Dogs have been our friends for over 30,000 years, and the past few centuries of selective breeding have brought them closer to us than ever. Designed for special jobs that require their complete devotion, these breeds are hard-wired to be close to our hearts.
“Loyal dogs stand by your side through thick and thin. They have faith in you, they follow you and they want to be with you,” says Terry Cuyler, owner and certified dog trainer at Pawsitive Results Dog Training.
But what are the most loyal dog breeds? And how can you raise your dog to be your trusted companion? Read on as dog behavioral experts answer these questions and more.
“Breeds bred for companionship or working closely with humans tend to exhibit higher levels of loyalty.”
— Erin Askeland, animal health and behavior expert, Camp Bow Wow
What makes a dog loyal?
“Breeding history and the intention of the breed can shape their loyalty characteristics. Breeds bred for companionship or working closely with humans tend to exhibit higher levels of loyalty — for example, dogs who are bred to be trained as service dogs,” says Erin Askeland, Camp Bow Wow’s animal health and behavior expert.
Veterinarians and dog behavioral experts recognize several distinct brands of loyalty in dogs. While some are devoted to their favorite person, others are loyal to their entire human family. Each breed’s penchant for friendship sets them up for a lifetime of a unique relationship with their favorite humans.
Most loyal dog breeds
All dogs love their people, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a dog parent who doesn’t have a special connection to their furry best friend. But these top-ranking loyal breeds are known for exceptional devotion due to generations of selective breeding. Hand-picked for duties that have advanced humankind, these top-ranking dogs are especially likely to steal your heart.
1. Retrievers
The smooth-coated labrador retriever and the silky golden retriever take home the top spot for most loyal dog breed, sharing a heritage as waterfowl hunting partners dating back over 300 years. Retrievers have been sitting pretty among the top 10 most popular dog breeds in the United States — and around the world — and it’s safe to say these dogs love us right back.
“I’ve trained dozens of labs and goldens at Pawsitive Results Dog Training, and I can say, their love for humans is second to none! These dogs were originally bred to bring back game to hunters, so following directions and sticking close to family is in their DNA. They’re quick to please, easy to train and bond well through trust and routine,” says Cuyler.
2. German shepherd
With a diverse resume that includes a history of military, search and rescue, police and guide dog roles, the German shepherd is the second breed on our list.
“Protective and devoted to their owners, [they’re] often used as working dogs due to their loyalty and intelligence,” says Askeland. As their name suggests, the breed was originally developed for herding sheep, though these clever, alert dogs take any role seriously, including that of a loyal family dog. Once they’re assigned a mission — or a human — they’re devoted for life.
3. Border collie
Often cited as one of the most intelligent dog breeds, the border collie has an intuitive sense of duty to their “flock,” which, in lieu of sheep, is likely to be their human family.
“Herding breeds, like Collies (remember Lassie) and Shepherds, can work all day, side-by-side with people and are known for devotion to family and farm life. They are typically not interested in wandering off and prefer to stay nearby,” says Alicia Collins, founder and CEO at K9 Activity Club.
Far from a low-maintenance dog breed, the border collie is best suited for active dog owners. “Their loyalty is different; they’re tense, always on guard and passionately committed to their person. They need firm leadership and lots of mental stimulation, or they’ll make up their own rules. Trust me, I’ve experienced it!” Cuyler adds.
4. Great Pyrenees
Another breed that’s outstanding in their field is the great Pyrenees. Rather than herding the flock, their innate duty is to guard livestock against wolves and coyotes and their watchful devotion translates perfectly to their human homestead.
“Livestock guardians are known for their loyalty to the flock,” says Collins. “They will fiercely defend their charges from predators and stay with them despite extreme weather or natural disasters.”
5. Chihuahua
These pint-sized pups are notorious one-person dogs and without early training and socialization, they can have trouble warming up to other humans. That said, their legendary loyalty far exceeds their lap-warming capabilities and alert, protective nature — their Aztec ancestors are said to have guided their departed owners to the afterlife.
“I’ve worked with lots of these little firecrackers, and let me tell you, their loyalty is passionate. They bond with one individual and don’t want to be parted from them. Because they’re so small, they rely on their owner to protect them, so that makes them even [more] clingy,” says Cuyler.
6. Viszla
Aptly nicknamed “velcro dogs,” the viszla is a Hungarian hunting breed that was developed to stay close to their human’s side while hunting waterfowl over long distances. Today, these copper-coated canines are still devoted sidekicks. Prone to boredom and separation anxiety, the Vizsla Club of America says that they thrive when given plenty of opportunities for exercise and adventure alongside their favorite humans.
7. Staffordshire bull terrier
Like other bully breeds, the Staffordshire bull terrier has a broad, deceptively intimidating build that hints at a history of varied roles from boar hunting and vermin chasing to bear- and bull-baiting. Since the turn of the 19th century, these breeds have cozied into their modern role as protective yet gentle-natured family dogs.
“Staffordshire bull terriers are affectionately called ‘nanny’ dogs because of their affinity with children,” says Collins. While it’s important to introduce dogs and babies responsibly and always supervise the two, it’s undeniable that “bully” breeds have a soft spot for their two-legged pups.
“Understand that loyalty develops over time through mutual trust and respect. Be patient and nurturing in your approach to building a lifelong bond with your puppy.”
— Alicia Collins, founder and CEO, K9 Activity Club
Expert tips for raising a loyal dog
While your dog’s breed makeup will greatly influence their temperament, it’s just one piece of the personality puzzle. Look beyond the pedigree and use these expert tips to to raise a well-rounded pup, whether they’re one of the above breeds, a mixed breed or a one-of-a-kind mutt.
- Socialization: Build your pup’s confidence by introducing them to plenty of people, places and situations early in life. “This should be done in a controlled, positive way to maximize its effectiveness,” Askeland recommends.
- Positive reinforcement. Dog training techniques that utilize positive reinforcement build loyalty through trust, communication and patience. “Applying positive reinforcement methods for training will encourage desired behaviors and strengthen the bond between you and your puppy,” says Askeland.
- Quality time. A strong bond takes time and effort to build. “Play, walk and cuddle them. The more time you have together, the closer you’ll be,” says Cuyler.
- Boundaries. Earning your dog’s loyalty doesn’t mean letting them do whatever they’d like. “Establish clear routines and consistent and clear expectations to provide structure and security for your puppy,” says Collins.
- Patience. “Understand that loyalty develops over time through mutual trust and respect,” says Collins. “Be patient and nurturing in your approach to building a lifelong bond with your puppy.”
Whether you’re looking to adopt your next four-legged family member or hoping to strengthen your bond with your pup, learning about how your dog’s breed affects their personality is key to making the most of their potential. Above all, experts agree that understanding and compassion come first in raising any dog to be a loyal companion.
“Any dog, no matter what breed, will be loyal if they feel like they can trust their owner,” says Cuyler. “Training, love and structure make a dog feel safe and bonded.”
