Is loyalty breed specific?

Question

I have heard some on here say that one breed is more loyal then another. Don't you think that loyalty is a result of bonding though?

In my experience, if you're a dedicated and loyal owner, no matter the breed, you're going to have a dedicated and loyal dog.

Granted different breeds express themselves in a variety of ways and some are more affectionate then others. But to say that one breed is more loyal then another? Do you think that's an accurate statement?

What do you raise Chetco? (Just curious based on your comment.)

Answer 1

The breeds that are independent thinkers, are often much more difficult to bond with, or 'connect' with... However, if you can communicate with your dog, it will bond, and be as loyal as any other. ..Its just that there are a number of dog languages, as they respond to different stimuli and different gestures, and even different personalities.
The breed that I raise is not for everybody, and they won't respond to just any one.

That is why it is so important to research whichever breed you choose..to make the best match with your unique traits, personality and lifestyle.. then you have a "marriage made in Heaven". The shelters and pounds are full of dogs that were mismatched with owners.

But you are correct. All dogs have the capability of being the MOST LOYAL.

Answer 2

I don't think that is an accurate statement at all. Every dog has the ability to be extremely loyal. It depends on the bonding strength between owner and dog and the dog's individual personality. Some dogs may have more trouble bonding due to traumatic experiences in their past which would cause them to have trust issues. But any dog who has been raised right with a loyal and caring owner can be a very loyal and loving companion as well!

Answer 3

Well I'm just saying from experience here, we have two breeds a gordon setter, and a weimaraner. both raised in the same home. on a scale of loyalty 1-10 best, i give the gordon setter a 3 and the weimaraner a 10. now maybe its in the breeds. the weimars are noted for the extreme eagerness to please and shadow their master. while some breeds are indeed noted for their loyal nature others are not. however socialization and proper training goes without saying.

Answer 4

I think it is breed specific, to a point. The more independent breeds, like many of the Sighthounds, are more likely to have their own agenda and be more self centered. They were bred to make their own decisions and not look to people for direction.

Funny comment from a fellow Whippet person, talking about males vs females. If you jumped off a cliff, the males would follow, no questions asked. The females would peer over the cliff and wonder "well, whos gonna make my supper now?".
LOL!!!

I LOVE the independent thinking of the SHs! I like that they do their own thing instead of begging for attention constantly. They do love me, but not nearly as much as they love themselves!


FairlyErica - "She was very dedicated to us... she just didn't show it by giving us slobbering all over us and giving us goo-goo eyes all day."

Good comment!


BTW, I believe Chetco is also a SH person

Answer 5

I would not say that loyalty is breed specific. I think when most people talk about the "loyalty" of certain breeds, they're actually referring to specific behaviors for that breed, such as high attentiveness and sometimes even protectiveness. Now, *those* specific qualities *can* be breed specific. Many of the herding and working breed dogs are bred explicitly to work in partnership with humans and are therefore most likely to be tuned in to their people and to have that apparent "desire to please". Furthermore, many of these dogs are bred to be guardians, and therefore have a natural inclination to look out for their flock, whether their flock be animal or human. Other types of dog like hounds, terriers, and many of the northern breeds are intentionally bred to be independent workers, and therefore are much more likely to happily go do their own thing.

So what is loyalty? Is a Jack Russell Terrier less loyal than a German Shepherd because he wants to go run off and dig up some rats before he feels like settling down on the couch at the end of the night, while the German Shepherd has been trotting around at the heels of his human all day? I'd say no. If you choose to define loyalty as "trotting around at your heel all day", then you would be free to disagree with me. I own only shepherds right now, but my last lab mix girl was as independent and aloof as they come, but I never questioned her loyalty. She was very dedicated to us... she just didn't show it by giving us slobbering all over us and giving us goo-goo eyes all day.

Answer 6

I don't think it is an accurate statement,
Like you said, you have to bond with them to get their loyalty. Dogs aren't born loyal to any stranger, no matter what breed. Some breeds are more affectionate, but it depends on how you treat them.

Answer 7

I think you are right, is like everyone says that cats and dogs cant live together but if you make them they will, i dont see why one breed will be more loyal than another why we dont ask pet owners what breed they are maybe that way we'll know hows the pet gonna be raised! all that matters is how you care for your pet, my cat i so connected to me because i love her to death and oi think she feels the same for me, she is there when i feel sad , she gets sick when i do pretty much and im not kidding you, so im with you it all depends on how you bond with your pet.

Answer 8

Dogs are pack animals. They are loyal to their pack and expect their pack to be loyal to them. You are their pack and if you have raised the dog properly you are the alpha in the pack. Any properly raised dog will defend you to the death.

Some breeds will test your alpha status more than others but if your dog is a part of your family they will drop all internal competition the moment an outside threat occurs. The it will be all for one.

Answer 9

Different breeds show it in different ways. My Bloodhound is a lot more clingy and attention-seeking than my Lab/Golden, but the Lab has to be in the same room as me when I am home, even if she is not touching me. She just likes to know where I am.

Answer 10

Not at all. I have had several dogs and they were all very loyal animals. I think it is all in how the animal is raised, and how it bonds with you.