Although intelligence plays a big role in how trainable a dog is, each breed has different traits that affect its ability to learn. Some may be easily distracted or prefer to be independent. However, two traits that our list of 10 most trainable dog breeds have in common is they are intelligent, and they are eager to please their owner. This combination is what makes these breeds the easiest to train.
1. German Shepherd
It’s no wonder the German Shepherd is the top pick for police, military, guide dogs and other service requirements. Their high intelligence, steady temperament, and sheer loyalty make this breed easy to train and determined to learn.
2. Labrador Retriever
This water dog was originally bred as a gun dog, yet with its high obedience and patience, it is now commonly used as a guide and therapy dog. The Labrador is friendly, reliable, hardworking, and intelligent.
3. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a charming dog with excellent social skills and general smarts. Because it is an easy-to-please dog, it has excellent obedience skills yet is playful, affectionate, and even-tempered.
4. Border Collie
Arguably the most intelligent breed, the Border Collie is a command-driven dog that can often outwit its owner. Bred for, and still used widely as a sheepdog, the Border Collie is an energetic breed that excels in agility, obedience, and tracking.
5. Poodle
When you consider the Poodle, you may be fooled by its fancy coat, yet this breed is highly intelligent and eager to please. This makes them the ideal dog to train. Poodles love to be challenged and are up for almost any task you put them to.
6. Shetland Sheepdog
This elegant breed is playful, affectionate and obedient. Shetland Sheepdogs are competitive and agile, perfect for herding but with an affectionate nature. If you want a small yet intelligent breed, you can’t go past the Shetland Sheepdog.
7. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler thrives when it has a job to do, making it extremely responsive and easy to train. A well-bred Rottweiler will be calm and confident and makes a great family pet. It is a large breed that is naturally protective over its owner.
8. Doberman Pinscher
Known for its stamina and speed, the Doberman Pinscher performs well as a police and military dog. It responds extremely well to training and can be a great guard dog as well as a family dog.
9. Papillon
Don’t be fooled by this lap dog. It is considered one of the 10 most trainable dog breeds because it is extremely agile and smart. They are alert and have a high desire to please, making them intelligent and easy to train.
10. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is alert, curious and high-energy, built to herd, they’re extremely intelligent. They thrive on having a job to complete and have high responsiveness to commands.
