People adopt dogs for many reasons. Some want a fitness partner. Others want a lifelong furry friend. If you’re looking for a dog that is extremely loyal and protective, you’ll love our list! We have gathered together nine fiercely loyal dog breeds that not only form strong bonds with their owners but also always stand by their side, through thick and thin.
These protective dogs make great family pets. If you are looking for a new family member to add to your home that is committed, protective, and loyal, take a look at these dog breeds below. Most of these dogs are well known for their suitability with families.
If you pick one of these dogs, you are not only getting a new guard for your family, but a great companion for the rest of your life.
Brave Dog Breeds That Never Let Go
1. Doberman Pinscher
A Doberman is an elegant and powerful dog with a sleek build. Its weight can range from 60-90 pounds (females) or 75-100 pounds (males). Regarding height, it can reach up to 24-26 inches (females) or 26-28 inches (males).
This working dog has an average life span of 10-12 years. Interesting fact: They were once popularized for being “the tax collector’s dog” because they offered protection to those collecting money.
Naturally Protective and Loyal
If you have a Doberman, congratulations! You have found a naturally loyal dog breed that loves being part of a family. They are intelligent and affectionate dogs that tend to stay close to one person specifically.
However, they like being “part of a pack” as well. With proper training from an early age, these dogs are well-behaved and form incredibly strong bonds with their humans. If Dobermans find any strangers suspicious, they will become wary and act protective.
2. German Shepherd
Commonly used as working dogs, German Shepherds are known for their roles in the police and military. It is a popular breed in the US, according to PetMD. German Shepherds are strong and athletic dogs that have upright ears, a bushy tail, and a double coat.
Their life span is 9-13 years. Males reach about 24-26 inches while females are about 22-24 inches tall. Males weigh more, reaching about 65-90 pounds, while females weigh 50-70 pounds.
Confident and Most Loyal Dog Breed
These are high-energy dogs known for their confidence and bravery. Although it was originally bred for herding sheep and driving cattle, this dog can do so much more. It makes an excellent guard dog and service dog for those who have disabilities.
They are loyal to their human companions, never letting them go through any trouble alone. German Shepherds often bond deeply to just one person but are also devoted to their whole family, making them great family dogs. They are also very smart and easy to train.
3. Labrador Retriever
Labs are also called gun dogs as they were originally bred to retrieve game animals, as stated in WebMD. They are excellent hunting dogs that have a dense, waterproof coat and expressive eyes. They have an average life span of 10-12 years.
Males weigh up to 65-80 pounds and are about 22.5-24.5 inches tall. Meanwhile, females weigh up to 55-70 pounds and are about 21.5-23.5 inches tall.
A Family Companion
Since they are eager to please and smart, Labs are highly trainable. They are loyal companions for the whole family! They are not too aggressive and may even be friendly to strangers. Since they are friendly and gentle, you can be sure that they’ll get along with your kids, too.
They are playful and are very faithful to their human family. Moreover, they are extremely adaptable, which makes them great dogs for households with multiple pets. You can be sure that your Lab has got your back and will always ensure that you are never bored.
4. Golden Retriever
Physical Characteristics
Known for its soft, golden coat, broad head, short ears, and sturdy build, the Golden Retriever is a family-favorite pet. It has an average life span of 10-12years. It is a medium to large-sized breed that was bred for hunting.
Friendly and Faithful
If you’re looking for a family pet that will always stick close to you, the Golden Retriever is one of your best options. Although it is not a good guard dog as it is more friendly than fierce, it still makes an excellent watchdog as it is alert.
These affectionate pooches make excellent therapy dogs as well because of their fun-loving and social nature. They love their families and stick close through thick and thin.
5. Bulldog
Next up, we have a non-sporting breed that has a wrinkled face, short muzzle, and a crab-like gait. It’s the Bulldog! There are two main types of Bulldogs: the French Bulldog and the English Bulldog. Males and females are almost the same size (14-15 inches). Moreover, female Bulldogs are slightly lighter than male Bulldogs.
Apartment-friendly Family Dog
Bulldogs are good family dogs that truly care and commit to their humans. They have a strong sense of danger, quickly alerting their loved ones to be cautious. They have a deep, protective nature that makes them wary of other animals and strangers.
Sometimes, if early socialization has not taken place, they can become aggressive with other dogs. However, they are not inherently mean. They just need to be properly socialized, and you’ll see how well they get along with other pets.
6. Dachshund
The Dachshund comes in two types: miniature and standard. A standard Dachshund is 8-9 inches, while a miniature is 5-6 inches. Miniatures weigh less than 11 pounds while standards weigh about 16-32 pounds, according to the American Kennel Club.
They can live up to 12-16 years. Dachshunds are well known for their long, sausage-shaped bodies and loud bark. They were initially bred to hunt badgers and other small pests.
Playful and Brave
The Dachshund is a brave little dog that is highly energetic despite its size. They require moderate mental stimulation and exercise needs. Although they can be a bit stubborn, their loving nature makes them fond pets.
If they sense a threat, they’ll loudly bark to let you know. Otherwise, they get along with other dogs and pets and will play around in the dog park. They will never let you go. For this reason, they make fantastic emotional support/therapy dogs.
7. Kuvasz
The Kuvasz is a rare and ancient dog breed that has an average life span of 10-12 years. The Kuvasz is a large, white dog that was used to guard livestock. The Kuvasz, once mature, weighs up to 75-110 pounds and is 26-30 inches tall, according to the AKC.
A Royal Guard Dog
Originating from Hungary, these guard dogs were favored by royalty as hunting partners and personal guardians. They are great at various dog sports and agility challenges.
Although they are big, they are quite gentle with younger and older children, making them excellent playmates. But, for this, they need proper socialization and consistent training as puppies.
The Kuvasz will protect you in every situation, just like you’re one of the other livestock.
8. Saint Bernard
A Saint Bernard was first used by Monks as a rescue dog to save people who were stranded in the Swiss Alps. This large-sized breed still performs this job today, but is also suited for family life. They have an average life span of 8-10 years.
A Loyal, Gentle Giant
They are very friendly and calm dogs that get along with other breeds. They are loyal to all the people in the home, and if they sense a threat, they will act protectively but not aggressively.
As they are people-loving, Saint Bernards will not leave your side for too long. Otherwise, they might develop separation anxiety.
9. Boxer
Boxers are strong, medium-sized dogs with an expressive face, strong jaws, and a short coat. Males weigh about 65-80 pounds and stand at 23-25 inches tall. Females weigh up to 50-65 pounds and stand at 21.5-23.5 inches tall.
They were imported to the US from Germany, according to the American Boxer Club. They have an average life span of 10-12 years.
Affectionate and Playful
Boxers are energetic and high-spirited, fitting in perfectly with active families.
They are protective and loyal to their loved ones. They also love cuddles, making them fantastic companions.
Conclusion
Large, muscular dogs have a bad reputation for being too aggressive and scary. But dogs such as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labs, Boxers, etc., are good watchdogs and family pets. Their innate instinct to protect their loved ones makes them loyal and brave.
While their levels of protectiveness and training differ, all of the above nine dogs provide unwavering support. They will not let you go, and you’ll always have them by your side. All of these breeds form strong, lasting bonds with their owners.
