In short The smartest breeds learn commands fast and train easily — ideal if you want an obedient companion without years of drilling. Topping the list are people-oriented, learning-motivated breeds.
How we rated
The higher the “Trainability” score, the higher the position. We factored in ease of learning and focus on the owner.
Rankings:For apartmentsFor kidsFor beginnersMost affectionateQuietestHypoallergenicActiveSmartestСторожовіНайбільшіНайменшіДовгожителіНайздоровішіНайспокійнішіДружні до котівМорозостійкіМисливськіНе слиняві
1
Panda German ShepherdTraining 5.0Beginners 3.0Family 5.05.02
Kunming WolfdogTraining 5.0Beginners 2.5Family 4.55.03
Toy PoodleTraining 5.0Beginners 4.5Family 5.05.04
Poodle (Miniature or Dwarf)Training 5.0Beginners 4.0Family 5.05.05
Medium PoodleTraining 5.0Beginners 4.5Family 5.05.06
Standard PoodleTraining 5.0Beginners 4.0Family 4.55.07
Doberman PinscherTraining 5.0Beginners 2.0Family 4.55.08
East European ShepherdTraining 5.0Beginners 2.5Family 4.55.09
Labrador RetrieverTraining 5.0Beginners 5.0Family 5.05.010
Golden RetrieverTraining 5.0Beginners 5.0Family 5.05.011
Malinois (Belgian Shepherd)Training 5.0Beginners 1.0Family 3.55.012
Dutch ShepherdTraining 5.0Beginners 2.5Family 4.55.013
Border CollieTraining 5.0Beginners 2.0Family 4.55.014
Australian KelpieTraining 5.0Beginners 2.0Family 4.55.015
Australian ShepherdTraining 5.0Beginners 2.5Family 4.55.016
Long-Haired German ShepherdTraining 5.0Beginners 2.5Family 5.05.017
Short-Haired German ShepherdTraining 5.0Beginners 3.0Family 5.05.018
Rat TerrierTraining 4.5Beginners 4.0Family 5.04.519
LabradoodleTraining 4.5Beginners 4.0Family 5.04.520
Brazilian Gaucho SheepdogTraining 4.5Beginners 3.5Family 4.54.521
WällerTraining 4.5Beginners 4.0Family 5.04.522
English ShepherdTraining 4.5Beginners 3.5Family 5.04.523
Continental Toy Spaniel (Phalène)Training 4.5Beginners 4.0Family 5.04.524
Continental Toy Spaniel (Papillon)Training 4.5Beginners 4.0Family 4.54.525
Danish-Swedish Farmdog (Gardhund)Training 4.5Beginners 4.0Family 5.04.526
French SpanielTraining 4.5Beginners 3.5Family 5.04.527
Pont-Audemer SpanielTraining 4.5Beginners 3.5Family 4.54.528
BrittanyTraining 4.5Beginners 3.5Family 4.54.529
Small MünsterländerTraining 4.5Beginners 3.0Family 5.04.530
Large MünsterländerTraining 4.5Beginners 3.0Family 5.04.5FAQ
Does smart mean easy for a novice?
Often yes, but some clever dogs (shepherds) need constant mental work — without it they get bored.
From what age should I train a puppy?
Basic socialization and simple commands from 8–10 weeks, in short, playful sessions with treats.
Can an adult dog be trained?
Yes — “you can’t teach an old dog” is a myth; adult dogs learn very well with positive reinforcement.