Have you ever owned a dog that was the most adorable thing to look at, but just wouldn’t listen to you? Or perhaps it gave you the ‘side-eye’ while continuing its shenanigans? Yeah, that can be a bit annoying.
If you are looking for a trainable dog breed that listens to your commands and learns fast, you’re in the right place. The most trainable dog breeds combine intelligence with an eagerness to please, a bit of stamina, and a cool brain.
You may wonder why intelligence alone is not enough. Well, a big brain can make a dog more independent. They are smart enough to make their own decisions and completely ignore the task at hand.
To make things easier for you, we have compiled a list of 9 highly obedient dog breeds that are known for their outstanding performance in obedience roles. Let’s have a look at them!
Highly Obedient Dog Breeds
1. Papillon
First up on our list is the Papillon. It is one of the oldest toy dog breeds, with its known history dating back almost 700 years. Their unique wing-shaped butterfly-like ears have earned them the title ‘Papillon,’ which means butterfly in French.
Papillons may be small, but they are a perfect blend of curiosity, agility, and eagerness to please. This means they learn tricks fast, even if you are a novice trainer.
According to Papillon Dog Secrets, highly motivated dogs pick up tricks much faster. They tend to do best in familiar settings, preferably your backyard or living room. Consistent reward-based positive reinforcement with rewards and early socialization are key to raising a well-rounded pup.
Papillons have a confident and bold personality. They love being the centre of attention and enjoy spending time with their owners. While they excel at agility dog sports and often rank highly, at home, they love to show off simple tricks like ‘sit,’ ‘stand,’ and ‘roll over.’
Despite being an energetic breed, Pappilons do not require extensive exercise routines. They are happy with a few fun sessions in a day.
2. German Shepherd
Who doesn’t know a German shepherd? This incredibly intelligent breed is one of the most versatile working dog breeds, known for their exceptional roles in police work, the military, and as service dog. They also perform great as search and rescue dogs.
They have natural athleticism and an innate ability to herd and protect. They form strong bonds with their families and do well with children. They are loyal and do well in homes where they can stay active and engaged.Given their intelligence, they need a firm handler who can be consistent with training methods and provide plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Without sufficient outlets for their energy, German Shepherds can resort to dominance and may display aggression towards people and other dogs.
They are generally healthy but prone to health conditions such as hip dysplasia. So, exercise from an early age is necessary for both their mental and physical well-being.
3. Vizsla
Famously known as the ‘Velcro-Dog, ‘ the Vizsla is a red-coated hunting dog breed. They are incredibly affectionate and athletic at the same time.
Vizslas love training sessions and are quite obedient, given that the instructions are consistent and well-structured. Positive reinforcement works great as a training method.
Both physical and mental stimulation are extremely important as they are well capable of resorting to destructive behaviors, such as destroying household items, if left unengaged. A lack of activity can lead to restlessness, so it’s essential to provide them with both challenges and rewards.
These dogs thrive on the attention they receive from their owners. So, early and ongoing socialization is a must. They love outdoor activities and can be taken along on hikes, hunting, tracking, and lure coursing.
4. Golden Retriever
Meet the Golden Retriever, which obviously does not need a formal introduction. The most beloved and the most popular dog breed in America for 31 years straight, and for all good reasons!
They are loved for their friendly, loyal, and gentle nature. As per the AKC, they make great family pets due to their calm temperament, especially for active households. They get along well with kids, other animals, and other dogs as well.
As they were bred to be water retriever dogs, they love being engaged in tasks. They do best in working roles, such as guide dogs, excelling in therapy and service work. They enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and fetching.
Given their nature, it shouldn’t be a surprise that they need ample exercise and physical activity daily. Games that engage both mind and body are ideal, such as puzzles or obedience trials.
5. Border Collie
The Border Collie has rightfully earned the title of the most intelligent dog breed. A Border Collie is a highly intelligent herding breed that can learn up to 1,000 human words in its lifetime. That should be enough to get your point across!
The Border Collie thrives in a well-structured routine and a task to do. Ideal for country living and ample space to run, they are definitely not lap dogs. They instinctively love to protect, hence making them perfect watchdogs.
Master-class simplifies training sessions in 6 easy steps. Choose one command at a time, have the right gear, keep commands simple yet firm, reward them, have lots of patience, and seek a professional for additional help. Trust their brains with the rest!
Due to their herding nature, they are notorious for being bossy. As noted by Orvis, barking and nipping at the backs of other dogs and pets are common. They may show this behaviour with unfamiliar dogs, leading to unwanted outcomes. Socialization is one way to combat this issue.
6. Manchester Terrier
Smart, loyal, and alert, the Manchester Terrier embodies all the qualities of an intelligent and trainable breed.
Known as the ‘Gentleman’s Terrier’ since the 19th century, they are a great companion for those who can match their energetic and spunky nature. While they are highly trainable, they need a firm and consistent hand in training.
This breed requires daily exercise—brisk walks, playtime, and mental challenges to keep them engaged. Homes with fenced backyards and older children are ideal, as they can be quite active and responsive to stimulation. Due to their alert nature, they may not be the best fit for families with very young children.
One common problem is their excessive shedding. While bathing, their sleek coat is easy, they need regular grooming and weekly brushing to manage shedding.
They are affectionate with family members but may be reserved with strangers. These traits make them ideal watchdogs, but proper training and socialization are needed for them to warm up with others.
7. Poodle
The curly-coated Poodle is the epitome of gracefulness combined with intelligence. They are one of the prettiest and easiest dogs to own.
They are easy to train and enjoy various dog sports, such as tracking, agility, and obedience training. They love their people and love pleasing them as long as there are no gaps in the instructions.
They love being engaged in activities. Simple tasks such as tossing toys, doing puzzles, and swimming make them the happiest. Regular exercise is also essential for their well-being.
Caring for poodles is a bit of a task. Their curly coat is prone to matting. Owners must learn to brush them daily or get them trimmed regularly.
8. English Springer Spaniel
Bred for hunting and retrieving, the English Springer Spaniel is an affectionate and active breed. Their playful and loving nature makes them ideal for active households, ideally with outdoor space.
Training them is generally easy due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, making them a great choice for first-time owners. However, they do require consistent training and boundaries, as they can become easily distracted by their surroundings.
These dogs are also known for being friendly with children, other pets, and strangers, making them ideal family dogs.
Regular exercise is essential to keep this smart dog breed happy, and they particularly enjoy activities like fetch, hiking, and swimming. Without proper stimulation and activity, they can become bored and develop undesirable behaviors, such as chewing or excessive barking.
9. Havanese
Originating from Cuba, the Havanese is one of the most adorable small dogs. These dogs are well-loved for their gentle temperament and their ability to adapt to a variety of living situations, including apartments or larger homes.
If you are planning to own one, prepare yourself to be followed around everywhere. These ‘velcro dogs’ love being around their humans. They enjoy daily walks, interactive play, and puzzle games that keep their minds engaged.
Havanese are generally easy to train due to their intelligence and desire to please, but they do best with positive reinforcement techniques. Early socialization is also key, as it helps them develop confidence and better behavior around new people and situations.
Their long, silky coats require regular grooming to avoid matting. Regular brushing and professional grooming every 4–6 weeks are recommended to keep their fur looking good. Though they don’t shed much, their hair can grow quite long, and without proper maintenance, it can become tangled.
Conclusion
When it comes to training, the most obedient dog breeds combine quick learning ability with an eagerness to please and a strong bond with their families. Certain breeds are known for their inherent ability to learn and perform.
While most of them have already been mentioned, various others are worthy of your attention. Dogs like Labrador Retrievers, Border Terriers, Australian Cattle Dogs, Australian Shepherds, Miniature Schnauzers, Shetland Sheepdogs, Blue Heelers, Doberman Pinschers, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and Australian Cattle Dogs are all great family dogs that are eager to please their owners. Some of them are perfect dogs for learning complex tricks.
Each of these breeds requires time, patience, and consistent training to reach their full potential, but the rewards are immense. A well-trained dog can be a loyal, happy, and fulfilling companion.
By choosing the right breed and committing to proper training, you can enjoy a harmonious and rewarding relationship with your furry friend for years to come.
