Searching for small dog breeds that are easy to train? Here are intelligent little dogs that aim to please and therefore, are easiest to train.
Been wanting to adopt a small dog to add to your household? Do you want one that’s easy to train? If so, then look no further. In today’s article, we’ve rounded a list (and a brief description) of small dog breeds that are smartest and most trainable.
Doing research first is a great idea. Small dogs are known for being cute and irresistibly adorable. That may be true, but these tiny tail-waggers are actually just as trainable as their larger counterparts, or maybe even more.
Smartest Small Dog Breeds That Are Easiest To Train
As a matter of fact, many petite pups have outstanding agility and endurance training, certainly, far more than large breeds. So, don’t let their size fool you!
1. Bolognese
The Bolognese breed is an easygoing and friendly pet to have. They like forming close bonds to their owners, following them closely wherever they go.
Although a bolognese can be reserved with strangers, they actually love people. This small dog breed is easy to please and obedient. They’re quick to learn and respond well to training.
2. Miniature Poodle
This breed is known for being a vibrant, playful, sensitive, and happy dog. He can also be mischievous and destructive, so make sure to give him attention.
A miniature poodle is an exceptionally easy-to-train dog. What’s more, they love learning tricks and games. They’re terrific at dog sports like agility or obedience. Since they’re a high-energy dog, they will need a great deal of exercise.
3. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
This personal favorite breed of Queen Elizabeth is a smart one. True to their ‘royalty ties’, these poochies have an easygoing personality, as well as smart, alert, and affectionate. They’re typically athletic, brave, and protective, so you can depend on them to guard your family.
The corgi excels at dog sports like herding. They’re incredibly easy to train, too, especially during the first year of his life.
4. Shetland Sheepdog
A sheepdog, also called sheltie, is one of the most trainable breeds overall thanks to its high intelligence and devotion. Amazingly, shelties are quick to catch on, able to sense if you’re in a good or bad mood. A sheepdog also excels in agility and obedience trials. Plus, he responds happily to rewards and praises, so make sure to give him one if he deserves it.
Just keep in mind that a sheepdog can be sensitive so try not to be harsh with corrections. Rather, indulge them with gentle but firm training.
5. Border Terrier
Characterized as happy and affectionate dogs, Border Terriers get along well with both people and other dogs. They’re well-tempered and obedient, making them easy to train.
Although their personalities can vary, by nature, this small dog breed is curious and will want to join all family activities. While they can be strong-willed and independent, they’re still easy to train and resilient to your needs and lifestyle.
6. Papillon
For a small dog, the Papillon has a huge appetite for activity and exercise. They love being and playing outdoors yet also do well when exercised and entertained indoors.
As a very intelligent breed, it’d be a waste for a Papillon to just be a lap dog. Have him compete in dog-sports like agility, and he’ll surely have the best time. Suffice it to say, papillons are quick to learn and are even dubbed as the most obedient toy breed.
7. Pomeranian
Often mistaken as a stuffed animal, a Pom is smarter than you might think. Described as vivacious, outgoing, and affectionate dogs, Poms don’t shy away from play, work, or train.
They want to please their owners, which makes it easier to train them. Hence, whether you want to train him on flyball, tracking, or agility, this breed won’t disappoint.
8. Maltese
Malteses are small, white, and fluffy. They’re also easier to please and thus, easier to train. Maltese are usually no heavier than 10lbs.
Other appealing traits for Maltese pups is that they have a hypoallergenic silky fur coat and they don’t shed as much other other little dog breeds. Maltese dogs do like to bark and may be a little nippy so they might not be the best around little kids.
9. Miniature Schnauzer
This little dog breed looks as thought it has a beard. A miniature schnauzer is generally very friendly and intelligent. Like the Maltese, the mini schnauzer also does not shed as much as other small dog breeds.
They are very vocal so they can make good alert dogs. (Not so much guard dogs, since they don’t really bite in aggression). You often see mini schnauzers compete in agility competitions because of how easy they are to train.
10. Phalene
Phalene is a lapdog who’s generally lively, cuddly, and outgoing. Albeit they can be gentle and patient companions, they need a good amount of exercise. Don’t be surprised if you see him romping and rolling around the floor–he just loves playing.
They can also find trouble when bored or neglected. This dog breed performs best under positive reinforcement training.
(Conclusion)
Breeds play a huge role in the trainability of a dog. That said, it’s certainly not a definitive factor. Still, if possible, it’s better to choose one that’s generally known for being an easily trainable dog–unless you want to be challenged. Good luck!
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