Everyone values dogs for their inherent loyal qualities, which are often displayed through a protective instinct, a longing to stay close to their owner and a deep connection with their favourite person. Every dog will display some level of loyalty, but some breeds are mainly known for their strong emotional attachments.
A key finding is that dog breeds with a guarding or herding background tend to be more devoted to specific families or individuals. Some dogs even risk their lives to protect their owners.
Below is the complete list of the 16 most loyal dog breeds, exploring where their protective and attachment instincts come from.
Border Collie
Border Collies are incredibly intelligent working herding dogs. Because of this, they have a strong instinct to bond closely with their human’ handler’ and follow their commands closely. They are highly dedicated to pleasing their owner and forming a trusting bond.
Historically, border collies’ primary job was herding livestock, which required them to be attentive and nearby at all times. They thrive on having a purpose and are eager to please their owners by completing tasks.
Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers are known for their extreme loyalty to their owners. They were initially bred as guard dogs, which gave them a strong protective instinct and formed a deep bond with their owners.
Dobermans naturally have a strong protective instinct, manifesting as a desire to safeguard their loved ones. They tend to form strong attachments with their owners and often consider their whole family a ‘pack’ seeking close companionship.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard’s are calm, loyal, and affectionate dogs. If well-socialised, they can be great family dogs. Despite their large size, Saint Bernard’s are known for their quiet and patient temperament, making them excellent family dogs with a deep bond with their families.
Because their initial purpose was to save people in harsh mountain conditions, their inherent instinct to watch over others has translated into loyal guarding behaviour in a home environment.
Dachshund
Dachshunds are renowned for their affection and loyalty, which is shown through their deep attachment to one person. Many dachshunds follow their favourite person from one room to another and want to do almost everything with their owner.
However, despite thriving on close companionship with its owners, the breed is known to be territorial with strangers. Despite their size, Dachshunds were bred as hunting dogs, which helped develop their loyal and affectionate nature.
Chihuahua
They’re small but mighty. Chihuahuas are devoted dogs that bond closely with one person in the household. Their loyalty is displayed through their highly protective nature; they may even guard their chosen person from others.
Chihuahuas were historically bred as lapdogs, designed to be close companions to their humans, which has led to their strong attachment to their owners.
Shetland Sheepdog
Also known as ‘Shelties,’ Shetland sheepdogs are brilliant dogs with strong herding instincts. Their protective and attentive nature makes them responsive and affectionate pets that make excellent family dogs.
Shelties are a sensitive breed known for forming deep bonds with their families and being great with children. As such, it’s not uncommon for them to follow their owners everywhere they go. However, they can be hesitant around strangers.
Akita
Originally from Japan and bred as guard dogs, Akitas are famously loyal dogs. They are known to develop a powerful bond with one person and favour them with their protective instincts.
While loyal, Akitas can be reserved with strangers and may exhibit territorial behaviour if not properly socialised as a puppy.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are considered highly loyal because they were originally bred as working dogs. Their primary purpose is to obey and serve their owners. The combination of intelligence and instinctual willingness to learn makes them the perfect dogs to train and assign missions to.
They’re attentive and responsive, especially to family members, which makes them well-suited for use as police, military, and service dogs.
Japanese Shiba Inu
Japanese Shiba Inus are deemed extremely loyal because, despite their independent nature, they develop strong bonds with their desired family members. They often choose one person as their primary focus and will fiercely protect and be devoted to them, showing their loyalty through subtle actions rather than excessive affection.
Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois)
Due to their inherent protective instinct and high intelligence, Belgian Shepherd Dogs (Malinois) are considered to be intensely loyal to their owners. Bred for herding and guarding, they have a strong instinct to watch over their family and territory, leading to a protective loyalty towards their owners.
These intelligent dogs are trustworthy and responsive but require continued training and enrichment.
Labrador Retriever
Originally bred as working dogs, Labrador Retrievers are known for their loyalty. They strongly desire to please their human companion, making them highly attentive and eager to bond with their owners.
Unlike breeds that might be more protective of a single person, Labs are typically friendly with everyone in the family, creating a sense of loyalty to the whole household.
Collie
Collies are famous for their undeniable loyalty, as depicted by the fictional dog Lassie. This breed is loyal to the entire family rather than just one individual and forms intense bonds with its people.
Their herding instincts make them naturally protective, but their gentle and soft nature makes them the perfect family dog.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers have a long history as working dogs, mainly serving as guard dogs. They are known for their profound loyalty and protective nature towards their families, making them excellent home guardians. However, they can appear aloof and wary around strangers, so early training and socialisation are essential.
Rottweilers often choose a ‘favourite person’ within the household but remain loyal and protective of all family members.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are easy-going and friendly dogs known for their highly affectionate nature and loyal personalities. Their loyalty stems from their need to please people, hence their popularity as therapy and service dogs.
Golden Retrievers were initially bred as hunting dogs due to their immense intelligence and eagerness to please; they can effortlessly form bonds with their human companions.
Boxer
Boxers are lively, loyal, and protective dogs that connect closely with their owners and family. Their playful characters help them form intense attachments to people.
Boxers are often loyal and trusting. They enjoy being with people and are affectionate dogs who always want to be by their side.
Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Pyrenean Mountain Dogs are considered admiringly loyal because they were initially bred as livestock guardian dogs. Their primary instinct is to defend their owner, and they have a strong sense of devotion and protectiveness toward their loved ones.
They’re a working breed developed to keep wolves and other predators away. Now, these dogs make great companions loyal to their duty to protect their family and home.