10 Loyal Dog Breeds To Be Your Best Friend
Dogs are man’s best friend but some dog breeds are known for being more loyal than others. Below are 10 loyal breeds that are at their owners' side through everything, they are devoted and will be your best friend. Different breeds show their loyalty in different ways, some are affectionate while others guard and protect.
1. Labrador Retriever
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Labrador Retrievers are a fantastic choice for families as they are very friendly and will get along great with everyone (including children and other pets). Labs love their human family and always want to be wherever they are.
It’s no surprise labradors are often used as guide dogs, therapy dogs, and service dogs as they are intelligent, devoted and dependable.
Height: 56-61cm
Size: Large
Character: Social, active, dependable
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
2. Pyrenean Mountain Dog
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The Pyrenean Mountain Dog was originally used to protect sheep from wolves so they are natural protectors. These huge dogs are gentle, affectionate, and relaxed. Pyrenean Mountain Dogs bond strongly with their family, they are loving and make excellent family pets.
Although big, these dogs tend to be mellow and calm at home. Pyrenean Mountain Dogs are dedicated to their human family and their fluffy coats mean they are great to cuddle too.
Height: 65-82cm
Size: Large
Character: Gentle, trustworthy, intelligent
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
3. Rough Collie
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Rough Collies are devoted, affectionate, and intelligent dogs. There’s a reason Lassie was a Rough Collie! These dogs are always there for their family when they need them. Collies have strong bonds with their family and they get along well with children and other pets making them great family dogs.
Collies are well known for being playful, protective, and loving dogs. They are also easy to recognise thanks to their luscious long hair.
Height: 51-66cm
Size: Medium
Character: Intelligent, gentle, alert
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
4. German Shepherd
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German Shepherds were originally bred to work alongside humans and their loyalty is undeniable. These dogs are faithful, intelligent, and energetic. German Shepherds have a calm and focused demeanour, they are fast learners and are confident, making them excellent for police work.
Height: 55-65cm
Size: Large
Character: Dependable, intelligent, protective
Life Expectancy: 9-13 years
5. Boxer
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Boxers are playful, energetic dogs that love to entertain. Beneath this clown-like behaviour is a sensitive, loyal, and loving dog. Boxers are one of the friendliest dog breeds, they want to make their owners happy and thrive on attention from their loved ones.
Height: 53-63cm
Size: Large
Character: Affectionate, enthusiastic, playful
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
6. Akita
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Akitas are loyal to their family but wary of strangers, they can be protective and make excellent watchdogs. These beautiful dogs are loyal and affectionate companions. Hachiko was an Akita and he showed his loyalty by returning to the train station every day to wait for his owner, even after his owner passed away when at work.
Height: 58-70cm
Size: Large
Character: Protective, intelligent, composed
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
7. English Bulldog
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English Bulldogs are friendly, calm, and courageous. Although they look grumpy, these medium-sized dogs are gentle and are known to be loving and loyal. English Bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds thanks to their loyal, easy-going natures.
Height: 30-40cm
Size: Medium
Character: Loving, courageous, friendly
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
8. Rottweiler
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Rottweilers would do anything to keep their family safe which is why they are popular guard dogs. Rotties are calm and gentle at home, they are known for being sweethearts with their family offering an unlimited amount of affection.
Height: 56-69cm
Size: Large
Character: Protective, loving, confident
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
9. St. Bernard
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St Bernards are loyal, focused, and kind. These big dogs were used for search and rescue in the mountains and they would do anything for their family. St Bernards are good-natured, trustworthy, and easy to train.
Height: 65-90cm
Size: Huge
Character: Intelligent, affectionate, sweet-natured
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
10. Pug
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Small dogs are loyal too. Pugs love nothing more than to be at their owners' side. These little dogs are trustworthy, loving, and playful. Pugs are a family-friendly breed as they are fantastic around children and they love to entertain.
Pugs bond closely to their family, they are sensitive and always eager to please. Although a Pug may not be protective like many of the other loyal dogs on our list, they won’t leave your side and will always be a loyal friend.
Height: 25-36cm
Size: Small
Character: Affectionate, playful
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Looking For A New Dog?
Loyal dogs often make fantastic family dogs as they are friendly, loving, and excellent companions. No matter which loyal breed you choose, you are guaranteed to have a best friend that will always be there for you.
If you’ve found a loyal dog breed that suits your lifestyle, use Puppies to ensure your new puppy is healthy and comes from a reputable breeder.
