What makes you believe your dog is loyal to you? For some owners, loyalty can mean the attachment their pup has developed with them; for the cuddles and snuggles are demonstrations enough. Others might see their dog’s ability to protect, remember, and even sacrifice its life for humans as a litmus test of dedication.
There’s an interesting study that concluded that dogs don’t just carry a soft spot for people who are helpful towards their owners, compared to those who are neutral. This “positivity bias” is even stronger in pups who’re really attached to their pet parents.
So, looks like even dogs’ social behavior is driven by how they feel about their human families; humans aren’t the only ones with biases.
We can say that all dogs have some level of loyalty towards their people; otherwise, there would be no way they could’ve made such popular pets. If you want to adopt a doggo that’s not just a casual housemate, but a companion you can trust, here are 7 breeds you can explore.
Most Loyal Dog Breeds That Won’t Abandon You
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are toy dogs popular among dog lovers, not just for their friendly nature, but also for being adored as apartment-friendly, compact pooches. Historically, they captivated the British royals, an association that got them their name.
Despite being small dogs, AKC mentions these pups are very adaptable and live well with both easy-going and active owners.
Cavs are well-mannered dogs, always putting their best foot forward in social situations. They’re also pretty good with other pets in the family and get along perfectly with children.
Cavs are dogs that enjoy companionship; brushing their silky coat regularly is a great way to spend quality time with them, as well as playing games like fetch, even indoors.
2. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers were originally bred to retrieve game for hunters; cooperating with humans is something they still carry in their temperament. With proper training, they not only become one of the best family dogs, but are also amazing police and military dogs, as well as therapy dogs.
Your friends and even Instagram followers can forget you, but not your Golden. These beautiful dogs have a way of making even the most mundane day magical with their lustrous golden coats and their sweetest smiles.
Golden Retrievers aren’t just fiercely loyal pets; they’re also great partners if you enjoy an active life. From going on hikes to playing fetch and tug of war, these mutts will give you reasons to always include them in your plans.
Fun Fact: Goldens are famous for their soft mouths, which make them perfect for the job of fetching objects without crushing them with their teeth.
3. Pug
Pugs aren’t just super-loyal companions in a tiny body; they can become quite clingy and end up annoying. It’s hard to stay mad at these adorable pups, though, as they win our hearts with their calm temperament and their huggable, compact but muscular bodies.
For these little dogs, anything goes well, as they’re getting their cuddle time and all the attention they crave. As per Purina, they love snuggling up on the sofa so much that they can even end up gaining weight; since they don’t mind short walks, adding them into their routine can keep them healthy.
Pugs are great family dogs, even if you have children at home; as easygoing but sturdy dogs, they can get along with the tiny humans just fine.
Pugs’ love for human companionship makes them prone to separation anxiety; these pups don’t dream of adventures in distant lands, but fantasize a life where they’re the center of their humans’ attention.
4. Labrador Retriever
From wonderful family dogs to water rescue dogs and guard dogs, Labrador Retrievers have all that it takes to leave their mark as man’s best friends.
Labrador Retrievers are water-friendly dogs, loved by swimmers as companions in the pool; originally, these pups have helped hunters by retrieving waterfowl.
Labs are energetic dogs that will run by your side on trails as well as nail any agility or obedience competition. The perfect combination of a Lab’s intelligence and ability to form bonds with its owner is what makes it a partner worth cherishing.
Britannica narrates the story of a Lab called Endal, a service dog, who saved its owner by covering him with a blanket and rushing to a hotel nearby to get help.
As a retrieving breed, Labs had to be able to not only learn their hunters’ commands quickly, but also follow cues without any delay. This ability still makes them highly obedient and trainable dogs, and without any doubt, one of the most popular dog breeds.
5. Irish Setter
Irish Setters are famously good-natured and affectionate dogs that fit in perfectly in family life. They’re also called Red Setters due to their glossy, silky red coat. Originally used to hunt birds, Irish Setters make incredibly loyal family dogs and loving companions that never leave your side.
Since they love nothing more than walking by your side, might as well keep them on a leash; these pups have a mighty prey drive that can get triggered if they aren’t properly trained. When it comes to training, positive reinforcement is more likely to find its seal of approval than rude tactics.
A well-behaved Irish Setter gets along amazingly with other dogs in the house, as well as your house guests.
As hunting dogs, these pups had one of the most fabulous noses that helped them get the scent of their target. These energetic dogs need a lot of mental and physical stimulation regularly to stay happy and in high spirits.
6. Shih Tzu
Though Shih Tzus are called “little lions” due to their lush, silky lion-like mane, these dogs are complete muffins when it comes to temperament and love for their humans. They’re extremely loyal little pooches who make the best lap dogs and want nothing more than being pampered by their humans.
As these doggos have a history of living in leisure with their Chinese royal owners, they still enjoy an indoor life with their human companions.
But if you’re planning a day out with your Shih Tzu in the dog park, they’ll be equally thankful. These playful dogs are all about a life full of fun and games, whether it’s in your apartment or outdoors.
As these pooches form strong bonds with their pet parents, leaving them alone for long periods of time can make them feel the blues. Giving them toys they can play with on their own can help them cope with alone time.
7. Poodle
Poodles are dogs full of personality and vigor, and lovable in all their size varieties, whether it’s toy, miniature, or standard. These curly-coated dogs are famously good in water, so if you love to swim and want a pet that won’t freak out in the pool, these dogs are the best fit.
Poodles are very intelligent dogs that need a fair amount of mental stimulation, as well as consistent training. They can be taught so many things, like obedience, agility, tracking, and herding.
These pups have a clownish and fun-loving personality, and they don’t hold back when it comes to bringing in a cheerful energy to your house.
Poodles are hypoallergenic dogs, but they do need regular coat care; it’s also a great idea to book regular grooming sessions with a professional groomer if you don’t have enough time to do it yourself.
FAQs
Do loyal breeds suffer from separation anxiety?
Since loyalty can be a way to describe a dog’s close bond with its owner, yes, loyal dogs can suffer from separation anxiety. If your dog’s not receiving enough attention or is facing stress, it can develop separation anxiety.
How do I strengthen my dog’s loyalty?
Here are some ways to make your dog’s loyalty stronger:
Don’t hold back from expressing affection.
Show your dog patience and pay attention to their needs.
Spend quality time with your dog and engage in play sessions or daily exercise.
For pack dogs, assert your status as a pack leader by establishing dominance.
Keep them healthy and happy by giving them proper nutrition and treats mindfully.
Do loyal dogs get along with strangers?
Yes, not all loyal dogs are necessarily rude to strangers. Some protective dogs can be aloof towards new people and act alert when they find someone suspicious.
Conclusion
A dog’s loyal nature can depend on its background as well as its ability to connect with its family members. The dogs mentioned in the above list are all loving and loyal pets that thrive on their owners’ attention and companionship.
Certain breeds have a protective nature that can make them obsessed with watching over their humans and territory. Others tend to be velcro dogs who’re likely to follow you around everywhere and hate being separated from you.
Thus, whenever you’re going to choose a pet for your home, keep one thing in mind: that these wonderful pooches require ample time and love to live a happy and healthy life.
