The Most Obedient Dogs: Top 20 Breeds

If you're considering adding a pet to your home and this will be your first experience with a dog, it's best to choose breeds that are owner-oriented, docile, and highly trainable. In this article, we'll cover the top 20 breeds of various sizes known for being the most obedient and well-behaved dogs, easy to train, and least challenging for their owners.

Ranking of the smartest dogs in the world

Back in 1994, Stanley Coren (an animal psychologist from Vancouver) presented his rating of the most trainable breeds.

Place	Breed	Size	Wool	Conditions of detention
1	Border Collie	average	long	private house
2	Poodle	small, medium, large	long	apartment
3	German shepherd	large	average	private house
4	Golden Retriever	large	long	private house
5	Doberman	large	short	apartment, private house
6	Sheltie	average	long	private house
7	Labrador Retriever	large	long	private house
8	Papillon	small	long	apartment
9	Rottweiler	large	short	apartment, private house
10	Australian Shepherd	large	long	private house

A little later, the American Kennel Club also presented its rating, confirming that these dogs have the highest IQ and learning ability.

At the same time, cynologists believe that it is possible to find significantly more intelligent, obedient and sociable breeds among small, medium and large representatives.

The most obedient dog breeds for apartment living

This category features the most obedient small and medium-sized dogs, suitable for keeping in a small city apartment.

Poodle

Weight: toy (2.5-4 kg), dwarf (6-8 kg), small (8-14 kg), large (20-30 kg);
Height: toy (24-28 cm), dwarf (28-35 cm), small (35-45 cm), large (45-60 cm);
Country of origin: Germany, France;
Personality traits: good-natured, cheerful, playful, active, obedient;
Wool characteristics: curly (the dog needs regular grooming and haircuts).

The Poodle is a toy dog breed that is more trainable than other breeds, which is why they are often seen in various shows and circuses. Small and medium-sized varieties are more suitable for home use. These breeds are rarely aggressive and make excellent companions for children, as well as easily bonding with other pets in the family.

Papillon

Weight: 3-5 kg;
Height: 20-28 cm;
Country of origin: France;
Personality traits: energetic, cheerful, good-natured;
Wool characteristics: long, slightly wavy (undercoat almost absent).

The Miniature Continental Toy Spaniel is an intelligent and loyal companion, ready to support both active playtime with children and relaxing on the couch with grandma. These dogs are almost never in a bad mood and are always eager to spend time with their owner, making them easy to train. Papillons excel in agility and other disciplines.

French Bulldog

Weight: 8-14 kg;
Height: 30-35 cm;
Country of origin: France;
Personality traits: phlegmatic, kind, can be stubborn;
Wool characteristics: short.

French Bulldog – an ideal choice for a family with children. They may not be the most obedient dogs in the world, but they are fairly easy to train, obedient, and always focused on their owner. However, this breed does not tolerate loneliness well and requires constant human attention.

Italian Greyhound

Weight: 3-5 kg;
Height: 32-38 cm;
Country of origin: Italy;
Personality traits: temperamental, playful, sociable;
Wool characteristics: short.

Italian Greyhounds They are refined aristocrats who prefer the comfort of a sofa to long walks. A distinctive feature of the breed is a slight tremor that occurs when the dog is overexcited or in response to cold. In everyday life, Livrettos are obedient and well-behaved dogs, provided their owners devote sufficient attention to training and do not allow the animal to manipulate family members.

Maltese

Weight: 3-4 kg;
Height: 20-25 cm;
Country of origin: Italy;
Personality traits: sociable, kind, loving;
Wool characteristics: long (requires special grooming), without undercoat.

Maltese Maltese are among the most obedient dog breeds according to various international rankings, as these snow-white cuties are eager to obey commands in order to receive praise from their beloved owner. Maltese are easygoing with children, but they may not get along with other pets, as they struggle with having to share their owner's attention with other pets.

Chinese Crested

Weight: 2.3-5.5 kg;
Height: 23-33 cm;
Country of origin: China;
Personality traits: sociable, kind;
Wool characteristics: There are "naked" and long-haired varieties.

Many owners are confident that Chinese Crested They are truly able to anticipate their owner's desires and moods, and homes where these dogs live create a special atmosphere of comfort and peace. Both hairless and furry, these "Chinese" dogs are fiercely devoted to their owners and do not tolerate forced loneliness very well. Their desire to be close to their owners may even seem obsessive to some, but most owners are delighted by this display of affection.

Welsh Corgi

Weight: 9-13 kg;
Height: 25-30 cm;
Country of origin: United Kingdom;
Personality traits: friendly, cheerful, brave;
Wool characteristics: medium length.

There are two varieties of the breed—the Pembroke and the Cardigan—which differ in color. Both varieties are characterized by a lack of aggression, excellent intelligence, and a strong sense of belonging to their owners. Corgi It is also included in the rating of breeds recommended for families with children, because these "cute buns" love active games and are able to establish good contact with their little owner.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Weight: 5.5-8 kg;
Height: 28-32 cm;
Country of origin: United Kingdom;
Personality traits: cheerful, sociable, kind;
Wool characteristics: long, silky, can be straight or wavy.

Representatives of the breed Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Always ready to join in with a game or training. While not prone to dominance, they are completely owner-oriented and require constant human attention. They adore physical contact, express their affectionate attitude, and consider all family members, regardless of age, to be part of their pack. Because dogs were historically used for hunting, their genetic instincts may prevent them from bonding with cats.

Dalmatian

Weight: 24-32 kg;
Height: 54-62 cm;
Country of origin: Croatia;
Personality traits: energetic, cheerful, happy-go-lucky;
Wool characteristics: short, hard.

Dalmatians These are fairly large dogs, but they are often kept in urban areas for their striking appearance and cheerful nature. These breeds are quite intelligent, but even the most obedient and well-behaved require a lot of attention from their owners. Long walks with adequate exercise are essential for their well-being and the prevention of destructive behavior.

Japanese Chin

Weight: 2-5 kg;
Height: 20-27 cm;
Country of origin: Japan;
Personality traits: calm, balanced, delicate;
Wool characteristics: long, silky.

Japanese Spaniel They can quickly learn over 30 commands and greatly enjoy training with their owners. They are friendly with children and are willing to accept small and large dogs, as well as cats, as companions, forming their own unique pack.

The most obedient dog breeds for a private home

This category includes service and hunting dog breeds, as well as companion dogs, that are well suited to kennel living. This doesn't mean that such a dog can't be kept in an apartment. However, due to its relatively large size, the animal will require ample space, and the dry, overly warm air during the heating season may cause the owner to experience excessive shedding.

Border Collie

Weight: 15-20 kg;
Height: 47-53 cm;
Country of origin: United Kingdom;
Personality traits: "shepherd-like", sedate, easy-going;
Wool characteristics: long, with a thick undercoat.

Border Collies are working dogs, renowned rescuers, disciplined guides, and indispensable companions, and can excel in competitive sports. A study conducted by the University of British Columbia has recognized this breed as the most intelligent and trainable in the world! Dogs of this breed do not do well in the confined spaces of a city apartment and require daily exercise.

German shepherd

Weight: 22-40 kg;
Height: 55-65 cm;
Country of origin: Germany;
Personality traits: calm, balanced, executive;
Wool characteristics: double, with a thick undercoat.

If you ask experts which large dog breed is the most trainable, the German Shepherd will definitely top the list. These dogs have proven themselves excellent service and guard dogs, are sharp-witted, disciplined, and obedient. The breed is ideal for a private home, although German Shepherds are often kept in city apartments as well.

Golden Retriever

Weight: 25-41 kg;
Height: 51-61 cm;
Country of origin: United Kingdom;
Personality traits: calm, patient, smart;
Wool characteristics: medium length, with a thick undercoat.

Golden Retrievers come in English, American, and Canadian varieties, but all members of the breed are excellent companions, as they are genetically bred to be loyal to humans. Golden Retrievers are very capable learners, making excellent rescuers, search and rescue dogs, guide dogs, therapy dogs, and simply loyal companions for children and adults.

Labrador Retriever

Weight: 25-34 kg;
Height: 54-57 cm;
Country of origin: United Kingdom;
Personality traits: balanced, calm, patient;
Wool characteristics: short, with a thick undercoat.

Labrador Retrievers are the most sociable dogs in the world. They absolutely adore children and are happy to live with cats and dogs of any size. The downside is that the breed isn't particularly protective, but if you're primarily looking for an obedient and well-behaved family companion, the Labrador is a top choice among large dogs.

Flat-Coated Retriever

Weight: 25-36 kg;
Height: 56-62 cm;
Country of origin: United Kingdom;
Personality traits: affectionate, playful, calm;
Wool characteristics: short, with a thick undercoat.

Another retriever, this breed possesses working qualities and psychological characteristics similar to those of the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever. The breed is considered ideal for families with children, as these dogs remain playful and active even in old age.

Sheltie

Weight: 6.8-11.3 kg;
Height: 32-40 cm;
Country of origin: United Kingdom;
Personality traits: curious, active, cheerful;
Wool characteristics: long, with a thick undercoat.

Sheltie

Shelties are highly intelligent dogs, excelling in competitive sports and capable of learning a wide range of commands. They are gentle, sensitive to their owner's mood, and good with children. However, it's important to note that the dog will likely obey only one person, the one it chooses as its owner.

Collie (Lassie)

Weight: 19-34 kg;
Height: 51-61 cm;
Country of origin: United Kingdom;
Personality traits: peace-loving, cheerful, delicate;
Wool characteristics: long, with a thick undercoat.

Despite its resemblance to the Shetland Sheepdog (Lassie), the Collie is almost twice as large. The breed is ranked among the top 20 smartest dogs in the world. Collies are often seen competing in Frisbee and agility competitions. The breed is also recommended for families with children or other pets.

Australian Heeler

Weight: 15-20 kg;
Height: 43-51 cm;
Country of origin: Australia;
Personality traits: playful, active, independent;
Wool characteristics: average.

Healers – possessing exceptional intelligence. These are very courageous and self-confident dogs with herding genes, so with proper training they can be both good companions and excellent guard dogs.

Newfoundland

Weight: 54-68 kg;
Height: 66-71 cm;
Country of origin: Canada;
Personality traits: loyal, calm, patient, friendly;
Wool characteristics: long, thick, oily.

Newfoundland The German Shepherd is a large dog, so despite all its positive character traits, it requires proper training from early puppyhood. Representatives of the breed have proven themselves as service dogs and rescuers. They are kind and loyal companions, not prone to whims or stubbornness during training.

Briard

Weight: 25-40 kg;
Height: 56-68 cm;
Country of origin: France;
Personality traits: active, prone to jealousy;
Wool characteristics: long, almost does not shed, but requires daily care.

Briard

French Shepherd Dog This breed is quite trainable, but requires an owner with strong leadership qualities. While this dog can get along well with children, conflict is inevitable if it competes with other dogs for its owner's attention.

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