59 breeds · updated Oct 2026

Easiest dog breeds to train

The easiest dogs to train are eager to engage, quick to work out what pays off and forgiving when your timing is off. Breeds with high trainability tend to learn new cues in fewer repetitions and keep their focus around distractions, which makes everyday life smoother.

This list includes breeds rated 4 or 5 for trainability, then ranks them by trainability doubled plus the first-time-owner rating, so forgiving quick learners come first. Many of the fastest learners also have plenty of energy, and a smart dog without enough to do will invent its own entertainment, usually something you will not love.

“Easy to train” describes a tendency, not a guarantee. Success depends on your consistency, your timing and the methods you use. Veterinary behaviorists recommend reward-based training, and it works for every breed, including the stubborn ones.

  1. 1

    Golden Retriever

    Sporting · Large · 55–75 lb (25–34 kg)

    The Golden Retriever is a warm, patient, highly trainable sporting dog that typically weighs 55 to 75 lb (25 to 34 kg). Goldens suit active families well, but they shed heavily, need daily exercise and company…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  2. 2

    Labrador Retriever

    Sporting · Large · 55–80 lb (25–36 kg)

    The Labrador Retriever is a friendly, athletic, food-loving retriever that typically weighs 55 to 80 lb (25 to 36 kg). Labs are eager to learn and good with families, but they need daily exercise, careful weig…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  3. 3

    Collie

    Herding · Large · 50–75 lb (23–34 kg)

    The Collie is a graceful, gentle herding dog from Scotland that stands 22 to 26 in (56 to 66 cm) tall and weighs 50 to 75 lb (23 to 34 kg). It is devoted, quick to learn and good with children, but it barks re…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  4. 4

    Goldendoodle

    Hybrid · Medium · 15–90 lb (7–41 kg)

    The Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, known for a friendly, eager-to-please nature and a wavy or curly coat. With no breed standard, size, coat and health vary from litter to lit…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  5. 5

    Keeshond

    Non-Sporting · Medium · 35–45 lb (16–20 kg)

    The Keeshond is a fluffy, silver-gray spitz with a fox-like face and "spectacle" markings, standing 17 to 18 in (43 to 46 cm) and weighing about 35 to 45 lb (16 to 20 kg). It is a friendly, people-loving famil…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  6. 6

    Labradoodle

    Hybrid · Medium · 18–75 lb (8–34 kg)

    The Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, bred originally in Australia as a potential assistance dog. It is usually energetic, friendly and trainable. With no breed standard, size,…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  7. 7

    Papillon

    Toy · Toy · 5–10 lb (2–5 kg)

    The Papillon is a lively, long-lived toy spaniel with butterfly-shaped ears that weighs just 5 to 10 lb (2.3 to 4.5 kg). Paps are smart, friendly and surprisingly athletic, and they fit apartments well, but th…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  8. 8

    Poodle

    Non-Sporting · Medium · 4–70 lb (2–32 kg)

    The Poodle is a highly intelligent, athletic dog that comes in three sizes: Standard, Miniature and Toy. All share a curly, low-shedding coat that needs regular professional grooming, and all are eager, traina…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  9. 9

    Shetland Sheepdog

    Herding · Small · 15–25 lb (7–11 kg)

    The Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, is a small, long-haired herding dog that stands 13 to 16 in (33 to 41 cm) tall and weighs 15 to 25 lb (7 to 11 kg). Shelties are bright, devoted and eager to learn, but they…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  10. 10

    American Eskimo Dog

    Non-Sporting · Small · 6–35 lb (3–16 kg)

    The American Eskimo Dog is a bright, fluffy white spitz that comes in three sizes, from about 6 lb (2.7 kg) to 35 lb (16 kg). Eskies are affectionate, very trainable and good with kids, but they shed heavily,…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  11. 11

    Aussiedoodle

    Hybrid · Medium · 15–70 lb (7–32 kg)

    The Aussiedoodle is a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle, known for brains, energy and a love of being busy. Chewy's vet-reviewed profile puts adults at roughly 15 to 70 lb (7 to 32 kg), dependi…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  12. 12

    Brittany

    Sporting · Medium · 30–40 lb (14–18 kg)

    The Brittany is an upbeat, athletic French bird dog that weighs 30 to 40 lb (14 to 18 kg) and stands 17.5 to 20.5 in (44 to 52 cm). It is bright, gentle and very trainable, but it needs a lot of daily exercise…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  13. 13

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

    Toy · Small · 13–18 lb (6–8 kg)

    The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a gentle, people-loving toy spaniel known for its soft expression and easygoing nature. It makes a wonderful companion, but it needs company, regular grooming and a breeder…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  14. 14

    English Springer Spaniel

    Sporting · Medium · 40–50 lb (18–23 kg)

    The English Springer Spaniel is a friendly, energetic bird dog that is equally happy in the field or on the family sofa. It is bright and eager to please, but it needs daily exercise, regular grooming and comp…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  15. 15

    Flat-Coated Retriever

    Sporting · Large · 60–70 lb (27–32 kg)

    The Flat-Coated Retriever is a cheerful, glossy black or liver retriever that weighs about 60 to 70 lb (27 to 32 kg) and tends to stay puppyish for years. It is a devoted, active family dog, but its short aver…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  16. 16

    Leonberger

    Working · Giant · 90–170 lb (41–77 kg)

    The Leonberger is a giant, lion-maned working dog from Germany that stands 25.5 to 31.5 in (65 to 80 cm) tall and can weigh 90 to 170 lb (41 to 77 kg). It is gentle, confident and devoted, but it sheds heavily…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  17. 17

    Miniature American Shepherd

    Herding · Medium · 20–40 lb (9–18 kg)

    The Miniature American Shepherd is a smart, athletic herding dog that weighs 20 to 40 lb (9 to 18 kg) and looks like a small Australian Shepherd. Minis are loyal, eager to learn and happy to join any activity,…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  18. 18

    Pembroke Welsh Corgi

    Herding · Small · 25–30 lb (11–14 kg)

    The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small, sturdy herding dog with a big personality, short legs and a fox-like face. It is smart, funny and eager to work, but it sheds heavily, barks readily and can gain weight and…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  19. 19

    Portuguese Water Dog

    Working · Medium · 35–60 lb (16–27 kg)

    The Portuguese Water Dog is an athletic, curly- or wavy-coated working dog that weighs 35 to 60 lb (16 to 27 kg) and loves to swim. Porties are bright, affectionate and low-shedding, but they need vigorous dai…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  20. 20

    Australian Shepherd

    Herding · Medium · 40–65 lb (18–29 kg)

    The Australian Shepherd is a brilliant, athletic herding dog that thrives on work, training and time with its people. Despite the name, the breed was developed in the United States. It is a superb partner for…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  21. 21

    Bernedoodle

    Hybrid · Large · 10–90 lb (5–41 kg)

    The Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, typically a gentle, loyal dog with a fluffy tricolor coat. With no breed standard, size ranges from small to large depending on the Poodl…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  22. 22

    Border Collie

    Herding · Medium · 30–55 lb (14–25 kg)

    The Border Collie is widely regarded as one of the most intelligent and trainable dogs, a 30–55 lb (14–25 kg) herder with tireless energy and intense focus. It thrives with active owners who offer hours of exe…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  23. 23

    Boston Terrier

    Non-Sporting · Small · 12–25 lb (5–11 kg)

    The Boston Terrier is a compact, tuxedo-marked companion weighing up to 25 lb (11 kg). It is friendly, funny and easy to groom, but its short face means it overheats easily and can have breathing and eye probl…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  24. 24

    Cavachon

    Hybrid · Small · 12–25 lb (5–11 kg)

    The Cavachon is a small, cuddly cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise, typically sweet-natured, sociable and happiest close to its family. With no breed standard, size, coat and heal…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  25. 25

    Cavapoo

    Hybrid · Small · 9–22 lb (4–10 kg)

    The Cavapoo is a small, affectionate cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, usually a lap-loving companion with a soft wavy coat. With no breed standard, size, coat and health vary by Pood…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  26. 26

    Cockapoo

    Hybrid · Small · 6–30 lb (3–14 kg)

    The Cockapoo is a cheerful cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, typically small to medium, affectionate and quick to learn. With no breed standard, size, coat and health vary by Poodle parent, litter a…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  27. 27

    Cocker Spaniel

    Sporting · Small · 20–30 lb (9–14 kg)

    The Cocker Spaniel, known in the United States as the American Cocker Spaniel, is a cheerful, affectionate sporting dog with a silky coat that needs a lot of care. It is a good companion for families who can c…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  28. 28

    Coton de Tulear

    Non-Sporting · Small · 8–15 lb (4–7 kg)

    The Coton de Tulear is a small, fluffy, white companion dog from Madagascar that stands 9 to 11 in (23 to 28 cm) tall and weighs 8 to 15 lb (3.6 to 6.8 kg). It is cheerful, people-loving and easy to train, and…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  29. 29

    Doberman Pinscher

    Working · Large · 60–100 lb (27–45 kg)

    The Doberman Pinscher is a sleek, intelligent and devoted guardian that bonds intensely with its family. It is highly trainable and surprisingly affectionate, but it needs firm, positive leadership, plenty of…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  30. 30

    English Cocker Spaniel

    Sporting · Medium · 26–34 lb (12–15 kg)

    The English Cocker Spaniel is a merry, affectionate sporting dog that stands 15 to 17 in (38 to 43 cm) tall and weighs 26 to 34 lb (12 to 15 kg). It is easy to train and good with families, but it needs daily…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  31. 31

    German Shepherd Dog

    Herding · Large · 50–90 lb (23–41 kg)

    The German Shepherd Dog is a confident, intelligent working breed, typically 22 to 26 in (56 to 66 cm) tall and 50 to 90 lb (23 to 41 kg). It is loyal, highly trainable and a superb all-round worker, but it ne…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  32. 32

    Havanese

    Toy · Small · 7–14 lb (3–6 kg)

    The Havanese is a sturdy, silky-coated companion dog from Cuba, weighing roughly 7–14 lb (3–6 kg) and known for a cheerful attitude. It is affectionate, trainable and good with families, but it hates being alo…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  33. 33

    Maltipoo

    Hybrid · Toy · 5–20 lb (2–9 kg)

    The Maltipoo is a tiny, affectionate cross between a Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle, usually a devoted lap dog with a soft, high-maintenance coat. With no breed standard, size, coat and health vary by P…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  34. 34

    Miniature Schnauzer

    Terrier · Small · 11–20 lb (5–9 kg)

    The Miniature Schnauzer is a sturdy, bearded terrier with a lively mind and a loud voice. It is friendly, trainable and a low shedder, but it needs regular professional grooming, careful fat control and a cons…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  35. 35

    Belgian Malinois

    Herding · Large · 40–80 lb (18–36 kg)

    The Belgian Malinois is an intense, athletic herding dog of roughly 40–80 lb (18–36 kg) that excels as a police, military and sport dog. It is brilliant and devoted, but it needs huge amounts of exercise, trai…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  36. 36

    Bernese Mountain Dog

    Working · Large · 70–115 lb (32–52 kg)

    The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, gentle Swiss farm dog with a striking tricolor coat and a sweet, family-loving temperament. It is affectionate and patient, but it sheds heavily, overheats easily, and has…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  37. 37

    Brussels Griffon

    Toy · Toy · 8–10 lb (4–5 kg)

    The Brussels Griffon is a tiny, big-eyed Belgian toy dog, 7 to 10 in (18 to 25 cm) tall and 8 to 10 lb (3.6 to 4.5 kg). It is smart, sensitive and devoted to its person, which makes it a lovable apartment comp…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  38. 38

    Cardigan Welsh Corgi

    Herding · Small · 25–38 lb (11–17 kg)

    The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a long, low, fox-tailed herding dog that stands 10.5 to 12.5 in (27 to 32 cm) tall and weighs 25 to 38 lb (11 to 17 kg). Cardigans are intelligent, loyal and a bit reserved with str…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  39. 39

    Chinese Crested

    Toy · Toy · 8–12 lb (4–5 kg)

    The Chinese Crested is a graceful, fine-boned toy dog that stands 11 to 13 in (28 to 33 cm) tall and comes in two varieties: the nearly hairless Crested and the fully coated Powderpuff. It is affectionate, sen…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  40. 40

    English Setter

    Sporting · Large · 45–80 lb (20–36 kg)

    The English Setter is an elegant, flecked bird dog that stands about 23 to 27 in (58 to 69 cm) tall and weighs roughly 45 to 80 lb (20 to 36 kg). It is gentle, sociable and affectionate, but it is also an athl…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  41. 41

    Lagotto Romagnolo

    Sporting · Medium · 24–35 lb (11–16 kg)

    The Lagotto Romagnolo is a curly-coated Italian water retriever and truffle hunter that weighs about 24 to 35 lb (11 to 16 kg) and stands about 16 to 19 in (41 to 48 cm). It is affectionate, clever and energet…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  42. 42

    Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

    Sporting · Medium · 35–50 lb (16–23 kg)

    The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the smallest retriever, a red, fox-like gundog that weighs 35 to 50 lb (16 to 23 kg). Tollers are smart, affectionate and tireless, so they thrive with active owners w…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  43. 43

    Old English Sheepdog

    Herding · Large · 60–100 lb (27–45 kg)

    The Old English Sheepdog is a big, shaggy, good-natured herding dog that typically weighs 60 to 100 lb (27 to 45 kg). OES are affectionate, funny family dogs with a loud bark, but the famous coat takes real, r…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  44. 44

    Pomeranian

    Toy · Toy · 3–7 lb (1–3 kg)

    The Pomeranian is a tiny, fluffy, fox-faced toy dog with a big personality. It is lively and fits apartment life well, but it is vocal, needs regular grooming, and is too fragile for rough handling.

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  45. 45

    Rat Terrier

    Terrier · Small · 10–25 lb (5–11 kg)

    The Rat Terrier is a compact, smooth-coated American farm terrier that comes in two sizes: Miniature, 10 to 13 in (25 to 33 cm), and Standard, over 13 and up to 18 in (33 to 46 cm). Most weigh 10 to 25 lb (5 t…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  46. 46

    Sheepadoodle

    Hybrid · Large · 25–85 lb (11–39 kg)

    The Sheepadoodle is a cross between an Old English Sheepdog and a Poodle, typically a fluffy, loyal and clever dog that is usually gentle with its family. With no breed standard, size ranges from medium to lar…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  47. 47

    Standard Schnauzer

    Working · Medium · 30–50 lb (14–23 kg)

    The Standard Schnauzer is a sturdy, square-built German farm dog with a wiry pepper-and-salt or black coat and a bearded face. Adults stand 17.5 to 19.5 in (44 to 50 cm) and weigh 30 to 50 lb (14 to 23 kg). Sm…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  48. 48

    Yorkipoo

    Hybrid · Toy · 3–14 lb (1–6 kg)

    The Yorkipoo is a tiny, lively cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Toy or Miniature Poodle. It is usually bold, affectionate and talkative, with a soft coat that needs regular grooming. With no breed stand…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  49. 49

    American Pit Bull Terrier

    Terrier · Medium · 30–60 lb (14–27 kg)

    The American Pit Bull Terrier is an athletic, people-focused terrier recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC), not the American Kennel Club. It is strong, smart and eager to please, and needs experienced han…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  50. 50

    American Staffordshire Terrier

    Terrier · Medium · 40–70 lb (18–32 kg)

    The American Staffordshire Terrier, or AmStaff, is a muscular, affectionate and athletic bull-type terrier that weighs about 40 to 70 lb (18 to 32 kg). Well-bred, well-socialized AmStaffs are loyal family dogs…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  51. 51

    Chesapeake Bay Retriever

    Sporting · Large · 55–80 lb (25–36 kg)

    The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a tough, waterproof-coated duck dog from Maryland that weighs 55 to 80 lb (25 to 36 kg). It is loyal and protective with its family, more independent than other retrievers, and…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  52. 52

    German Shorthaired Pointer

    Sporting · Large · 45–70 lb (20–32 kg)

    The German Shorthaired Pointer is a tireless, versatile gundog that weighs about 45 to 70 lb (20 to 32 kg). Affectionate and clever, it is a superb partner for runners and hunters, but it needs hours of vigoro…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  53. 53

    Irish Setter

    Sporting · Large · 60–70 lb (27–32 kg)

    The Irish Setter is a racy, mahogany-red bird dog that stands about 25 to 27 in (64 to 69 cm) tall and weighs roughly 60 to 70 lb (27 to 32 kg). It is outgoing, affectionate and bursting with energy, and it ne…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  54. 54

    Rottweiler

    Working · Large · 80–135 lb (36–61 kg)

    The Rottweiler is a powerful, confident guardian breed that typically weighs 80 to 135 lb (36 to 61 kg). Loyal and intelligent, it can be a calm, devoted family dog in experienced hands, but it needs early soc…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  55. 55

    Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    Terrier · Medium · 24–38 lb (11–17 kg)

    The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a muscular, affectionate terrier that stands 14 to 16 in (36 to 41 cm) and weighs 24 to 38 lb (11 to 17 kg). Staffords are devoted, playful companions with a reputation for pa…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  56. 56

    Vizsla

    Sporting · Medium · 44–60 lb (20–27 kg)

    The Vizsla is a lean, red-gold Hungarian gundog that bonds closely with its people and needs a great deal of exercise. It is affectionate and trainable, but it is a poor fit for homes that cannot offer daily a…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  57. 57

    Weimaraner

    Sporting · Large · 55–90 lb (25–41 kg)

    The Weimaraner is a sleek, high-energy gundog from Germany, bonded closely to its people and in need of a great deal of exercise and mental work. It rewards committed, active owners but can become destructive…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  58. 58

    Australian Cattle Dog

    Herding · Medium · 35–50 lb (16–23 kg)

    The Australian Cattle Dog is a compact, tough herding dog bred to move stubborn cattle across rough country. It is smart, loyal and tireless, and it needs a real job and a lot of exercise. In the right active…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners
  59. 59

    Cane Corso

    Working · Large · 88–110 lb (40–50 kg)

    The Cane Corso is a muscular Italian guardian breed that bonds deeply with its family and is wary of outsiders. It is a rewarding dog for an experienced, consistent owner, but its size, strength and protective…

    Trainability
    Good for first-time owners

How we ranked them

Breeds qualify with a trainability rating of 4 or 5. We score each by doubling its trainability rating and adding its first-time-owner rating, so quick learners that are also forgiving for beginners rank highest. Ratings come from our breed profiles and describe the typical dog of each breed. Every dog is an individual who may learn faster or slower than its breed suggests.

See how we research and rate breeds.

Before you choose

Keep sessions short and upbeat. A few focused minutes several times a day beats one long, frustrating session. Reward the behavior you want straight away with treats, praise or play. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recommends reward-based methods for all dogs and links fear- or pain-based methods to anxiety, stress and aggression.

Match the dog's brain to a job. A trainable, high-energy dog needs training games and scent work as much as exercise, and our guide to how much exercise a dog needs helps you plan.

Start with the basics: house training, a settle cue and a reliable recall. The crate-training guide is a good starting point for puppies, and if you are new to dogs, our first-time owner list pairs well with this one.

Frequently asked questions

Does easy to train mean low maintenance?

No. Trainable dogs are often high-energy, and they need exercise and mental work every day. “Low maintenance” usually refers to grooming, which is a different question; see our low-maintenance dogs.

Are breeds with lower trainability ratings untrainable?

No. They still learn, but they may need more repetition, better rewards and more patience. Reward-based training works for every dog.

When should training start?

As soon as your dog comes home. The AVMA recommends gradually exposing puppies to new people, places and situations and teaching basic commands.

Do mixed breeds train as easily as purebreds?

Often, yes. An individual dog's temperament, history and your methods matter more than pedigree, although a mixed breed's traits can be harder to predict.

Sources

  1. AVSAB: What are reward-based training methods?
  2. AVMA: Preventing dog bites

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