If you’re thinking of getting a dog but worried about training, this list is for you! While all dogs can be trained, there are some breeds that make it super easy. These 10 smart canines are known for listening well, learning fast, and loving every part of the process!
10. English Setter
An English Setter is a sporting dog breed with roots in England, known for their feathered coats and sweet expressions. English Setters are people-oriented, making them naturally receptive to human guidance. They’re smart enough to learn tricks quickly and patient when they feel supported. They love being mentally stimulated, so if training feels like a game, they’ll likely stay engaged.
9. Bichon Frise
That’s right, those fluffy white clouds of joy are smart and easy to train. They can pick up basic cues quickly and learn fancier tricks, too. This dog breed loves to be the center of attention, which makes them eager to learn new tricks and get applause. Their cheerful personality also makes training sessions fun for everyone involved!
8. Rottweiler
Don’t be fooled by their tough facade. Rottweilers are surprisingly easy to train and actually gentle. They were originally bred to pull carts and drive cattle, so they’re natural workers with a strong desire to please. Their high intelligence makes them excellent working dogs for jobs like search-and-rescue, police, and protection.
7. Papillon
Papillon is French word for “butterfly,” and this toy dog breed is known for its distinctive ears that look like butterfly wings! Papillons may be small but they have big personality and even bigger brains. They quickly learn commands and even agility or obedience routines. Papillons surprisingly have a high stamina for such a small size.
6. Corgi
Corgis were originally bred as herding dogs, so they have strong instincts to listen, follow commands, and solve problems. Since corgis are very food motivated, make sure you include treats in your reward-based training. Smart dogs like corgis also get bored easily, so keep your sessions fun and challenging.
5. Labrador Retriever
Labs are also eager to please and love human approval, making them highly trainable dogs. They have a steady temperament, which means they often stay calm and become rarely stubborn during training sessions. Labs are famously reliable, which is why you usually see them as guide dogs or working for search-and-rescue operations.
4. Border Collie
Border Collies are brainy herding dogs and some of the most talented canines you’ll ever meet. They were bred to think independently and make quick decisions, which help them thrive on learning. A warning? Be ready to keep up with their energy. Border Collies need a lot of mental and physical challenges to be happy.
3. Golden Retriever
Goldens are the people-pleasers of the dog world, know for their soulful eyes and sunny disposition. They are eager to learn if it means getting belly rubs and earning your praise. When you’re happy, they’re happy, so they’ll repeat behaviors that make you cheer! This dog breed is also known for learning advanced tricks like retrieving items, opening doors, and assisting people with disabilities.
2. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are known around the world as top-tier service and working dogs. Why? Because they don’t just follow commands—they understand them. This dog breed thrives when they have a purpose, and often, a person to protect. That’s why they can be seen leading the way in police work.
1. Poodle
Posh and genius, that’s poodle for you! It might be hard to believe, but they seemingly have Einstein-level brains and a huge love for learning. Poodle owners on this Reddit thread couldn’t stop gushing about how smart and trainable their pups are. One of them even said that this breed can learn tricks in about five repetitions only.