There’s an undeniable bond between humans and dogs. There’s no other animal that we treat with such esteem as the most loyal dog breeds in the world because these faithful pets truly are man’s best friend!
Whether they’re cuddling up on the sofa with you, waiting patiently for your return from work, or tenaciously guarding your family against intruders – dogs are unquestionably loyal towards their human owners.
In this article, we list the most loyal dog breeds in the world. These are the dogs that will never, ever, let you down!
Loyal dog breeds: why do dogs show so much loyalty?
Before we list the best loyal dog breeds, let’s take a moment to ask why dogs are so loyal? Admittedly, not all dogs show the same level of affection to humans. Some are apathetic, some are just in it for the food, but their love is unconditional for the vast majority of dogs.
It’s this unconditional love that sets dogs apart from other animals and apart from humans, too. Dogs will love you until the day they die, and all they want in return is your affection (okay, and maybe a few treats!).
Dogs have been hardwired and conditioned over centuries through living in such close quarters with human beings. Humans have selectively bred dogs over the centuries, too, choosing those that show the most love and loyalty over those that don’t.
Loyalty, then, is in the genes. It’s built into a dog’s character, and it needs to be nurtured and embraced by owners.
The most loyal dog breeds
Of course, while all dogs have loyalty, some show their loyalty more than others – these are the most loyal dog breeds in the world, and it’s these dogs that have made it onto our list below!
If you’re preparing for a puppy, then any of the loyal dogs below will be faithful, lifelong companions!
#1 Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are one of the most affectionate dog breeds on the planet. These large loyal dogs are affectionate, full of love, and utterly caring towards family and friends. They’ll step in instantly to save you and your kids from harm, and they make for excellent family dogs.
A Golden Retriever is full of energy, but they respond well to training and commands, and they’ll be a lifelong companion when treated with respect. A Golden Retriever loves to run, so you’ll need a large enough garden and plenty of time to spend playing fetch with them!
#2 Akita
Akitas are one of the most famous of the large loyal dog breeds. These proud pups originated in Japan, where they have fearlessly protected their masters for centuries!
The most famous Akita is Hachiko (Hacihko’s life has been turned into many feature films). Hachiko waited patiently outside the train station for their master to return. Nine years later, and Hachiko was still waiting patiently, day after day. Sadly, their master had been killed and would never return again.
If it’s loyalty you’re looking for, an Akita will literally stand by you until the end.
#3 Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most loyal small dog breeds you could invite into your home. As they are affectionately known, Yorkies stand just 7 inches tall on average, but this won’t stop them from tenaciously barking away any larger would-be attackers!
Yorkies are famously adorable, and when properly groomed and styled, this could even be the cutest dog in the world. But while they are certainly loyal, they can be a real handful to train. They are marvelously intelligent but also rather stubborn, and they’ll seriously appreciate a bed ramp for dogs to get around the home!
#4 Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is the sort of dog that you either love or you hate, and when it comes to loyalty, it’s one extreme or the other too. Chihuahuas are fiercely independent, notoriously stubborn, yet surprisingly smart.
These little pups aren’t necessarily the friendliest dog breeds, but once you get to know them, and treat them with respect and give them the attention they crave, and Chihuahuas are loyal to a fault. Disrespect a Chihuahua, though, and this dog instantly becomes one of the least loyal dog breeds in the world!
