Breeds · 15 entries

Easy-to-train dog breeds

Quick learners that want to work with you — good for first-time owners who will put the time in.

How we chose: Dog breeds rated 4 or 5 out of 5 for trainability.

1

Australian Shepherd

Smart, energetic, devoted · 16–32 kg (35–71 lb)

Trainability
Energy
Good with children

Despite the name, the Australian Shepherd was developed on ranches in the American West. Aussies are brilliant, tireless working dogs, and they need a real job — without one they invent their own, from…
The full Australian Shepherd profile
2

Border Collie

Brilliant, driven, sensitive · 12–20 kg (26–44 lb)

Trainability
Energy
Good with children

Widely considered the most intelligent dog breed, the Border Collie was bred to work sheep for hours. In a home without enough to do, they may herd children, chase cars or develop obsessive habits.
The full Border Collie profile
3

German Shepherd

Loyal, confident, protective · 22–40 kg (49–88 lb)

Trainability
Energy
Good with children

German Shepherds are working dogs through and through: intelligent, trainable and happiest with a job. They are used by police, armed forces and search-and-rescue teams worldwide.In a family home they are loyal and protective,…
The full German Shepherd profile
4

Golden Retriever

Gentle, intelligent, devoted · 25–34 kg (55–75 lb)

Trainability
Energy
Good with children

Golden Retrievers were developed in the Scottish Highlands in the 19th century to retrieve shot birds. Today they are loved as family dogs and widely used as assistance and therapy dogs because of their…
The full Golden Retriever profile
5

Labrador Retriever

Friendly, eager to please, food-motivated · 25–36 kg (55–79 lb)

Trainability
Energy
Good with children

The Labrador has been one of the most popular dogs in the English-speaking world for decades, and it is easy to see why: they are sociable, adaptable and gentle with children. Bred to retrieve…
The full Labrador Retriever profile
6

Poodle

Clever, active, proud · 18–32 kg (40–71 lb)

Trainability
Energy
Good with children

Behind the show clip, the Poodle is an athletic water retriever and one of the most intelligent breeds. Poodles come in standard, miniature and toy sizes, and their low-shedding curly coat makes them a…
The full Poodle profile
7

Bernese Mountain Dog

Gentle, good-natured, calm · 35–55 kg (77–121 lb)

Trainability
Energy
Good with children

Berners are big, soft-hearted farm dogs from the Swiss Alps, bred to pull carts and guard the farmyard. They are famously gentle with children and devoted to their families, and their tricolour coat makes…
The full Bernese Mountain Dog profile
8

Bichon Frise

Cheerful, gentle, playful · 5–8 kg (11–18 lb)

Trainability
Energy
Good with children

The Bichon’s curly white coat sheds very little, which makes it popular with people who dislike dog hair — though no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Bichons are sociable and gentle, and generally get on…
The full Bichon Frise profile
9

Boston Terrier

Friendly, lively, gentle · 5–11 kg (11–24 lb)

Trainability
Energy
Good with children

Nicknamed "the American gentleman" for its tuxedo markings, the Boston Terrier is a cheerful, sociable companion that suits flats and families. They are usually gentle with children and other pets, and most are keen…
The full Boston Terrier profile
10

Boxer

Playful, loyal, boisterous · 25–32 kg (55–71 lb)

Trainability
Energy
Good with children

Boxers are clowns with a guardian’s heart: bouncy, affectionate and endlessly entertaining, but strong and exuberant enough to knock over a toddler in excitement. They mature slowly and need both physical exercise and games…
The full Boxer profile
11

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Affectionate, gentle, adaptable · 5–8 kg (11–18 lb)

Trainability
Energy
Good with children

Cavaliers are sweet-natured lap dogs that get on with almost everyone. Sadly the breed is prone to serious inherited heart and neurological disease, so health screening is essential when choosing a puppy.
The full Cavalier King Charles Spaniel profile
12

Cocker Spaniel

Merry, gentle, eager · 12–15 kg (26–33 lb)

Trainability
Energy
Good with children

Cocker Spaniels are cheerful, sociable family dogs that love to carry things and follow their noses. Working-line cockers are far more energetic than show lines — worth asking about when choosing a puppy.
The full Cocker Spaniel profile
13

Havanese

Playful, affectionate, sociable · 3–6 kg (7–13 lb)

Trainability
Energy
Good with children

Cuba’s national dog, the Havanese is a cheerful, gentle companion that loves people of all ages and usually gets along with other pets. They are clever and learn tricks quickly, which made them popular…
The full Havanese profile
14

Miniature Schnauzer

Alert, friendly, spirited · 5–9 kg (11–20 lb)

Trainability
Energy
Good with children

Bred as farm ratters in Germany, the Miniature Schnauzer is a sturdy, bright and sociable little dog with a famous beard and eyebrows. They are good watchdogs — sometimes too good — and usually…
The full Miniature Schnauzer profile
15

Rottweiler

Loyal, confident, protective · 35–60 kg (77–132 lb)

Trainability
Energy
Good with children

Rottweilers are powerful, devoted dogs that were bred to drive cattle and guard. Well-bred and well-raised, they are calm and affectionate with their family. Their size and protective instincts make early training essential —…
The full Rottweiler profile

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Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts

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