Easy-to-Train Dog Breeds
"Easy to train" really means "responsive to consistent, reward-based training". Even the most trainable breed still needs a household that is consistent, patient, and willing to put in the early hours. The breeds below are often described as highly responsive — pick one, commit to consistent training from day one, and you will usually be well rewarded. A note: high trainability often pairs with a need for mental work, so be prepared to keep the brain engaged.
299 breeds in this category
large Labrador Retriever
From Canada
Outgoing, eager, biddable, gentle
large Golden Retriever
From Scotland
Affectionate, trustworthy, eager, sociable
large German Shepherd Dog
From Germany
Confident, loyal, alert, hardworking
large Poodle (Standard)
From France
Bright, eager, athletic, people-focused
large Rottweiler
From Germany
Confident, watchful, even-tempered, courageous
medium German Shorthaired Pointer
From Germany
Enthusiastic, cooperative, bold, affectionate
small Pembroke Welsh Corgi
From Wales
Alert, loyal, outgoing, spirited
medium Australian Shepherd
From United States
Smart, energetic, devoted, work-driven
large Boxer
From Germany
Playful, loyal, alert, spirited
large Doberman Pinscher
From Germany
Alert, fearless, intelligent, energetic
small Miniature Schnauzer
From Germany
Spirited, friendly, smart, alert
toy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
From England
Affectionate, gentle, friendly, patient
small Boston Terrier
From United States
Friendly, bright, amusing, adaptable
small Havanese
From Cuba
Affectionate, social, playful, clever
small Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)
From Scotland
Bright, responsive, loyal, sensitive
medium Brittany
From France
Happy, agile, attentive, eager
medium English Springer Spaniel
From England
Friendly, eager, obedient, gentle
medium Border Collie
From Scotland
Intense, smart, energetic, responsive
medium Airedale Terrier
From England
Alert, bold, versatile, friendly
medium American Pit Bull Terrier
From United States
Confident, affectionate, driven, tenacious
medium American Staffordshire Terrier
From United States
Loyal, confident, attentive, brave
small Staffordshire Bull Terrier
From England
Clever, courageous, affectionate, bold
medium English Cocker Spaniel
From England
Merry, affectionate, responsive, keen
large English Setter
From England
Gentle, friendly, biddable, lively
large Irish Setter
From Ireland
Enthusiastic, affectionate, energetic, eager
medium Whippet
From England
Gentle, amiable, quick, affectionate
medium Samoyed
From Russia
Bright, gentle, alert, social
large Rough Collie
From Scotland
Responsive, devoted, gentle, alert
large Smooth Collie
From Scotland
Smart, affectionate, attentive, agile
large Belgian Malinois
From Belgium
Focused, driven, confident, alert
large Belgian Tervuren
From Belgium
Energetic, intelligent, protective, devoted
large Belgian Sheepdog
From Belgium
Watchful, intelligent, loyal, energetic
medium Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler / Queensland Heeler)
From Australia
Alert, tough, loyal, intense
small Bichon Frise
From France
Cheerful, affectionate, sensitive, playful
toy Papillon
From France
Bright, friendly, lively, eager
small Miniature Pinscher
From Germany
Fearless, curious, lively, bold
small Jack Russell Terrier
From England
Bold, energetic, clever, driven
small Parson Russell Terrier
From England
Alert, lively, confident, intelligent
small Cairn Terrier
From Scotland
Cheerful, alert, independent, tough
small West Highland White Terrier
From Scotland
Friendly, confident, spirited, smart
small Wire Fox Terrier
From England
Friendly, bold, quick, assertive
medium Kerry Blue Terrier
From Ireland
Alert, determined, affectionate, bold
medium Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
From Ireland
Cheerful, affectionate, confident, spirited
large Dogo Argentino
From Argentina
Courageous, loyal, athletic, determined
large Rhodesian Ridgeback
From Zimbabwe
Even-tempered, athletic, loyal, independent
medium Vizsla
From Hungary
Affectionate, eager, sensitive, energetic
large Weimaraner
From Germany
Energetic, fearless, headstrong, devoted
large Pointer
From England
Even-tempered, hardworking, affectionate, responsive
large Gordon Setter
From Scotland
Loyal, serious, affectionate, dignified
small American Cocker Spaniel
From United States
Merry, affectionate, responsive, gentle
large Chesapeake Bay Retriever
From United States
Courageous, loyal, tireless, sensible
large Flat-Coated Retriever
From England
Cheerful, outgoing, birdy, eager
large Curly-Coated Retriever
From England
Smart, confident, reserved, hardworking
medium Welsh Springer Spaniel
From Wales
Loyal, affectionate, diligent, steady
medium Field Spaniel
From England
Sweet, thoughtful, active, eager
medium Boykin Spaniel
From United States
Friendly, eager, energetic, keen
medium Lagotto Romagnolo
From Italy
Keen, affectionate, quick, diligent
large Irish Water Spaniel
From Ireland
Smart, spirited, humorous, confident
medium Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
From Netherlands
Loyal, eager, sensitive, outdoorsy
medium German Wirehaired Pointer
From Germany
Driven, loyal, confident, energetic
large German Longhaired Pointer
From Germany
Calm, cooperative, affectionate, driven
large Bracco Italiano
From Italy
Affectionate, docile, diligent, sensitive
medium Wirehaired Vizsla
From Hungary
Affectionate, eager, resilient, gentle
large Bouvier des Flandres
From Belgium
Steady, loyal, fearless, confident
medium Appenzeller Sennenhund
From Switzerland
Energetic, alert, confident, devoted
medium Entlebucher Mountain Dog
From Switzerland
Devoted, determined, alert, energetic
small Pyrenean Shepherd
From France
Intense, smart, devoted, agile
small Swedish Vallhund
From Sweden
Cheerful, watchful, energetic, bold
medium Finnish Lapphund
From Finland
Friendly, alert, docile, eager
small Icelandic Sheepdog
From Iceland
Happy, alert, friendly, energetic
medium Norwegian Buhund
From Norway
Cheerful, alert, energetic, clever
medium Puli
From Hungary
Lively, smart, independent, protective
medium Polish Lowland Sheepdog
From Poland
Bright, confident, watchful, affectionate
medium Portuguese Water Dog
From Portugal
Loyal, spirited, intelligent, biddable
small American Eskimo Dog
From United States
Bright, alert, playful, affectionate
medium Keeshond
From Netherlands
Alert, friendly, outgoing, intelligent
medium Kishu Ken
From Japan
Calm, loyal, courageous, reserved
medium Kai Ken
From Japan
Alert, agile, faithful, reserved
small Lakeland Terrier
From England
Confident, cheerful, game, independent
small Norfolk Terrier
From England
Fearless, friendly, alert, energetic
small Norwich Terrier
From England
Affectionate, energetic, fearless, alert
small Welsh Terrier
From Wales
Happy, confident, alert, friendly
small Bedlington Terrier
From England
Gentle, spirited, intelligent, affectionate
small Manchester Terrier
From England
Bright, spirited, observant, loyal
toy Toy Manchester Terrier
From England
Alert, devoted, lively, clever
small American Hairless Terrier
From United States
Lively, curious, alert, affectionate
small Rat Terrier
From United States
Alert, playful, intelligent, tenacious
small Australian Terrier
From Australia
Spirited, alert, affectionate, courageous
toy Silky Terrier
From Australia
Alert, friendly, inquisitive, spirited
medium Tibetan Terrier
From Tibet
Affectionate, sensitive, playful, loyal
toy Chinese Crested
From China
Affectionate, playful, alert, sensitive
toy Brussels Griffon
From Belgium
Alert, sensitive, curious, loyal
small Schipperke
From Belgium
Alert, confident, curious, mischievous
medium Africanis
From South Africa
Agile, alert, affectionate, resilient
medium Ainu Dog
From Japan
Courageous, alert, loyal, reserved
medium Airedale
From England
Alert, bold, trainable, friendly
medium Alaskan Husky
From United States
Athletic, focused, social, driven
small Alaskan Klee Kai
From United States
Alert, curious, energetic, reserved with strangers
small Alopekis
From Greece
Calm, companionable, cooperative, loyal
large American Alsatian
From United States
Calm, devoted, mellow, intelligent
medium American Blue Lacy
From United States
Driven, intelligent, alert, loyal
large North American Indian Dog
From United States
Attentive, loyal, sensitive, adaptable
medium American Leopard Hound
From United States
Energetic, determined, even-tempered, eager to please
medium American Water Spaniel
From United States
Cheerful, eager, intelligent, hardy
large American White Shepherd
From United States
Intelligent, devoted, alert, sensitive
medium Appenzell Mountain Dog
From Switzerland
Lively, bold, loyal, diligent
medium Appenzeller
From Switzerland
Alert, energetic, confident, devoted
large Ariege Pointing Dog
From France
Eager, responsive, calm, friendly
medium Australian Cobberdog
From Australia
Gentle, intelligent, sociable, intuitive
medium Australian Kelpie
From Australia
Smart, intense, eager, devoted
medium Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
From Australia
Energetic, watchful, loyal, determined
medium Auvergne Pointing Dog
From France
Gentle, willing, calm, affectionate
medium Barbado da Terceira
From Portugal
Loyal, biddable, energetic, affectionate
medium Barbet
From France
Cheerful, willing, gentle, sociable
medium Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
From Germany
Balanced, reserved, devoted, persistent
medium Bearded Collie
From Scotland
Playful, intelligent, exuberant, hardy
large Beauceron
From France
Confident, loyal, watchful, willing
large Belgian Laekenois
From Belgium
Watchful, intelligent, devoted, wary of strangers
large Belgian Shepherd Groenendael
From Belgium
Energetic, alert, sensitive, loyal
large Belgian Shepherd Malinois
From Belgium
Driven, intelligent, confident, responsive
large Belgian Shepherd Tervuren
From Belgium
Alert, loyal, sensitive, energetic
large Berger Blanc Suisse
From Switzerland
Gentle, intelligent, loyal, sensitive
large Berger Picard
From France
Lively, observant, loyal, humorous
small Bichon Havanais
From Cuba
Affectionate, bright, social, playful
medium Black Mouth Cur
From United States
Brave, loyal, energetic, biddable
giant Black Russian Terrier
From Russia
Confident, calm, loyal, courageous
medium Blue Picardy Spaniel
From France
Balanced, friendly, steady, willing
large Belgian Shepherd Laekenois
From Belgium
Watchful, intelligent, devoted, wary of strangers
large Bergamasco Sheepdog
From Italy
Calm, patient, intelligent, devoted
large Berger des Picard
From France
Lively, observant, loyal, humorous
medium Berger des Pyrnes
From France
Intense, clever, spirited, affectionate
medium Berger des Pyrénées
From France
Quick, bright, loyal, energetic
medium Blue Lacy
From United States
Driven, intelligent, alert, loyal
medium Bohemian Shepherd
From Czech Republic
Friendly, obedient, alert, devoted
small Border Terrier
From United Kingdom
Plucky, affectionate, game, trainable
large Bouvier des Flandres
From Belgium
Confident, loyal, courageous, steady
medium Bouvier des Ardennes
From Belgium
Alert, devoted, tough, lively
medium Braque du Bourbonnais
From France
Affectionate, willing, calm, biddable
large Braque Francais Gascogne
From France
Gentle, cooperative, composed, affectionate
medium Braque Français Pyrenean
From France
Lively, affectionate, responsive, willing
large Briard
From France
Loyal, fearless, obedient, affectionate
medium Brittany Spaniel
From France
Bright, eager, affectionate, agile
medium Canaan Dog
From Israel
Alert, vigilant, loyal, independent
large Cane Corso Italiano
From Italy
Loyal, intelligent, protective, athletic
small Cardigan Welsh Corgi
From Wales
Loyal, clever, watchful, affectionate
medium Catalan Sheepdog
From Spain
Intelligent, loyal, lively, affectionate
medium Cesky Fousek
From Czech Republic
Willing, calm, biddable, affectionate
small Cesky Terrier
From Czech Republic
Calm, courageous, pleasant, loyal
large Chinook
From United States
Gentle, willing, calm, athletic
medium Chippiparai
From India
Loyal, alert, intelligent, independent
large Cimarron Uruguayo
From Uruguay
Brave, loyal, confident, determined
medium Cao da Serra de Aires
From Portugal
Alert, intelligent, devoted, lively
large Collie
From Scotland
Devoted, intelligent, gentle, vigilant
large Collie (Rough and Smooth)
From Scotland
Loyal, responsive, gentle, alert
toy Continental Toy Spaniel
From France
Friendly, intelligent, alert, playful
small Coton de Tulear
From Madagascar
Happy, affectionate, witty, sociable
medium Croatian Sheepdog
From Croatia
Energetic, biddable, alert, loyal
large Czechoslovakian Vlcak
From Czech Republic
Alert, courageous, intelligent, intense
large Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
From Czech Republic
Loyal, fearless, independent, energetic
small Czesky Terrier
From Czech Republic
Calm, brave, friendly, loyal
medium Cão da Serra de Aires
From Portugal
Alert, intelligent, devoted, lively
medium Dalmatian
From Croatia
Outgoing, smart, active, loyal
small Danish-Swedish Farmdog
From Denmark
Friendly, lively, attentive, willing
large Deutsch Drahthaar
From Germany
Hardy, trainable, determined, loyal
medium Deutscher Wachtelhund
From Germany
Eager, friendly, energetic, biddable
large Doberman
From Germany
Confident, alert, loyal, energetic
medium Drentsche Patrijshond
From Netherlands
Gentle, willing, intelligent, loyal
medium Drentse Patrijshond
From Netherlands
Gentle, willing, intelligent, loyal
large Dutch Shepherd
From Netherlands
Intelligent, loyal, watchful, athletic
large Dutch Shepherd Dog
From Netherlands
Energetic, loyal, responsive, protective
small Dutch Smoushond
From Netherlands
Friendly, lively, affectionate, alert
large East European Shepherd
From Russia
Confident, loyal, alert, resilient
large English Coonhound
From United States
Outgoing, determined, good-natured, energetic
large English Pointer
From England
Friendly, driven, even-tempered, responsive
medium English Shepherd
From United States
Loyal, intelligent, energetic, biddable
medium English Springer Spaniel
From England
Friendly, eager, attentive, active
medium Entlebucher
From Switzerland
Loyal, determined, alert, smart
medium Entlebucher Sennenhund
From Switzerland
Devoted, agile, vigilant, trainable
medium Estonian Hound
From Estonia
Cheerful, determined, sociable, alert
medium Eurasier
From Germany
Gentle, even-tempered, loyal, observant
medium French Brittany Spaniel
From France
Eager, affectionate, intelligent, agile
medium French Spaniel
From France
Gentle, cooperative, friendly, adaptable
medium Gammel Dansk Hønsehund
From Denmark
Calm, willing, reliable, affectionate
small German Hunt Terrier
From Germany
Tenacious, bold, intelligent, energetic
medium German Pinscher
From Germany
Alert, spirited, intelligent, confident
large German Rough-Haired Pointing Dog
From Germany
Calm, reliable, determined, affectionate
medium Schafpudel
From Germany
Intelligent, willing, gentle, loyal
medium German Spitz (Giant)
From Germany
Alert, loyal, spirited, confident
small German Spitz (Medium)
From Germany
Lively, attentive, affectionate, bold
toy German Spitz (Small)
From Germany
Bright, devoted, vocal, playful
large Giant Schnauzer
From Germany
Bold, intelligent, protective, driven
large Groenendael
From Belgium
Alert, loyal, sensitive, energetic
large Grosser Münsterländer Vorstehhund
From Germany
Trainable, lively, affectionate, keen
large Grosser Münsterländer Vorstehhund (Alt)
From Germany
Trainable, lively, affectionate, keen
medium Hokkaido Dog
From Japan
Brave, alert, loyal, dignified
large Hovawart
From Germany
Loyal, watchful, intelligent, confident
small Hungarian Puli
From Hungary
Lively, smart, vocal, loyal
large Hungarian Wire-Haired Pointing Dog
From Hungary
Gentle, eager, intelligent, trainable
small Indian Spitz
From India
Alert, playful, intelligent, loyal
large Irish Red and White Setter
From Ireland
Affectionate, eager, energetic, friendly
medium Irish Terrier
From Ireland
Bold, affectionate, spirited, loyal
large Italian Spinoni
From Italy
Gentle, affectionate, docile, earnest
small Jagdterrier
From Germany
Tenacious, bold, intelligent, energetic
small Japanese Spitz
From Japan
Lively, affectionate, alert, intelligent
medium Jindo
From South Korea
Loyal, brave, alert, independent
medium Kai Dog
From Japan
Brave, alert, devoted, reserved
medium Kanni
From India
Loyal, shy, gentle, agile
medium Kelpie
From Australia
Smart, intense, eager, devoted
large King Shepherd
From United States
Loyal, confident, intelligent, protective
small Kokoni
From Greece
Lively, cheerful, smart, loyal
small Kooikerhondje
From Netherlands
Friendly, attentive, agile, sensitive
medium Koolie
From Australia
Alert, eager, intelligent, loyal
small Kromfohrlander
From Germany
Friendly, lively, affectionate, intelligent
large Kunming Dog
From China
Loyal, alert, confident, intelligent
large Labrador
From Canada
Outgoing, eager, biddable, gentle
small Lancashire Heeler
From United Kingdom
Alert, smart, cheerful, confident
giant Landseer
From Germany
Gentle, loyal, calm, patient
medium Lapinporokoira
From Finland
Loyal, energetic, willing, attentive
medium Lapponian Herder
From Finland
Energetic, responsive, alert, loyal
large Large Münsterländer
From Germany
Intelligent, eager, affectionate, steady
large Large Münsterländer (Alt)
From Germany
Gentle, eager, attentive, keen
giant Leonberg
From Germany
Calm, friendly, confident, patient
large Llewellin Setter
From England
Affectionate, eager, athletic, responsive
large Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog
From United States
Independent, energetic, loyal, focused
small Lucas Terrier
From United Kingdom
Friendly, cheerful, steady, affectionate
small Löwchen
From France
Friendly, lively, affectionate, outgoing
small Löwchen (Little Lion Dog)
From France
Happy, affectionate, sociable, playful
small Löwchen (Little Lion Dog, Alt)
From France
Affectionate, playful, alert, friendly
large Malinois
From Belgium
Driven, intelligent, confident, responsive
small Manchester Terrier (Standard)
From England
Bright, spirited, loyal, keen
toy Manchester Terrier (Toy)
From England
Alert, affectionate, playful, keen
small Markiesje
From Netherlands
Friendly, calm, intelligent, alert
medium McNab
From United States
Loyal, intelligent, protective, energetic
toy Mi-Ki
From United States
Sweet, calm, attentive, friendly
small Miniature American Eskimo
From United States
Alert, playful, intelligent, friendly
small Miniature American Shepherd
From United States
Smart, energetic, loyal, biddable
toy Miniature Fox Terrier
From Australia
Fearless, bold, playful, loyal
small Miniature Poodle
From France
Bright, eager, athletic, people-focused
medium Mountain Cur
From United States
Brave, energetic, intelligent, devoted
medium Mudi
From Hungary
Lively, intelligent, alert, loyal
small Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
From Netherlands
Friendly, attentive, agile, affectionate
medium Nenets Herding Laika
From Russia
Lively, agile, friendly, obedient
large New Zealand Huntaway
From New Zealand
Energetic, vocal, loyal, trainable
small Norrbottenspets
From Sweden
Alert, friendly, agile, lively
small North American Miniature Australian Shepherd
From United States
Energetic, devoted, intelligent, responsive
medium Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
From Canada
Playful, intelligent, alert, affectionate
medium Old Danish Chicken Dog
From Denmark
Calm, reliable, affectionate, willing
large Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail)
From England
Affectionate, adaptable, intelligent, boisterous
small Pembroke
From Wales
Affectionate, smart, bold, friendly
small Pembroke Welsh Corgi
From Wales
Outgoing, smart, bold, loyal
large Perdiguero de Burgos
From Spain
Gentle, biddable, steady, affectionate
medium Pachón Navarro
From Spain
Docile, calm, intelligent, sociable
large Perro Cimarron
From Uruguay
Brave, loyal, confident, determined
small Perro Ratonero Andaluz
From Spain
Alert, cheerful, agile, affectionate
toy Petit Brabançon
From Belgium
Affectionate, alert, sensitive, playful
medium Picardy Spaniel
From France
Calm, friendly, willing, affectionate
small Plummer Terrier
From United Kingdom
Bright, alert, determined, self-confident
large Poodle
From France
Bright, eager, athletic, people-focused
small Poodle (Miniature)
From France
Intelligent, eager, lively, affectionate
toy Poodle (Toy)
From France
Alert, affectionate, intelligent, playful
medium Portuguese Pointer
From Portugal
Gentle, eager, sociable, steady
medium Portuguese Sheepdog
From Portugal
Alert, intelligent, devoted, lively
large Pudelpointer
From Germany
Intelligent, eager, steady, affectionate
small Puli (Pulik)
From Hungary
Lively, smart, loyal, vocal
medium Pumi
From Hungary
Energetic, intelligent, alert, bold
large Redbone Coonhound
From United States
Even-tempered, eager, friendly, determined
small Russell Terrier
From England, Australia
Alert, lively, active, keen
small Russian Spaniel
From USSR, Russia
Hard-working, enduring, intelligent, contact-seeking
toy Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
From Russia
Affectionate, lively, well-balanced, sweet
medium Russo-European Laika
From Russia
Brave, alert, independent, loyal
medium Schapendoes
From Netherlands
Cheerful, smart, active, affectionate
medium Schnauzer
From Germany
Alert, spirited, intelligent, sturdy
large Scotch Collie
From Scotland
Loyal, intelligent, sensitive, friendly
large Shiloh Shepherd
From United States
Calm, courageous, self-confident, intelligent
medium Silken Windhound
From United States
Gentle, friendly, intelligent, athletic
large Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac (Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer / Rough-Haired Pointer)
From Slovakia
Steady, obedient, intelligent, gentle
medium Small Munsterlander
From Germany
Intelligent, biddable, lively, loving
small Smooth Fox Terrier
From England
Alert, fearless, friendly, quick
medium Spaniel de Pont Audemer
From France
Gentle, willing, calm, friendly
medium Spanish Water Dog
From Spain
Faithful, obedient, lively, hard working
large St Germain Pointing Dog
From France
Gentle, willing, calm, affectionate
medium Stabyhoun
From Netherlands
Gentle, loyal, intelligent, patient
medium Standard American Eskimo
From United States
Alert, playful, intelligent, friendly
large Standard Poodle
From France
Bright, eager, athletic, people-focused
medium Standard Schnauzer
From Germany
Alert, spirited, intelligent, sturdy
medium Stephens Stock Mountain Cur
From United States
Energetic, brave, loyal, focused
large Stichelhaar
From Germany
Calm, reliable, determined, affectionate
medium Swedish Lapphund
From Sweden
Friendly, alert, affectionate, lively
medium Taiwan Dog
From Taiwan
Loyal, vigilant, intelligent, bold
large Tamaskan Dog
From Finland
Friendly, intelligent, energetic, gentle
small Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
From United States
Lively, loyal, smart, playful
small Tenterfield Terrier
From Australia
Cheerful, alert, affectionate, bold
toy Toy Fox Terrier
From United States
Intelligent, alert, friendly, loyal
toy Toy Poodle
From France
Alert, affectionate, intelligent, playful
medium Treeing Tennessee Brindle
From United States
Friendly, courageous, intelligent, eager
large Utonagan
From United Kingdom
Sociable, intelligent, gentle, energetic
small Volpino Italiano
From Italy
Lively, affectionate, alert, playful
medium Welsh Sheepdog
From Wales
Intelligent, loyal, agile, responsive
large White Swiss Shepherd
From Switzerland
Lively, balanced, friendly, discreet
How we choose breeds for this list
Trainability rating ≥ 4.
Frequently asked questions
Is an easy-to-train breed a good choice for first-time owners? +
Often yes, provided the owner is genuinely willing to do the training. Trainability is a head start, not a substitute for time and consistency.