Some dogs do not just sit, they perform! Fetching your slippers, jumping through hoops, there are many breeds with an inherent ability to learn tricks. Moreover, these active dogs are not only intelligent but are also inherently energetic, happy, and curious. These pups can learn a new trick or master a command in almost no time if they are given proper training sessions.
There is no doubt that their natural eagerness to please, strong focus, and ability to learn new skills quickly make them stars in obedience competitions and agility courses. So, if it’s showing off a perfect paw shake or mastering difficult tasks, these dogs thrive in training sessions and love to impress their owners. Plus, teaching tricks is not just fun, it’s great mental stimulation for your furry friend!
In this blog, we’ll explore some natural trick-performing dog breeds that are highly intelligent, easy to train, and always ready to turn a simple command into an entertaining performance.
Natural Trick-Performing Dog Breeds
1. Border Collie
Border collie is a medium-sized herding dog breed of collie type. Moreover, the Border Collie descended from sheepdogs belonging to the British Isles; therefore, they were named after the border between England and Scotland.
They are the smartest dog breeds around, and there is a reason for that. Collies can learn new tricks with minimal repetitions and efficiently respond to commands.
Plus, their incredible work ethic and a strong desire to please help them excel in various roles. Also, these cute pups perform exceptionally well in various dog sports and performance shows.
Apart from that, Collies are very gentle and affectionate dogs. They are ideal for families with kids. But as they possess high energy, their physical activities burn up their energy.
2. Poodle
Poodles are a water dog breed known for their unique, thick, curly coats that may be in different colors. According to Britannica, their thick coat was clipped in a specific way to improve the animal’s effectiveness in the water.
This dog breed is bred in 3 different sizes according to standards set by the AKC. Regardless of their size, poodles are athletic dogs and excellent swimmers. Moreover, they are trained to have a soft mouth; therefore, they can gently pick up wounded or dead game animals.
They are extremely intelligent creatures in the dog world and rank second after the Border Collie. Their intelligence and energy make them natural performers who excel in circus performance but also in obedience and agility. Although they are small in size, they do need ample exercise to stay active.
3. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a sporting dog breed that originated from Newfoundland, which was a famous place due to the fishing industry. At that time, dogs were used by fishermen to retrieve nets and pull carts loaded with fish.
You can easily recognize them with their broad head, drooping ears, and sparkling eyes that can grab your attention. But its otter-like tail and thick, short double coat are its trademark. Their tail and webbed feet help them move in water smoothly.
As they were bred as retrieving dogs, they had a strong instinct to fetch and carry objects. Therefore, if you are looking for a partner for your next hiking trail, the lab is there for you.
These dogs are very smart; therefore, they are easy to train. Additionally, their willingness to please also makes them good learners.
4. German Shepherd
The dog king and all-purpose super pup, i.e., German shepherd, is a smart hero of noble character. They are known for their strong and muscular body that are longer than tall. Moreover, they have a wedge-shaped head, extended muzzle, erect ears, a bushy tail, and a weather-resistant coat.
These affectionate personalities are great for families, but they love to get a lot of attention. Moreover, they are also good with kids till the time they are not being treated harshly. They can be overprotected if they are not sure about strangers. So early socialization can help them to accept new people.
No doubt, German Shepherds are very versatile and intelligent dogs. Often, you will see them working as police dogs, military dogs, search and rescue dogs, or therapy dogs.
Further, they are very athletic and energetic, so they are the best performers in dog sports. With their intense focus, they can learn new tricks and perform them expertly.
5. Australian Shepherd
Australian shepherds are also very energetic, versatile, and motivated learners. Britannica mentions that the Aussie is a herding dog that is very popular in the United States. Moreover, they are very muscular and agile with a strong drive to prey.
They have a distinctive, moderately long, and wavy double coat. They are also known for their merle coat patterns and eyes of different colors.
Aussies are very active and intelligent dogs, and these traits make them top-quality performers in various roles. These quick learners give outstanding performances whether it is in agility and obedience competitions or herding animals.
The combination of their high energy, enthusiasm, and intelligence makes them a joy to train. They also respond well during training sessions.
6. Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdog is another herding breed of small to medium size that is affectionately known as a Sheltie. Hills Pet points out that the Shetland sheepdog looks like a smaller version of the collie when seen at first glance. However, its body is long, but its stature is short.
The dog has a mane of hair on its upper chest and neck, while its coat is double. The undercoat is short, and the outer coat is long and straight. Moreover, it has wedge wedge-shaped head that appears unique.
Generally, Shelties love their family, but usually they are shy around strangers. Due to their protective nature, they can be vocal if they sense anything is wrong in their territory.
However, they are incredibly intelligent and energetic, and this combo makes them quick learners and highly trainable. Truly, they excel in obedience and canine sports.
7. Papillon
Papillon is a small dog and is regarded as one of the oldest breeds of the toy group. You can find them in artwork dating back to the 16th century. Its name was the dwarf spaniel when it was originally bred in the 16th century.
But in the 19th century, the name Papillon was given to this breed, which is a French word for butterfly. They were given this name for a reason.
The most iconic aspect of the breed is its large, flaring ears, which resemble the wings of a butterfly. However, some papillons have drooping ears. Moreover, they have a single long silky coat on a flat body. Their head is slightly round with a short muzzle and medium-sized eyes.
These small but active and playful dogs love to run, play, and go for a walk. But at times, they can be couch potatoes and love cuddling with their owners.
Further, they are also known for their intelligence, so owners can easily train them. Additionally, this dog can learn new tricks because it is very eager to please.
8. Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois is a working dog from France that was developed in the 1800s. This sturdy and well-muscled dog has a thick coat available in different colors. Sometimes, people confuse it with a German Shepherd, but both are quite different in terms of energy levels, temperament, and size.
According to PetMD, the Belgian Malinois is a very intelligent and active dog with great stamina. It loves to work and therefore excels in many tasks and does well with police work, search and rescue, or military work. Therefore, they best candidates for trick training. They thrive on challenges that require both physical and mental strength.
They are very loyal and sensitive dogs who won’t respond well if you treat them harshly. They are also packed with energy, so exercise is necessary for physical and mental stimulation.
9. Jack Russell Terrier
A small dog but a big personality and boundless energy, that’s what a Jack Russel Terrier is all about. Developed 200 years ago to hunt foxes, JRT is a very charming and affectionate dog that is a handful to train.
At first sight, you may think it is a small dog and well suited for apartment living, but it will truly surprise you with its energy and intensity. They need a lot of physical workouts and consistent training sessions, otherwise they will show off unwanted behavior.
Remember, this little dog has a knack for learning; further, their intelligence and determination make them efficient learners.
Conclusion
Some dog breeds have a natural gift for learning and performing tricks with enthusiasm and ease. Their intelligence, energy, and eagerness to please make them stand out in both training and daily interaction.
With proper guidance, these dogs can turn basic commands into impressive performances that bring joy and mental stimulation to both pet and owner. Investing time in their training not only sharpens their skills but also strengthens the bond you share
