Easiest Dog Breeds to Train (and the Hardest), Explained by a Trainer
The easiest dog breeds to train are usually herding and sporting breeds that were developed to work closely with people, such as the Border Collie, Poodle, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd and Australian Shepherd. These dogs tend to have long attention spans, learn quickly and enjoy working with you. But "easy to train" also tends to mean "needs a job," so the easiest breeds are not always the easiest to live with.
Every dog needs training, and individual dogs learn at different speeds whatever their breed. Below, a certified professional dog trainer breaks down which breeds tend to learn fastest, which are more challenging, where bully breeds fit, and how to pick the right dog for your home.
What Makes a Dog Breed Easy to Train?
The American Kennel Club divides breeds into seven groups: Herding, Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy and Non-Sporting. Breeds that score high on trainability usually share a few traits:
- Bred to cooperate. Herding and retrieving dogs had to take direction from a handler all day.
- Attention span. They can stay focused on you for longer.
- Motivation. They love food, toys, praise or simply the work itself.
- Recovery. They bounce back quickly from mistakes and new situations.
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The Easiest Dog Breeds to Train
Most of the easiest dog breeds to train are herding and sporting dogs, including many breeds used as search and rescue dogs. They were developed to work closely with people and still love learning new skills.
Australian Shepherd
First developed in the United States for moving livestock, these active herding dogs are quick to learn everything from herding to dog sports. Australian Shepherds are medium-sized, high-energy dogs that are always up to learning new skills and staying active with their families.
Border Collie
Often considered the most intelligent and trainable breed, the Border Collie was bred to think fast. These athletes are common in dog sports, need lots of exercise and are extremely hardworking. Border Collies learn quickly and thrive with jobs that give plenty of physical and mental stimulation.
Corgi
Both the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi are known for their lovely disposition and intelligence. These small but sturdy dogs were bred to move livestock. A big dog in a small package, they thrive in active homes and enjoy training.
Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher was developed as a personal protection dog and bonds closely with its family. Dobermans are smart, sensitive and quick to learn, and they need daily exercise and consistent, positive training.
English Springer Spaniel
Bred to flush game for hunters and to be a companion, the English Springer Spaniel is a people-pleasing breed that learns quickly and loves spending active time with its family.
German Shepherd
An all-around working dog, the German Shepherd Dog was bred to work closely with people. This large, confident breed forms deep bonds with its family and picks up new skills quickly at home or on the job. German Shepherds excel in police work, search and rescue and service dog work. Feeding a big, active shepherd well matters too; see how to choose the best dog food for German Shepherds.
Golden Retriever
This sporting dog is known as an ideal family companion. Bred to retrieve game for hunters, the Golden Retriever is a quick learner that does well in dog sports, as a service dog and in search and rescue work.
Labrador Retriever
A favorite family dog, the Labrador Retriever was bred to retrieve game for hunters. Today Labs are widely used for search and rescue, detection work and service dog work. Labs make great active pets and pick up new skills quickly.
Papillon
Don't let their small size fool you. Papillons are athletic little dogs who pick up training quickly and excel in a wide variety of dog sports.
Poodle (Toy, Miniature and Standard)
Despite their show-ring haircuts, Poodles are hardworking dogs that were originally bred as water retrievers. They come in three sizes: standard (the largest), miniature and toy (the smallest). All three make inquisitive, easily trainable companions.
Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog is a small herding breed that is bright, sensitive and eager to work with its people. Shelties are frequent stars in obedience and agility.
Easy to Train Does Not Mean Easy to Own
When choosing the right breed, focus on a breed's purpose and temperament, not just its looks. Many of the most trainable breeds were bred for active jobs like herding livestock or working alongside hunters. They keep that drive to work and won't be happy home alone all day.
Highly trainable dogs are usually very intelligent, active and in need of outlets for their energy. They are great for active owners, but they get bored easily without enough stimulation, and bored dogs often chew, dig and bark.
Active, smart breeds need a daily outlet. A tough ball for fetch gives them a job and burns off energy between training sessions.
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Hardest Dog Breeds to Train
Some breeds have a reputation for being challenging to train, but that doesn't mean they aren't smart. All dogs can and should be trained.
Hounds and terriers often have this reputation. They were developed to work independently, so they are less naturally inclined to look to people for direction. With these dogs you'll need to find the right motivation and keep sessions fun, short and playful.
Basenji
The Basenji is a small, independent hound often described as cat-like in behavior. Its independence gives it a reputation as hard to train.
Beagle
Like many hounds, Beagles were bred to follow their noses while hunting in packs, so teaching them to ignore scents and respond to cues takes patience.
Great Pyrenees
Like other livestock guardian breeds, the Great Pyrenees was bred to work independently, protecting livestock from predators. They are intelligent but can be indifferent to training.
Siberian Husky
The independent, high-energy Siberian Husky was bred to pull sleds in a team. Huskies love to run, and a reliable recall can be hard to build.
Parson Russell Terrier
The Parson Russell Terrier, like other terriers, is strong willed, active, independent and intelligent. Bred to bolt foxes from their dens, these bold little dogs thrive when they get to use their natural instincts.
Independent breeds often work harder for a reward they really want. Small, high-protein treats keep short sessions fun and motivating.
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Are Pit Bulls and Bully Breeds Easy to Train?
Bully breeds such as the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and American Bully don't usually top "easiest breed" lists, but many trainers find them very trainable. They are people-focused, love food and play, and often enjoy having a job. The challenges are strength, energy and, in some dogs, selectivity with other dogs, so early socialization and solid leash manners matter.
If you have a bully breed, start with our guides on how to train an American Bully and how to train a pitbull.
Easiest vs Hardest Breeds at a Glance
| Breed | Group | Why it trains the way it does |
|---|---|---|
| Border Collie | Herding | Bred to take direction all day; needs a lot of work |
| Poodle | Non-Sporting / Toy | Former water retriever; quick, curious learner |
| Labrador / Golden Retriever | Sporting | Food- and people-motivated; cooperative |
| German Shepherd | Herding | Versatile worker; bonds closely with handler |
| Beagle | Hound | Nose-driven; distracted by scent |
| Siberian Husky | Working | Independent; bred to run |
| Basenji | Hound | Independent and aloof |
Tips for Training Any Breed
- Use positive reinforcement. Reward what you want with food, toys or play.
- Keep sessions short. A few minutes several times a day works better than one long session.
- Find your dog's currency. Some dogs work for food, others for a tug toy.
- Meet exercise needs first. A tired dog focuses better. See how much exercise dogs need.
- Start early. Puppies can begin learning the day they come home. Read when to start training your puppy.
FAQ
What is the easiest dog to train?
The Border Collie and Poodle are often named the most trainable, followed by breeds like the German Shepherd, Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever. Any individual dog can be easier or harder than its breed's reputation.
What are the easiest dogs for first-time owners?
Look for a trainable breed whose energy matches your lifestyle. A Labrador, Golden Retriever or Poodle often suits active first-time owners; a very high-drive herding dog may be too much without a plan for daily work.
What are the hardest dogs to train?
Independent hounds and terriers, such as the Basenji, Beagle and Parson Russell Terrier, plus independent working breeds like the Siberian Husky and Great Pyrenees, have that reputation. They can learn plenty with the right motivation.
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Conclusion
The easiest dog breeds to train were bred to work with people, but they also need the most mental and physical work. Whatever breed you choose, short, positive, consistent sessions and the right rewards will get you a well-trained dog.
2 comments
We had an English Springer Spaniel who lived to age 14. From a 2 month old puppy, we had her trained to go to the door for bathroom break when she was 3 days with us. Until she got to be a year old, the occasional surprise accident of a piddle occurred because we didn’t realize the time that passed. She loved pizza (the crust) and vanilla ice cream (special occasions). When we left the house without her, she would whimper and pout till we got home. We’d even spell out where we were going and she quickly understood what those letters meant and was at the door waiting to leave with us. She adored little kids, toddlers, and would let the little ones climb on her, even pull her ears because they were so silky to the touch. Never saw her snap at anyone or growl. She was so smart like a 4 yr old kid. You can’t go wrong with a springer spaniel. A gentler, smarter dog you won’t find. And being a hunter species, she loved water and playing in the snow. Had to have her on long lead to keep her out of the lake (water snakes). She loved her walks and snuggling. Try a Springer if you need a great dog!
Im trying to find a small to medium size dog for a ptsd service dog. I’m a 16yr combat veteran suffering with ptsd and many other disorders my daughter has voiced the concern of my needing another service dog. My previous service dog was an English mastiff and died less than a .month before he turned 3 yrs old of an unknown allergic reaction. I’ve not had a service dog since his death in 2018. I trained him from the early age of 8 weeks to his death. I’ve spiraled since.. my daughter is pushing me to get another dog to train as my service dog but I need help in finding the right one as I don’t wish to cope with long thick coats, I don’t wish to cope with another English mastiff. Can you advise me????