Easiest dog breeds to train
Breeds that learn quickly and respond well to training.
Trainability mixes two different things: intelligence and willingness to cooperate. There are extremely clever breeds that decide things for themselves, and less brilliant ones that would do anything to please you; day to day, the second combination tends to be easier to live with.
This list ranks by trainability and intelligence, penalising stubbornness and prey drive, which is what most often ruins recall in a park.
Top 24 breeds
- 1. Doberman Pinscher 85%
- 2. Estrela Mountain Dog 85%
- 3. Eurasier 80%
- 4. Sussex Spaniel 80%
- 5. Akbash 75%
- 6. Biewer Terrier 75%
- 7. Bouvier des Flandres 75%
- 8. Boxador 75%
- 9. Boxweiler 75%
- 10. Chinook 75%
- 11. German Sheprador 75%
- 12. Golden Retriever 75%
- 13. Golden Shepherd 75%
- 14. Goldendoodle 75%
- 15. Labrador Retriever 75%
- 16. Papipoo 75%
- 17. Pembroke Welsh Corgi 75%
- 18. Pomapoo 75%
- 19. Pomeranian 75%
- 20. Poodle 75%
- 21. Rottle 75%
- 22. Sheepadoodle 75%
- 23. Shetland Sheepdog 75%
- 24. Shichon 75%
The percentage shows how well each breed matches the criteria of this guide, not how "good" the breed is.
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- Best dog breeds for apartment living Breeds that cope well with a flat: moderate size, moderate energy and little barking.
- Best dog breeds for families with children Breeds that are affectionate with the family, tolerant with children and sociable with other dogs.
- Best dog breeds for first-time owners Breeds suited to people who have never had a dog: easy to train and forgiving of mistakes.
- Dog breeds that shed very little Breeds with minimal shedding and little drooling, for people who don't want hair everywhere.
- Dog breeds that tolerate being left alone More independent breeds, for people who are out of the house during the day.
- Calm, quiet dog breeds Low-energy breeds that bark little, ideal where neighbours are close.
- Best dog breeds for older people Manageable size, low energy and a docile temperament for easy day-to-day living.
- Best dog breeds for runners and active people Breeds with the energy and stamina for running, hiking or dog sports.
- Dog breeds that handle hot weather well Breeds adapted to hard summers.
- Best guard dog breeds Territorial, protective breeds suited to guarding with an experienced owner.
- Dog breeds that get on well with other dogs Sociable breeds, for homes that already have a dog or for regular dog-park visitors.