19 Most Obedient Dog Breeds in the World

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By Jonathan Trent

Dogs are loving and loyal companions, making us more content and happy in our lives. However, some dogs have gotten a reputation for being more obedient to their owners than others. Here are 19 of the most obedient dog breeds in the entire world.

Labrador Retriever

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The Labrador Retriever is loved by many pet owners because of their friendly nature, calm temperament, and eagerness to please. Although they are a common family dog as they get along well with children, they are also highly trainable, making them popular as service dogs.

Border Collie

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Renowned for their intelligence and herding instincts, the Border Collie is used on many farms. Forbes highlights that this breed of dog has a remarkable capacity to quickly learn new words and commands. However, they need mental stimulation and exercise to stay happy and obedient to commands.

German Shepherd

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Loyalty is a hallmark of German Shepherds, who are fiercely obedient, intelligent, and versatile. For this reason, they are drafted into the police force, military, and search-and-rescue missions. These dogs enjoy routine and training, as they don’t cope well with being bored or having no jobs to do.

Golden Retriever

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It is common for a Golden Retriever to slot itself into a family dynamic, as they have a gentle demeanor. According to CNBC, this longtime U.S. favorite is widely known as a companion dog and can be trained as a guide or assistance dog because of this.

Poodle

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Owing to their quirky appearance, one might assume that the Poodle is not obedient. However, they are highly intelligent and can be trained well, regardless of their size. Many Poodles take part in shows, as they excel in obedience, agility, and even water sports.

Shetland Sheepdog

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Like the Border Collie, the Shetland Sheepdog has the ability to herd other animals, making them an asset on farms. They thrive the most when they are given attention, commands, and direction. Many Shetland Sheepdogs can be glimpsed in obedience and agility competitions because of their adherence to commands.

Doberman Pinscher

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Some would deem the Doberman Pinscher a high maintenance breed, as they require consistent training and socialization. However, as they are loyal, intelligent, and protective, training this type of dog can be beneficial, as they can be a great guard dog or can become involved in search-and-rescue missions.

Australian Shepherd

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Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and energetic, with a strong work ethic that makes them obedient to those who teach them. As they are not a lazy breed, they will become more obedient once they’re mentally and physically stimulated, making them perfect for herding competitions.

Rottweiler

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Rottweilers have gotten a bad reputation because of their striking appearance. Yet, they are proof that the brightest dogs, at least in terms of working and obedience performance, are found in the medium-to-large dog groups, according to Psychology Today. As a result, they are often involved in police work.

Papillon

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Despite its size, the Papillon is highly intelligent and trainable. In dangerous situations, they are alert and agile, with the ability to warn their owners about impending doom. This makes them valuable for both indoor and outdoor spaces, as they can move quickly between the two.

Belgian Malinois

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This breed is recognized for its intelligence, confidence, and highly trainable nature. It’s not uncommon to see them engaging in the police and military sectors because of how well they cope with pressure. However, if they’re not trained properly, they can display mischievous behavior.

Bernese Mountain Dog

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Bernese Mountain Dogs are the gentle giants of the dog world. Despite their misleading appearance, they are highly obedient and responsive to positive reinforcement training, as the American Psychological Association notes that dogs’ mental abilities are close to those of a human child aged 2 to 2.5 years.

Collie

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Collies are sophisticated and sensitive, with a stunning appearance. Yet, they are also highly obedient and are apt to follow commands. In fact, many Collies are used in films and TV shows because they have the ability to remain calm around other people and follow directions.

Miniature Schnauzer

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This breed is well-loved by people who want a dog with a lively personality. They are spirited and intelligent, with a strong desire to please. This means that they respond very well to consistent training, making them behave correctly in social situations and around strangers.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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Being affectionate is something that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known for. However, they are also very obedient when they want to be. Despite their gentle disposition, they are intelligent enough to listen to the words of their owners or other people who are training them.

Shih Tzu

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Shih Tzus are dogs that radiate playfulness and joy. They are loved, especially by children who seek a companion that matches their energy. Yet, they also respond well to commands and especially to reward-based training methods, meaning that they can be both sincere and playful.

Great Dane

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The Great Dane may seem intimidating to some people on the surface, but in reality, they are extremely friendly and patient. As they aren’t impulsive or erratic, they have the potential to be very obedient. However, they need to be socialized early in life to ensure their full mental development.

Bichon Frisé

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Cheerfulness and affection are traits that are synonymous with the Bichon Frisé. Although they are small in size, they make up for it in intelligence. With a lot of attention and encouragement, they can become very loyal, making them excellent therapy and companion dogs.

Australian Cattle Dog

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Today, Australian Cattle Dogs are credited for their intelligence and work ethic, as they were developed for herding cattle in challenging Australian conditions. They have a natural desire to be obedient and thrive on discipline in their lives, becoming bored without mental or physical stimulation.

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