So, you’ve finally decided to own a dog. The idea of welcoming a pup into your home may seem intimidating if you’re new to this experience. Fortunately, there are obedient dog breeds out there that can make training – and your life – much easier. What are your best options?
Golden Retrievers make dog training relatively easy-peasy because of their inherent smarts, obedience, and lovable nature. Likewise, German Shepherds and Border Collies are great for newbies because they are always eager to please their owners. And the list of these obedient and trainable dogs goes on!
Take a look at these amazing pups known to be at the top of their game when it comes to trainability, intelligence, and obedience. They may just be what you’ve been looking for as a new addition to your family
21. Rough Collie
Collies are historically bred as working dogs. They are often seen on farms and taking part in various activities such as herding and guarding cattle. With all of these tasks, it is only expected that they’re trainable, alert, and smart… And they are!
As house pets, Rough Collies are known to be obedient and alert pups. They have an outstanding intelligence level, so they are quick to learn tricks. Need a pooch that won’t make house training a chore? A Rough Collie is definitely your guy.
20. Belgian Malinois
Often seen with police enforcers and military people, the Belgian Malinois dog is one of the most obedient dog breeds on the planet. They have strong territorial and protective instincts, so these pups are always ready to protect their families from danger.
It does not take much to train these canines. Give them firm and consistent training, and they are sure to pass their obedience and agility courses with flying colors!
19. Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle dogs, just like Collies, are herding canines. They are obedient to their owners and follow every command. This is why they are an asset in every farm, and even in the home. They like to stay active and engaged in various tasks, which are perfect for their inherent agility and high energy level.
When not herding cattle, Australian Cattle dogs are busy doing other things such as weight pulling, playing flyball, or participating (and excelling) in obedience and agility competitions. They are also great therapy dogs, trackers, and police pups.
18. Havanese
They may be teeny tiny but they are big on obedience and smarts. The Havanese dog is an adaptable and intelligent pooch that makes training smooth and easy for first-timers. Plus, they can master new tricks quickly for sheer entertainment or practical reasons.
If you want a small dog that is always eager to please its owner, you can never go wrong with a Havanese. They are not strangers to obedience and agility courses, as well as dog sports, so you can definitely enter them in these activities and be absolutely proud of your little guy!
17. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
With a long history as a herding dog, these pups are amazing cattle herders. In a home setting, they love to chase young kids to make sure they don’t go astray. It’s nothing aggressive, though, but only a gentle nudge.
Corgis may have their mischievous side but it’s just them enjoying life! Early training and socialization are a must to teach and strengthen positive habits and behaviors.
16. English Springer Spaniel
English Springer Spaniels want nothing more than to make their owners happy. So, if what you want in a pet pup is one that’s trainable, obedient, and affectionate, this dog breed ticks all boxes. They are constantly hungry for things to do, which makes them easy to train.
But one thing to note about the ESS – they are a bundle of energy. They thrive more in an active home where these pups can receive ample exercise and playtime. These canines are also outstanding in military and police work, as well as search and rescue and tracking.
15. Schipperke
During World War II, Schipperkes were trained by the Belgian Resistance to be their four-legged messengers without being noticed by the Nazis. That is one solid proof of how obedient and trainable these dogs are!
Although these canines have a stubborn streak, they respond quite well to training. With positive reinforcement and consistency, they can quickly learn a new skill, trick, and follow a command without hesitation.
14. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are one of the most obedient dog breeds with energetic spirits. They may be a tad rambunctious and excitable at times, but they are hardly ever aggressive. Instead, these are alert and intelligent pups with an enduring zest for life.
Daily exercise and mental stimulation are a must for Mini Schnauzers. With these things as part of their regular routine, they can become their ultimate best and make life easier for their owners.
13. Manchester Terrier
A mixture of intelligence, stubbornness, and high energy, the Manchester Terrier is a fascinating dog breed. They are responsive pups that quickly pick up a command. No wonder they excel in competitive dog sports and agility training!
But as a typical Terrier trademark, Manchester Terriers can be a bit of hard-headed fellows. With firmness and consistency, however, you can easily rein them in and help them to develop positive behaviors.
12. Keeshond
There’s more to Keeshonds than their good looks. In fact, these pups are famous for their intelligence and obedience. They are calm creatures and take everything in – and so quickly. So, don’t be surprised if you see them mastering a trick with just a few training sessions!
Keeshonds are energetic and agile dogs. They do well in obedience training, rally, and dock diving. Plus, they are alert and loyal to their owners. These qualities make them an amazing watch dog and guardian of your property.
11. Vizsla
Hungary’s hunting tribes called the Maygar considered the Vizsla as their important possession because of these canines’ loyalty, devotion, and intelligence. These are key traits that make this pooch a highly trainable dog.
Among the impressive talents of the Vizsla are retrieval skills and canicross. Moreover, they are affectionate pups that love to be with their owners. It is their strong bond that also helps them to learn and master new tricks quickly. After all, they want nothing more than to be thought of as a good boy by their owners!
10. Sheltie
A loyal and brave little pup, the Sheltie easily develops a strong affinity with its owner from day one. It is this very trait that makes them an obedient pup that’s always willing to follow commands and orders without hesitation.
Shelties get along easily with anyone. Kids, seniors, and first-time owners should have no problem dealing with this smart and adorable pooch.
9. Rottweiler
Rottweilers may seem tough, intimidating, and aggressive but these couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, Rotties are actually protective and obedient dogs, which makes them amazing pets. To strangers, however, it may be a different story.
With a long history as a guard dog, Rotties are always ready to protect their families. Be sure to train them early in life as this can help to overcome their stubbornness and develop better habits.
8. Papillon
Graceful, delicate and alert, that’s a Papillon for you. But to add to a long list of amazing features, it is worth noting that this breed is one of dogdom’s most obedient canines. They are always eager to please and do a good job, so training should be relatively easy.
Do take note that Papillons love physical activities. They enjoy playing and spending time with their favorite humans, so be sure to give them ample attention to keep boredom and anxiety at bay.
7. Dobermann
Another intimidating-looking pup is the Dobermann. They may have a strong reputation for being aggressive, but their shining quality is, in fact, their cleverness and loyalty to their owner. These dogs respond well to obedience training. Thus, they make amazing protection dogs and guard dogs.
Early socialization is important for a Doberman Pinscher. This helps to eliminate aggressive tendencies while strengthening positive habits and behaviors in these lovable canines.
6. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are herding dogs, which gives them a knack for following orders and completing tasks assigned to them. When they do their job, they do it with excitement. This is why they are a staple in farms, as well as in homes.
Aussies are also smart pups. They pick up commands quickly and flawlessly. With these outstanding traits, they do very well with all types of households, even homes with young kids and other pets.
5. Poodle
They may have a reputation as sissy dogs but Poodles are actually intelligent, talented, and obedient canines. Their devotion to their owners is so strong that they want nothing but to please them at all times. This is why they are always keen at following commands and mastering new tricks.
If you want a dog that does very well in obedience and agility training, dog shows, and the like, a Poodle will never disappoint. And with its hypoallergenic nature, having this dog around won’t leave you sneezing!
4. Labrador Retriever
A Labrador wears different hats – companion dog, therapy dog, military and police dog, and service dog – and does amazingly in all fields! Because of this breed’s inherent smarts, gentleness, and obedience, it is easier to train than the average canine.
The way to a Lab’s heart is playtime, exercise… And treats! But be sure to go easy on the treats as these pups can get overweight quickly.
3. Border Collie
The smartest pup in the entire dogdom, Border Collies make their family’s life much easier. They are agile, trainable, and obedient dogs. Do you want a dog that excels in dog sports? This dog breed won’t disappoint!
But because of their high intelligence level, they require plenty of mental stimulation to ward off boredom and anxiety. Give them ample mental enrichment and exercise to curb undesirable behaviors.
2. German Shepherd
Often seen in police and military work, the German Shepherd is an obedient and very responsive dog. They have a ton of energy but not as high strung as a Border Collie. Thus, it is easier to deal with them if you are inexperienced with dogs.
One shining quality of the GSD is their dedication to protect their families. They are always ready to defend and protect their owner from harm, which makes them a very loyal pooch to have.
1. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers tops our list of the most obedient dog breeds for a lot of reasons. They are extremely eager to make their owners happy, which means they’ll do anything to be a good boy or girl. Whether it’s training or just a romp around the neighborhood, they always do their best to behave themselves well.
If you prefer a pooch that you can take to adventures, road trips, or play games with, Goldens are perfect for you. And they look good, too, so they’re sure to turn a few heads their way anywhere they go.
Related Questions
What Is The Least Trainable Dog Breed? The Chow Chow is one of the least trainable dog breeds. These dogs tend to be stubborn and territorial. They are highly protective of their owners, which makes them suspicious of folks outside of their household. Training can take longer for these pups.
Can A Dog Be Untrainable? There is no such thing as an untrainable dog. All canines can be trained with firmness, consistency, and dedication. This is why if a pup is aggressive or dominant, it is not an evidence of being untrainable but lack of training by its owner.
Is My Dog Too Old For Obedience Training? There is no such thing as being too old for obedience training. Even adult dogs can still learn, although it may take longer than what it would take a younger pup. Consistency and firmness are key to developing better habits through proper training.
