Top 10 most trainable dog breeds

You want to adopt a dog and you are looking for an obedient and easy to train breed? You should know that some dogs are particularly intelligent, they love to please their owners and learn more and more things. Discover our top 10 of the easiest breeds to train in order to better guide you in your choice.

1 - The German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is a large, very affectionate and intelligent dog, ideal for family life. Beautiful and elegant, it has great cognitive, social and emotional abilities, which makes it versatile.

His obedience makes him a very popular animal for the police, the gendarmerie, the firemen, the rescue workers or the customs officers, even if he was originally a shepherd dog, as his name indicates. Gifted for tracking, guarding and security, he knows how to listen and is very easy to train. More and more, its predispositions allow it to be used as a guide dog for blind or visually impaired people.

2 - The Australian Shepherd or Aussie

The Australian Shepherd, also known as the Aussie, is a very intelligent dog that loves to learn, play and be stimulated intellectually and physically. Easy to train, they like to please their owners, which makes them particularly obedient. In addition, although he is dynamic, he is less energetic than other breeds that resemble him, which makes him more manageable.

Brave and tireless, they defend their loved ones with unfailing courage. On the other hand, if its education is easy, it requires a lot of attention, patience and time, because this animal needs stimulation to remain in shape and balanced. If he lives well with children, it is nevertheless not recommended to adopt him in a sedentary family or living in the city, without possibility to allow him to enjoy green spaces where to relax.

3 - The Belgian Shepherd Dog Malinois

This energetic sheepdog enjoys learning new things and pleasing its owner, but its enthusiasm and boundless energy can be difficult to curb. Indeed, the Belgian Shepherd Malinois loves to spend time and enjoys being taken care of. Easy to train and particularly intelligent, they are ideal for families, being gentle and protective with children. However, it is preferable to allow him to enjoy a garden large enough to exercise.

4 - The Border Collie

The Border Collie is an obedient dog breed. Mainly used as a herding dog, it is a naturally enthusiastic animal that loves to learn and please its master. On the other hand, it needs attention, because it does not like to be alone. Very concentrated in its tasks, it is excellent in canine agility and begins to be educated more and more as a guide dog for blind people.

Extremely intelligent, the Border Collie is capable of learning and retaining a great deal of information, but it is relatively easy to train, provided that you devote a lot of time to it and stimulate it constantly, both physically and cognitively. Indeed, he is naturally active and therefore tends to get bored quickly and to develop stress if he is locked in a routine and if he lacks activity.

5 - The Poodle

The Poodle is a small, medium or large dog, particularly intelligent, very obedient and easy to train. It is ideal for family life, but it needs the almost constant presence of its masters, because it does not support solitude very well.

Docile, the poodle was used in many circuses. Its intelligence and ingenuity are combined with its great memory to make it an easily trainable animal. Sociable and playful, it is ideal as a first pet dog because it does not require too much work to be educated. Very gentle with children, they are protective and attentive, while being an excellent playmate.

6 - The Collie

The Collie is a beautiful dog that is very intelligent, affectionate and gentle. Easy to train, this sheepdog is responsive, lively and energetic, but also very focused on its tasks. He loves to please his master and obeying him is part of it.

The history of this dog is original, because it would have been revealed by the queen Victoria; indeed, this one devoted a great passion to him since 1860 and founded the committee of the Collie Club. Excellent guardian, it is vigilant, attentive and protective with its close relations. Moreover, it appreciates children and is never aggressive.

7 - Papillon Spaniel

The Papillon Spaniel is a small dog with a big heart. Gentle, affectionate and very intelligent, it is ideal for families with children as well as for the elderly, because it knows how to be attentive and docile.

This dog is versatile, as it suits all personalities and is easy to train. They are very sociable and enjoy the company of other animals. In addition, he knows how to be alert and vigilant to protect his home.

Its beautiful coat and elegance made it very popular in France in the 16th and 17th centuries, which is why it is depicted in many paintings evoking nobility and wealth.

8 - The Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is one of the easiest dogs to train and the most docile. Very intelligent, it is known for its great faculties as a guide dog for blind and handicapped people. Kind and attentive, he appreciates his family and knows how to be playful and protective towards children. Its dynamism also makes it a perfect dog for rescuing people, on land, in water and in the mountains.

Very popular in France, it is suitable for all homes and has a very large memory. As he loves to please his master, he easily learns new tasks to please him. Patient and loyal, it is a very reliable and obedient breed.

9 - The Labrador

A star of families, the Labrador is a dog appreciated by all. Very intelligent and endowed with an amazing memory, it is an excellent hunter, a very good guide for blind and handicapped people, as well as a protector for the children and the house. Jovial, he is very calm and tolerant, which is why he is an ideal playmate for young and old, for humans and other animals.

Loyal and faithful, this gentle and affectionate dog is easy to socialize, even as a first pet. Its intelligence makes it an all-around animal, also used as a therapy, service, police and rescue dog.

Although it has many similarities with the Golden Retriever, it is much more energetic, which is why it is important to allow it to exercise every day and to stimulate it intellectually. Otherwise, he will quickly become bored and stressed.

10 - The Shetland

The Shetland is a highly intelligent dog from the United Kingdom, primarily used for herding cattle, but because of its elegance, it was quickly adopted as a pet.

This dynamic, playful and very enthusiastic animal loves to learn and needs constant stimulation. However, they are also very gentle and patient with children. This very obedient and clever dog is particularly gifted for activities like agility, flyball or jumping.

The Pomsky, a small dog with the appearance of a teddy bear

It is the star on the web and social networks, especially in the United States. The Pomsky owes its success to its irresistible teddy bear look obtained from an unlikely cross between a dwarf Spitz and a Husky. Although he is particularly popular in the virtual world, in reality, very little is known about this recent breed.

Characteristics of the Pomsky

It is quite difficult to talk about the physical characteristics of the Pomsky because this breed does not have a standard. It is not recognized by the Central Canine Society nor by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale and is therefore not a purebred dog. As a result, it is not uncommon to find Pomskys that look very different from one individual to another. Some look more like the Husky, others have taken on the physical characteristics of the Miniature Spitz. In all cases, the dog has a rather balanced and dense body, with a relatively small head, dark or light eyes and pointed and erect ears. Contrary to popular belief, the Pomsky is not a miniature dog. It can weigh up to 15 kg and have a height of 45 cm.

History of the Pomsky breed

In the United States, dogs like the Pomsky are called "designer dogs". It is a breed born of a cross between two other pure breeds, in this case, the dwarf Spitz (Pomeranian Loulou) and the Husky. Its appearance dates from the early 2000s. This breed is confidential and relatively difficult to find even if in the United States and England, there are more and more official clubs. It is strongly advised to turn only to breeders or reliable structures to get a Pomsky because because of the absence of standard, unscrupulous people can offer at very high prices without offering guarantees on stability, lineage and health.

Necessary living conditions and behavior of the Pomsky

The Pomsky is known to be affectionate, intelligent and playful. It would seem that he is as dynamic as the two breeds from which he comes, but as we do not yet know his particularities very well, it is difficult to determine his physical exercise needs. Like the Spitz, it is said that the Pomsky is not very comfortable with children. The noises and their games can annoy him. One thing is sure: a good education is essential from the youngest age of the animal to be able to frame it more easily. It is not intended for owners who have no experience in dog training.

Food and main health problems of the Pomsky

There is not enough reliable data to evaluate the possible health problems of the Pomsky. Like the Spitz, it can develop joint problems. As far as his diet is concerned, it is recommended to offer him a quantity and quality of meals adapted to his physical activity and his age. It is preferable to serve him a home-made food, low in sugar and fat to ensure him an iron health.

The Portuguese Podengo, Portuguese wild dog or Portuguese sighthound

Coming straight from the Iberian Peninsula, the Portuguese Podengo (Portuguese wild dog or Portuguese sighthound) is a favorite in hunting activities because of its dedication and working abilities. It can also be used as a companion dog, but in this case, it will absolutely need sporty owners.

Characteristics of the Portuguese Podengo

The Portuguese Podengo has a muscular and well-proportioned body. The primitive type breed comes in three varieties, each distinguished by its size: large (55 to 70 cm), medium (40 to 54 cm) and small (20 to 30 cm). The weight is very variable and depends on the size. It goes from 4 to 6 kg for the small varieties, from 16 to 20 kg for the medium varieties and from 20 to 30 kg for the big varieties. The Portuguese Podengo is recognizable by its dry head in a quadrangular pyramidal shape. The flat skull has prominent superciliary arches and a pronounced stop. The dog has a straight muzzle, firm and thin lips and a nose that tapers to the tip. The eyes are small and honey to chestnut in color, giving off a lively expression. The ears are erect, set high, mobile and triangular in shape. The Portuguese Podengo comes in two varieties of coat: smooth and short hair and long and hard hair. The fawn and yellow are among the accepted coats. The black, the brown with the presence of white are tolerated for the varieties of small size.

History of the Portuguese Podengo breed

The Portuguese Podengo is an ancient breed if history is to be believed. It would have been brought by the Romans and the Phoenicians in the Iberian peninsula. It develops naturally in Portugal where it is used in hunting, regardless of its size. The small dogs are specialized in tracking rabbits while the larger ones attack medium-sized game. It is important to know that the small varieties were mainly created to intervene as razors on the Portuguese caravels. In spite of all its performances and although this dog knows success in its country of origin, one meets it very rarely outside its borders.

Necessary living conditions and behavior of the Portuguese Podengo

The Portuguese Podengo attracts all the attention by the energy it displays. This dog excels in hunting, but also shines in sports activities. It becomes an ideal companion for jogging or trail running. The smaller varieties will make good companion dogs that are fast, lively and intelligent. They will be able to live in an apartment, but on condition that they do regular physical exercises. The larger ones will be more at home in a large house with a yard or garden.

Diet and main health problems of the Portuguese Podengo

The Portuguese Podengo is a model of robustness and strength. Nevertheless, all the precautions from the sanitary point of view are to be taken especially if it is used for hunting or as a companion of excursions. The prevention of parasites and deworming must be systematically up to date because of the walks in the open country.

The Polish Lowland Shepherd or Nizinny

If you're looking for a teddy bear on legs, you're in luck: the Polish Lowland Shepherd is for you. This ball of hair will please those who are not discouraged by the idea of maintaining this long and thick coat. In any case, it is said that its hair does not fall on the ground during the moulting period and remains attached to the body.

Characteristics of the Polish Lowland Shepherd

It is not complicated to recognize the Polish Lowland Sheepdog also called Nizinny. It is enough to refer to its long coat which covers densely the whole of its body. The hair is abundant and thick and the coat can have all sorts of colors, markings and shades. Medium-sized dogs are distinguished by their elegant coat, but also by their well-developed musculature and massiveness. The height ranges from 41 to 51 cm and the weight from 14 to 16 kg depending on sex and age. The dog has a medium-sized round head covered with dense hair from the forehead to the chin and cheeks. It reveals a convex and broad skull, a pronounced stop and a dark nose. The eyes are also hidden behind long bangs. They are oval, hazel colored and have an intermediate size. When they are visible, they express a piercing and lively look. As for the ears, they are also of medium size and are set high.

History of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog

The Nizinny has relatively unclear origins. It is known that the breed originated from small Asian shepherds of the Tibetan Terrier type. The first writings dedicated to the breed date back to the 16th century. In one of them, mention is made of the dog's exceptional abilities. An order states that three shepherds with three Nizinny were sufficient to keep 1000 sheep. Like many other dogs, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog suffered the consequences of the Second World War, which led to a dramatic decrease in its numbers. The intervention of Dr. Danuta Hryniewicz helped to preserve the breed.

Necessary living conditions and behavior of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog

The Nizinny is a lively, intelligent and affectionate dog that has successfully made the transition from sheepdog to family dog. He has many qualities: dynamic, joyful, playful by nature, easy to train ... It has everything to seduce families even if unfortunately, its population is very low especially in France. As it is an outdoor dog par excellence, the Nizinny will not necessarily like to live in a small apartment. He prefers the great outdoors and the vast spaces of the countryside. Nevertheless, a life in the city can be considered if he enjoys regular walks.

Diet and main health problems of the Polish Lowland Shepherd

The Polish Lowland Shepherd is a robust animal. It is recommended to pay attention to certain diseases such as retinal atrophy which leads to a decrease in vision. Hip dysplasia is also to be feared although breeders do their best to eliminate this defect.

Why does the dog bury its bones?

Bill, the red cocker spaniel from the comic strip Boule and Bill, has a habit of hiding his bones. You may think that this is just an imaginary cliché that can in no way concern your real dog. And yet... Dogs hide their food and it's a perfectly normal behavior. Here are some explanations.

Burying his bones is a natural behavior for the dog

Since the dog exists, before it was domesticated by man, it buries its bones. Carnivorous animal, in the wild, it must find food by itself by capturing prey. Under these conditions, the animal does not know when it will be able to feed again since it depends on the seasons, the availability of prey and its ability to catch them. Storage is therefore a good strategy to overcome possible shortages.

Bones are a rich source of food

While some humans are rediscovering the benefits of bone broth, dogs instinctively know the richness of bone.

Bones contain collagen, rich in amino acids such as glycine, which is beneficial to the skin and hair. Collagen is generally good for the digestive system by strengthening the lining of the intestinal wall and the stomach and by detoxifying the liver. It thus helps to prevent many diseases.

Bones contain other essential nutritional elements such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. These minerals help strengthen the dog's own skeleton and prevent osteoporosis. They are also involved in muscle exchange and the proper functioning of the heart.

Bone marrow also contains vitamins, A and K2, omega 3 and 6, and minerals such as iron, zinc, selenium, boron and manganese. That's not all! Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate contained in all connective tissue, nourish the joints.

Beware of bones that can be dangerous for your dog

Some bones can hurt your dog. It's not a matter of banning bones altogether, but of paying attention to what he eats. Rabbit or Chicken bones have small sharp parts that can hurt your dog if he swallows them whole. It can injure the tongue, get the bone stuck in the jaw, in the dog's esophagus, trachea, stomach or intestines. In many cases, surgery may be necessary. Bone fragments can cause simple constipation. It is important to monitor how long this lasts. The expulsion of bone fragments can also cause bleeding from the rectum, without any consequences on the health of the animal in general.

On the other hand, a large beef bone, containing a lot of marrow, is less dangerous. A dog can still break one or more teeth by gnawing on it.

As soon as you give your dog bones, he will probably bury them since that is his nature, like wolves, foxes, squirrels, hamsters... If you don't want him to make a hole in the garden because it will damage it, because your dog will get dirty, or because you are too afraid he will hurt himself, it is simply better not to give him any.

The Norwegian Buhund or Norwegian Shepherd, a compact and dynamic dog

Vigor and power are expressed in this Norwegian dog. Like all Spitzes, the Norwegian Buhund has a compact and dynamic appearance. This dog is well known for herding and guarding and also specializes in avalanche, narcotics and explosives searches for law enforcement.

Characteristics of the Norwegian Buhund

The Norwegian Buhund belongs to the large Spitz family. Moreover, its physique does not deceive. It has a body inscribable in a square with an average size that is between 41 and 45 cm if it is a female and between 43 and 47 cm if it is a male. The weight varies between 12 and 18 kg. The Norwegian Buhund has a head in harmony with the rest of the body and is not heavy. The skull is revealed in an almost flat way with a marked stop, but without excess. The muzzle is of the same length as the skull, is neither heavy nor narrow and ends in a black nose. This breed is characterized by an expressive look through dark oval eyes surrounded by a black eyelid. The ears are pointed like all Spitzes, of medium size and carried erect. To recognize the Norwegian Buhund, it is enough to refer to the dress. The semi-long, hard and abundant coat is wheaten (cookie) in color, which can be beige or yellowish-red. The standard also tolerates black coats, preferably solid colors, although white is accepted, but to a lesser extent.

History of the Norwegian Buhund breed

The Norwegian Buhund is an ancient breed that appeared around the Middle Ages in Scandinavia. Several writings about the existence of this breed in Iceland refer to the period when Norwegian settlers invaded the island. The story goes that Buhund skeletons were found in Viking graves. From that time until now, the Norwegian Buhund continues to be a sensation, especially for its versatility. It is used as a sheep herder, farm dog, guard dog or to watch over cattle and ponies. This breed is rare in France, but is developing more in Australia and England.

Living conditions and behavior of the Norwegian Buhund

The Norwegian Buhund is always ready to please its masters. He is very attached to his social group and is ready to participate in all activities that can be proposed to him. What he likes most of all: walks and games. He is a great playmate for children. Sporty masters, on their side, will be able to count on him during their hikes, jogging or other physical activities. The Norwegian Buhund is also appreciated for its docility, its courage and its sympathy. He gets along very well with cats and other dogs.

Diet and main health problems of the Norwegian Buhund

The Norwegian Buhund lives up to 14 years on average. The breed is strong and robust and is not subject to any particular genetic defect. Moreover, it is not a huge glutton. It can eat high quality kibbles or homemade food based on vegetables, raw meats and starches.