20 Most Obedient Dog Breeds: Easiest Dogs to Train Discover easy-to-train breeds with high intelligence and social skills. By Gemma Johnstone Gemma Johnstone Gemma Johnstone is a dog expert and writer with over 15 years of experience in the pet industry and as an animal welfare advocate. She has worked for the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and fundraises and volunteers for local dog rescues. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 06/11/25 Credit: The Spruce / Kristie Lee Key Takeaways Some dog breeds are more receptive to training due to their intelligence, eagerness to please, and strong work ethic.Breeds like Border Collies, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers are noted for their exceptional trainability and obedience.While certain breeds are easy to train, maintaining consistent, fun, and frequent training sessions is crucial for success. The easiest dogs to train have a good balance of intelligence, eagerness to please, and enthusiasm for learning. Any dog can be trained, but certain breeds are more receptive because of these traits. Many of these dogs are highly motivated by positive reinforcement, such as treats. Others have strong work ethics that allow them to focus on training. Here are 20 dog breeds that are easy to train. Tip Even for breeds that excel at obedience, training still must be fun and frequent. Set your dog up for success by taking things slowly, minimizing the distractions, keeping the training sessions short, and using lots of praise and rewards. Breed Characteristics When it comes to the success of dog obedience training, it's not just about how smart the dog is. Some breeds can be incredibly intelligent, but they also might be free thinkers known for being stubborn. And that can make obedience hit or miss. The dog breeds that are easiest to train are usually smart, agreeable, and receptive to people. You may see these breeds working as therapy animals, assistance dogs, and alongside police or military. 9 Types of Working Dogs and the Jobs They Excel At 01 of 20 Border Collie Credit: The Spruce / Kristie Lee Border collies are often viewed as one of the smartest dog breeds. Their intelligence, combined with the fact that they are quick to learn and very in tune with their humans, makes them extremely trainable. They also have a strong work ethic and thrive when given a job to do. While they can be easy to train, they need lots of mental enrichment to prevent boredom. Otherwise, they can develop problem behaviors, such as destroying household items. Breed Overview Height: 18 to 22 inchesWeight: 28 to 48 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Rough or smooth medium-length double coat; body is slightly longer than it is tall; long head comes to a point at the nose with ears standing erect and tips curling over 02 of 20 German Shepherd Credit: The Spruce / Kristie Lee The German shepherd is another highly intelligent dog that was bred to be responsive and obedient. Thus, it's no surprise that German shepherds are often used by law enforcement and as service dogs. These dogs are very loyal and protective of their families. Without proper training and socialization, this can turn into distrust of strangers. Breed Overview Height: 22 to 26 inchesWeight: 60 to 100 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Large, athletic build; double coat comprising a thick undercoat and a dense, slightly wavy or straight outer coat; tan and black or red and black coloring 03 of 20 Golden Retriever Credit: The Spruce / Kristie Lee Golden retrievers are popular family pets for good reason. They're typically very affectionate, patient, and gentle, and they have an endearing enthusiasm for life. Goldens are known for being extremely eager to please. This, combined with their intelligence, means they're very receptive to training. They also tend to be serious foodies and will do just about anything for a treat. Breed Overview Height: 23 to 24 inches (male); 21.5 to 22.5 inches (female)Weight: 65 to 75 pounds (male); 55 to 65 pounds (female)Physical Characteristics: Medium-length double coat; light to dark gold; medium to large stature 04 of 20 Labrador Retriever Credit: The Spruce / Kristie Lee Labrador retrievers share a lot of characteristics with golden retrievers. They're another breed that is often trained as a service dog because of their smarts, enthusiasm, and calm and gentle nature. Plus, they're known for having outstanding retrieval skills. Like with goldens, food rewards also work wonders with Labs during training. Just make sure to keep portions under control as Labs are prone to obesity. Breed Overview Height: 21 to 24 inchesWeight: 55 to 80 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Sturdy, athletic build; smooth, water-resistant double coat; otter-like tail Continue to 5 of 20 below 05 of 20 Vizsla Credit: Hillary Kladke / Getty Images Vizslas generally have incredible stamina, enthusiasm, loyalty, and intelligence. They tend to be eager to please, and they form very strong attachments to their owners, often being referred to as "Velcro dogs." Vizslas need lots of exercise, and training is an excellent way for them to work out some energy. Dog sports are ideal for these canines to get both a mental and physical workout. Breed Overview Height: 22 to 23 inchesWeight: 45 to 50 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Muscular and well proportioned; russet-colored short, smooth, dense coat 06 of 20 English Springer Spaniel Credit: Pedro Lopez / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0 If you're looking for a dog that has boundless energy and enthusiasm and a real desire to please, the English springer spaniel might tick a lot of boxes. This busy and jovial breed has a constantly wagging tail and loves having a job to do. It also has excellent retrieval skills and an incredibly sensitive nose, which can be put to use in dog sports. These dogs are best suited for an active household where they'll get plenty of exercise. Breed Overview Height: 19 to 20 inchesWeight: 40 to 53 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Long ears; dense, medium-length coat with feathering; coloring includes black or liver with white markings (or the opposite) along with blue or liver roan and tricolor 07 of 20 Poodle Credit: Carol Howell / EyeEm / Getty Images A lot of the poodle's popularity can be attributed to its elegant and refined look. But this breed is also quite intelligent and very eager to please. Poodles are typically devoted to their owners, and they love to learn. As long as you keep training fun for them, they can be experts at learning complex tricks. Their natural athleticism also means they can excel at dog sports, such as agility. Breed Overview Height: Standard: 15 inches; miniature: 10 to 15 inches; toy: 10 inches and underWeight: Standard: 45 to 70 pounds; miniature: 15 to 18 pounds; toy: 5 to 9 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Curly, dense single-layer coat; may be one of many solid colors, including white, black, gray, brown, and apricot 08 of 20 Keeshond Credit: Daniela Duncan / Getty Images The keeshond is generally smart, loyal, gentle, friendly, and easy to train. These dogs are very alert and curious, and while they typically have a calm demeanor, they're constantly taking everything in. Plus, they have a lot of enthusiasm for trying new things and tend to excel when learning new dog sports thanks to their athleticism. But keeshonds were developed as watchdogs, so you might have to put in extra training to prevent alert barking from getting out of control. Breed Overview Height: 17 to 18 inchesWeight: 35 to 45 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Almost fox-like in appearance; thick plumed tail; mask around the eyes that gives the impression of glasses; thick double coat; usually a mixture of gray, black, and cream with varied shading Continue to 9 of 20 below 09 of 20 Havanese Credit: @Hans Surfer / Getty Images The little Havanese is generally a friendly, adaptable, and smart dog breed. It is also known for being easier to train than many other small dog breeds, which overall can be a bit headstrong at times. The Havanese is typically very attentive and eager to please during training, especially when given lots of positive reinforcement. The breed also is a regular competitor in dog sports and obedience trials. Breed Overview Height: 8.5 to 11.5 inchesWeight: 7 to 13 poundsPhysical Characteristics: May have one or two colors including black, silver, white, cream, tan, fawn, gold, sable, and red; coat can vary drastically from silky straight to very wavy with ringlets 15 Friendliest Canine Companions That Love People 10 of 20 Manchester Terrier Credit: Charles Walker / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 While known for being smart, terriers, in general, are also often associated with being strong-willed and feisty. However, Manchester terriers are typically more responsive and trainable than your average terrier while not being any less intelligent. These dogs love being busy and having a job to do, which helps them focus during training. As long as you keep training sessions fun and challenging, their interest in mental challenges should overtake that trademark terrier stubbornness. Breed Overview Height: Toy: 10 to 12 inches; standard: 15 to 16 inchesWeight: Toy: Under 12 pounds; standard: 12 to 22 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Smooth, glossy, short, dense coat; colors include black and tan or black with mahogany markings; powerful, compact, muscular body; naturally erect ears 11 of 20 Border Terrier Despite their size, Border Terriers are energetic and feisty. Credit: Bigandt_Photography / Getty Images The small border terrier is lively, brave, and outgoing. Though they can have a stubborn streak, they love to keep busy and will learn well once you figure out what motivates them most. Bred to protect sheep from foxes, these little guys are fast, fierce, and tenacious. Border terriers need plenty of exercise and respond best to training once they've gotten all that energy out of their systems. Plus, they are incredibly easy to care for. Breed Overview Height: 12 to 15 inchesWeight: 11 to 14 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Short, wiry coat in blue and tan, grizzle and tan, red, or wheaten; muzzle is usually darker; somewhat short in stature; broad head with folded v-shaped ears 12 of 20 Papillon Credit: Tara Gregg / EyeEm / Getty Images Named for their butterfly-like ears, the papillon is a small dog from the toy group. Smart, friendly, and agreeable, they're very receptive to training and don't need an extreme amount of exercise. The papillon is content to relax in your lap one moment, then ready to go out on an adventure with you the next. Their eager attitude makes them much easier to train than many other small dogs. Breed Overview Height: 8 to 112 inchesWeight: 6 to 10 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Straight, long, single-layer coat in white with markings and a mask of color, usually red, sable, black, or lemon; upright butterfly-like ears (though some are drop-eared); small-boned yet athletic Continue to 13 of 20 below 13 of 20 Shetland Sheepdog Credit: Yvonne Van der Horst / Getty Images The Shetland sheepdog, or "sheltie" for short, is a medium-small collie-type dog created to herd livestock. They're alert, intelligent, and playful dogs who form close bonds with their humans. Their working background make the breed easy to train and regular exercise will help them expel excess energy so they'll pay better attention to you. Breed Overview Height: 13 to 16 inchesWeight: 15 to 25 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Long double coat in black and white; black, white, and tan; blue merle and white; blue merle, white, and tan; sable and white; or sable, merle, and tan; upright, slightly-bent ears; lean body with long muzzle 14 of 20 Doberman Pinscher Credit: JamesBrey / Getty Images The Doberman pinscher is a large, lean dog with a deep chest and smooth, shiny coat. These dogs may seem intimidating to some, but most are friendly, smart, and a little bit goofy. These active, hard-working, and extremely loyal dogs are very receptive to training. They enjoy engaging with humans but will fiercely protect their families from perceived threats. Despite their size, Dobies are very easy to take care of thanks to their short coats. Breed Overview Height: 25 to 28 inchesWeight: 65 to 100 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Short, smooth coat in black, red, blue, or fawn with rust markings (sometimes small patches of white are seen); deep-chested; long and tall with a lean yet muscular build; ears may be cropped to stand erect 20 Dog Breeds That Fit Seamlessly Into a Busy Lifestyle 15 of 20 Australian Shepherd Credit: The Spruce / Kristie Lee The Australian shepherd is a medium-sized herding dog with an agile, athletic build. Among the smartest of all dog breeds, you can train an Aussie to do just about anything. However, the breed has a lot of energy and requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Bring training and exercise together by teaching them how to play active games and participate in dog sports. Breed Overview Height: 18 to 21 inches (female), 20 to 23 inches (male)Weight: 40 to 55 pounds (female), 50 to 65 pounds (male)Physical Characteristics: Medium double coat in blue merle, red merle, black, or red; all colors may have white markings and/or tan (copper) points; medium-frame, athletic body 16 of 20 Australian Cattle Dog Credit: Getty Images/Adriana Jaworska The Australian cattle dog, also called the blue heeler, is a sturdy, medium-sized herding dog. As the name states, they were bred to herd cattle and other livestock, and they have the smarts and strength to prove it. When given enough exercise and mental engagement, Australian cattle dogs will learn quickly and are always ready for additional training. Breed Overview Height: 1 inchesWeight: 1 poundsPhysical Characteristics: coat Continue to 17 of 20 below 17 of 20 Pembroke Welsh Corgi Credit: The Spruce / Kevin Norris Pembroke Wesh corgis are short herding dogs perhaps best known as a favorite breed of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Though smart, they can be strong-willed and may need extra motivation to learn. As energetic dogs, they need regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Breed Overview Height: 10 to 12 inchesWeight: 24 to 30 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Medium-length double coat in black and tan, red, sable, or fawn (all colors are typically seen with white markings); short legs and erect ears 18 of 20 Cardigan Welsh Corgi The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is an excellent herding dog. Credit: Getty Images Since they're closely related to Pembrokes, Cardigan Welsh corgis share many of their traits. Short-statured, determined, and energetic, the Cardigan will learn best when they've had enough exercise to calm them enough to pay attention. They're deeply loyal to trusted people but may be wary of strange humans or other dogs approaching their territory. Breed Overview Height: 10 to 13 inches Weight: 25 to 38 pounds Physical Characteristics: Medium-length, dense, water-resistant double coat in rRed, sable, brindle, black, or blue merle; most commonly with white markings on the neck, chest, legs, muzzle, tail, and face; short legs and erect ears 19 of 20 Miniature Schnauzer Credit: Lunja / Getty Images Bold and vigilant, the miniature schnauzer is inclined to bark at just about anything, whether is neighbors walking by the house or an animal running through the yard. Stubbornness is a common trait for these small terriers, but their loyalty towards their humans makes them very trainable with the right motivation. Breed Overview Height: 12 to 14 inchesWeight: 11 to 20 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Medium-length, wiry double coat in black, black and silver, or salt and pepper; small and short yet sturdy, perky, folded ears that may be cropped 20 of 20 Rottweiler Credit: Getty Images/Julian Popov / EyeEm A fierce-looking, large dog, the Rottweiler is intensely loyal, hard-working, and intelligent. Their muscular, rugged bodies may seem imposing, but they are often affectionate and gentle towards trusted people. Rotties may be stubborn at times, but ultimately want to please you (and get rewarded for it, of course). Their short coats are east to care for, so spend the extra time providing exercise and mental stimulation. Breed Overview Height: 22 to 27 inchesWeight: 80 to 130 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Short double coat in black with tan, rust, or mahogany; large, muscular build with a round head and short muzzle Breeds to Avoid If you want a dog that can learn and reliably perform complex tricks or tasks, then there are some dog breeds you might want to avoid. It's not that these breeds are dumb—they just often have an independent, stubborn streak that can make training difficult. Some of the hardest dogs to train include the Afghan hound, Pekingese, Basenji, Borzoi, and Shiba Inu. 15 Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners Explore more: Dogs Dog Breeds