are Yorkshire Terriers and were developed in the county of Yorkshire in Northern England. The breed’s main function was to act as a ratter. Yorkshire Terriers are a close companion dog and generally live in the lap of the family.
Yorkshire Terriers are small dogs that are known for being highly loyal and protective of their families. Considered one of the most popular dog breeds, they were first bred in Yorkshire, England, in the 19th century.
They are still popular in England, and they are famous for their tendency to bark at anything that makes noise.
4. Beagle
The Beagle’s medium size and gentle nature have made them a favorite among families with children. However, they are also equally at home in the city or small country home.
Beagles are courageous, intelligent, and willing to please, which has made them a popular breed for show dogs and pets.
However, due to their size, Beagles are better suited to families with older children. They require at least an hour of exercise each day.
Beagles are used by many as therapy dogs for visiting nursing homes or helping out in classrooms of young kids. Beagles are known for their friendly demeanor and will be friendly with nearly everyone.
Beagles are one of the smaller breeds of dogs though they are also known to be a stubborn breed.
5. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is well-known to be an extremely reliable breed of dog, with a calm demeanor and a regal appearance.
This large breed of dog was bred in the Pyrenees mountains, where shepherds used it to protect their flocks from bears and wolves. When not tending to its flock, the Great Pyrenees serves as an excellent family pet.
“Great Pyrenees” is a name of a big dog breed, which is also known as “The Great Pyrenees” or “The Pyrenean Mountain Dog.”
This dog is one of the large and oldest dog breeds. The origin of this dog breed is in France and Spain. The Great Pyrenees is a very loyal dog, a devoted and affectionate dog.
6. Collie
The Collie is a breed of herding dog that originated in Scotland. Collies are well known for their intelligence, diligence, and obedience and are often trained to compete in dog sports such as agility.
The Collie is a medium-sized breed of dogs similar in appearance to the Border Collie but has a much more friendly and mellow temperament.
We know Collies are among the most loyal dogs, but the intensity with which one recently saved his master is truly special. When the Collie named Boko saw owner Jeff McDonald being attacked by three men, the dog leaped to the defense of his master.
When one of the thugs brought a baseball bat down on the back of Jeff’s head, Boko jumped between the two. The bat connected with the dog’s head, but he kept fighting. The three men backed off, and while battered, Boko was still standing.
7. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is one of the most loyal dog breeds in the world. It is a breed of domestic dog, regarded as medium-to-large or large.
The Rottweiler is a strong, muscular, but an agile dog with well-defined musculature. Its general appearance is one of athleticism and vigor. Like all dogs, they are also known to have a keen sense of smell.
8. Akita
The Akita is one of the most loyal dog breeds and would guard its owner against any dangers. As time goes on, the Akita has become a popular pet known for its loyalty.
Being so affectionate, the Akita is reserved with strangers, but once they warm up to someone, they will be loyal to that person and be great friends. They are also good with children and are loyal to the whole family.
The Akita is a large dog breed originating from the mountainous northern regions of Japan. In Japanese, Akita means “red dog,” and as a general and fitting description, these dogs are courageous, dignified, and bold, with a strong sense of loyalty.
9. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers, also known as Lab for short, are gundogs bred to fetch game and waterfowl for hunters. Originally bred in England, it was bred from St. John’s Newfoundland, Newfoundland, and a small variety of water dogs, and was known as the Lesser Newfoundland or Landseer.
In 1903, the Kennel Club recognized Labrador Retriever as a dog breed. Labradors became popular in the United States in the mid-1800s and were first registered in 1884by the American Kennel Club.
There are dog breeds known to be intelligent, others that are good with children or other pets, and even ones used for police work or service work. However, the Labrador Retriever is known for being the most loyal of all.
This is because they were bred to be hunting companions for hunters in Newfoundland, Canada. Their job was to retrieve the game for hunters after it was shot.
They had to be able to withstand the cold of winter and be extremely loyal to the hunters they worked with.
10. Brittany
Brittany Spaniels are very loyal and affectionate dogs, almost seeming too attached to their owners. They are a very independent breed but will have a strong bond with one particular person.
They are great with children and are very friendly. They are very playful and are always there for their owner. They love to be around people and are very good with other dogs.
They are not very protective, but they will bark to let you know if someone is coming. They are a very playful breed and will play with just about anything.
Brittany Spaniels are famous for being the most loyal dog breed. Just looking at their happy and confident expression makes you wonder why anyone would doubt that they are the most loyal dog breed. But are they?
For example, your friend may have a Golden Retriever that is just as loyal. And what about those other top ten most loyal dog breeds?
They are also pretty obedient. So what exactly makes those Brittany Spaniels so loyal? Is it their flat-shaped head? Or maybe it is their bushy eyebrows?
Or maybe it is their long brown coat? Or maybe Brittany Spaniels are just smart enough to know that by being the most loyal to the master, they will receive the greatest amount of love and care.
11. Boxer
According to the American Kennel Club, Boxers are an extremely loyal breed, and for the safety of their owners, they need to be trained from a young age.
You should keep your Boxer on-leash or in a fenced-in yard, and always make sure the dog is gentle with kids.
12. St. Bernard
Bernard is one of the most loyal dog breeds because it is eager to please. Thus, it is effortless to train when it is young.
This dog breed is known for its intelligence and gentleness, making it a good choice for families. St. Bernard is also protective of its master and territory.
13. Bulldog
Bulldogs are known to be strong and brave. The bulldog is one of the most popular breeds. It is a combination of a few dog breeds, the English Bulldog and the American Staffordshire Terrier.
They were first bred for dogfighting. Bulldogs are known to be friendly and robust with a strong jaw.
14. Staffordshire Terrier
The Staffordshire Terrier is a sweet, energetic, and playful dog. This breed is very loyal to its master and is always eager to please. It will quickly learn all of its master’s family routines.
15. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is known for its loyalty and affection towards its master and family. It has a vibrant and engaging personality and is very friendly with all family members, including children, other pets (excluding cats), and strangers.
Other dogs may also be friendly with the Chihuahua. It can be assertive and demanding attention if it feels its needs are not being met.
16. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is a highly loyal dog breed originally bred to protect its owner and property. This intelligence, loyalty, and protectiveness make the Doberman Pinscher make an excellent companion for the right owner.
Despite its loyalty, this breed is not recommended for inexperienced or non-assertive owners.
The Most Loyal Dog breeds come from all walks of life, and they represent a variety of shapes, sizes, and coat colors.
Some are guard dogs, while others are known for their skill in sports or herding livestock. Feel free to pick the one that is best suited for your family.
