Like most things in life, we all have pretty different tastes when it comes to dog breeds. Some people want a big, active pooch they can take on runs and bike rides; others seek a pint-sized pal to kick back and binge-watch TV with. However, there’s one feature that almost every prospective Pet Parent looks for in their new forever friend, and that’s obedience. After all, having a smart dog is one thing, but having a dog that actually listens is a whole new ball game. So, to help find the perfect pup for you, we’re rounding up some of the most obedient dog breeds.
#1: German Shepherd
It shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that these popular cop companions are one of the most obedient dog breeds around. After all, working in law enforcement requires a lot of discipline, and German Shepherds have it in droves.
As you can probably guess from the name, the German Shepherd was originally bred to herd sheep, thanks to their trainability and boundless energy levels. Nowadays, their job description has expanded to include everything from search and rescue to bomb detection.
While they’re certainly obedient, it’s important to note that German Shepherds require plenty of physical and mental stimulation. If you don’t keep them busy enough, they’ll find cheeky new ways to use up all that energy. Don’t have the time? You and your furry friend might benefit from enlisting the help of a dedicated Dog Walker.
#2: Border Collie
Like the German Shepherd, Border Collies were originally bred as sheepdogs. It’s a job they’re naturally great at, owing to their athleticism, high energy levels, and status as the smartest dog breed. In fact, one clever Collie named Chaser was so smart, she could understand over 1,000 words!
Away from the farm, you’ll frequently find these pups wowing crowds at agility competitions around the world. In large part, that’s due to how obedient they are. It also doesn’t hurt that Border Collies simply love to learn new tricks and are super eager to please their Owner, making them perfect dogs for families.
That said, the Border Collie is a working dog by nature. That means they need plenty of space to run free, lots of toys to play with, and at least two decent walks a day. It’s a big job, but do it right and your doggo will reward you with endless love and loyalty.
#3: Poodle
Unlike our first two breeds, the Poodle was bred for hunting rather than herding. In fact, their famous quirky haircut was actually designed to help them wade through water to retrieve ducks. However, their distinctive curly coat and beautiful looks also made them popular among royalty, and even won them a few gigs as circus dogs!
So, with such an impressive resume, it’s not surprising that the Poodle is one of the most obedient dog breeds. They’re clever, easy to teach, and incredibly friendly, and their hypoallergenic coats make them ideal for Pet Owners who are sensitive to fur. They also come in three sizes (toy, miniature and standard), so there’s one to suit almost any lifestyle.
Like most large breeds, the Poodle does require a decent amount of exercise, but not quite as much as other working dogs – a simple one-hour walk per day should do the trick. On the downside, Poodles do need a lot of grooming to keep looking so elegant and stylish.
#4: Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever isn’t just a pretty face! These beautiful pups were first bred as – you guessed it – retrievers. Nowadays, you’ll find them earning their keep as guide dogs, therapy animals or simply as the beloved family pet.
Not only are Golden Retrievers intelligent, but they also have one of the loveliest temperaments you could ask for in a furry friend. Their willingness to learn, eagerness to please and fondness for food make them highly obedient and easy to teach – after all, what wouldn’t a Golden do for a treat?
Beyond intellect, the Golden Retriever is first and foremost a companion, and a great one at that. With their lust for life, affectionate nature, and calm, gentle demeanour around everyone (including young kids), it’s little wonder the Golden Retriever is also one of the most popular dog breeds in the world.
#5: Labrador
We all know Labradors are huge foodies, and will jump at any chance they get to sneak a bite (or three) of your dinner. And although this trait can get them into trouble, it’s also the key to why they’re one of the most obedient dog breeds.
A close relative of the Golden Retriever, the Labrador was also bred to retrieve game. That is, until their friendly temperament and trainability led them on a different path: becoming assistance dogs. A few treats here and there is all it takes to inspire these lovely pooches to learn new tricks.
Another favourite breed among families, the Labrador makes for a smart and gentle best friend. However, their gluttonous ways can occasionally lead to obesity, so Owners will have to ensure their Lab eats healthy, balanced dog meals and gets lots of exercise every day.
#6: Kelpie
Ah, the Kelpie. As Aussie as a meat pie after a trip to the beach. A favourite companion of farmers around the country, the Kelpie is the ultimate herding dog. They’re so adept at herding that they can pick it up with very little training and guidance. It’s simply in their nature.
Since they were bred specifically to follow their Owners’ demands, Kelpies are especially obedient and pick up new skills and tricks very quickly. They’re true problem solvers and love a challenge, so daily mental stimulation is an absolute must.
As with all herding dogs, however, the Kelpie has tons (and we mean tons) of energy. They need lots of exercise and mental stimulation, and shouldn’t be left alone for too long. That is, unless you want to return home to a redecorated house…
#7: Papillon
Yep, small breeds can be obedient too! Don’t let the Papillon’s cute, toy-like appearance fool you – these adorable doggos are far smarter and more obedient than you might expect.
Despite their reputation as a lapdog, the Papillon is intelligent and exceptionally teachable, making them one of the most obedient dog breeds. Indeed, they’re always willing to learn something new. They’re also surprisingly agile, so you’ll often see them tackling (and winning!) agility competitions.
Originally developed more than 500 years ago, the Papillon is by no means a working dog. In fact, many of these pups lived in the lap of luxury among royalty; Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette were both reportedly fans of their butterfly-like look and friendly temperament. These days, they’re popular pets for everyone from large families to single apartment-dwellers.
Did we miss your pooch on our list of most obedient dog breeds?
While the breeds above are typically the most obedient, that’s not to say that your Staffy or Shih-tzu isn’t just as easy to train! It all comes down to each individual dog. You may encounter a particularly stubborn German Shepherd or an unruly Labrador. Likewise, your rescue pup or mixed breed furbaby could put show dogs to shame with their trainability. After all, you know best how clever your furry friend is!
