This is a tough list to make because it’s a rare dog, purebred or not, that isn’t loyal to their family. In fact, we’ve never really heard of or met a dog that wasn’t loyal! That’s why we love dogs…they stick by our sides through thick and thin. For this list, we’re going to focus on the dogs that are more likely to become attached to their families but aren’t the most social with strangers and other animals.
#1 – Akita
The Akita is a large Japanese breed known for its extreme loyalty to its family. The American film, Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, is the true story of an Akita named Hachiko. In this film, Hachiko waits every day at the train station for his owner to return from work. When his owner unexpectedly dies, Hachi continues to wait in the train station until his own death.
#2 – German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd Dog is renowned for its loyalty and devotion for its family. Having worked as both a sheep tending dog and a police and military guardian, the breed has been serving their owners for hundreds of years.
#3 – Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd is a large livestock guardian, bred for centuries to protect its property, its flock and its owner. Today, the breed still excels in this work but also makes a deeply loyal and devoted family companion.
#4 – Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is known for its incredibly loyal to its family. They are fun-loving, goofy dogs around those they know but are courageous and serious guardians when the need arises.
#5 – Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is an Italian Mastiff that looks imposing and will protect its family and property should the need arise. This breed is deeply loyal to its family, friendly with those it knows and very suspicious of strangers.
#6 – Skye Terrier
Although a small, rare breed, the Skye Terrier is famous for its unparalleled loyalty to its master. They are calmer than many of the terrier breeds, but no less tenacious and strong-willed.
#7 – Kuvasz
The Kuvasz is a large, livestock guardian breed that is deeply devoted to protecting and serving its family. This breed is still found working on ranches and farms today, but also makes a loyal companion. Affectionate and gentle towards their families, they are suspicious of strangers.
#8 – Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is a deeply loyal guardian of its family and property. The breed has been used as a police and military dog and now most often makes a devoted family companion. Although affectionate and fun-loving around those its familiar with, Dobermans are very aloof toward strangers.
#9 – Komondor
Despite its unique looks, the Komondor is a tenacious livestock guardian that takes its job very seriously. They make loyal and devoted family companions and are relatively calm unless they sense trouble, in which case they make courageous defenders.
#10 – Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is known as a gentle giant, but they are excellent guard dogs as they are particularly wary of strangers. They are devoted and affectionate toward their families, but do not take well to new people in their space.
#11 – Beauceron
The Beauceron is a French herding breed that has also been used by police and military personnel. They are athletic, even-tempered and serious dogs that are loving and loyal to their families but aloof toward strangers.
#12 – Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a very large, heavily coated dog that has a temperament as imposing as its appearance. They are a livestock guardian breed that often do not make good house pets because of their protective nature and desire to work. They are deeply loyal and affectionate with family, but aloof toward strangers.
