20 Loyal Dog Breeds That Earn the Title Man’s Best Friend

Dogs have long earned their reputation as man's best friend, thanks to their unwavering loyalty, boundless affection, and the way they greet us with pure joy. But while their love is universal, not every breed is the right fit for every person or household. Some pups thrive in busy family homes with children, while others are better suited to quieter lifestyles or more active owners.

To highlight the breeds best known for their devotion, 24/7 Tempo turned to trusted sources like the American Kennel Club. The result is a list of loving canine companions of all shapes and sizes, from small lap dogs to medium-sized sidekicks to large, loyal guardians, ensuring there's a perfect match for every kind of dog lover.

Here are 20 loyal dog breeds that will never leave your side:

• Life expectancy: 15-19 years

Coton de Tulear is a small breed between 9 and 11 inches high. They are witty, charming, and crave connection with their family. This breed has a soft cotton coat and is beautiful, long, and white. Coton De Tulear is very affectionate to its family and loves to please.

• Life expectancy: 12-13 years

Basset hounds are a favorite dog breed; they are lovable, stubborn, and loyal. This breed loves their family, although they may not always show it by affection. Instead, they show it through their steadfast loyalty. Caring for a basset hound requires a bit more work, especially when caring for their ears. Not only are bassets loyal, but they also get along well with children and other animals, making them great family dogs.

• Life expectancy: 12-13 years

The Pembroke Welsh corgi is small, around 10-12 inches tall. Their coat colors vary, including black, tan, fawn, red, or sable. This breed is loyal to their families and has the bark to show it. Pembroke Welsh corgi's sense of devotion and fearlessness makes them excellent watchdogs. They are also very affectionate to those they love.

• Life expectancy: 6-10 years

Mastiffs are a large dog breed that can stand more than 30 inches in height. They can also weigh upwards of 230 pounds. Although they are large, they are dedicated and loving. Mastiffs also have large heads, and their appearance may seem alarming. However, this breed is fiercely loyal and protective of their families.

They may be skeptical of a stranger until they get to know them. While mastiffs are a loyal and protective dog breed, their size requires more exercise and care. Mastiffs also have a shorter life expectancy. (Click here to see the dogs with the shortest life spans.)

• Life expectancy: 12-14 years

Siberian Huskies are a beautiful breed, recognizable by their thick coats. Siberian Huskies have high energy and need plenty of exercise and running room. Their curiosity means they are prone to run after something that triggers their curiosity, like a small animal. Siberian Huskies are typically patient with small children and other animals. They also show their loyalty to their families with plenty of affection.

• Life expectancy: 12-16 years

Daschunds are a highly alert breed who require a medium level of mental stimulation. They are recognizable by their short, long bodies. Additionally, the dachshund breed loves to bark and never seems to tire. While they can be stubborn, their devotion to their families is seen by their watchfulness and affection.

• Life expectancy: 12-15 years

Border collies are energetic dogs that are built to work. They fit in excellently with families who can offer mental stimulation, plenty of exercise, and playtime. Border collies are eager to please their families and take well to obedience training. Also, border collies are a medium breed that stands around 22 inches high or shorter. This breed may love to work but also love to give their families plenty of adoration.

• Life expectancy: 8-10 years

Saint Bernards have a distinct appearance, marked by their wrinkled brow and friendly eyes. This giant breed may seem imposing to one unfamiliar with Saint Bernards. While they are on the bigger side, this breed is typically patient with children. They also show their allegiance to their families by being watchful dogs. While they are sweet and affectionate, they can be big droolers, so always have a towel handy.

• Life expectancy: 9-10 years

Newfoundlands are large dogs that can weigh up to 150 pounds if male and 120 pounds if female. Though large, their temperament is sweet, trusting, and delicate. Newfies tend to be open to strangers yet protective of their families.

Since they are a giant breed, they require more room to play and move about. They also can be big droolers and need more hands-on care than a smaller breed. Although they are larger, Newfoundlands are thought to be great companions for families.

• Life expectancy: 10-12 years

Doberman pinschers are a high-energy breed that needs plenty of mental stimulation. They are also very playful yet make good watchdogs for families. The appearance of a Doberman pinscher is the ultimate protective watchdog.

They have a sleek, compact build that is very muscular. This breed is also fast. The coat of a Doberman pinscher can be fawn, red, black, or blue and may have rust markings. Their playful nature, agility, and protectiveness make a Doberman pinscher one of the most loyal breeds.

• Life expectancy: 8-10 years

Bulldogs are among some of the most recognizable dog breeds. They have loose skin around their heads, wrinkled brows, sagging chops, and pushed-in noses. This breed is trainable and adaptable. Bulldogs have lower energy than large dogs.

However, they love to be outside and go for short walks, as long as it's not too hot! Due to their short noses, they may have a more challenging time breathing when it is humid outside. Therefore, if you have a bulldog, keeping them in the air on a scorching summer day is a great idea.

• Life expectancy: 13-15 years

Pugs are a muscular, happy, and curious breed. They are recognizable by their small and solid stature and their smushed faces. Chinese emperors would often keep this breed as pets. Pugs are easily adaptable to numerous living situations.

This breed is playful and typically gets along well with other pets and young children. Don't let their small stature fool you; pugs can be watchful and protective. These attributes and their affectionate nature make them very loyal to their families.

• Life expectancy: 10-12 years

The great Pyrenees are a solid and large breed. They can reach up to 32 inches in height and over 100 pounds. They have a thick coat that can be completely white or white with colored markings like tan or reddish-brown.

The great Pyrenees are loyal to their families and are more open to strangers. This breed shows loyalty with a watchdog sense and protects their family by observing for perceived threats. The great Pyrenees may at first appear docile, but if they have to protect their family, they can be pretty fast.

• Life expectancy: 14-16 years

Chihuahuas may be tiny, but they have huge personalities. They typically weigh up to six pounds. Chihuahua's coats can also come in various patterns, colors, and thicknesses. While chihuahuas are loyal and charming, they are not recommended to have around small children. They love quality time with their families. With training and plenty of care, this lapdog breed will typically always be devoted to its family.

• Life expectancy: 10-14 years

Their alert nature and appearance mark the Akita breed. They have a protective nature and love to have a human companion. Akita's are only sometimes great with other dogs or animals. However, this breed can be very affectionate and loyal to their families. The Akita has a dense coat, a large head, and a curled tail. Additionally, this breed has a lineage in Ancient Japan which symbolized happiness, long life, and good health.

• Life expectancy: 10-12 years

Golden retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds. They are highly trainable, easily adaptable, and eager to please. These traits are among the many reasons Golden retrievers make excellent guide dogs and search and rescue dogs.

Not only is this breed easy to train, but they are also very playful, making them a great addition to families. While playful, they require more time outdoors, plenty of room to play, and mental stimulation.

• Life expectancy: 10-12 years

Boxers are medium build, with males standing up to 25 inches tall. Their coats are short and tight, showing their muscles underneath. Their coats can also be fawn, black, brindle, and occasionally all-white. Boxers are alert, patient, and protective, making them excellent family dogs. Among their traits include being fiercely loyal and affectionate. Don't let their size fool you; boxers are big family dogs, and they often mistake themselves for lapdogs!

• Life expectancy: 7-10 years

German shepherds are intelligent, affectionate, and adaptable. They are large dogs that can be as tall as 26 inches. This breed is also very confident, easily trainable, and gentle. German shepherds are loyal to their families and will show this by putting their lives in danger if it means protecting those they love.

• Life expectancy: 10-15 years

Beagles are a popular hunting dog. They are also very loyal to their families, although they are on the smaller side. Beagles can reach up to 13 inches in height, yet their stature is solid and robust. This breed has a beautiful coat that can come in various colors, including lemon and tricolor.

Although small, beagles are highly energetic and need plenty of room to play. They may not be the typical watchdog, but they are usually great with kids and other animals and can be affectionate with their families.

• Life expectancy: 11-13 years

A Labrador retriever is the complete package when it comes to dog breeds. They are beautiful with dense coats. These coats can range from black, yellow, or chocolate. Labs typically get along well with other dogs and kids and love socializing.

However, they have high energy and require plenty of room to play and lots of exercise. Labs with plenty of mental stimulation and exercise are easily trainable. Among their traits are an eagerness to please, playfulness, an affectionate nature, and family loyalty.