Bringing a new puppy home is one of life’s great joys — but the potty training phase? Not so much. Luckily, some dog breeds seem to get it right away, mastering bathroom manners faster than you can say “good boy.”
These quick learners make the early days of puppyhood less stressful for both pet and parent, speeding up the path to a clean, happy home. Whether it’s their eagerness to please, intelligence, or natural habits, these breeds tend to catch on quickly, making house training a smooth and rewarding experience.
If you’re dreaming of a puppy who can pick up potty training with minimal accidents and lots of success, this guide is for you.
Quick learners, clean homes—find out which dogs ace potty training without the mess or stress. We’ll highlight the breeds known for their fast learning and share tips on how to support their natural abilities, helping you skip the mess and focus on the fun parts of puppy parenting.
Dog Breeds That Learn Potty Training Quickly
1. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, cheerful white dog in the non-sporting group, known for its playful and loving nature.
Standing under 12 inches tall and typically weighing between 12 and 18 pounds. They get along well with children and other dogs, and their curious personality makes them eager to meet new people.
With their cotton-ball curls and permanent “I woke up fabulous” look, the Bichon Frise isn’t just about style — they’ve also got some serious brains when it comes to potty training.
These cheerful little charmers are eager to please, quick to learn, and smart enough to figure out the rules of the house faster than you can say “Who’s a good dog?” (Spoiler: it’s them.)
✔ Eager learners – They live to make you happy (and score snacks).
✔ Small but smart – Quick to connect “outside” with “good dog!”
✔ Drama-free training – They’d rather impress you than test your patience.
✔ Clean freaks at heart – They don’t like messes any more than you do.
Because of their compact size, Bichons adapt well to apartment living. They’re also a great match for a variety of households, including those with first-time dog owners. They shed less than many other breeds, which is why they’re often labeled as “hypoallergenic.” They may be a suitable choice for some people with dog allergies, Petplan noted.
The Bichon’s friendly, people-loving personality makes training a fun bonding experience. They thrive on positive reinforcement — a few treats, a sprinkle of praise, and maybe an over-the-top happy dance from you, and they’ll be strutting to the right potty spot like it’s a runway.
2. Shih Tzu
If you want a tiny dog with a big personality and an even bigger heart, the Shih Tzu is your match made in heaven! Originating in China, where they were prized companions of royalty, Shih Tzus were bred primarily to be loving lap dogs rather than working animals.
Standing about 9 to 10.5 inches tall and typically weighing 9 to 16 pounds, they are adaptable and thrive in many living situations, from apartments to larger homes.
These little charmers love being the center of attention and won’t hesitate to remind you with their irresistible puppy eyes — and maybe a few treat requests sprinkled in.
✔ Attention magnets — love being praised (and spoiled).
✔ Quick learners — especially when there’s a treat involved.
✔ Independent streak — so patience and praise go a long way.
✔ Treat-powered training — always ready to earn their snack rewards.
Sure, Shih Tzus can be a bit stubborn, but that’s just their independent spirit shining through. With plenty of positive vibes, belly rubs, and treats, they’ll learn potty training faster than you can say “Good job!” Just keep those treats handy — they’ll be your secret weapon for success.
Want a loyal little fluffball who’ll have potty training down in no time? The Shih Tzu’s got you covered — treat in hand, of course
3. Maltese
With their silky white coats and sparkling personalities, Maltese pups are basically tiny bundles of joy wrapped in fur! The Maltese is a petite breed celebrated for its long, flowing white coat and lively, affectionate nature.
Originating from the Mediterranean island of Malta, these dogs have been cherished companions for centuries.
✔ Snack-driven students – treats = instant motivation.
✔ Elegant and eager – they want to impress their favorite humans.
✔ Clean-living pros – they’re not fans of messes any more than you are.
✔ Loving and attentive – they tune in to your cues like little fur therapists.
These little charmers adore attention and have a natural flair for learning — especially when treats are involved. They thrive on close companionship, often wanting to be near their family at all times, and may develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.
Maltese dogs catch on to potty training pretty quickly because they want nothing more than to make you proud (and get those tasty rewards!). Plus, they’re clean freaks at heart, so they prefer a tidy home just like you do.
4. Miniature Schnauzer
Don’t let their distinguished beard fool you — Miniature Schnauzers are pint-sized dynamos with big brains and even bigger hearts!
The Miniature Schnauzer is a sturdy, spirited small dog breed known for its distinctive beard, bushy eyebrows, and lively personality.
Originally bred in Germany as a farm dog and ratter, this breed is intelligent, alert, and adaptable—making it equally at home in the city or countryside.
✔ Super smart and eager – they want to ace every lesson you throw their way.
✔ People-pleasers – your praise is their favorite reward.
✔ Sensitive souls – gentle training = lightning-fast success.
✔ Ready to celebrate – every potty win is a party in their eyes.
These clever pups love to please and are social butterflies who thrive on attention. Potty training? Piece of cake, as long as you keep things positive and full of praise. With love and patience, your Mini Schnauzer will be house-trained faster than you can say “Good Schnauzer!”
If you want a loyal, lively little dog that masters potty training like a champ, the Miniature Schnauzer is your perfect partner-in-crime.
5. Papillon
Don’t let their delicate butterfly ears fool you — Papillons pack a big brain and an even bigger heart into their tiny frames!
Papillons are often regarded as highly intelligent and the easiest dog breeds. Their sharp minds, athletic build, boundless energy, and eagerness to please make them quick learners and strong performers in obedience training and agility events. They love to entertain and will happily play games like fetch and retrieve.
These small breeds are among the easiest toy breeds to potty train because they genuinely want to make you happy. Papillons form strong bonds with their humans, so they’re eager students when it comes to learning the ropes.
✔ Sensitive sweethearts – they soak up your love like a sponge.
✔ Focused and fast learners – eager to please and quick to catch on.
✔ Therapy pros – training time is bonding time!
✔ Small size, big personality – they bring their A-game every time.
Friendly and adaptable, Papillons typically get along well with other dogs, pets, and people of all ages. They make gentle companions for both children and seniors, though, like many small dogs, they can pose a tripping risk for those with unsteady footing, as per Britannica.
Just like their Mini Schnauzer cousins, they’re a bit sensitive, so showering them with patience and plenty of praise during potty training is the way to go. Bonus? Their sweet, loving nature makes them incredible therapy dogs — ready to brighten your day with just a wag and a wiggle!
If you want a tiny bundle of joy who’ll nail potty training and steal your heart, the Papillon is your go-to fluffball.
6. Standard Poodle
Originally bred in Germany to retrieve waterfowl, poodles were later refined and standardized as a breed in France. Male standard poodles typically weigh between 45 and 70 pounds, while females range from 45 to 60 pounds.
While their elegant appearance today may suggest otherwise, poodles have strong sporting roots and excel in activities like agility, obedience, tracking, and even herding.nd energetic, poodles need plenty of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.
Elegant, smart, and just a bit fancy — the Standard Poodle is basically the valedictorian of potty training. Highly people-oriented, they thrive on positive, engaging training and are eager to please.
These brainy beauties soak up new skills like a sponge and are eager to please their humans. With their sharp minds and keen sense of routine, they pick up potty training faster than you can say “fetch!”
✔ Genius-level smarts — training is their jam.
✔ Clean freaks — they like their spaces spotless.
✔ Loyal and eager — love to impress their people.
✔ Treat-driven learners — snacks make everything better!
Plus, their sophisticated demeanor means they’re all about keeping things clean and tidy — no surprises on the carpet here! Just add lots of praise and maybe a fancy treat or two, and watch your Standard Poodle become a potty pro in no time.
7. Affenpinscher
Don’t let their tiny size fool you — Affenpinschers are little bundles of attitude and smarts!
The Affenpinscher has a lively, terrier-like temperament and a distinctive, almost monkey-like face—earning it the nickname “The Monkey Dog.”
First bred in 17th-century Germany to hunt rats in homes, stables, and shops, this brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed requires some special care. In particular, they are sensitive to heat and should have their exercise limited during hot weather.
These quirky little clowns have a big personality and an even bigger desire to make their owners proud. Potty training them? Not a problem, as long as you bring your A-game of patience and treats.
✔ Small dog, big brain — quick learners with a spark.
✔ Lovable little clowns — training is more fun with laughs.
✔ Sensitive souls — positive vibes only, please!
✔ Treat-motivated — bacon-flavored treats highly recommended.
According to Purina, the breed is quick to bark and alert its owners to visitors or anything out of the ordinary.
With a touch of stubbornness and a whole lot of charm, Affenpinschers respond best to gentle encouragement and lots of praise. Keep the training sessions short and fun, and you’ll have a potty-trained pint-sized pal who’s ready to conquer the world (or at least the backyard).
Conclusion
When it comes to obedient dog breeds that learn potty training quickly, several important factors come into play. Large dogs like Labrador Retrievers and Bernese Mountain Dogs, as well as small breeds such as Bichon Frises and Boston Terriers, often respond well to consistent potty routines and crate training.
Positive reinforcement with tasty treats encourages dogs to learn new commands at their own pace, making the process easier. Dogs naturally love learning and can adapt quickly to new environments when training starts at a young age and stays consistent.
Whether working with an adult dog or a challenging breed like the Shiba Inu or Afghan Hound, establishing a comfortable sleeping area and bathroom breaks are key. Breeds with natural herding instincts, such as Border Collies and Australian Shepherds, are often highly food motivated and obedient, making them some of the easiest dogs to house train.
Building strong bonds through patient training helps all dogs become well-behaved, obedient companions who quickly pick up new tricks and commands, ensuring a smoother potty training process for any dog parent.
