The Most Loyal Dog in the World: Breeds That Will Stand By Your Side

Dogs are known for their unwavering loyalty to their owners, and some breeds stand out from the rest. These loyal companions will stick by your side through thick and thin.

One of the most loyal dog breeds is the German Shepherd, bred to be a herder and guardian. They have a strong instinct to protect and serve their family.

Their intelligence and trainability make them highly responsive to commands and tasks. With proper training, a German Shepherd can be a valuable companion and asset to any family.

Some owners report that their German Shepherds will even sense when they're feeling down or stressed, and will snuggle up next to them for comfort.

Additional reading: Are Boxer Dogs Good Family Dogs

The most loyal dog breeds are truly one-of-a-kind companions. These breeds have been bred for centuries to be protective, intelligent, and devoted to their families.

According to the American Kennel Club, the top 12 most loyal dog breeds include the German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever, all of which are known for their friendly, outgoing, and intelligent personalities. The Great Pyrenees, on the other hand, is a majestic and vigilant guardian that is naturally protective of its family.

If you're looking for a loyal dog breed that makes a great watchdog, consider the German Shepherd, Akita, Rottweiler, Great Pyrenees, or Saint Bernard, all of which rank 5 out of 5 for being good watchdogs.

Hachiko, an Akita from Japan, spent 10 years waiting for his master, a college professor named Hidesamuro Ueno. This incredible loyalty is a testament to the breed's devotion.

Hachiko was brought to Tokyo in 1924 and each day, he would stand by the door to watch his owner leave for work. When the professor came home at 4 o'clock, Hachiko would go to the Shibuya Station to meet him.

The professor's death in 1925 didn't deter Hachiko, who continued to wait for his master at the station every day. He became a familiar presence, and the station master even set out food for him and gave him a bed.

Hachiko's loyalty impressed many people, including one of Ueno's former students, who became fascinated by the Akita breed. This exposure helped create a resurgence in popularity for the breed.

A bronze statue of Hachiko was installed at Shibuya Station in 1934, a year before his death. The statue has been recreated twice, once in 1948, and remains a popular tourist attraction today.

Hachiko's story is a remarkable example of loyalty and devotion, one that has inspired countless people around the world.

Here are some key facts about Hachiko:

Dachshunds are incredibly adaptable, making them a great fit for families with varying living situations.

They come in two sizes: Standard and Miniature. Standard Dachshunds typically weigh between 16-32 pounds, while Miniature Dachshunds weigh up to 11 pounds.

Dachshunds are known for their bold personalities and aren't afraid to bark at perceived threats. They're also incredibly affectionate with their families, often preferring their people to everyone else.

Dachshunds generally live between 10 to 12 years. Their loyalty and affection towards their owners make them a popular choice for many families.

Here's a comparison of the different sizes of Dachshunds:

Dachshunds may be a bit stand-offish with other breeds, but they get along well with other Dachshunds. This makes them a great choice for families with multiple Dachshunds.

The Shiba Inu is a spirited and good-natured breed that's perfect for a loving owner. They're also quite protective of their family, but can be affectionate with those they trust.

Shiba Inus are relatively small, weighing between 17-23 pounds and standing 20-24 inches tall.

Their loyalty is renowned, and they tend to adapt well to various environments as long as their people are nearby.

German Shepherds are huge family dogs and great with kids, but they're also highly intelligent and well-trained, making them perfect work dogs for their human companions.

Their loyalty lies with their humans over other dogs, and they're not afraid to protect their family if they sense you're in distress.

Weighing between 50-90 pounds, German Shepherds are serious-minded dogs that are wholly devoted to protecting their family.

They're literally known for their bravery, working with police forces and on front lines in tumultuous situations, and they won't hesitate to leap into action if they sense you're in need.

Here are some key characteristics of German Shepherds:

Beagles are incredibly loyal, funny, and expressive little dogs that descend from the St. Hubert hound, a breed used for hunting throughout history.

They're happiest when around their favorite person or family, making them loyal companions. Beagles are sweethearts with merry personalities and get along well with other pets and kids.

They weigh between 15-30 pounds and stand at 18-22 inches tall. Beagles are sensitive souls, so be kind if they make a mistake.

With a life expectancy of 10-12 years, Beagles are a long-term companion that will bring joy and love into your life.

The Great Pyrenees is a loyal breed that makes a great watchdog. They're large, standing between 25-32 inches tall, and have a calm yet protective nature.

Their loyalty is unmatched, earning them a 5 out of 5 rating as a good watchdog. They're also incredibly patient with little kids, making them a great choice for families.

In fact, the Great Pyrenees is one of the most loyal dog breeds out there, ranking high in terms of their protective nature and affection towards their owners.

Here are some key facts about the Great Pyrenees:

Their loyalty is a result of their breeding history as guardians of the mountains, protecting both livestock and homesteads. They're dedicated to their humans and their safety, making them a great addition to any family.

If you're a family with kids, you're probably looking for a loyal dog breed that's not only loving but also gentle and patient. German Shepherds, for example, are known to be excellent with children and are often used as therapy dogs.

Labrador Retrievers are another popular choice for families, and it's easy to see why - they're friendly, outgoing, and love people. They're also highly trainable, which means they can learn to behave well around kids.

Golden Retrievers are often considered the ultimate family dog, and for good reason - they're friendly, loyal, and patient. They're also great with kids and make excellent playmates.

Beagles, on the other hand, are small but mighty, and are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They're a great choice for families with smaller children, as they're relatively easy to manage and are happy to play with kids.

Here are some of the top dog breeds for families with kids:

If you're the type who likes to lay back, relax, and not have to worry about "exercising" your dogs, you might want to consider a laid back lifestyle.

These breeds are a little less high-energy, but they still need plenty of walks and playtime to stay healthy and happy.

All of the top loyal dog breeds rank 3 out of 5 on the energy level scale, so you'll still need to make time for regular exercise.

You can't just adopt one of these breeds and expect them to be couch potatoes - they'll need some activity to keep them happy and healthy.

Just remember, even with a laid back lifestyle, your dog will still need regular walks and playtime to thrive.

For more insights, see: Dog Breeds Watch Dogs

The German Shepherd is not the only loyal dog breed out there. The Doberman Pinscher, for example, is known for its unwavering loyalty to its family.

They are naturally protective of their loved ones and can be wary of strangers, making them excellent watchdogs.

Capitan was a German Shepherd known for his intelligence and loyalty. He found his owner's grave at a cemetery 11 years after his owner's death.

Capitan's owner, Miguel Guzman, died in 2006, and Capitan never saw where his master was buried. This shows the depth of Capitan's loyalty to his owner.

In 2017, 11 years after Guzman's death, Capitan was still seen at the graveside but was reported to be blind and virtually unable to walk.

Take a look at this: World Oldest Dog Bobi Death

If you're an active person, you'll want a loyal dog breed that can keep up with your lifestyle. German Shepherds rank 5 out of 5 for energy level, making them a great match.

They need to be active, not just want to be. This means they'll thrive on long walks, runs, or playtime in the park. I've seen German Shepherds excel in agility training and love the mental and physical challenge.

Labrador Retrievers also rank 5 out of 5 for energy level, so if you're looking for a loyal companion to join you on adventures, they're a great choice. They're natural athletes and love to stay active.

If you're looking for something a bit lower maintenance, Akita, Beagle, Boxer, and Chihuahua all rank 4 out of 5 for energy level. Just remember, they still need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Here are some active dog breeds to consider:

Apartment Living can be a challenge with dogs, but it's not impossible. Many loyal dog breeds can thrive in smaller spaces with proper care.

If you live in a smaller space without a yard, it's definitely easier to own a small dog. These breeds are designed for indoor living and require minimal exercise.

However, if you're set on owning a larger breed, you can still make it work with plenty of outdoor time and exercise. Just be aware that it might require more effort on your part.

In fact, out of all the most loyal dog breeds, only three are small breeds. The rest are considered large dog breeds.

Intriguing read: Service Dog Vest for Small Dogs

You can search for safe and reputable breeders for a specific purebred dog through the AKC Marketplace for Puppies.

If you're looking to adopt a dog from a humane society or shelter, PetFinder.com is a great resource. You can search for loving dogs waiting to be adopted and filter by breed, gender, and age.

You can even search for dogs in or near your town, making it easy to find a loyal companion.

Remember to check out local shelters and humane societies for a wide range of breeds and mixes, all waiting for a forever home.

By searching through these resources, you can find the perfect loyal dog breed to join your family.

A different take: What Breed Is the Most Loyal Dog

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are known for their loyalty, making them great companions for outdoor activities like hunting. They love the water and will form a strong bond with you if you spend time with them.

English Springer Spaniels crave company and can become miserable if left alone for too long. They're likely to get anxious and destructive if neglected.

Their love for companionship is why they make excellent partners on outdoor excursions.

The Jack Russell Terrier is a breed that's easy to have around, as they're both affectionate with humans and other dogs.

They bring a burst of energy with them wherever they go, so be prepared for a lively companion.

Their affectionate nature makes them a great fit for families and individuals who want a loyal companion.

Doberman Pinschers are great around children and quite affectionate with their human families.

They're known for being one of the most protective breeds, which makes them very loyal companions.

Dobermans are basically brainiacs, one of the smartest breeds around.

They've excelled at loyalty too, through military service and working with people with physical and mental disabilities.

They stand between 19 - 20 inches tall.

You can expect them to shed a ton, but they'll also cuddle with you at the end of a long day.

Their intimidating look will scare away anyone who tries to mess with you.

The Irish Setter is a lovey-dovey breed with their humans. They're very outgoing and sweet, making them friendly and happy to play fetch with young children.

Their eager-to-please nature makes them a joy to train. They're particularly famous for their soft, reddish coats.

The Brussels Griffon is a tiny toy-group dog that's intelligent and alert, but wary of strangers. This means they'll stick by your side because they trust you so much.

Brussels Griffons aren't the best with very young children or other dogs, so it's essential to consider this when deciding if they're the right fit for your family.

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are often among the more loyal dogs, and they'll form strong bonds with their owners through activities like hunting or outdoor adventures.

These dogs love the water, fittingly for their namesake, and will make great outdoor companions.

Loyal dogs like Chesapeake Bay Retrievers thrive on close relationships with their owners, making them perfect for families who enjoy spending time together outdoors.

St. Bernard, the gentle giant! They're known for being nanny dogs because they're watchful and patient with children.

Saint Bernards are actually pretty open to strangers and other dogs but are mainly committed to their humans.

These canines are patient, dedicated, and strong - not to mention enormous. Great with kids and other pets, St. Bernards are friendly until they perceive a threat and their protective instincts kick in.

If you can get past the drool, you're in good paws with a St. Bernard on your team. They're known for their work as rescue dogs.

The American Staffordshire Terrier, affectionately known as the AmStaff, is a loyal breed that's often misunderstood. Their history as fighting dogs has led to a poor reputation, but in reality, they're loving companions.

They typically stand between 17-19 inches tall and weigh between 40-70 pounds. Their strength and courage make them formidable protectors of their loved ones.

These dogs are highly intelligent and alert, always ready to defend their family. Early training and socialization are key to raising a happy, healthy Am Staff.

Their lifespan is relatively long, ranging from 11-13 years.