If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Kennel Club figures show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged by around eight per cent since the start of the global pandemic.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or crossbreed.
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Different breeds of dog also tend to have very different personalities – with some dogs happy to get on with pretty much anybody.
Others form a particularly strong bond with their owner and family that is non-transferable and will last for life.
Here are 10 of the most loyal breeds of dog, according to the American Kennel Club.
Topping the list of the most loyal dog is the Akita which are described by the American Kennel Club as being “profoundly loyal”. One famous Japanese Akita, called Hachiko, continued to wait at a train station every day for 10 years after his owner’s death, hoping he’d eventually return home.
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Bred to hunt in packs, Beagles naturally bond with other dogs and are loyal to the pack leader – it’s owner. They also develop deep relationships with children that will last for the rest of the dog’s life.
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Affectionate and outgoing Labrador Retrievers are hugely loyal to their families although, unlike some of the dogs on this list, with also get on well with both neighbouring humans and dogs.
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One of the most famous dogs of the screen was Lassie, a loyal Collie that would do anything for its family. It’s certainly not fictional to call this breed of loyal – they love their families unquestioningly.
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