18 Loyal Dog Breeds That Will Never Leave Your Side

Photo of author

By Darryl Henderson

Dogs are known as man’s best friend for a reason. Their loyalty to their owners is unparalleled by any pet, forming the most unforgettable bond with their human over the span of their lifetime. Here are 18 of the most loyal dog breeds that will always stay by your side.

Golden Retriever

Photo Credit: Burin P/Shutterstock

Of course, falling in love with a dog is inevitable when they look as gorgeous as golden retrievers do, but the breed’s affectionate nature makes it the perfect pet. Golden retrievers are social dogs but will always show complete devotion to their owners.

Cocker Spaniel

Photo Credit: andriano.cz/Shutterstock

Known as the perfect breed for first-time dog owners, cocker spaniels are wonderfully loyal. This trait has been inherent in them since the breed was used as hunting companions. As Britannica states, cocker spaniels are very popular companion dogs and are also great with children.

Akita Inu

Photo Credit: FunFamilyRu/Shutterstock

The loyalty of the Japanese Akita Inus was immortalized by the tale of Hachiko, who would walk to a train station in Tokyo every day to meet his owner after he finished work. After his owner’s death, Hachiko continued to wait for him outside the station every day for 10 years until his own death in 1935. 

Boxer

Photo Credit: FogDogStudios/Shutterstock

They may have an intimidating appearance and an even more intimidating name, but boxers can be one of the most friendly dog breeds around if they are trained properly. Their patience makes them great with children, and their courageousness makes them perfect guard dogs.

St. Bernard

Photo Credit: Dulova Olga/Shutterstock

If you’re not worried about keeping a 180-pound dog as a pet, then a St. Bernard may be the breed for you. Originally mountain dogs in the Swiss Alps, they were once responsible for rescuing lost travelers, meaning the protection of humans is in their DNA.

Border Collie

Photo Credit: Frank11/Shutterstock

While border collies will need plenty of exercise to keep them from going insane, they will give you back every little bit of effort that you put in. Their loyalty knows no bounds, as they were historically bred as working dogs, helping farmers to herd sheep.

Great Pyrenees

Photo Credit: Black.Horse/Shutterstock

Great Pyrenees dogs follow the pattern of working dogs being some of the most loyal dogs out there, specifically those bred to herd sheep. They are laid-back and will love any attention you give them, but they won’t be afraid to step into the role of guard dog if needed.

Rottweiler

Photo Credit: Mariya Kuzema/Shutterstock

While they can be quite intimidating to others, rottweilers are notoriously loyal to their owners and are natural guard dogs, possessing a protective instinct. They will require a good amount of training to prevent them from seeing everyone as an enemy, though.

Labrador Retriever

Photo Credit: Eve Photography/Shutterstock

Labrador retrievers possess many of the traits shown by their fellow retriever breed, the golden retriever. They are warm, friendly, and very unlikely to bite, making them perfect for young families. In fact, the American Kennel Club placed them at the top of their list of the best family dogs.

Dachshund

Photo Credit: dezy/Shutterstock

Dachshunds, commonly referred to as sausage dogs, are full of energy and willing to follow their owners wherever they may go. They also love to play, with fetch being one of their favorite games due to the breed’s history as hunting companions.

Jack Russell Terrier

Photo Credit: Ammit Jack/Shutterstock

If you want a dog that loves cuddles but is also energetic and intelligent, Jack Russell Terriers will be right up your street. They love to be mentally stimulated but will also be happy to relax with you on the sofa in the evenings. 

Rough Collie

Photo Credit: Rita_Kochmarjova/Shutterstock

Eric Knight was fortunate to choose the Rough Collie breed when writing his short story Lassie in 1938. Knight didn’t just pick a breed out of a hat, though, as Rough Collies are known for being especially loyal and protective of their owners.

Bulldogs

Photo Credit: Ammit Jack/Shutterstock

Bulldogs typify everything that you wouldn’t expect them to. Despite their appearance, they are nimble, outgoing, and extremely capable of developing strong bonds with their owners. The National Library of Medicine says that their behavioral traits are the main reason why their owners perceive the breed positively.

German Shepherd

Photo Credit: Barat Roland/Shutterstock

It is easy to see why German shepherds are regularly used as working dogs, utilized by the police force, the military, and as guide dogs. They are extremely alert and will stay by your side, keeping you from harm. This isn’t to say they won’t enjoy a cuddle, however.

Australian Shepherd

Photo Credit: otsphoto/Shutterstock

Much like their German cousins, the Australian shepherd is one of the most loyal and protective dog breeds that you can own. They are so loyal they will often completely ignore other dogs in order to stay by your side and keep you safe.

Alaskan Malamute

Photo Credit: Hanna Borysenko/Shutterstock

Even though they can be difficult to train, once you have them down to a certain level of discipline, Alaskan malamutes are very loyal to their owners. This is mainly due to the fact they are sledding dogs, naturally wired to be part of a pack with a human leader in charge.

French Bulldog

Photo Credit: Francine parent/Shutterstock

In the last couple of years, the French bulldog has rather unexpectedly toppled the labrador retriever off of the top of the most popular dog in the USA list after a record 31 years. AP News believes that the breed’s comical, friendly, and loving personality is the main reason for such a surge in popularity.

Doberman Pinscher

Photo Credit: slastena/Shutterstock

Best known for being guard dogs, Doberman Pinschers are extremely loyal to their owners and protect them at all costs. If they are trained correctly, they will be friendly to others, but they have a keen eye for danger and will rush to your aid if necessary.