A recent study found that dogs can understand up to 215 words and phrases,1 with some breeds being more responsive to training than others.
If you’re looking for a furry friend who will happily follow your commands, you might want to consider one of these 20 most obedient dog breeds.
1. Border Collie: The Smartest of the Pack
Border collies are often considered the smartest dog breed,2 with a remarkable capacity to quickly learn new words and commands. These energetic herding dogs are happiest when they have a job to do and excel in agility sports.
2. Poodle: More Than Just a Pretty Face
Despite their posh appearance, poodles are highly intelligent and were once employed during wartime to deliver supplies to soldiers on the battlefield. They enjoy being challenged with activities like hunting, tracking, and obedience work.
3. German Shepherd: A Loyal & Focused Companion
German shepherds are known for their high intelligence, focus, and desire to please their owners. They excel in law enforcement, search-and-rescue, and as service dogs due to their ability to evaluate tricky situations and decide on the best course of action.
4. Golden Retriever: A Sunny Disposition & Eagerness to Please
Golden retrievers are beloved for their friendly nature and willingness to comply with commands. They can learn many commands, making them excellent companions for people with disabilities.
5. Doberman Pinscher: A Fearless & Trainable Guardian
Bred to be the perfect canine bodyguard, Doberman pinschers are highly intelligent and readily trainable. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are known for being gentle and responsive to training.
6. Labrador Retriever: America’s Favorite for a Reason
Labrador retrievers have been America’s favorite breed for the past 30 years.(ref) Their friendly, energetic, and eager-to-please nature makes them ideal first pets and a top choice for guide dogs worldwide.
7. Shetland Sheepdog: Small but Mighty
Shetland sheepdogs may be small, but they are highly intelligent and eager to please. They excel in herding, agility, and obedience, making them perfect for those seeking a compact yet trainable companion.
8. Papillon: A Lap Dog with a Love for Learning
Papillons may be known as lap dogs, but they are also extremely agile and smart. Their high desire to please and alert nature make them easy to train and excellent therapy dogs.
9. Australian Cattle Dog: A Robust & Loyal Worker
Australian cattle dogs are alert, curious, and high-energy, built to herd and extremely intelligent. They thrive on having a job to complete and are highly responsive to commands.
10. Rottweiler: A Calm & Confident Companion
Rottweilers are extremely responsive and easy to train when given a job to do. Well-bred Rottweilers are calm, confident, and make great family pets when properly socialized and trained.
11. English Springer Spaniel: Boundless Energy & Enthusiasm
English springer spaniels have boundless energy, enthusiasm, and a real desire to please their owners. They excel at learning new dog sports thanks to their athleticism and eagerness to try new things.
12. Keeshond: Alert & Eager to Learn
Keeshonds are smart, loyal, gentle, and easy to train. They are very alert and curious, with a calm demeanor and enthusiasm for trying new things, making them excel in dog sports and obedience trials.
13. Havanese: A Friendly & Adaptable Companion
The Havanese is known for being friendly, adaptable, and easier to train than many other small dog breeds. They are attentive and eager to please during training, especially with lots of positive reinforcement.
14. Vizsla: Enthusiastic & Loyal
Vizslas are an enthusiastic and intelligent breed that forms strong attachments to their owners. They will do anything to impress and please them, making training an easy way to use up their seemingly endless energy.
15. Cocker Spaniel: Gentle & Merry
Cocker spaniels are known for their gentle and merry nature. They are easily trained, happy to play gently with children, and considered the poster-dog for people-pleasing.
16. Bernese Mountain Dog: Strong yet Sweet
Bernese mountain dogs have a sweet and affectionate nature that contrasts with their strong, powerful build. They are clever and love learning tricks to please their favorite person.
17. Greyhound: Swift & Sensitive
Greyhounds, known for their agility and grace, have a sweet and people-pleasing nature. These little geniuses pick up on commands and new tricks at the speed of light.
18. Belgian Malinois: A Hardworking Herder
Belgian Malinois are intelligent, hardworking, and excel at obedience training. They are often used as police and military dogs due to their trainability and desire to work.
19. Miniature Schnauzer: Small but Sharp
Miniature schnauzers may be small, but they are highly intelligent and easy to train. They are alert, curious, and eager to please their owners, making them excellent companions.
20. Pembroke Welsh Corgi: A Royal Favorite
Pembroke Welsh corgis, famously adored by Queen Elizabeth II, are intelligent and easy to train. They are alert, affectionate, and excel in herding and agility trials.
Source
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.