20 Dog Breeds That Will Love You More Than They Love Themselves

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

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Dogs have earned their reputation as loyal companions, and some breeds take loyalty to a whole new level. These pups form deep bonds with their humans, often prioritizing your well-being over their own. Whether it’s their protective instincts, affectionate nature, or boundless energy, these 20 dog breeds are known for their unwavering love and devotion. If you’re looking for a dog that will never leave your side and show you love at every turn, these breeds are sure to steal your heart. Let’s dive into the top breeds whose love for their owners knows no bounds.

1. Golden Retriever

golden retriever hugging person
Helena Lopes/Unsplash

Golden Retrievers are famous for their friendly and loving nature. Their eagerness to please their owners is unmatched, making them excellent family dogs. With their gentle disposition, Golden Retrievers thrive on human companionship, and their loyalty is evident in how they stick by your side. These dogs are highly intelligent, making them easy to train, and they’re always ready to shower you with affection. Whether you’re taking them on walks or just lounging at home, Golden Retrievers will always be there, showing love with every wag of their tail.

2. Labrador Retriever

labrador retriever with child
Markus Trier/Pixabay

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds, known for their loving and energetic personalities. These dogs are incredibly social and tend to form deep attachments to their families. Labs are gentle with children, making them ideal companions for families with kids. Their loyalty is evident as they want to be included in every activity, from playing fetch to simply snuggling on the couch. Labs are also great at reading their owners’ emotions, offering comfort and affection when they sense a need for emotional support.

3. German Shepherd

german shepherd with child
Nicole Miranda/Pixabay

German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent, making them both loyal and protective. Known for their courage and versatility, these dogs form strong bonds with their owners and often develop a deep sense of responsibility to care for them. While they are highly energetic, German Shepherds are also incredibly affectionate, showing their love through their actions. They are often used as service dogs or in police work due to their keen instincts and loyalty. At home, however, they are just as devoted to their families, always ready to protect and love.

4. Rottweiler

rottweiler dog
David Brown/Pexels

Rottweilers are often misunderstood because of their imposing appearance, but they are actually incredibly loyal and affectionate toward their families. Known for their protective instincts, Rottweilers will go to great lengths to ensure their owners feel safe and loved. These dogs thrive on close bonds with their families and are deeply devoted. While they can be independent at times, their loyalty is unmatched when it comes to showing affection. Rottweilers are often described as “velcro dogs” because they love staying close to their owners and seek out constant attention.

5. Beagle

beagle dog on the sofa
JESHOOTS.COM/Unsplash

Beagles are known for their sweet and gentle nature, making them incredibly loyal companions. These dogs are social and thrive in a family environment where they can bond with their owners. Beagles are playful, affectionate, and always eager to please. While they may have a strong sense of independence due to their hunting background, they form strong attachments to their families and are loyal to a fault. They may not be as protective as some other breeds, but their devotion and affection are truly unconditional.

6. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

pembroke welsh corgi with a woman
Julia Volk/Pexels

Corgis may be small in size, but their love for their families is larger than life. These dogs are known for their playful, outgoing personalities and their deep loyalty to their owners. Corgis are incredibly affectionate and will often follow their owners from room to room, always seeking attention and love. Despite their regal history as herding dogs for the Welsh monarchy, Corgis are very down-to-earth and form tight bonds with their families. Their energetic nature means they’ll always keep you on your toes, but their loyalty will never waiver.

7. Boxer

Boxer dog with a person smiling in a park.
Prostooleh/Freepik

Boxers are known for their high energy and exuberant personalities, but they’re also deeply devoted to their families. These dogs are incredibly affectionate and will shower their owners with love at every opportunity. Boxers are protective by nature, making them excellent family dogs, and they are particularly fond of children. Their loyalty is unwavering, and they are always eager to be around their people. Whether it’s playtime or cuddling on the couch, Boxers will always show their affection and ensure you feel loved and valued.

8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

cavalier king charles spaniel being pet by people
Izabelly Marques/Unsplash

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are small, gentle, and incredibly affectionate. These dogs are known for their loving nature, often forming deep bonds with their owners. They thrive on human companionship and are always seeking attention and affection. Cavaliers are particularly well-suited for families, as they are friendly and gentle with children and other pets. Their loyalty is evident in their constant desire to be near their humans, and they will always seek to provide comfort and love whenever needed.

9. Shiba Inu

Shiba Inu dog being held by a person.
Sam Lion/Pexels

Shiba Inus are known for their independent personalities, but they are also incredibly loyal and affectionate toward their families. These dogs may not always show their love in the traditional sense, but their devotion is undeniable. Shiba Inus are fiercely loyal to their owners and will often form tight bonds with them. Though they can be a bit aloof with strangers, they are incredibly protective of their families, making them excellent guard dogs. Their loyalty is often expressed through their actions, such as following you everywhere or being by your side during tough times.

10. Great Dane

great dane dog on the grass
Matthias Zomer/Pexels

Great Danes may be known for their massive size, but they have hearts full of love and loyalty. These gentle giants are incredibly affectionate with their families and will go out of their way to ensure their loved ones are safe and comfortable. Despite their imposing stature, Great Danes are surprisingly gentle and often think of themselves as lap dogs. Their loyalty to their families is unwavering, and they will always stay by your side, offering both protection and love. Their calm demeanor and affectionate nature make them ideal companions.

11. Border Collie

border collie
Blue Bird/Pexels

Border Collies are highly intelligent and energetic dogs, known for their loyalty and devotion to their families. These dogs are eager to please and thrive in environments where they can be mentally and physically stimulated. Border Collies are affectionate dogs that form deep bonds with their owners, and they will often seek out your company and attention. Whether working on tasks together or enjoying quiet moments at home, Border Collies will always be by your side, showing you love in their own special way.

12. Basset Hound

basset hound lying down
Jennifer Myers/Pexels

Basset Hounds may be known for their droopy eyes and long ears, but they’re also incredibly loyal and affectionate. These dogs form strong bonds with their families and are often described as “people dogs” because of their desire to be around their owners. Basset Hounds are calm and gentle, making them great companions for those seeking a relaxed but loyal pet. Their loyalty is evident in their desire to be close to their owners, often following them around the house and providing comfort with their quiet, loving presence.

13. Akita

akita inu dog with person
Zen Chung/Pexels

Akitas are known for their independence and strength, but they are also fiercely loyal to their families. These dogs form deep bonds with their owners and are incredibly protective of them. While they can be reserved with strangers, Akitas are deeply affectionate with their families and will often show their love through protective actions. They are also very intelligent, making them easy to train, and they thrive in homes where they can form a close, trusting relationship with their owners.

14. Irish Setter

Irish Setter with woman
Camylla Battani/Unsplash

Irish Setters are known for their energetic and playful personalities, but they are also deeply loyal and affectionate. These dogs form strong bonds with their families and thrive in environments where they can interact with their loved ones. Irish Setters are often described as “people dogs” because of their love for being around humans. They are particularly affectionate with children and will go out of their way to be a loving companion. Their loyalty is demonstrated through their constant need for attention and their eagerness to please their owners.

15. Bull Terrier

bull terrier sleeping
Magdalena Smolnicka/Unsplash

Bull Terriers are known for their unique appearance and playful personalities, but they are also incredibly loyal to their families. These dogs form strong bonds with their owners and are always eager to show their affection. Bull Terriers are particularly loyal to their families and often develop a deep attachment to their humans. Their loyalty is expressed through their constant desire to be near their owners and their protective instincts. Despite their playful nature, Bull Terriers are deeply devoted to their families and will always stand by their side.

16. Samoyed

samoyed dog with a person
Mingyuk Cheng/Pixabay

Samoyeds are known for their fluffy white coats and their friendly, outgoing personalities. These dogs are incredibly affectionate and loyal to their families. Samoyeds are always eager to please and thrive on human companionship. Their loyalty is evident in their constant need to be around their families, and they are often described as “velcro dogs” because of how closely they stick to their owners. Samoyeds are also known for their playful and energetic nature, making them ideal companions for active families.

17. Chihuahua

chihuahua dog
Quang Nguyen Vinh/Pexels

Chihuahuas may be small in size, but they have a big heart full of loyalty. These dogs form strong bonds with their owners and are incredibly protective of them. Chihuahuas are known for being affectionate and will often follow their owners around the house, seeking attention and love. Despite their small stature, they have a fierce loyalty to their families and will go to great lengths to protect them. Chihuahuas are often described as “lap dogs” because of their love for snuggling and staying close to their humans.

18. Weimaraner

Weimaraner with owner
Kaboompics.com/Pexels

Weimaraners are known for their striking appearance and their loyal, loving nature. These dogs form deep bonds with their owners and are incredibly affectionate. Weimaraners are highly energetic and need plenty of exercise, but they are also incredibly devoted to their families. Their loyalty is expressed through their constant desire to be near their owners, and they often form strong emotional connections with their humans. Weimaraners are great companions for those seeking an active dog that will also show unconditional love.

19. Dalmatian

Dalmatian dog with person
Ion Ceban @ionelceban/Pexels

Dalmatians are known for their distinctive spotted coats, but they are also incredibly loyal and affectionate. These dogs form strong bonds with their families and are always eager to show their love. Dalmatians are energetic and playful, and they thrive in homes where they can interact with their owners. Their loyalty is demonstrated through their protective nature, as they will often stay close to their families and ensure they feel safe and loved. Dalmatians are also known for their intelligence, making them easy to train and eager to please.

20. Siberian Husky

Siberian Husky being fed
Yaroslav Shuraev/Pexels

Siberian Huskies are known for their striking blue eyes and thick coats, but they are also incredibly loyal and loving. These dogs form strong bonds with their families and are known for their playful and energetic personalities. Huskies are independent, but they are deeply affectionate with their owners and will often seek out their company. Their loyalty is expressed through their constant desire to be near their families, and they will go to great lengths to protect them. Siberian Huskies are also known for their endurance and love for outdoor adventures.

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