When it comes to tiny dogs, their intelligence often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Toy dog breeds may be small in stature, but don’t underestimate their intelligence- you never know when a pup might even outsmart you!
These little companions were developed specifically to be playful and family-oriented. Just because a dog is smart doesn’t mean they are simple. There are dozens of pint-sized breeds that have their own unique brainpower and learning skills.
This guide is going to familiarize you with some extraordinary toy breeds that can learn numerous commands and do problem-solving in no time. See how these little dogs rank according to well-known canine psychologist Dr. Stanley Coren.
If you want a little partner who’s playful, interactive, obedient, and quick to catch on, keep reading to discover the top toy dog breeds that fit the standard perfectly!
Smartest Toy Dog Breeds Easier to Train
1. Poodle
Toy Poodles are lively and smart at the same time! They’re not just adorable, but little geniuses too. They hold the second spot among the world’s most intelligent dog breeds after Border Collies, as noted by Wikipedia.
Poodles are naturally outgoing and are full of energy; their intelligence shapes much of their personality.
Note that all types of Poodles, whether it’s a Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodle, are ranked together for intelligence.
Trainability
Toy Poodles are quick learners. They can pick up commands quickly with very few repetitions.
They have a retentive memory that helps them remember advanced tricks and cues for a long time.
They respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement techniques, preferably treats and praises.
They are highly adaptable. Adjusting to new environments is easier for them.
Fun Fact: Poodles are so smart and quick to learn that they were once star performers in circuses — mastering complex tricks and routines that showcased their intelligence and eagerness to please!
2. Papillon
Papillons are bright, full of energy, and have naturally curious personalities. They love interacting with their humans and bringing delight to any home.
When it comes to obedience and dog intelligence, the Papillons rank 8th among all dog breeds, proving they’re ahead of many breeds, excelling in learning ability.
Trainability
Papillons tend to learn new commands in just a few repetitions.
Papillons have a keen sense of observation. They can quickly interpret the mental challenges and use that insight to their benefit.
They can easily adapt to different living situations and climates.
Socializing your Papillon introduces them to new surroundings and helps sharpen their intelligence and confidence.
Fun Fact: Papillons are also incredibly agile. Their tiny yet strong body are capable of tight turns and jumps. They are award-winners in many agility trials, showing off beauty with brains!
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This small dog breed is one of the most popular lapdogs across the globe, and hence, they also make great family dogs. Ranking 44th among smartest dog breeds may not sound cool enough, but see, not all dogs are capable of achieving that.
According to the American Kennel Club, these dogs have shown remarkable athleticism in many canine sports. They can live with both active owners and leisure lovers.
Trainability
While being a fairly intelligent dog breed, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is still able to learn a new command in just 5-15 repetitions.
They have an eager-to-please nature and respond well to reward-based training methods.
They also have emotional intelligence, which contributes to making training sessions more intuitive and to understanding their owners’ moods.
They may take a little longer than some breeds, but their quick learning skills still help them pick up new tricks in a couple of hours.
Fun Fact: King Charles II loved his toy spaniels so much that they were the first dogs that were allowed to enter any public space, including Parliament!
4. Havanese
Havanese are charming little friends, full of life and a bit of a clever spark. They were not bred for any specific task, but are still able to attract people with their beautiful appearance. These socialites are cherished by many people and are known for their openness and adaptability.
In Coren’s ranking, they sit at 47 out of 79 breeds, just above the midpoint.
Trainability
Havanese aren’t critical thinkers; these dogs have a strong capacity for learning and excelling in their training routine. But still, practice makes a dog perfect.
Havanese are not your typical working dogs. They have a knack for figuring out which lap to snuggle in. Their emotional sensitivity brings comfort and warmth to their loved ones.
They are highly adaptable. These pups can live anywhere, no matter the size of your home or whether you have other pets. They get along with everyone!
Fun Fact: In a Miami therapy program, Havanese could sense a diabetic episode 15-20 minutes before monitors could even notice. Nobody knows exactly how, but these lifesaving pups were definitely stepping up.
5. Toy Fox Terrier
Toy Fox Terriers are vivid, enthusiastic companions with an affectionate nature. They are similar in appearance to Rat Terriers and were once used to hunt vermin, with their sharp hunting instincts and quick reflexes.
They rank 40th among smartest dog breeds when it comes to obedience and working intelligence. As noted by Purina, Toy Fox Terriers are small in stature, but their fearless and alert nature makes them a compatible watchdog for any household.
Trainability
As they inherit a strong prey drive and high energy, they excel when training includes dog sports such as problem-solving games or agility courses.
Toy Fox Terriers like short and fun training sessions. Their attention might divert if it takes too long or is repetitive.
Behavioral reinforcement methods work well with them; it keeps them eager to engage. They can pick up new cues in 25-40 repetitions.
Early socialization helps balance their protective and chasing instincts.
Fun Fact: Toy Fox Terriers are highly alert and have a keen sense of hearing. It makes them a strong deterrent against expected danger, and this can be your petite-sized watchdog.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies may be tiny, but they are full of attitude and confidence. Their bold personalities let them stand up against bigger dogs, three times their size. They are, in fact, very smart, ranking 34th in intelligent dog breeds. According to PDSA, training can be tricky because they have a stubborn streak.
While they grow up happily alongside families, they still need to be monitored around young children, as their delicate build might get hurt during playtime.
Trainability
They may not be the smartest, but they can learn cues in just 15-25 repetitions. Basic obedience training, like sit, stay, and come, takes even less time.
They are naturally curious. Yorkies would definitely try to figure out the situation by themselves and often do some mischief.
They tend to have a strong memory, also Yorkshire Terriers study their owner’s body language carefully to respond well in training.
They can get bored easily, so try to make sessions last only 5-10 minutes and give them rewards to stay consistent.
Fun Fact: In the early 1800s, coal miners used Yorkies to control rats and mice underground.
7. Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffons are tiny little pooches weighing barely 8 to 10 pounds. They are renowned for grumpy little expressions and flat faces. As for intelligence, they sit at the 78th position, but are highly trainable and very active.
They have an independent yet gentle nature and are quick learners; they love to do plenty of mental challenges along with physical activity. They fit beautifully into family life and are a great choice for first-time dog owners.
Trainability
Brussels Griffons might not be brainiacs, but they are highly energetic. They get along with active owners and are always ready for adventures.
They have a natural ability to solve problems. Also, they have a sharp memory to help remember routines and commands.
Consistent training, socialization, and mental stimulation are important to keep your Brussels Griffon motivated.
Fun Fact: A Brussels Griffon named Jill played the role of Verdell in the movie As Good as It Gets and became a Hollywood star, winning multiple animal-acting awards for incredible performance.
Conclusion
Dogs that are truly smart and adapt to our lives perfectly are a priority for many pet parents. The way these breeds stand on their ground in dangerous situations despite being small in size, and how effortlessly they connect with all family members, is simply amazing.
Even if they don’t make the top 10 list, these dog breeds excel in adaptability, physical fitness, and obedience. And did we mention their talent for making you laugh every single day? Probably not-honestly, it’s one of their best skills.
With them around, everything is much better, funnier, and yes, a little messier. But, believe me, this kind of mess is an ultimate source of happiness for dog owners.
