With the proper training, any dog can be well-behaved. However, there are some dogs that are easier to train than others, both because they are smart and because they want to please their human and obey instructions. Smart dogs that can make their own decisions are prized for independently herding livestock or for responding to unusual threats as a policedog. But, that’s not exactly the breed you want if you’re just looking for a dog who comes back when you call them and didn’t take too long to learn to do that either. Here are the five best-behaved dogs who are eager to please and smart.
1. Golden Retriever
Trainability: High
Intelligence: High
The Golden Retriever is frequently considered the best family dog, and there is a good reason for that. If you want a dog that loves you, loves to sit when they are told, and is always ready to learn something new, the Golden Retriever may be your best choice. These dogs are also excellent with other dogs and children, making them more reliably obedient when they are around.
2. Labrador Retriever
Trainability: High
Intelligence: High
According to the American Kennel Club’s breed registry, the Labrador Retriever has been the most popular breed registered with the organization since at least 2018. While you will meet labs that are poorly behaved, that it mostly the result of there being so many labs to meet. They really are one of the easiest dogs to train and the best behaved.
3. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Trainability: High
Intelligence: High
You have probably noticed a pattern in this list. Retrievers combine intelligence and willingness to please whichis very hard for other breeds to match. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a smaller version of the retrievers on this list, which may make the breed better suited for your lifestyle. Plus, as a relatively rare dog, most of the breeders are still focusing on the practical hunting abilities of the dog, so duck hunters will be especially pleased with them.
4. German Shorthaired Pointer
Trainability: High
Intelligence: High
Bred to be an all-around hunting dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer needed to be highly adaptable and very responsive to its owner. As a result, even if you are not using this dog for hunting, you will find that they behave very well and are always looking to you for cues about how they should act. Plus, with one of the shortest coats out of dogs on this list, this pointer is also easy to groom.
5. English Setter
Trainability: High
Intelligence: High
The English Setter is known for its beauty and charm. However, because this dog is fairly rare as a pet, few people realize that the breed is almost as smart and almost as obedient as a Golden Retriever. They get along well with children and other dogs, making them a great family pet. Plus, this dog is available in some unusual colors which you may find appealing as well.
