We all know the breed type only makes a part of the dog’s personality. It also depends on how well we train them.
And this is the moment when things get crazy.
You might have seen people sharing training processes and tips online. There are a lot of books published on how you should train your dog, and let’s be honest, it’s quite a task.
The idea of getting a pet is exciting, but not everyone likes the training process. Although it is important for every dog, why not adopt one that is easy to train? It makes things easier for both first-time and experienced pet parents.
But not all easy-going pups are good dogs. Some are aloof, while others are gentle and mischievous. So, choose the one that can adapt to your space and lifestyle.
We have listed the 10 small dog breeds that are easy to train and don’t throw random tantrums. Read this guide and choose the one that matches your vibe.
Small Dog Breeds That Are a Breeze to Train
1. Australian Terrier
Australian Terrier is an energetic, intelligent, and affectionate dog. It was bred in the 1800s to capture rodents on farms in Australia. This working dog is the first native dog breed in its home country.
Aussies are easy to train with positive reinforcement, treats, and rewards. Honestly, all puppies have this “treat” weakness in common. With that said, they have high energy levels and require exercise for mental stimulation.
If you are a homdebody then don’t expect them to be on the couch all day. They have a strong prey drive and chase moving objects all day (including you).
Aussies are loving companions and make strong bonds with kids. They are people’s dogs and don’t enjoy being alone. So yeah, they get a bit dramatic with that sad puppy look then.
But they are the ones who stare at the window while you are out and bark a lot. So that’s something you might have to work on. Plus, Australian Terriers have a double coat that does not shed much and only requires minimal grooming.
2. Bichon Frise
It looks more like a smiling cloud or mini polar bear. Bichon Frise is a playful and curious dog breed that loves learning new tricks. They have an eager-to-please nature, which makes it easy for first-time dog owners to train them.
We cannot deny how cute they are, but they are even more friendly. They are friends to everyone whom they have never met. So yeah, you are a friend already in their dictionary. With that said, Bichons have high energy levels, but once their needs are met, they can lie on the couch the whole day.
These small pups are smart and excellent family pets. They are quick learners and master the commands like sit, stand, and stay. They love to play fetch, tug of war, and nap in the owner’s lap.
Bichons have curly white fur that does not shed, and it’s a blessing in disguise for allergic sufferers. However, they do require grooming every 6 months and brushing daily to prevent matting issues.
3. Border Terrier
Border Terrier is an affectionate, obedient, good-tempered, and otter-headed dog breed. They were bred to help foxhounds with hunting and had to find their own food. So it’s good to say that they have innate hunting skills.
Getting a Border Terrier means a “2-year-old in a dog suit”, shares the Border Terrier Club of America. They demand love and care just like a baby. That said, they are the easiest dog breed to train with treats and rewards.
You have to come up with creative training ideas so they don’t get bored. Otherwise dog being dogs, they start digging and chewing when getting bored. Plan hiking, casual walks, and agility training for them whenever possible.
They are tough in the field but a cuddly baby at home. Border Terriers require at least 1 hour of exercise to burn off their energy. They are low-maintenance dogs and adapt well to apartments.
4. Boston Terrier
It’s unfair not to mention the coolest trainable small dog breed, the Boston terrier. They are native American breeds and were bred to be companions.
The Boston Terrier is famous as the “American Gentleman” due to its well-behaved nature, as per PetMD. They have such a diverse personality as they are bright, gentle, and also mischievous. Adopting Boston is like having a full-time comedian at home.
Honestly, they love and support whatever you do. These healthy dogs are always up for an outside walk, so you can use this weakness to train them. They enjoy frisbee, fetch, and flyball.
They are great family dogs, but often have breathing issues due to a flat muzzle. So do not engage them in heavy training in hot climates, as it can lead to shortness of breath.
5. Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon just has human expressions in a dog suit. This little puppy has a mustache and even human-like eyes that will surely melt your heart.
These dogs have an alert, sensitive, and sociable nature, but not the typical pampered pet stereotype of toy dogs.
Griffon is a “velcro dog,” so they love to be around you. They don’t mind accompanying you on the couch while you complete your series.
With that said, Brussels Griffons are quite easy to train. Early socialization helps them learn a lot, and they enjoy performing tricks. However, they can be a bit slow in potty training, but be patient. They are sensitive and often get sad when you get rude or harsh to them.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an extremely sweet, loving, and gentle dog with a royal history. King Charles I and his son had Cavaliers as lap dogs.
They used to carry them everywhere, even in parliaments, as per Wikipedia. Cavalier King Charles is the easiest and calmest dog breed to train. They have an eager-to-please nature, so they learn very quickly.
Cavaliers don’t show much aggression and enjoy neighbour walks, playing fetch, and treats. That being said, they have a medium-length silky coat that moderately sheds year-round.
Most of these pups don’t have undercoats, and only a few have them. So you don’t have to deal with thier massive blowouts every season. Apart from this, make sure to properly socialize them with people and other dogs for better training.
7. Havanese
Havanese is an active, friendly, outgoing dog with a silky coat. Many Havanese owners share that they have springs in their feet because of how actively they jump and chase.
This cute puppy is prone to anxiety when left alone, just like us, so you’d better keep them around you. Honestly, they are Velcro dogs, so they follow you all around the home and even into the kitchen.
Their affectionate nature makes them excellent therapy dogs and one of the best friends for children. Havanese are highly intelligent breeds, which makes training much easier.
You can easily train them with crates, puzzles, and positive reinforcement. Do not pet Havanese if you are not ready to take care of them. They require daily brushing for at least 10 minutes, but keep shedding to a minimum.
8. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzer is a smart, loyal, and hardworking dog breed. They have a wiry coat that does not shed much and a beard that attracts pet parents.
Schnauzers enjoy working due to their history of being rat catchers on farms. Although they are intelligent and pick up the commands quickly, they can occasionally show stubbornness. So use treats and rewards to teach them to sit, roll, and up commands.
These working dogs forget how small they are and bark a lot. So focus on obedience training and agility. This charming dog has a long, straight or wavy double coat that does not shed much but requires high maintenance.
That being said, you have to brush them regularly to prevent mats. Havese also require frequent grooming sessions after 4 to 6 weeks.
9. Toy Fox Terrier
Toy Fox Terrier is also known as Amertoy because of its 1-foot small size. Breeders say “TFT is truly a toy and a terrier,” AKC explains. These short-coated pups are smart and a little sturdy.
They try to investigate everything and may get bored if you use the same training technique every day. So yeah, they actually demand creative owners, so are you?
Toy Fox Terriers are like little gymnasts and love to show off their fun tricks, like jumping through hoops or dancing for a snack. They are intelligent, so you will often find them opening cabinets or finding hidden toys.
Toy Fox Terriers have a strong prey drive, so they often chase cats and even kids when not fully socialized. So it’s recommended to keep your dog leashed when visiting parks. That being said, they have short hair, so grooming needs are actually minimal.
10. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
A spunky but favourite of the Queens, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a herding and royal history. They were bred to herd cattle in the UK and then soon became lap dogs of Queen Elizabeth II.
These independent dogs have a long body but short legs. It is quite misleading because they are muscular and dare to step against animals 50 times their size. They were bred to herd cattle, so they are perfect watchdogs.
They have an eager-to-please nature, and treats are their weakness. But make sure that you don’t overfeed them, as it can cause excessive weight gain.
They are perfect for apartment dwellers and first-time dog owners due to their easygoing personality. That being said, Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a thick water-resistant double coat, but they shed heavily throughout the year.
Conclusion
Small dog breeds that are easy to train are not less than a blessing. The above-mentioned dogs are all smart and learn quickly with treats and rewards.
But you have to understand their temperament and moods. Some of them are sensitive, while others are aloof and sassy, so you have to bring creative training ideas to the table. Make sure to pet a dog in their early days, so they develop many habits just by living with you.
