Top 15 Most Loyal Dog Breeds in the World

Akita is a dog breed originating from Japan. In ancient times, only noble or wealthy families in Japan were allowed to raise Akita as they were very rare and prized. During World War II, Akitas were trained to serve in the Japanese military. Many American soldiers stationed in Japan admired this brave and loyal breed and brought them back to the United States for companionship. Later, Akitas in the U.S. were bred to develop the breed toward increased size and aggressiveness. Therefore, although they share the same ancestors, Akitas in Japan and the U.S. have significant differences in appearance, leading to the distinction between Japanese Akitas and American Akitas. American Akitas are larger in size and have a more varied coat color than Japanese Akitas. Akitas are often considered territorial and may be reserved with strangers. They are sometimes described as cat-like in their actions; it's not unusual for Akitas to groom themselves after eating, clean their faces, and be picky indoors. They are known to be intolerant of unfamiliar dogs, as stated in the AKC breed standard.

Akita is a loyal and devoted companion. They are intelligent, affectionate, and deeply attached to their owners. Akitas also have a strong protective instinct, are clean, and adore children in the family. The most famous and widely known example of this breed's loyalty is Hachiko, the dog in Odate city, Akita province, Japan. Hachiko faithfully waited at the train station for his owner every day for over 9 years, even after his owner had passed away and could not return. Hachiko's story has been adapted into comics and films in the U.S. and Japan. This dog has become an icon of the absolute loyalty of the Akita breed. Akitas currently rank 46th out of 190 dog breeds most owned worldwide. Akitas tend to react to other dogs, so caution is needed in situations where Akitas are likely to be around unfamiliar dogs, especially those they are not acquainted with. In particular, Akitas tend to be less tolerant of dogs of the same gender. For this reason, unless highly socialized, Akitas are often not suitable for leash-free dog parks. Occasionally independent, it requires a confident and consistent handler; without one, the dog can be willful and may become aggressive towards other dogs and animals.

Shetland Sheepdog, commonly known as Sheltie, is a herding dog breed from Scotland. They are a crossbreed of Border Collie and Icelandic Yakkin, often used for herding livestock on farms. Nowadays, Shetland Sheepdogs are highly popular due to their relatively small size, gentle nature, and suitability for urban living. This breed ranks 24th out of 190 most popular dog breeds worldwide. Shetland Sheepdogs are intelligent, easy to train, affectionate towards their owners, and fond of children. They exhibit unwavering loyalty and devotion, especially to their owners. Shetlands have short legs and a long body. They do not belong to the muscular dog group, so their chest and thighs are not very developed. Shetlands have a relatively large tail, covered with fur and always carried low. When moving, their tail curves gently but does not rise above the back.

They follow their owners everywhere and share all emotional nuances with them. When their owner is sick, Shetland Sheepdogs will lie next to them, reluctant to be pulled away. They are also very adept at protecting the family. They often guard by the windows and bark to warn of danger when they sense it. It can be said that Shetland Sheepdogs make excellent companions. They do not require a spacious environment, making them suitable for city living families. However, the downside of this breed is excessive barking. They are also very sensitive, so attention is needed when there are strangers or unfamiliar children in the house. Additionally, grooming Shetland Sheepdogs' coat is quite intricate and costly.

Great Pyrenees, originating from France, is favored by the upper class for its beautiful appearance. Great Pyrenees, also affectionately known as the Gentle Giant, owing to its large size and a thick coat resembling that of a polar bear. By the 19th century, they became popular in other European countries and were later brought to the United States, Australia, becoming a highly sought-after guard dog breed. Great Pyrenees are commonly used to protect large farms. They currently rank 67th out of 190 most popular dog breeds worldwide. With their thick fur, they seem equipped with a special armor to fend off meat-eating animals such as wolves or bears. Due to their high-altitude origin, they have various functions such as rescue dogs during avalanches, sled dogs, or family and property guardians. They are still used for these purposes today. Additionally, they are also used as war dogs. Great Pyrenees are extremely loyal, have a high protective instinct, are calm, and enjoy independent activities. They are courageous and have many legends of fighting against wild animals like bears, wildcats... to protect their owners and property. In 1997, 2-year-old Joshua Workman was saved by the family's Great Pyrenees named Prince, 7 months old when he got lost. Prince kept him warm for 6 hours in the freezing cold until the rescue team arrived. However, due to their excessive protective nature, Great Pyrenees are very wary of strangers and have difficulty getting along with other dogs. They are also very difficult to train and require a spacious living environment. Great Pyrenees are not suitable for areas with hot climates. They have the aristocratic beauty of St. Bernard and Newfoundland dogs. They are large dogs with strong muscles, with long, coarse outer coats, which can be straight or slightly wavy, while the inner coat is soft and thick. With this coat, they can live outdoors in harsh climates. Coat colors range from purest white or white with patches of light tan or gray wolf or light yellow. Black or dark brown nose, almond-shaped eyes with a dignified, intelligent, and impressive look.

German Shepherd is a herding breed originating from Germany. They are robust, intelligent, and have high obedience, making them popular in many countries worldwide and currently ranking 2nd out of 190 most popular dog breeds globally. They are also the most trained breed in police forces or working dog units. German Shepherds are also very popular in Vietnam and are often called Béc-giê or Bẹc-giê. They are renowned for their loyalty and dedication in both work and family life. They are also very attached to and affectionate with children. German Shepherds have a vigilant nature and sharp discernment in distinguishing dangerous situations.

Due to their high learning ability and obedience, German Shepherds are not difficult to control like many other dog breeds; on the contrary, they are very trainable and obedient. They also get along well with other pets. When professionally trained, German Shepherds become excellent guardians, ready to sacrifice themselves to protect their owners. On November 28, 2014, in the United States, a German Shepherd named Noah shielded his family from gunfire when they were attacked by an assailant. Thanks to Noah's courageous act, no one in the family was injured, but Noah passed away due to severe injuries. German Shepherds do not require excessively large spaces; they can live in families with limited space but need plenty of activity to maintain fitness and avoid excess energy. German Shepherds can become difficult to manage and tend to chew on objects when not adequately exercised.

Kuvasz is an ancient breed originating from Hungary. They are large, robust dogs used for protecting livestock. This breed is also employed for guarding castles and estates, highly favored by the aristocracy. However, during World War II, due to their strong protective instincts, this breed was nearly wiped out by German soldiers occupying Hungary. After the war, the Hungarian government made efforts to revive the breed. Today, Kuvasz is still considered a rare breed. They rank 165th out of 190 most popular dog breeds worldwide. Kuvasz is hailed as the Guardian because of their loyalty to the family. They are gentle dogs, very protective of children and other pets. Independent, strong, and often see themselves as the 'big brother' in the family, sometimes overshadowing the owner, leading to training difficulties. Kuvasz highly values territory and can become aggressive when their territory is invaded.

Kuvasz is not suitable to be kept with other dog breeds, wary and difficult to socialize with strangers. This breed requires professional training from an early age with an authoritative owner. They also need ample space to exercise. Although generally healthy and robust with an expected lifespan of about 12 to 14 years, Kuvasz is prone to bone development issues. Therefore, owners should take care to provide proper nutrition for their Kuvasz puppies and avoid vigorous play and exercise. Like many large breeds, hip dysplasia is also encountered in this breed, causing pain and potentially debilitating, and this condition is not uncommon in this breed. Good genetics and proper nutrition as a puppy are the keys to avoiding these complications.

St. Bernard is a large breed originating from the Alps region of Italy and Switzerland. They are often used for tasks such as freight hauling, livestock herding, and farm guarding. Additionally, they serve as rescue dogs aiding in the search for missing persons in snowdrifts in high mountain areas. This breed is particularly popular in countries with cold climates and currently ranks 49th out of 190 most popular dog breeds worldwide. St. Bernard is affectionately known as the 'Gentle Giant' due to their gentle and calm nature. They are very obedient, easy to train, loving, and enjoy playing with children. They are also friendly and get along well with other pets. St. Bernard is not a belligerent breed but rather has a very gentle disposition.

However, when necessary, they can also fight to protect their owners. In May 2012 in New York, USA, when Mr. Menash Petscher, along with his wife and two daughters, were fast asleep, their house suddenly caught fire. Mr. Petscher was awakened by the family's St. Bernard named Nana, who quickly helped him carry his wife and children to safety. Thanks to Nana, the entire Petscher family escaped the clutches of death, but unfortunately, Nana couldn't run away and perished in the blaze. St. Bernard needs to be raised in a spacious environment and should not be kept in regions with hot, dry climates. They require adult supervision when playing with children because despite being loving and enjoying playing with kids, St. Bernard's large size can unintentionally cause harm to children.

Rottweiler is also a breed of herding dog originating from Germany. They are brave, strong, and resilient. They have the ability to fight for long periods and endure injuries well, so many countries choose to train them as police dogs. Rottweiler is also chosen by many families as a pet and currently ranks 8th among the 190 most popular dog breeds in the world. Despite their intimidating appearance, Rottweilers are very calm and gentle, especially with children. They are also very quiet, not overly active, and almost never exhibit destructive behavior. Overall, Rottweiler is a powerful breed with pack-oriented behavior and protective instincts. Dangerous behavior in Rottweilers is often the result of human irresponsibility, abuse, neglect, or lack of training. However, the strength of Rottweilers should not be underestimated as they are one of the most dangerous dog breeds, with a bite force of up to 136 kg.

Rottweiler is a large-sized dog, neither too heavy nor too light, neither overly muscular nor weak. A standard dog should have a strong and solid body, displaying full strength, agility, and calmness. However, when danger is detected, they show no fear and are always ready to fight. In February 2015 in the USA, while Kasha Marie Weston and Aryan Salhi were asleep, four burglars broke into their house. They restrained Kasha and threatened her husband with a knife. Their Rottweiler named Rocky broke free from his kennel, rushed out, and attacked the intruders. Three of them fled, and one was captured by Rocky and the couple. The police arrived quickly, and the remaining suspects were also apprehended shortly after. It is evident that Rottweiler is a very reliable companion. However, they have a very strong territorial protection instinct, so they may sometimes become aggressive. Rottweiler needs to be trained seriously and supervised when interacting with strangers.

Brittany or Brittany Spaniels are hunting dogs specialized in flushing or retrieving birds in hunting parties. They are nimble, adept at scenting, and their compact size makes them ideal for maneuvering in the woods, hence favored by hunters. Brittany ranks 25th among the 190 most popular dog breeds worldwide. Brittanys are cheerful, lively, and active dogs. They are also very intelligent, easy to train, and always obedient to their owners. This breed is also very friendly and protective of children as long as they are exposed to them from an early age. Being hunting dogs, Brittanys are naturally alert, highly loyal, courageous, and always stand by their owners in the face of danger. Known as Epagneul Breton worldwide, they come in 5 coat colors (Orange and White, Dark Gray and White, Black and White, Liver and White, and Tri-color), on a bright or roan background. The American (AKC) and Canadian (CKC) associations do not recognize black coat color, while other countries worldwide accept all colors according to the FCI breed standard. They shed moderately. Regular grooming to maintain their medium-length and flat silky coat is essential for their well-being.

Their lifespan is about 10 - 12 years, and litter size ranges from 1 - 11 puppies, with an average of 6. Health issues with Brittanys are generally good. Unexpected occurrences like reproductive disorders and vascular accidents can happen. Bathe them when necessary, either wet or dry with soap. Some trimming skills are also essential to properly maintain their coat. They are not high-maintenance dogs, but checking their ears carefully whenever they emerge from bushes or noisy places is necessary. In July 2015, a Brittany dog named Cooper woke up Michael and Samantha Tomlin when their parked cars in the yard caught fire. The couple quickly called the fire department when they saw the flames from the cars spreading to the house. Cooper saved them and the house from being burnt down. Although intelligent and obedient, Brittanys can become timid if trained too strictly. They respond well to gentle training. Some individuals may be slightly temperamental or overly active. This breed is also not suitable for urban environments as they require ample space to play and exercise.

Rough Collie, also known as Long-haired Collie, is a herding dog breed originating from Scotland. Rough Collies have an elegant appearance with long, smooth straight fur, making them highly favored by Scottish nobility. Later on, they became more widely known through literature, films, and television shows. Currently, Rough Collie ranks 37th among the 190 most popular dog breeds worldwide. Rough Collies have a very gentle temperament, sometimes a bit shy, and are very friendly with children as well as other pets. They are loyal, affectionate to their owners, and enjoy being pampered and petted. They are also very sensitive and will be a loyal companion to share difficult moments with you.

Rough Collies are not aggressive dogs but are very vigilant; they will bark loudly when they feel threatened, especially when unfamiliar people approach children in the family. Rough Collies can become very timid and stubborn if not properly trained. They are very intelligent but need to be gently guided and loved; scolding or punishment will lead to negative reactions. This breed is also not suitable for busy or infrequently home-bound individuals because when left alone for too long, they bark a lot and sometimes damage things. The cost of grooming this breed's fur is very high, and they also need daily exercise to maintain their physique.

Mastiff, also known as Bullmastiff, is a breed of large-sized dogs with robust bodies originating from Scotland. Mastiffs are widespread in European countries with various breeds such as Italian Mastiff, English Mastiff, French Mastiff, German Mastiff, etc. In the 15th century, Europeans discovered a new breed of Mastiff with the oldest known gene pool in the world, the Tibetan Mastiff. Many researchers believe that the Tibetan Mastiff is the ancestor of the ancient Greek Mastiff and also the ancestor of all Mastiff breeds worldwide. Although there are many differences in external appearance, overall, Mastiff breeds are very large in size, healthy, and highly capable of combat. Since ancient times, Mastiffs have been used for various tasks such as guarding, fighting, housekeeping, freight transport, and herding. During World War I and II, due to their large size and difficulty in raising, Mastiffs in Europe were almost extinct. After the war, their numbers gradually recovered and quickly regained popularity. European Mastiff breeds rank 28th among the 190 most popular dog breeds worldwide. The Tibetan Mastiff, in particular, is the rarest and most expensive breed of dog in the world.

Mastiffs are very loyal, sensitive, and affectionate to their owners. They are calm, gentle, and tolerant creatures, so sometimes they may be misunderstood as lazy and harmless, but be careful, when danger threatens their owner, they will reveal extraordinary strength. In July 2016, when Cathy Coville (66 years old) was in the bathroom, she heard their Mastiff dog named Yahtzee barking continuously and fiercely. Finding it strange because Yahtzee is usually well-behaved and barks very little, Cathy quickly went outside and found her husband, Gordon Coville (79 years old), lying unconscious on the kitchen floor. Cathy immediately called for an ambulance, and thanks to Yahtzee's early warnings, Gordon was saved. Mastiffs, despite their gentle and approachable nature, are only friendly to their owners and very indifferent to strangers. European Mastiff breeds have been domesticated for a long time and are accustomed to living with humans, so they can live in small confined spaces without much exercise, but they should be taken for a walk at least once a week. Tibetan Mastiffs require more space and an experienced owner because they are proud, independent breeds, making them difficult to train.

American Staffordshire Terrier, also known as American Bulldog or American Pit Bull. They have a muscular and agile body, originally bred for dog fighting in the 19th century, a form of entertainment popular in many European and American countries. Despite the banning of dog fighting in numerous countries, due to their loyalty, courage, and lively nature, American Staffordshire Terriers have become popular pets in many families and currently rank 81 out of 190 most popular dog breeds worldwide. American Staffordshire Terriers are very intelligent, cheerful, enjoy following and playing with their owners. They are also very brave, resilient fighters, and resilient to injuries. This breed will persist in fighting to protect you until their last breath. In November 1997, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Nicole Russell was preparing to go to work when she was attacked by four armed robbers. She screamed to warn her mother inside the house, but one of them quickly rushed in to attack her mother with a knife.

At this moment, the American Staffordshire Terrier of the family named Bella, 4 years old, rushed out and bit the hands and legs of the robbers, causing them to panic and flee. Throughout the fight, Bella was shot twice and suffered many other minor and major injuries. In the end, she died from blood loss and exhaustion in Nicole's arms. American Staffordshire Terriers can live in small apartments as long as they are regularly walked or trained. This breed is very loyal and friendly to their owners but can be aloof and aggressive towards strangers as well as other dogs. They need an experienced owner to control their innate aggressive nature. It's advisable to have them wear a muzzle and sturdy leash when going out.

Yorkshire Terrier, also known as Yorkie, is a toy breed originating from the United Kingdom. They are incredibly small in size and are also nicknamed 'Pocket Dogs.' Yorkshire Terriers are very suitable for urban dwellers and are chosen by many families as indoor pets. They currently rank 9th out of 190 most popular dog breeds worldwide. Yorkshire Terriers are friendly, lively, curious, and always seek attention from their owners. They can entertain themselves, enjoy cuddling with their owners all day, are intelligent, obedient, and their size is not too large, making them suitable companions for the elderly, especially those without grandchildren. Yorkshire Terriers are also vigilant and sensitive to their owner's health conditions. Therefore, pay attention if you notice any unusual behavior as they may be trying to alert you to something.

In August 2015, in New York, USA, Mrs. Dottie Fisher (79 years old) was taking a nap when suddenly her Yorkshire Terrier named Labella barked vigorously. Labella continuously barked and nudged Mrs. Dottie, preventing her from falling back asleep. Feeling strange because Labella had always been well-behaved and obedient, Mrs. Dottie sat up and felt a sharp pain radiating from her shoulder down her arm. Mrs. Dottie immediately called for an ambulance, thanks to Labella's warning, Mrs. Dottie avoided a dangerous heart attack (for the elderly, sudden onset of chest pain in the jaw, neck, shoulder, arm... can be early signs of a heart attack). Yorkshire Terriers are often uncomfortable with sharing affection and like to compete for their owner's attention, so they are not suitable for families with young children. They are also prone to becoming irritable and aggressive towards strangers. Therefore, it's important to take them for daily walks and prepare toys to keep them from getting bored.

Labrador Retriever is a hunting breed originating from Portugal. Their task in hunting is to retrieve prey for their owners. With their beautiful appearance, friendly personality, they quickly became popular in many countries. They are also the most used breed as guide dogs (for the blind). Labrador Retrievers are currently topping the list of 190 most popular dog breeds worldwide. Labrador Retrievers are very affectionate and loyal to their owners. They are intelligent, obedient, easy to train, and especially love swimming. They are also friendly and sociable with children and other pets in the family.

This breed is patient and gentle but will fight to protect their owners when necessary. In 2012 in Indiana, USA, Mr. Charles Grise fell and passed out in the bathroom. At that time, only he and the family's Labrador Retriever named Lady were at home. Lady tried to wake Grise up but failed, so she lay on top of Grise to keep him warm. Three hours later, Grise's wife returned home and quickly called for an ambulance. When receiving medical treatment, Grise's body temperature was only 26°C (body temperature dropping below 35°C is dangerous), but he was still breathing and fortunately survived. Labrador Retrievers can live in small apartment spaces but need to be taken for walks regularly to ensure their health. They also don't need to be bathed too often, and it would be great if they could go swimming at least once a week.

Bulldog originates from England, believed to be a distant descendant of the Tibetan Mastiff. Bulldogs are often referred to as 'Saggy-faced dogs' due to their characteristic wrinkles. Despite their intimidating appearance, this breed is very gentle. Bulldogs are highly popular, ranking 4th among the 190 most popular dog breeds worldwide. Although widely popular, Bulldogs come with a hefty price tag and are considered a luxury breed. Bulldogs are gentle, extremely fond of children, and very friendly with other pets. They enjoy attention and are very attached to their owners, always following them around the house. This breed has good guarding instincts and although usually very docile, Bulldogs can become fierce when necessary.

In August 2016 in the United States, Martin Bolton (33 years old) was walking his Bulldog named Alfie when a robber wielding a knife attacked. The robber stabbed Martin's arm and tried hard to snatch Alfie's leash, possibly intending to steal the expensive dog. At that moment, Alfie suddenly leaped up and bit the robber's leg tightly, causing him to panic and quickly flee. Martin was surprised by Alfie's action because, according to him, Alfie is usually very gentle, never even barking. Thanks to this incident, Martin realized that his four-legged friend is also very resilient and brave. Bulldogs are quite lazy, food-driven, and fond of sleeping, making them prone to weight gain and obesity. They should be taken for walks and exercised regularly. This breed can sometimes be stubborn and difficult to train. They often encounter respiratory problems, snoring during sleep, and are very sensitive to temperature fluctuations.

Boxer translates to 'Fighter,' originating from Europe. They have a muscular, robust body and are very agile. After dog fighting was completely banned in Europe, they were used for herding livestock and property protection. With their cheerful and loyal nature, Boxers are becoming increasingly popular, currently ranking 10th among the 190 dog breeds worldwide. Boxers have a strong protective instinct, are very alert to strangers or those with intentions to trespass their territory. This breed is particularly perseverant, has good obedience, and is very affectionate and friendly with children. Boxers have very sensitive hearing, making them extremely suitable for guard duty and reliable guardians for your children.

In December 2016 in Australia, a 4-year-old Boxer named Mack belonging to the couple Jo and Leigh Shaw saved their daughter from a venomous snake bite. According to Jo, she left her 2-year-old daughter Carmel playing with Mack in the backyard while she went inside to cook. When Jo heard her daughter crying and ran outside, she found Mack convulsing and foaming at the mouth on the grass, next to a 4-meter-long venomous snake that Mack had bitten to death. Jo immediately took Mack to the veterinary clinic, where they managed to save him. Boxers are very obedient but can sometimes be very stubborn. They should not be trained too strictly. They have a tendency to be playful and hide small objects in the house. Boxers adapt quite well to urban living conditions but should still be exercised regularly to maintain their health.