Dog Breeds Known for Their Loyalty

Dogs have always reigned supreme in the United States as the top pet but in 2024, their status rose even higher. According to Forbes Advisor, 66% of households own a pet (86.9 million homes), and of these, 65.1 million households own a dog. What's not to love? Dogs provide unconditional love to their humans and per the Mayo Clinic, having a pet is linked to a host of health benefits, from better mental health and reduced stress-related issues to increasing your activity and managing anxiety. And while we may think every dog is incredible – they are – there are dog breeds known for their loyalty.

To compile a list of dog breeds known for their loyalty, 24/7 Tempo consulted numerous sources, including the American Kennel Club. Even if your dog didn't make this list, don't fret – they're most likely just as amazing as the ones listed here, they just have a different way of expressing their love and devotion. (Check out which dogs are the most stubborn and hard to train.)

• 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 large and powerful dogs but are big softies when it comes to their families. They are utterly devoted to their human companions. This breed is not suitable for all households because they are high energy and need a lot of exercise. They can also bolt off after something that they want to chase. Despite their size, most are patient with small children and they thrive on 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

Your Border Collie will love you because they are so eager to please. They are happiest with active families who can provide loads of mental and physical activities for them to take part in. This breed also responds very well to obedience training. As a medium-sized breed, they reach about 22 inches in height. This is a dog that will love you forever.

• 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 make sure always to have a towel handy.

• Life expectancy: 9-10 years

Don't let the formidable size of a Newfoundland put you off! These are sweet and trusting dogs who are very loving. Adult males can weigh up to 150 pounds so you need plenty of room to keep them. Newfies will tolerate strangers but reserve their devotion for their families. Also, bear in mind that they eat a lot and can be big droolers. Their coat needs a lot of grooming too.

• 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

The Chihuahua is the classic small dog with a huge character. Suitable for apartment living, these little guys do not grow much bigger than a cat – weighing just six pounds. This breed is both charming and very loyal to their human family but they are not keen on children. In an adult household, however, they will thrive.

• 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

The original goofball, Boxers are a medium-sized dog with a short and tight coat. They grow to around 25 inches tall but will still expect to climb onto your lap for a cuddle. They are also alert, patient, and protective. You can expect lots of love and affection from this breed.

• 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.

They may be small but 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 that 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, require plenty of room to play, and lots of exercise.

When they have plenty of mental stimulation and exercise, they are easily trainable. Among their traits are an eagerness to please, playfulness, affectionate nature, and family loyalty. (Take a look at the most popular dog breeds in America.)