Which Dog Breeds Are the Most Loyal?

1 The Most Loyal Dog Breeds

10. Papillon

Its big ears against a tiny body make it adorable. Long-coated with little odor and a lively nature, it suits the elderly and women. It is possessive of its owner’s attention yet gentle and warm, and fairly loyal.

9. Chihuahua

Much like the Papillon, it is jealous and clingy, but deeply loyal. It obeys commands at once and will defend its owner with its life.

8. Golden Retriever

Friendly even to strangers, a Golden may seem ready to follow anyone, but it is very loyal; many stop eating and mope after being separated from their owner.

7. Labrador Retriever

Cheerful and gentle with everyone, rarely barking or bumping people, so it trains well as a guide dog. Like the Golden, it is loyal and grows low when parted from its owner for long.

6. Rough Collie

Smart and friendly, wary of strangers, good as a guard dog, and easy to train. Sensitive too: it reads the room and softens its own mood to please you when you’re down.

5. Doberman Pinscher

Cool and steady in looks, tough and protective, and smart, so many were trained as police and military dogs and hold a high place among working breeds.

4. Rottweiler

A classic working dog, very smart and cautious, ideal as a guard dog. Calm and brave outwardly, yet affectionate and obedient, and very loyal at home.

3. German Shepherd

A popular police and detection dog, third in canine intelligence, and an excellent working dog thanks to its alertness and stamina. Deeply loyal to its handler.

2. Akita

Famously loyal: give it five parts love and it returns ten. Whatever the living conditions, if you stay by its side, it guards you for life.

1. Chinese Rural Dog

Warm to family yet wary of strangers, a top watchdog. It seems born to heel: on walks it stays by your side and, if it gets ahead, looks back within a few steps and never strays far.

2 Other Loyal Breeds

Tibetan Mastiff, Belgian Malinois, and Chow Chow are also loyal, though the mastiff’s large size and fierce temper make it a poor choice for most homes.