Most Trainable Dog Breeds in the World

Before buying a dog, you need to understand how obedient and trainable the breed is.

Most Trainable Dog Breeds in the World

Before buying a dog, it's essential to understand the nature of the breed and how trainable they are. Each breed has its own genetic disposition, specialized talents and level of intelligence. Some dogs are known for being socially smart, while others have more substantial memory capabilities, problem-solving skills or high-level emotional intelligence.

If you're looking for a house pet, search for a breed that has a friendly disposition and is easy to train. Obedience classes are always an option, but good behavior begins at home by setting rules and boundaries with positive training methods that ensure a strong bond between a dog and their owner.

These are the most obedient dog breeds and their specific traits and talents.

German Shepherd

This is a medium to large dog breed, that originally hails from — you guessed it — Germany. They are highly intelligent dogs that are cautious around strangers and extremely loyal to their owners.

Males weigh between 66 and 88 pounds, while females weigh between 49 and 71 pounds. Their average life expectancy is nine to 13 years.

Temperament and Training

The German Shepherd is the No. 1 choice police use for K-9 units due to their easy trainability, a keen sense of smell, courage and determination. They are active dogs that need physical and mental exercise regularly and can learn basic commands by the time they are eight weeks old.

Their curious nature, watchfulness and confidence makes them excellent dogs for working extended hours as cadaver dogs. They are also known for their ability to detect blood sugar levels, making them the perfect companion for owners diagnosed with diabetes.

Border Collie

Originating from the border county of Northumberland, these agile, energetic dogs were bred for herding livestock, especially sheep.

Males generally weigh between 30 and 45 pounds, with females weighing between 27 and 42 pounds. Their average life expectancy is relatively long, sometimes living up to 17 years.

Temperament and Training

Border Collies are exceptionally smart dogs that learn tasks very quickly and are eager to please their owners. They thrive in large spaces (a house is preferable to apartment living) and need vigorous daily exercise. They're best known for their herding and tracking skills.

At times, they can be mischievous if left alone for too long but are generally well-behaved around young children. These dogs are well-suited for service work, especially for owners who are vision-impaired.

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever earned the name from their uncanny ability to retrieve waterfowl such as ducks or game birds. A medium-to-large dog, their friendly nature, reliability and trustworthiness make them the perfect dog for new pet owners. This breed sheds quite a bit, though, and will require an owner who can manage the abundance of hair.

Males weigh between 65 and 75 pounds, with females weighing in between 55 and 71 pounds. Their average life expectancy is 10 to 12 years.

Temperament and Training

Goldens are problem-solvers that learn best from trial and error, which means they need an owner who will have plenty of patience while training them in obedience exercises.

They work well as emotional support dogs for reducing anxiety and as seeing-eye dogs. Their puppy-like playfulness and affectionate temperament also make them excellent family pets.

Labrador Retriever

Labs are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the U.S. due to their ability to interact well with humans and other dogs. They are non-aggressive and easy to train as a family dog or a working dog. As a service dog, they are one of the top choices for search and rescue missions.

Labradors love large yards to romp around in. The males typically weigh between 64 and 79 pounds, while the females usually run between 55 and 71 pounds. Their life expectancy averages 10 to 12 years.

Temperament and Training

Labrador Retrievers are even-tempered, outgoing, gentle dogs that can be quickly trained to be service dogs. They work exceptionally well with mobility-impaired owners since they can fetch items for their owners. Their soft mouths enable them to pick up items without damaging them.

They are also used as "alert dogs" due to their ability to detect seizures. Labradors have a good nose and, for this reason, are often trained to be cadaver dogs or as detection dogs for sniffing out bombs and narcotics at airports and harbors.

Bernese Mountain Dog

This large-sized, sturdy breed was raised as a working dog to herd cattle and pull heavy farmer's carts in the mountainous regions of Switzerland. Despite their size (average weight is between 79 and 110 pounds), they are high-energy dogs, making them difficult for novice dog owners to handle.

They also have a shorter life span since they are more prone to cancer — on average, living about six to eight years.

Temperament and Training

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a friendly disposition and can be easily trained as a family watchdog. Although they are not ideal dogs for warmer climates, they love outdoor activities and should never be confined to small spaces due to their size.

Owner beware: This particular breed sheds and drools quite a bit, so you may be spending a considerable amount of time cleaning up after them.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Corgis are initially from Wales and were bred to be cattle herding dogs. Their agreeable nature makes them excellent house pets.

They are a smaller breed of dog, weighing between 22 and 31 pounds, with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

Temperament and Training

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a bold, playful dog but less needy than many other breeds. Although they tend to be bossy at times, they adapt well to training and are known for their intelligence and enthusiasm when learning new tricks.

This breed excels in dog competitions focused on agility, herding and obedience. Corgis are very protective of their owners and make wonderful guardians and family companions.

Australian Shepherd

This medium-sized breed, also known as the "Aussie," originated in the U.S. as a cowboy herding dog.

They are high-energy dogs that weigh roughly 40 to 65 pounds, with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

Temperament and Training

Aussies are smart, eager-to-please dogs that are easily housebroken.

They are always up for a challenge and love to learn new tricks, but their owners will need to keep them busy to control their behavior.

Border Terrier

Border Terriers are small, easy-going yet fearless dogs that were bred to hunt fox and rodents.

They weigh between 13 and 16 pounds, with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

Temperament and Training

Terriers are alert, even-tempered, obedient dogs, easy to house train and able to follow simple commands at a young age.

They are mannerly people-pleasers who are well behaved around children and adults, making them an ideal family pet.

Boxer

The Boxer is a low-maintenance, short-haired dog breed that is medium to large in size and has a muscular body. Originally from Germany, they were used during both world wars as guard dogs and as "messenger dogs" to send messages between troops in the crossfire of battle.

They are calm, friendly pups that generally weigh between 55 and 71 pounds and have an average life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.

Temperament and Training

Boxers' upbeat personality makes them fun, playful dogs that enjoy physical and mental challenges during training. They are loyal, protective canines that are easy to control and patient with children.

Their willingness to follow commands helps them achieve high rankings in special performance events.

Norwich Terrier

The Norwich Terrier is originally from the United Kingdom and was bred to hunt small rodents. Small in stature and weighing roughly 12 pounds, these dogs have a cheerful temperament and make great pets for new dog owners.

The average lifespan for this breed is 12 to 14 years.

Temperament and Training

These terriers have strong hunting instincts and were trained as working dogs for early huntsmen in Europe and the U.S. They are fast learners, easy to potty train and quick to obey commands given by their owners.

Sensitive and affectionate, the Norwich Terrier today is bred and trained mostly to be a companion dog.

Poodle

Poodles were first bred in either France or Germany, but may also be descendants of Asian herding dogs. They come in three varieties — Standard, Miniature and Toy. Their weight varies depending on the type, but the dog's average life expectancy is 12 to 15 years.

They have a high level of emotional intelligence and are instinctual animals that can learn any task. These canines are well suited for service work, especially as therapy dogs.

Temperament and Training

Poodles are agile dogs, adept at tracking and hunting. They need to be walked regularly and given plenty of space to run in large, fenced-in areas.

They are easy to house train and learn very quickly how to perform basic tricks. The breed is also good at navigating crowded locations and working as a seeing-eye dog.

Shetland Sheepdog

Also known as a Sheltie, this breed originates from the islands of Scotland and has a long herding heritage. They bear a strong resemblance to their cousin, the Collie, with a similar intelligence level, strength and gentleness disposition.

The average Sheltie weighs about 14 to 27 pounds and lives as long as 12 to 13 years.

Temperament and Training

Shelties are very trainable and responsive to commands. They are perfect candidates for training in all areas of canine sports competitions.

These dogs are lively yet reserved at times but, for the most part, are eager to please. Their gentle nature makes them excellent house pets.

Brussels Griffon

This type of dog falls into the Toy breed category, originating from Brussels, and was bred as a tracking dog.

They are agile and obedient, weighing in at around 12 pounds with an average life expectancy of 10 to 15 years.

Temperament and Training

The Brussels Griffon is a very sociable animal that's considered high maintenance since they need to be around their owners as much as possible. However, they are one of the easiest dog breeds to train and do incredibly well with rally trials in the canine show ring.

They are particularly confident, watchful and inquisitive animals well-suited to be therapy dogs. Note: They are not recommended for people who work long hours or are away from home frequently since these dogs thrive on being in the company of their owners.

Doberman Pinscher

Dobermans are medium-to-large domestic dogs that are athletic and fast, often used by the police to catch fleeing criminals.

Males weigh roughly 88 to 99 pounds, with females averaging between 71 and 77 pounds. Their typical life span is 10-13 years.

Temperament and Training

This breed requires regular training and strong leadership from its owner. They are fearless, confident dogs, but if left alone for long periods, they can become aggressive.

Dobermans make excellent guide dogs and therapy dogs and also perform well in search and rescue missions. Many people prefer them as watchdogs for the home since they are highly alert and protective of their owners.

Papillon

Also known as the Continental Toy Spaniel, Papillons originate from France, Belgium and Spain. Their name comes from the butterfly-like appearance of their long ears fringed with hair.

They are small, friendly dogs, most weighing between seven and 10 pounds. Their average life span is 10 to 15 years.

Temperament and Training

Papillons are energetic dogs that need a lot of exercise to stay busy.

Consistency is key to their training, which they take to well, especially with housebreaking and basic skills or tricks.

Miniature Schnauzer

Originally from Germany and first appearing in the mid- to late-19th century, Miniature Schnauzers are robust, spirited dogs with bushy beards and boundless energy.

The standard weight for males is 12 to 20 pounds, and the females usually weigh between 12 and 18 pounds. Their life expectancy is 12 to 15 years.

Temperament and Training

Miniature Schnauzers are intelligent, family-oriented dogs with a strong desire for human companionship and are simple to train. They are also extremely affectionate, playful and obedient.

However, these dogs are not recommended for owners who frequently travel since they have a strong desire for human contact.

Rottweiler

A larger-to-medium breed, Rottweilers were bred in Germany for herding livestock. They earned the nickname "Butcher's Dogs" for their ability to pull meat carts through the mountains.

They make excellent working dogs due to their high level of obedience, courage and stamina. The average weight for this breed is between 77 and 130 pounds, with a life span of 8 to 10 years.

Temperament and Training

Rottweilers are smart, self-assured, calm dogs that do well in obedience training. They perform well as police dogs, service dogs and therapy dogs. Rottweilers have strong territorial instincts and are very devoted to their owners.

However, if they don't receive proper training and socialization, they can become destructive and difficult to control.

English Springer Spaniel

Known as bird dogs, these medium-sized Sporting dogs were bred to hunt and retrieve game.

They weigh roughly 40 to 55 pounds and have a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.

Temperament and Training

English Springer Spaniels are excitable, affectionate canines that are people-pleasers and easy to train. For the most part, they are well-mannered pets, but they tend to chew things around the house if left alone for too long.

They require daily grooming, exercise and quite a bit of attention from their owners, but they're quick-thinking dogs willing to obey. They are compatible with young children and other dogs, which makes them an ideal family pet.

Training Other Dog Breeds

If your favorite dog breed is not on this list, it doesn't mean they aren’t trainable. It just means that it will take a little more time and patience to get the results you want while training them.

As with any breed of dog, find what works best for your pet, and stick to a regular playtime and exercise routine. And don’t forget to give them an abundance of love!