Wondering which pups make the most loyal and protective dog breeds?
Check out ten dogs that will never want to leave your side!
While it is true that dogs are a man’s best friend, some do have a tendency to be more loyal than others.
It’s almost like it’s hardwired into their genetic code.
Whether they’re acting as guard dogs to defend their homes or just chilling next to their people on the weekend watching Netflix, these pups definitely make great family pets!
Here are some highlights of 10 loyal dog breeds.
These are the emotionally needy dog breeds
Top 10 Most Loyal Dog Breeds
As you read through our picks for the most loyal dog breeds, remember that every dog is unique.
While these pups have a reputation for being utterly loyal to their family, it’s entirely possible to find a loyal companion within the myriad of other breeds out there!
RELATED: Most Attentive Dog Breeds
1- Beagle
- Active
- Friendly
- Sturdy
- Energetic
- Loving
- Make excellent family pets
- Originated from Great Britain for the purpose of hunting hare and rabbit
- Origin is from the French word Beugler, which means “to bellow,” and if you’ve ever heard him bark, you know why they picked that name!
- Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th President of the United States, owned 3 Beagles named Him, Her and Edgar
The Beagle is one of the most loyal dog breeds, if not the most loyal one, since it made the top of the list.
This breed is loyal to all members of the family, and will basically be the best friend of any child.
2- Boxer
- Graceful
- Smart
- High energy
- Friendly
- Great with kids and other pets
- Originated from Germany
- Sometimes used as guide dogs, police dogs and therapy dogs
- Reach adulthood at the age of 2
- Part of the working breed of dogs
- Coat colors include brindle, fawn and white
The boxer is a tough and rough looking pup with a protective and loyal streak.
Among one of the most loyal breeds, the boxer is also extremely protective and caring of its family members.
This intelligent breed is easy to train and will be the shadow to each family member.
3- Dachshund
- Intelligent
- Stubborn
- Social
- Energetic
- Good with older kids
- Long lifespan of 14-16 years
- Difficult to housetrain
- Genetically prone to back injury
- Love to dig
- Love to snuggle under blankets
- Origin is from the German word that means “badger dog”
- Originally bred as scent hounds
This small but extremely loyal dog breed is gaining popularity among dog owners.
This dog has a heart that transcends its smaller stature.
While you might not think Dachshunds look very tough or can be very protective, they can match any larger breed in their love and affection for you.
4- German Shepherd
- Energetic
- Intelligent
- Responsive
- Obedient
- Courageous
- Protective
- Hard working
- Have a unique bond with kids
- Feature a keen tracking ability
- Often used as police dogs, military dogs, farm dogs and therapy dogs
- Originated from Karlsruhe, Germany
There is a reason these dogs make excellent police dogs. They are great partners to law enforcement officers precisely due to their loyalty.
Among the most loyal and protective dog breeds, you can count on your German Shepherd to have your back no matter what.
5- Golden Retriever
- Social
- Gentle
- Kind
- Confident
- Patient
- Playful
- High energy
- Easy to train
- Love to swim
- Very good with kids and other pets
- Part of the sporting breed of dogs
- Originated from Scotland
Unlike more independent and least loyal dog breeds, the Golden Retriever lives its life in complete contrast to that.
You are his world and he will devote his life to you. If that isn’t the definition of loyalty, then what is?
6- Great Pyrenees
- Confident
- Gentle
- Affectionate
- Quiet
- Intelligent
- Stubborn
- Protective
- Territorial
- Good with kids and other pets
- Tend to bark a lot
- Originated from the Pyrenees Mountains in Europe
The Great Pyrenees is a large dog breed. It not only makes it on the list of most loyal breeds, but it can fare well on a list of most friendly breeds as well.
They are gentle giants and are a calm and loving breed, making them great family dogs.
7- Labrador Retriever
- Easygoing
- Patient
- Fun-loving
- Mellow
- Gentle
- Comforting
- Free-spirited
- Make great companions
- Good with kids and other pets
- Coat colors include black, chocolate and yellow
- Originated from Newfoundland, Canada
Similar to its brother breed the Golden Retriever, the Lab possesses common traits and match the Golden in level of loyalty to the family. They are generally friendly and easygoing until someone they love is threatened, then their inner protective instinct rears its head.
8- Rottweiler
- Intelligent
- Loving
- Friendly
- Protective
- Strong
- Confident
- Obedient
- Versatile
- Make excellent guard dogs
- One of the most misunderstood breed of dogs
- Listed as the #2 most popular dog breed in the 1980’s, according to the American Kennel Club
- Originated from Germany
When we hear this breed mentioned, we think of choke collars and fierce barks. However, this breed’s aggressiveness stems from its loyalty. They are extremely protective and loyal and are arguably one of the toughest dogs out there.
9- Shetland Sheepdog
- Family-oriented
- Affectionate
- Beautiful
- Sensitive
- Intelligent
- Friendly
- Playful
- Animated
- Make great lap dogs
- Make excellent companions
- Coat colors include black, blue merle and sable
- Part of the herding breed of dogs
- Originated from the Shetland Islands in Scotland
These playful and affectionate sheepherders are great dogs. Unaware of their large size, they are affectionate lapdogs and are also fiercely loyal and protective.
10- Yorkshire Terrier
- Commonly called “Yorkies”
- Brave
- Curious
- Affectionate
- Spunky
- Clever
- Energetic
- Determined
- Great with older kids
- Tends to have a sensitive digestive system
- Coat colors include steel blue and tan
- Originated from Yorkshire, England
Itty bitty Yorkies have a large sense of devotion to their families.
Among one of the most loyal small dog breeds, if you live in the city, a Yorkie is a good starting breed other than the Dachshund.
As you can see, the most loyal dogs run the gamut from large breeds to itty bitters, from fur balls to more hypoallergenic breeds.
Are they the ONLY loyal dogs?
Of course not! But if you’re looking for a good place to start, you really can’t go wrong with these pups!
