Most Trainable Dogs
If you are considering getting a new dog, first off, congratulations on making one of the best decisions of your life. Second of all, it is important to consider more than just aesthetics.
Trust me, I know how hard it can be to think of anything other than how devastatingly cute the pooch is. But there are other more important factors like how easy the dog will be to train and live with in general.
To help you out, we have compiled a list of 32 of the most trainable dogs that are ideal for first-time pet parents including border collies, golden retrievers, and toy poodles.
32. Rottweiler
Rottweilers get a bad reputation as far as their personalities go. People wrongly believe them to be aggressive and dangerous mainly due to their popularity as police and guard dogs. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
These doggies are actually very calm and good-natured doggies. Though very confident, rottweilers have no issues being obedient and are therefore very easy to train. This convenience is also complemented by the dog’s very high IQ.
31. Havanese
These super cute doggies are every first-time dog owner’s dream. They are incredibly affectionate and perfect if you want a pooch who will follow you around everywhere. They especially get along well with children and are therefore fantastic family pets.
These doggies are of average intelligence but are very responsive to commands. With smart training techniques and consistency, you should have the doggie doing whatever you want in no time including potty training.
30. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is another often misunderstood gentle giant. Even referring to the sometimes ferocious dogs as gentle sounds counterintuitive. However, these doggies are very easy to train with their high intelligence, loyalty, and eagerness to please.
If you are worried about their potential aggressive side, simply get a German Shepherd puppy. As they grow, so will your confidence and dominance over them making them a lot easier to handle than if you had started with an adult, just like what the 46th POTUS did.
29. Bernese Mountain Dog
These doggies are incredibly mellow and perfect if you do not want to deal with aggression or firecracker personalities. They tend to be very loyal and clingy with family members that they have time to truly bond with.
The doggies were bred for use as guard dogs and have since developed impressive levels of alertness as well as high concentration spans. They are also very intelligent dogs. All this makes them super easy to train especially as a first-time pet owner.
28. Chihuahua
This is another breed that you probably didn’t expect to find on our list. But believe it or not, chihuahuas are fantastic options for first-time pooch owners. These fun-loving little firecrackers are often considered too stubborn and aloof to train.
However, this is not the case and only happens if the chihuahua’s owner does not take the time to win over their pooch. Once you get them to trust you they are the most obedient little doggies you will ever meet.
27. Greyhound
The Greyhound is a gentle and even-tempered dog that is an awesome option for first-time dog owners who want a large, but manageable breed. These low maintenance dogs are known for their athleticism and affectionate nature.
All you have to do to keep your new fur baby happy is to let them out regularly and show them some love and attention.
As far as training goes, however, they may need a bit more effort and time than other breeds on our list but it will definitely pay off.
26. French Bulldog
Frenchies were bred to be companion dogs and it definitely shows in their incredibly social and affectionate personalities. They are also of above level intelligent which makes it very easy to train and live with them.
However, these dogs like to stay active and must be physically and mentally stimulated. If you do not do this you may end up with a pooch more stubborn and difficult to deal with than what you signed up for.
25. Maltese
There is a common misconception in the dog lovers community that all small dogs are stubborn nightmares that are impossible to deal with. While there are a few breeds that exemplify these beliefs, most of them are actually very agreeable especially for rookie dog parents.
The maltese is a fantastic example of a small doggie that is actually very easy to live with. The intelligent doggies are particularly responsive to commands and require very little time for full training.
24. Pug
Pugs are stinking cute and there are no two ways about it. From their smooshed up little faces and adorable personalities, they are ideal starter doggies for pet parents. They are also very eager to please their owners. So though they may not be the smartest, they are quite easy to train.
It is important to remember that their cuteness comes at great cost to their health. So instead of ordering one from a breeder and promoting their harmful breeding, consider getting a rescue.
23. English Springer Spaniel
The most awesome personality trait that English Springer Spaniels have as far as easy training goes is their attentiveness. They are also very intelligent and have awesome memory skills. All this makes it particularly easy to train them on complicated skills or tricks that may require more time and effort.
They are also generally very fun and loving doggies that will get along with anyone that shows them love and affection.
22. Boston Terrier
The Boston terrier is a very forgiving breed for beginners. The low maintenance doggies are perfect to start with as you figure out how to take care of dogs whether it is exercise needs or grooming.
With their short smooth coat, you do not have a lot of work to do as they rarely shed. They are also not super active and will be happy with fun indoor games. This is ideal if you have an apartment setting.
They are also very obedient which is going to make training very easy for you as you figure out your doggy parenting style.
21. Dobermann Pinscher
The Dobermann pinscher is another that is not often recommended to first-time dog parents due to their potential to get aggressive. What most people do not realize is that this potentially problematic personality trait can very easily be trained out.
As with German Shepherds, it is best to start early especially with younger doggies. With their high intelligence levels and attentive personalities, it will be very easy to socialize and housebreak them.
20. Brussels Griffon
This toy breed is very cute and therefore hits that sweet spot of aesthetic appeal for many first timers. However, you have to be prepared for a few weeks of getting ignored as the aloof pooches take time to warm up.
However, once trust and a bond are established, these are some of the best dogs to live with. They are particularly easy to train with personality traits including alertness, intelligence, and curious nature.
19. Basset Hound
Basset hounds are generally of average to above average intelligence. However, they are very inquisitive and alert which are traits you can definitely leverage to your advantage when training them. You will also need plenty of patience and a lot of treats but it will all pay off eventually.
What makes them perfect doggies for first time owners is the fact that they are very sweet and gentle. This makes them ideal for pet owners who want an even-tempered pooch especially in families with children.
18. Beagle
This compact breed is perfect in terms of aesthetics if you do not want what can be considered a “regular dog” look. Their tricolor coats add a nice flare without being too crazy.
Aesthetics aside, what makes them worth considering as first dogs is their personalities. They are gentle with children and strangers and thus awesome family pets. Their high IQ as well as their determination also makes it very easy to train them.
17. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies will keep you on your toes with their high energy levels and for some first timers, this is exactly the kind of dog experience that they want. They are also pretty smart and always eager to please their masters which makes training even easier.
However, you have to prepare yourself for their stubborn side. When it comes to training, make sure to use treats and to keep the sessions short to avoid having this negative trait ruin your experience.
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16. Boxer
This is another very energetic breed that you should not get unless you have the time and energy to invest in keeping them happy and stimulated. These doggies are especially quick to grasp play skills whether it is a game of catch or playing frisbee.
Therefore, make sure to start on these as soon as possible to establish obedience.
They also respond very well to praise which should feature heavily as a reward during your training.
15. Bearded Collie
Bearded collies are unique-looking little doggies that have the sweetest hearts of any dogs you will ever meet. They are particularly known for their eagerness to please and impressive self-confidence.
Bearded collies are also very intelligent. All these factors make them easy to train as rookie dog owners as all you need is the right set of skills and a steady supply of treats to reward the little hard workers for the good job.
14. Miniature Schnauzer
There is no better way to describe a mini Schnauzer than incredibly obedient. They are particularly responsive to house breaking and obedience training. If you do not want to assert yourself too much just to get your dog to do what you want, then this is the breed for you.
Something important that you need to factor in, however, is the fact that these doggies love to stay active. They are naturally very energetic and require regular physical stimulation to avoid tantrums.
13. Bichon Frise
The bichon frise is another option for first time dog owners who are really big on aesthetics with their doggies. There is just something irresistibly cute about these dogs’ adorable, little, cloud-like faces.
The best part is that they have a lot more to bring to the table than the “aaaw” factor. They are very loyal and intelligent dogs that will do anything for their owner’s approval which makes training very easy and fun.
12. King Charles Spaniel
If you want a social butterfly of a dog as your first furry bestie then the King Charles Spaniel is the way to go. These dogs have a way with people and pets even when they are complete strangers and are fantastic for families or homes with heavy human traffic.
They are also very easy to train which makes them awesome for first timers. They are not as intelligent as other super smart breeds on our list. However, they are quite adaptable which is a skill that will come in very handy when it comes to training
11. Pomeranian
A pomeranian is another aesthetic dream come true for dog owners. Their dramatic fluffy appearance is a definite winner among many first timers. The best part is that they have a personality to match with their extroverted nature.
You will need to put in a lot of effort to get the dog to pay attention during training. However, they are pretty smart and with the right training techniques, you should have them doing whatever you want in no time.
10. Australian Cattle Dog
This is among the most hardworking dog breeds you can get. They are also very smart, attentive, and obedient. This combination of traits makes the dogs very easy to train and live with whether you want a solo companion or a family pet.
The thing with these doggies is that they can be a little high maintenance both in terms of energy needs and general care. So do not commit to owning one unless you have the time and energy to give them the care that they truly deserve.
9. Shetland Sheepdog
Sheltie doggies are very playful pooches and will require a lot of your time and energy. But with their super sweet personalities, it is safe to say that it is more than worth it.
These dogs are also super smart. In fact, according to dog behavior specialist Stanley Coren, they are the 6th most intelligent dogs out of a list of 138. This means you will have a breeze training them as long as you use the right techniques and are consistent in your efforts.
8. American Cocker Spaniel
The cocker spaniel’s history is full of evidence of how easy these doggies are to train. From their use as hunting aids to their training as gun dogs, it goes without saying that these eager little learners have a lot to offer newbie pet parents.
It is important to note that these dogs are also very sensitive. As a result, harsh punishments during training will only set you back several steps by traumatizing the doggies.
7. Keeshond
Keeshonds have the perfect trio of traits that make them especially easy to train. These are high intelligence, eagerness to please, and a predisposition to obedience even with minimal assertion.
The playful fur balls are therefore very easy to train especially with complex tricks. They especially enjoy training that has them use their physical strengths including their quick reflexes and general agility. Therefore, if you are willing to spend time outdoors with more fun training then these are the dogs for you.
6. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
There is a good reason why Queen Elizabeth II has about thirty of these beauties. They are generally very calm and intelligent which makes them easy to work with especially as a first time dog owner.
However, you need to remain aware of the fact that they are prone to aggressive outbursts especially when they feel psychologically frustrated. To avoid this, keep them happy by bonding with them and letting them have at least 30 minutes of play time every day.
5. Papillon
The papillon is one of the most unique-looking dogs on our list and it is an aesthetic that definitely appeals to many first timers. As far as caring for these doggies go, they are pretty low maintenance.
4. Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers have dominated the top position as far as most popular dog breeds go for several years now. With their high intelligence, intuitive nature, and general friendliness, it is not so hard to see why they are such a hit.
They are ideal for first time dog parents who want manageable pooches both in terms of training and general maintenance. With the latter need, it is their independence and general laid back nature that make them worth considering.
3. Toy Poodle
Poodles in general are among the smartest dog breeds. However, standard sized poodles are associated with personality traits that may not be ideal for first time dog owners. These include stubbornness, aloof predisposition, and poor interaction with children and strangers.
Toy poodles on the other hand allow you to enjoy the benefits of a poodle’s intelligence with a friendlier and more affectionate little furry buddy. Their eagerness to please also makes them very easy to train.
2. Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers have for a long time being among the most popular dog breeds of all time and this is largely due to their high intelligence. They are very easy to train both in terms of basic obedience and special skills.
Golden retrievers are also fantastic starter pets if you want the perfect combination of an affectionate, gentle dog with a fun and goofy side. There will never be a dull moment in that home.
1. Border Collie
Border collies are considered the smartest dogs in terms of both intelligence and emotional quotient. This combination of traits makes them perfect for first time dog owners who want pooches that are not only easy to train but also very fun to live with.
They also get along really well with strangers, children, and other dogs. You may have to socialize them early on for this but their willingness to open up is definitely commendable.
Related Questions
What Are The Stupidest Dogs? Afghan Hounds are considered the dumbest of all dog breeds. This might be a little harsh as the breed does have its charms including their willingness to learn. They are particularly excellent at visual tracking and thrive with a lot of outdoor exposure. You will, however, need a lot of patience and perseverance to get them to learn anything you want to train them on.
What Dog Has The Highest IQ? The border collie is often mentioned as the smartest dog breed by many dog training experts and dog behavioral specialists. These dogs are not only smart but also very obedient and eager to please. Whether it is house-breaking, basic commands training, or even teaching them cool tricks, working with a collie will be very fun.
What Are The Least Obedient Dogs? Siberian huskies are the least obedient dogs. Despite being incredibly intelligent, their incredibly stubborn personalities make them a poor choice for first time dog owners. However, as with any other dog breed all you need to do is foster trust, establish yourself as the alpha, and be patient and consistent in your training.
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