15 Most Loyal Dogs Who You Can Always Count On

Who doesn’t love being adored? The faithfulness of dogs is virtually unmatched,  and while many (most?) dogs are faithful, some are known for being exceptionally loyal. One of the best things about adopting from a rescue or shelter in particular, is that the shelter staff and/or foster family will know just how loyal their dogs are — and who has the potential to be loyal with trust, training, and patience. If you’re hoping to adopt the most devoted dog possible, you’re in luck — because you have many dog breeds and mixes to choose from. 

Read on to meet some of the best loyal dog breeds: including the most faithful guard-dog breeds, small-dog breeds, and one-person dog breeds (who bond closely with a chosen family member).

Why are dogs so loyal to humans?

Are dogs the most loyal animals? Well, dogs are not called man’s best friend for nothing. Dogs have evolved to form incredibly connected bonds with humans. This goes far beyond their original intentions of ingratiating themselves with people for easy access to food and shelter. Dogs love us as much as we love them, and they often prove that love with extreme loyalty. 

Some ways dogs show loyalty include:

• Sitting or lying close to you

• Following you from room to room

• Sleeping with you

• Licking or nuzzling you

• Gazing into your eyes

• Listening to your requests 

• Keeping a watchful eye for danger

• Staying with you if you’re sick or injured

• Snuggling up when you are sad

The most loyal dog breeds who will never leave your side

The most faithful dogs tend to be reliable — they are happy to comply with your requests because they want to please you. This means loyal dogs are generally highly trainable and well-behaved when taught what is expected of them. Here are some of the top candidates.

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1. Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher breed was developed by a German tax collector named Louis Dobermann who wanted an imposing, steadfast dog to protect him while he collected money. Dobermans are renowned not only for their loyalty, but also for their trainability. The athletic, muscular Dobie — which has a sleek, short coat that’s wash and wear — needs vigorous daily exercise, including off-leash running and play. Dobermans are suitable for all families, including those with kids.

Height: 24 to 28 inches

Weight: 65 to 100 pounds

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2. Akita

The Akita has existed for hundreds of years in Japan, where the breed was prized for their loyal and protective nature. A famous example of the breed’s faithfulness is Hachikō, an Akita who met his pet parent at the train station every day after work. After his favorite human passed away, Hachikō returned to the station every day for nine years until his own death. Akitas do best with pet parents who can be good leaders and provide consistent training.

Height: 24 to 28 inches 

Weight: 70 to 130 pounds

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3. German Shepherd Dog

Though originally a herding breed, the German Shepherd’s loyalty, trainability, and courage led to its work as a military and police dog — something the breed still does today. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and easily trained, though they need an outlet for their energy and drive. Good with families or individuals, German Shepherds do best when they have a job, such as training for a dog sport.

Height: 22 to 26 inches

Weight: 60 to 100 pounds

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4. Australian Cattle Dog

Highly athletic and driven, the Australian Cattle Dog is determined to excel at a job herding cattle, and bonds tightly with their pet parents. Not only are Cattle Dogs smart as a whip and highly trainable, but they are also endlessly devoted to their favorite humans. That said, these dogs are happiest as working dogs. If kept as a pet, they need “work” in the form of daily training and exercise, possibly herding or another dog sport for competition. 

Height: 17 to 20 inches

Weight: 35 to 50 pounds

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5. Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is an enigma. Fastidious and independent, they are often described as “cat-like.” This can make them difficult to train. But despite this, Shibas can be extremely devoted to their people, sometimes taking it too far by claiming you as theirs and not wanting to share. Bold yet gentle, brave yet composed, the Shiba is a delight. They do best with individuals or families with older children.

Height: 13.5 to 16.5 inches

Weight: 17 to 23 pounds

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6. Collie

Anyone familiar with Lassie knows the faithfulness of the Collie. These dogs are endlessly devoted to their human families, and will tirelessly watch over kids and other pets. The long-coated, rough Collie needs significant brushing and combing. But the shorthaired, smooth Collie is wash and wear. They need moderate daily exercise with walks and free running.

Height: 22 to 26 inches

Weight: 50 to 75 pounds

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7. Labrador Retriever

There’s a reason the Labrador Retriever has held the title of most popular breed in the United States for more than 30 years. Labs are loving, intelligent, easy to train, and exceptionally devoted to their humans. Labs need lots of daily exercise to be happy and to ward off behavioral issues. They are excellent family dogs and friends to all, including kids and other pets.  

Height: 21.5 to 24.5 inches

Weight: 55 to 80 pounds

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8. Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is a flock guardian — a breed that stays out in the field with a flock of sheep and keeps them safe from wolves, thieves, and other predators. Brave and vigilant, the Great Pyrenees will faithfully look over their human family with equal steadfastness. They are highly independent, which can make them challenging to train. This breed gets along best with older children and needs lots of socialization, so they don’t become overprotective. 

Height: 25 to 32 inches 

Weight: 85 to 150 pounds

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9. Rottweiler

Descended from ancient Mastiff breeds, the Rottweiler was originally used in Germany as a cattle drover, police dog, and guard dog. With their human family, the Rottweiler is a gentle giant who’s steadfast in devotion. These large, powerful dogs need vigorous, daily exercise and consistent training from a confident pet parent. They do best with older children who can treat the dog respectfully. 

Height: 22 to 27 inches 

Weight: 80 to 130 pounds

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10. Anatolian Shepherd Dog

The ancient Anatolian Shepherd hails from Turkey, where they have worked closely with shepherds as flock guardians protecting livestock. They are very faithful and protective, bonding closely with their people. But most purebred Anatolians do best as working dogs rather than pets. If kept strictly as companions, extensive socialization and training are vital. They need a safely contained yard, preferably on a property where they may roam. 

Height: 27 to 29 inches 

Weight: 80 to 150 pounds

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11. Chihuahua

The Chihuahua’s claim to fame is being the smallest of all dog breeds. But this tiny Mexican pup is known for another wonderful trait: utter devotion to their human family. Chihuahuas are so loyal that they sometimes border on possessive. Allowing a Chihuahua to walk on their own four feet rather than toting them in your arms can curb this tendency and improve confidence. This breed does best with adults and older kids.

Height: 5 to 8 inches

Weight: 6 pounds or less

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12. Neapolitan Mastiff

If you think the Neapolitan Mastiff looks imposing, this is by design. The massive body and drooping skin are meant to make nefarious people think twice. Calm but wary and watchful, the Neapolitan is completely faithful and protective of their human family. Adults are mellow, needing only moderate exercise. Loyal guard-dog breeds like the Neapolitan need early socialization and consistent training to develop good manners and confidence. 

Height: 24 to 31 inches

Weight: 110 to 150 pounds

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13. Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher is sometimes called the monkey dog, owing to their round head, flat face, and scruffy short hair. They were originally used as ratters and companions, sleeping with their pet parents at night. Affenpinschers become very attached to their humans, like canine best friends. They need moderate exercise and can live happily in apartments. These small dogs get along well with older children who can be gentle. 

Height: 9 to 11.5 inches 

Weight: 7 to 10 pounds

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14. Chinese Shar-Pei

The wrinkled Chinese Shar-Pei originated in China more than 2,000 years ago where they were treasured as farm dogs and watchdogs. Shar-Peis are completely devoted to their human families, but suspicious of strangers and usually intolerant of other dogs. This breed can be challenging to live with and is best left to experienced dog parents who can provide the socialization and training this dog needs to thrive. 

Height: 18 to 20 inches

Weight: 45 to 60 pounds

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15. Mixed Breed Dogs

Stories abound of mixed-breed rescue dogs who are so grateful to be given loving homes that they repay their new families with never-ending loyalty and affection. Whether purebred or mixed breed, the most faithful dogs are very frequently rescue dogs thankful for a chance at a happy life.

Is being loyal the same as being protective?

Many dog breeds valued for their watchful and protective natures tend to be loyal. Some of these breeds include the Akita, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd Dog. But not all loyal dogs are protective. Many breeds and mixes are exceptionally loyal to their pet parents but also friendly to strangers, such as the Labrador Retriever and the Collie. In the end, loyalty is a separate trait many dogs exhibit whether or not they are also protective.

Consider adopting a dog

When you start your adoption journey, it’s important to remember that any dog of any breed or mix can be loyal. If you want to increase your chances of bringing home a faithful new companion, consider mixes known for their loyal personalities — so ask plenty of questions before adoption. Shelter and rescue staff can also help match you with a dog that fits your lifestyle, personality, and activity level.

In addition to the breeds mentioned here, look at breeds and mixes in the sporting Group (Retrievers, Spaniels, and Setters), herding breeds (Collies, Shepherds, and Sheep Dogs), and working breeds (such as Mastiffs and flock guardians). 

Commonly asked questions

What are the least loyal dog breeds?

Some of the least loyal dog breeds include Hounds and Terriers. Some dogs are not that loyal and prefer the company of other dogs to humans. They may follow their instincts to the exclusion of all else.

Are female dogs more loyal?

Although some people claim that female dogs are more loyal than males, faithfulness depends more on breed, living environment, socialization in puppyhood, and individual personality.

Are dogs more loyal than cats?

Cats may form bonds with their favorite people, but dogs are better known for their faithfulness and devotion. This is possibly because dogs evolved to work closely with humans for hunting, guarding, and herding — while cats remained on the periphery, providing rodent control.