Are you thinking about adding a new furry member to your family? If so, congratulations! You’re in for years of fun and companionship. But before you run out and adopt the first dog you see, it’s essential to do your research and find the perfect fit for your home. One great way to start narrowing down your options is by selecting a breed known to be easy to train. That’s why we’ve put together this list of seven of the easiest dog breeds to train. So whether you’re a first-time owner or an experienced dog handler with a closet full of natural pet products and training aids, one of these breeds is sure to be a good fit for your lifestyle.
1) Poodles
Poodles are known to be some of the most intelligent and easy-to-train dogs around. Plus, they’re loving and affectionate with their owners, making them a joy to have around. In addition, poodles seem to have a knack for picking up tricks quickly and never forgetting them. In fact, you’ll sometimes find yourself needing to teach your poodle not to perform certain behaviors because they have started doing them on their own. Poodles are special because they come in different sizes, including toy (up to 10 pounds), miniature (up to 18 pounds), and standard (up to 80 pounds). There are also a variety of color variations in their coats, such as black, silver, apricot, and cream. Indeed, there is a poodle out there for everyone!
2) Labrador Retrievers
Labs are an excellent choice for new owners because they’re super intelligent and very eager to please. They love doing tricks, going on walks, and hanging out with the family. In fact, you might have a hard time getting your lab to leave the house once they’ve settled in for the night! Labradors also tend to get along well with people and other dogs. They’re very sociable and love doing activities such as agility training and participating in organized obedience. If you’re looking for a family dog who will make an excellent addition to your home, look no further than a labrador retriever. It’s no wonder they’ve been the most popular breed in the U.S. for years!
3) Golden Retrievers
Like labs, goldens are also very intelligent and easy to train. They enjoy doing tricks for attention, going on walks, and hanging out with the family. Goldens also tend to be a little less high-energy, which is really nice for folks who are just looking for a family dog to have around the house.
The one thing that makes goldens better than labs is their bark. Goldens are known to be quite mellow when it comes to barking. That’s why you’ll often see them in obedience classes, therapy work, and search and rescue. They’re also great with small kids, making them a very safe choice for a family pet. Also Read – Top 5 Factors to Consider When Hiring Dog Trainers
4) Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These are dogs that have their paws in two worlds. They cross the lines between toy breeds and athletic sporty spaniels, finding a great medium between the two. Their excellent and reliable temperaments make them one of the top dogs to carry around with you if your family is into traveling a lot with your pup in tow. They can be a bit shy around new people or situations but, given a chance, they warm up quite quickly. However, they’re usually just fine with other dogs, so no worries there. Physically, Cavs are undeniably adorable and also beautiful. They have gentle faces, with big round eyes. Their coats are best described as silky, coming in different colors. Most of them are small- to medium-sized, but some Cavs can be on the bigger side like teddy bear dogs.
5) Shih Tzus
Another small breed, this time hailing from China, Shih Tzus are sometimes called “lion dogs.” They get this nickname because of their big and bushy hair and a story about the Tibetan Buddhist God of Learning that traveled with a mini lion. Unlike lions, they make great family pets and companions, as they’re very loyal and sweet. Their personalities are comical and playful, making them a joy to watch and interact with.
Shih Tzus have long fur, so they require a lot of maintenance. You’ll need to brush and comb them weekly to remove any mats and keep their coats healthy and shiny. Adding a supplement like salmon oil for dogs will also help their coats out. Since Shih Tzus have hair, not fur, and don’t shed like many other breeds, they’ll need groomer visits for a trim every two to three months. Many Shih Tzus also love taking baths, so make sure you set aside time in your schedule to give them a nice bath at least once every few weeks to a month. But, ultimately, how often you should wash your dog will vary.
6) Pembroke Welsh Corgis
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are adorably cute amalgamations of long bodies and short legs. They make great emotional support dogs for people who deal with anxiety or depression. Research continues to advance in the therapeutic function pets can play in connection with mental health, and corgis are on the front lines championing the cause.
It seems fitting that Pembroke Welsh corgis have made it into the spotlight, as they are the preferred breed of Queen Elizabeth II. Corgis are intelligent and easy to train, making them great additions to families with older children or elderly adults alike.
7) Border Collies
Border collies are another breed that has been popularized by the show ring. They’re brilliant dogs with high energy levels, best suited for active families who spend lots of time outdoors adventuring. But they’re also easy to train, so if obedience or agility training sounds good to you, they’re keen to go. They are ready and willing dogs who love doing tricks, learning new behaviors (and mastering them), and tracking. They were originally bred to herd sheep, so if you’re looking for a dog that’s well-equipped for farm life, a border collie is the way to go. They’ll do best with a ton of space to run and play, so make sure you have a big fenced-in yard or easy access to a local dog park.
Every dog is truly remarkable, so no matter what breed, size or personality you decide to bring into your life, you’ll surely make a best friend out of them.