Dogs are generally considered loyal and people-oriented pets. However, loyalty should not be confused with bribery: a Beagle that loves its owner but happily accepts treats from anyone cannot be considered extremely loyal. The same goes for a Labrador with a strong “will-to-please” that simply wants to please everyone.

In our list, we have compiled dog breeds that would do anything for their humans but prefer to keep their distance from strangers. Among them are dogs that you might not have expected to be among the most loyal breeds in the world.

The Ten Most Loyal Dog Breeds in the World

Faithful, loyal, affectionate—these are qualities that most people desire in their dogs. We’ll show you which dog breeds in the world possess these characteristics to a significant extent.

Rank 10: Shar-Peis are very loyal dogs

The Shar-Pei is undoubtedly one of the most loyal dogs in the world. Recognizable by its deep facial wrinkles, it is of medium size with a massive head. Shar-Peis captivate many dog enthusiasts not only for their exotic appearance but also for their loyalty. Once a person has captured the heart of this dog, it will not leave their side.

Despite their loyalty, Shar-Peis maintain a certain level of independence and autonomy toward their caregivers. That’s why the Shar-Pei ranks last on our list of the most loyal dogs in the world.

Rank 9: Dalmatians are among the most loyal breeds

Dalmatians also belong to the most loyal dog breeds in the world. They are devoted to their owners and prefer to be always close to them. However, Dalmatians tend to be somewhat distrustful towards strangers and need some time to get used to new people.

Dalmatians are also very vigilant. Moreover, this breed must be socialized with fellow dogs and humans from an early age to behave socially outside their family.

Rank 8: Siberian Huskies form strong bonds with the family

When it comes to the most loyal dog breeds in the world, the Siberian Husky must not be overlooked. This highly social dog wants to be closely integrated into its family. Pack life is crucial for this breed, making the loyal Siberian Husky an ideal family dog.

While its family means everything to the Husky, it initially behaves very distantly towards strangers. This dignified reserve is characteristic of these dogs. However, the Husky is also very stubborn and has a mind of its own, which places it in the eighth position among the most loyal dogs in the world.

Rank 7: Rhodesian Ridgebacks are among the most loyal dog breeds in the world

Loyalty to humans has been a cultivated trait in Rhodesian Ridgebacks for many decades. It’s no wonder that they are among the most loyal dog breeds in the world.

Ridgebacks are not only very loyal but also eager to learn and intelligent. Additionally, they have an unyielding character: they are not dogs with a “will-to-please” need. They don’t necessarily want to please everyone; their owner’s attention and love matter most to them.

Rank 6: The German Boxer is a very loyal dog

The German Boxer unquestionably belongs to the most loyal dog breeds in the world. It combines contradictory characteristics: although it is nerve-steady, balanced, and fond of children, making it an excellent family dog, the German Boxer tends to be somewhat distrustful of strangers, making it ideal as a guard dog.

Once a German Boxer has captured someone’s heart, that person has found a friend for life. This breed is exceptionally loyal, and those outside the family will find it difficult to bribe this dog. The German Boxer is devotedly loyal to its owner, and when the need arises, the Boxer doesn’t hesitate to defend its loved ones.

Rank 5: Cane Corso Italiano – one of the most loyal dog breeds

The Cane Corso Italiano has an undeserved bad reputation. Many believe this muscular and large breed to be dangerous. However, members of this breed are known to be very affectionate, fond of children, trainable, and playful. Naturally, the Cane Corso Italiano is also extremely loyal to its primary caregiver. However, this giant dog must be properly trained, kept in a species-appropriate manner, and adequately socialized to fully unfold its pleasant character.

What sets the Cane Corso Italiano apart is its pronounced protective instinct. It defends its family when it senses a threat. While it is fiercely loyal to its humans and would do anything for them, it remains indifferent to strangers.

Rank 4: American Staffordshire Terriers are very loyal dogs

Unconditional loyalty to the owner – that is a characteristic that perfectly describes the American Staffordshire Terrier. Rightly so, it is considered one of the most loyal dog breeds in the world. Additionally, this breed is known for its great gentleness with children.

Moreover, the American Staffordshire is a loyal companion, intelligent, playful, and affectionate.

Rank 3: Schnauzers are among the most loyal dog breeds in the world

The Schnauzer has made it to the third place among the most loyal dog breeds in the world. It is an alert dog that is particularly attached to its humans. Although Schnauzers may be somewhat stubborn, they are undoubtedly very loyal. Strangers can never bribe a Schnauzer; its heart belongs only to its family.

Rank 2: The Rottweiler is one of the most loyal dog breeds

Rottweilers are exceptionally people-oriented, affectionate, and obedient. Since they would do anything for their owners, they belong to the most loyal dog breeds in the world. Rottweilers are also warm-hearted, good-natured, and calm. They are considered nerve-steady and fearless, responding to their environment with the utmost attention.

The Rottweiler is a reliable guard dog that defends its family to the utmost. Its unconditional loyalty to its family is what places this breed in the second position.

Rank 1: The Akita is the most loyal dog in the world

The Akita breed is probably the most loyal in the world! After all, Hachiko, an Akita, became the epitome of loyalty. The dog lived in the 1920s and 1930s and greeted his owner every day at Shibuya Station, walking home together. When Hachiko’s owner died, the Akita continued the tradition until his own death ten years later.

Not only Hachiko but the entire Akita breed is known for being exceptionally loyal. Furthermore, these dogs are very obedient and entirely unyielding. Akitas remain initially distant from strangers and are only loyal to their beloved humans. This incredible loyalty is what makes the Akita the probably most loyal dog breed in the world.