Culture and Lifestyle Pets The Most Loyal Dog Breeds By Katherine Owen Katherine Owen Katherine Owen is a writer and editor with a passion for home design. In her 10+ years of experience, she's covered everything from cozy Southern cottages to fresh farmhouses to sprawling mountain retreats. Her areas of expertise include home design and construction, gardening and pets. Her work has been featured in Southern Living, Birmingham Magazine, The Atlantic, Boulder Lifestyle, Log & Timber Home Living, and more. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on April 28, 2023 Fact checked by Khara Scheppmann Fact checked by Khara Scheppmann Khara Scheppmann has 12 years of marketing and advertising experience, including proofreading and fact-checking. She previously worked at one of the largest advertising agencies in the southwest. brand's fact checking process Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: andresr / Getty Images From the story of a black lab who stepped up to save the lives of military soldiers countless times to a pit bull who sacrificed his own life to save the family's children, it's these heroic tales of the most loyal dogs that make it easy to see how the species got the moniker "man's best friend." What may have started as a mutually beneficial relationship thousands of years ago has evolved into a deep companionship. According to Cesar's Way, it's more than the reliable source of food and shelter (and table scraps…) that keeps dogs loyal. (Though those things certainly help!) It's their intrinsically affectionate nature and their desire to be a part of a pack. Lucky for us, they're not super picky about who's in it. So, what qualifies a breed as one of the most loyal dogs? Is the protective nature of the rottweiler? Or the endlessly eager-to-please personality of the Labrador retriever? There's no official measurement of the most loyal dogs, but if you're looking for a lifelong companion that's faithful beyond a doubt, consider one of these committed canines. 01 of 15 Akita Tara Gregg / EyeEm / Getty Images We'd be remiss to not start with the Akita, which the American Kennel Club describes as "profoundly loyal." They descend from ancient Japanese lineage and symbolize good health, happiness, and long life. 02 of 15 Beagle Przemyslaw Iciak / EyeEm / Getty Images Who can resist a Beagle's endearing puppy eyes? Luckily the affection is reciprocated with these loyal pups. 03 of 15 Collie 关心 / Getty Images Lassie may be a fictional tale, but the Collie's loyalty is not. The AKC notes the undeniably devoted breed is "famously fond of children." 04 of 15 Brussels Griffon Andrew Marttila / Getty Images Looking for a lot of loyalty in a little package? Look no further than the scruffy Brussels Griffon whose Velcro-like nature make them one of the most affectionate breeds around. 05 of 15 Golden Retriever andresr / Getty Images Likely not a surprise to see on the list of most loyal dogs, the Golden Retriever makes for an outgoing, up-for-anything kind of companion. 06 of 15 German Shepherd amandafoundation.org / Getty Images Another dog breed with a well-known reputation for loyalty, the German Shepherd has long served alongside humans thanks to their sharp intelligence and storied courage. 07 of 15 Shetland Sheepdogs pankration / Getty Images This vocal breed likes to bark (…a lot) but only because they are so devoted to protecting what's most important to them: their family. The AKC describes them as "Collie in miniature." 08 of 15 Rottweiler ciricvelibor / Getty Images One of the smartest dog breeds, Rottweilers are protective and selective. They may come off a bit aloof to outsiders but are downright cuddly among family members. 09 of 15 Labrador Retriever Purple Collar Pet Photography / Getty Images Think a breed could be America's favorite for 31 years running and not one of the most loyal dogs out there too? This work-hard-play-hard breed is practically an icon of steadfast companionship. 10 of 15 Australian Cattle Dog Getty/Tara Gregg / EyeEm This highly intelligent breed is described by the AKC as "true-blue loyal," but that doesn't mean they won't take the opportunity to outsmart you here and there. 11 of 15 Boxers Ryan Murphy / Getty Images Not only is the Boxer one of the most loyal dog breeds, but they also boast a sharp mind and playful, often silly personality. The full package! 12 of 15 Giant Schnauzer Krzysztof Hanusiak Photography / Getty Images This loyal breed is all about protecting what matters most: home and family. The breed standard calls for a "bold and valiant figure of a dog." (That would explain the impressive beard and all-around imposing appearance!) 13 of 15 Staffordshire Bull Terrier Sandra Schmid / Getty Images A heart-wrenching history has landed this breed a tarnished reputation that belies their true nature. A well-raised Staffordshire bull terrier, according to the AKC, is family-oriented, loyal, and even boasts a particular patience for children. 14 of 15 Chihuahua Image Source / Getty Images Chihuahuas' oversized personalities make them entertaining companions who simply want to be wherever you are. 15 of 15 Don't forget mixed breeds! RyanJLane / Getty Images A pup whose breed is a mysterious mix may be just the fit for your family. Visit your local shelter, and talk with employees and volunteers to find the right dog for your family's lifestyle. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources Southern Living is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources to support the facts in our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy. American Kennel Club. Akita dog breed information. American Kennel Club. Collie dog breed information. American Kennel Club. 7 things to know about Shetland sheepdogs. American Kennel Club. Most popular dog breeds of 2021. American Kennel Club. Australian cattle dog breed information. American Kennel Club. Giant schnauzer dog breed information. American Kennel Club. Staffordshire bull terrier dog breed information.