1 month ago
25
Shutterstock
Some dogs hear you call them and immediately come running. Others? They listen to you, think about it, and then pretend they have no idea what you’re saying. Suppose you’ve ever owned a dog that conveniently ignores you when it’s inconvenient for them. You know how frustrating it can be. Fortunately, some breeds are naturally eager to please and actually want to listen. These dogs are highly intelligent, trainable, and quick to follow commands—whether it’s “sit,” “stay,” or “please don’t roll in that mud puddle.”
Border Collie
Shutterstock
If there were an Olympic event for obedience, the Border Collie would take gold every time. These brainy dogs are famous for their intelligence and ability to learn lightning-speed commands. Originally bred to herd sheep, they have an incredible work ethic and a strong desire to please their owners. They pick up new tricks easily and thrive in obedience competitions, agility training, and basically anything that engages their mind. Just be warned—they might start training you if you don’t keep them busy.
German Shepherd
Shutterstock
German Shepherds are the total package—intelligent, loyal, and incredibly obedient. These dogs are often used in police and military work because they can precisely follow complex commands. They love having a job to do and will listen intently to their owners, waiting for their next instruction. Their protective nature also means they take their role as your personal bodyguard very seriously. If you want a dog that listens the first time (and actually understands what you’re saying), a German Shepherd won’t disappoint.
Golden Retriever
Shutterstock
Golden Retrievers are not just adorable goofballs—they’re also highly trainable and eager to please. These dogs love their humans and are always looking for ways to make them happy, which makes obedience training a breeze. Whether it’s fetching your slippers, sitting politely for treats, or excelling in therapy work, Golden Retrievers will listen and follow through. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and their ability to pick up commands quickly makes them one of the easiest breeds to train.
Labrador Retriever
Shutterstock
Labrador Retrievers are known for their never-ending enthusiasm but are among the most obedient breeds. Labs are eager to learn and love pleasing their owners, making them one of the best dogs for training. They excel in obedience competitions, service work, and anything involving human interaction. Labs are food-motivated (sometimes too much), so training them with treats is highly effective—just don’t be surprised if they start following you around hoping for another snack.
Doberman Pinscher
Shutterstock
Dobermans are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and impressive obedience skills. These sleek, powerful dogs are incredibly responsive to training and will precisely follow commands. They’re natural protectors, but with proper training, they become affectionate, well-mannered family companions. Dobermans are highly trainable and love working with their humans—just make sure you’re giving them enough mental and physical stimulation, or they will find ways to entertain themselves (which may or may not involve reorganizing your furniture).
Shetland Sheepdog
Shutterstock
Shelties are like tiny, fluffy Border Collies—smart, energetic, and always eager to please. These dogs excel in obedience training and can pick up commands faster than you can say “sit.” Shelties are highly intuitive and often seem to anticipate their owners’ needs before being told what to do. Their intelligence and affectionate nature make them a dream for first-time dog owners who want a dog that listens.
Australian Shepherd
Shutterstock
Australian Shepherds are hardworking, intelligent, and incredibly obedient. Originally bred for herding livestock, they are instinctive to follow commands and focus on their tasks. They excel in obedience training and agility sports, making them one of the most trainable breeds around. However, they do require plenty of mental and physical stimulation—if they get bored, they might decide to herd your family members just for fun.
Belgian Malinois
Shutterstock
Belgian Malinois are next-level when it comes to obedience and trainability. These dogs are commonly used in police and military work because they accurately follow detailed commands. They are incredibly loyal, intelligent, and focused, making them one of the best breeds for advanced obedience training. However, they require an experienced owner who can keep up with their endless energy and drive. If you’re looking for a dog that will listen and protect, the Belgian Malinois is a top-tier choice.
Boxer
Shutterstock
Boxers may be playful and goofy, but they are also very obedient when trained properly. These energetic dogs thrive on structure and enjoy working alongside their owners. They respond well to positive reinforcement and love showing off their training skills. Boxers are also highly protective of their families, making them excellent guard dogs who listen when it counts. Just be prepared for some silly antics along the way—they may listen, but they’ll still find ways to make you laugh.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Shutterstock
Corgis may have tiny legs, but their obedience skills are huge. These clever dogs were originally bred for herding cattle, meaning they have a natural instinct to follow commands and work closely with their humans. They are highly trainable, eager to learn, and love having a job to do. Corgis respond well to positive reinforcement and can master new tricks quickly. Plus, their expressive faces and wiggly butts make training sessions extra entertaining.
Rottweiler
Shutterstock
Rottweilers are strong, intelligent, and deeply loyal to their families. They are natural protectors and respond well to training when given proper structure and leadership. Rottweilers are highly obedient and will listen to commands, especially when trained early. Despite their tough appearance, they are affectionate and love working alongside their humans. A Rottie is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a dog that listens and looks intimidating to strangers.
Standard Schnauzer
Shutterstock
Standard Schnauzers are whip-smart and love following commands. These dogs are highly trainable and have an independent streak, but they respect structure and discipline. They are quick learners and excel in obedience training, making them ideal for owners who enjoy working with their dogs. Schnauzers are also protective and alert, meaning they’ll listen when it really matters. Bonus: Their mustached faces make them look very serious about their training sessions.
Poodle
Shutterstock
Don’t let their fancy coats fool you—Poodles are crazy smart and ridiculously obedient. Whether it’s the Standard, Miniature, or Toy variety, these dogs excel in training because they love learning. Poodles are quick to pick up new commands, highly adaptable, and eager to impress their humans. They also have a mischievous streak, but unlike some stubborn breeds, they actually listen when you ask them to behave. If you want a stylish and well-mannered dog, the Poodle is the perfect combination of brains and beauty.
English Springer Spaniel
Shutterstock
English Springer Spaniels are not only affectionate and friendly but also incredibly obedient. Originally bred as hunting dogs, they strongly desire to work alongside their humans and follow commands precisely. They are eager to please, are quick learners, and thrive in structured training environments. Their boundless energy means they enjoy a job, whether it’s retrieving, agility, or simply following your instructions. If you want a dog that listens while still being playful and affectionate, the Springer Spaniel is a fantastic choice.
Collie
Shutterstock
Collies are famous for their intelligence and strong sense of loyalty, making them one of the most obedient breeds around. If you’ve ever seen Lassie, you already know that Collies are natural problem-solvers and will go to great lengths to help their humans. They respond beautifully to training, excel in obedience competitions, and are deeply attached to their families. Collies have a gentle temperament and an innate desire to protect and assist, which makes them wonderful companions. The Collie is a perfect fit if you’re looking for a dog that listens and looks majestic while doing it.
The Dogs Who Actually Read The Memo
Shutterstock
If you’re tired of dogs that pretend they didn’t hear you, these obedient breeds will restore your faith in canine cooperation. They’re intelligent, eager to learn, and always ready to follow commands—because, unlike some dogs (looking at you, Huskies), they actually care about listening. These dogs thrive on training, love having a job to do, and will happily work alongside their humans. Whether you need a reliable companion, a well-mannered family pet, or a dog that won’t test your patience daily, these breeds have you covered.
English (US) · 