14 Most Loyal Dog Breeds That Will Always Stay By Your Side

The old saying goes that a dog is a human’s best friend, but the truth is that some breeds have a deeper strain of loyalty than others.

If you’re curious about where your dog falls when it comes to loyal breeds that will stay by your side always, keep reading. Whether you have a pet who is your best friend or a service dog, you can’t go wrong with any of the breeds below.

1. Akita

The Akita, original to Japan, is a large, muscular dog with a powerful presence and assertive personality. Once used to protect royalty, this dog breed is known to be fiercely loyal and intelligent. 

Don’t let that tough exterior fool you! Akitas love a good cuddle and are deeply affectionate towards the ones they trust.

2. Great Pyrenees

Also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, these gentle giants are bred to guard and aren’t afraid to protect what’s important to them. These dogs are mellow and well-mannered—until they perceive a threat to their family or home.

While they are notorious for their patience with kids, the Great Pyrenees’ more serious and protective nature makes them better suited for homes with older children. 

3. Collie

Collies thrive in the company of their families and are especially fond of small children. These sharp-witted, sensitive dogs love to please and are easy to teach. 

The devotion these superstars show to their owners makes it obvious how they’ve maintained their reputation over the years as loving family dogs.

4. German Shepherd

A symbol of courage and bravery, German Shepherds are known to be great guarding canines and lifelong companions. People are often more familiar with this breed due to their history of working with law enforcement or fulfilling their duties as reliable service dogs. 

These independent dogs may not be the most affectionate, but when it comes to protecting families, few do it better than German Shepherds. 

5. Beagle

Cheerful, friendly, and full of energy, Beagles are popular with kids and dog breeds of all kinds. These loyal little dogs won’t ever leave your side—literally! They don’t mind acting out or causing a scene to make it known they don’t like to be left alone. 

Known for their acute sense of smell, these scent hounds enjoy putting their sniffer to use, assuring that no crumb on your floors ever goes uneaten. 

6. Labrador Retriever

The lovable Labrador Retriever is one of the better-known breeds, voted first place as the most popular dog of 2021!

Great for active families, labs are happy to be in the presence of humans or other dogs. Their gentle nature and quick learning ability also make them incredible service animals. 

7. Boxer

Boxers might look intimidating to some, but they are just lovable goofs who want to play! If you have small children in your home, you can trust that a Boxer will be delicate with them while also wearing them out with their high energy. 

They are highly obedient to the ones they love, and their courageous personality lends them useful to military and police offers for search-and-rescue work! 

8. Golden Retriever

For many, the Golden Retriever comes to mind when picturing a sweet family dog. They’re intelligent and extremely devoted to their families, making them excellent service or therapy dogs.

A Golden Retriever will do anything for their pack, but don’t expect them to be a huge deterrent to strangers. These dogs love to make new friends!

9. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers might be small, but they are mighty in personality. These dainty-looking dogs only reach about 7 pounds, but that doesn’t stop them from believing they are watchdogs. Suspicious of strange sounds and people, Yorkies can be pretty vocal and aren’t always the best around toddlers. 

Yes, they’re spunky and possessive, but those who own a Yorkie know they have an unbreakable bond for life. 

10. Saint Bernard

A Saint Bernard’s massive size is befitting its big, loving heart. Once known to the English as Sacred Dogs, this benevolent breed is super easy-going and friendly to all unless they sense a threat.

Although they may not make much noise, a Saint Bernard will make its presence known with trails of slobber, muddy paw prints, and shedding hair. 

If you have the space to bring a Saint Bernard into your home, you will always be able to count on them for protection and affection. 

11. Bulldog

A choice mascot for many, Bulldogs might look ferocious, but they are sweethearts that love attention from their humans. They live for companionship, and when they aren’t eating, they’re usually on your lap or snoozing somewhere close by. 

Lazy and sometimes stubborn, the lives of Bulldogs revolve only around their food and the deep love they have for their families. 

12. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Originally bred as a fighting dog, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier may not always get along with other dogs, but they make a loyal and trustworthy addition to families. 

Sometimes called the “nanny dog,” this breed is very patient and gentle with children and loves to participate in family activities, whether it’s watching a movie or going outside to exercise. 

13. Chihuahua

You might be surprised to find out that, despite the small size of a Chihuahua, experts put this breed in the top ten of watchdogs! Their size doesn’t make them ideal for busy households with young children, but these dogs don’t let their small stature limit them. 

Their little bodies hold very big personalities, and if you’re able to win a Chihuahua over, they become the sidekick that will follow you anywhere. 

14. Dobermann Pinscher

Dobermann Pinchers can look quite intimidating, and for a reason! Although they’re loving, obedient dogs, they will do whatever it takes to protect who they love. Along with the fact that they are highly intelligent and active, their loyalty makes them one of the easiest breeds to train. 

If you can give a Dobie the exercise they need, they make the most loyal service animals for those struggling with a mental or physical disability. 

Final Thoughts

As long as you can provide a loving home and the care a dog needs, loyalty is not hard to come by with these breeds. 

With proper training, any breed can become a service dog. Contact Service Dog Registration of America to register your service dogs today!