8 Easiest Dogs to Train That Make Obedient Pets

Border collies are a bright and lively breed named for the border region in Scotland where they originated and the Scottish word for sheepdog, collie. These canines are definitely smarter than you realize and are fantastic athletes when it comes to herding. They are agile and intelligent. They were bred to herd sheep by following distant whistles as well as by using their own judgment.

Border collie

One commonality among German shepherd dogs is their use as watchdogs, herding dogs, guide dogs for the blind, and service dogs. According to animal behaviorist Mary Burch, PhD, these are some of the simplest dogs to train for both the workplace and the family. They make sense as one of the most favored breeds. 

German shepherd

This breed is classified as a toy dog by the American Kennel Club due to its small size and light weight. The name "papillon" (French for "butterfly") refers to the fluttering, butterfly-shaped ears of these puppies, which are almost as well-known for their personalities. According to Burch, papillons are "intelligent, self-assured, playful, affectionate and happy." 

Papillon

According to an American Kennel Club survey, Labrador retrievers are the second most popular breed of dog in America. Burch claims that for the past several years, Labs have also routinely placed first and have taken home multiple victories in the club's National Obedience Championship. 

Labrador retriever

Golden retrievers are joyful, gregarious, and clever dogs that are regarded as athletic breeds. Some of the most well-mannered and easiest dogs to train are these due to their exceptional obedience. Burch claims that they're among the greatest canines for elders and that they also make excellent service and therapy dogs. 

Golden retriever

Good news for obedience training: Border terriers are happy, loving dogs who enjoy their jobs. Burch claims, "They're easy to train, affectionate, and have a good temperament." They're also excellent at Earthdog events, which are non-competitive evaluations intended to gauge a dog's hunting prowess, she continues.

Border terrier

The French national dog, the poodle, is a charming, energetic breed that comes in a range of sizes. Here's the thing, though: They're not French dogs at all. The name "poodle" is derived from the German word "pudel," which means "to splash in the water." Originally, these dogs were developed in Germany to hunt waterfowl.

Poodle

Reputably one of the easiest dogs to train is the statuesque Doberman pinscher. Herr Louis Doberman, a German tax collector who required a brave dog to guard him while he did his rounds, began breeding these German canines in the middle of the 1800s.

Doberman pinscher