10 Best Dog Breeds for Obedience
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| source : Photo by Tina Nord: https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-and-brown-puppy-on-black-car-7324407/ |
It's not only about how smart the dog is when it comes to dog obedience. Some breeds are extremely intellectual, yet they can also be free thinkers that are known to be stubborn. As a result, obedience can be hit or miss. Dog breeds that excel at obedience have a strong blend of intelligence, eagerness to please, and learning excitement. Positive reinforcement, such as treats, can motivate many of these dogs, albeit it varies depending on the particular dog. Some people simply have great work ethics, which allows them to concentrate on their training.
Here are some of the best obedience dog breeds.
1_ Border Collie
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Border collies are frequently regarded as one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They are exceptionally obedient dogs due to their intellect, as well as the fact that they are fast to learn and in tune with their masters. They also have a strong work ethic and thrive in situations where they are given a task to complete. However, while they are simple to train, they require a lot of mental stimulation to avoid boredom. They may develop negative behaviors, such as destroying home goods, if this is not addressed.
Breed Overview
HEIGHT: 18 to 22 inches
WEIGHT: 28 to 48 pounds
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Rough or smooth medium-length double coat; body is slightly longer than it is tall; long head comes to a point at the nose with ears standing erect and tips curling over
2_German Shepherd
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| source : Photo by Inge Van den Heuvel: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-a-german-shepherd-11453931/ |
Another intelligent dog that was bred to be responsive and obedient is the German shepherd. As a result, it's no surprise that German shepherds are frequently utilized by police and as service dogs. These dogs are extremely devoted to and protective of their owners. And, if not properly trained and socialized, this can lead to hostility toward strangers.
Breed Overview
HEIGHT: 22 to 26 inches
WEIGHT: 60 to 100 pounds
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Large, athletic build; double coat comprising a thick undercoat and a dense, slightly wavy or straight outer coat; tan and black or red and black coloring
3_Golden Retriever
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For good reason, golden retrievers are popular family pets. They're usually incredibly affectionate, patient, and gentle, with a contagious passion for life. Golden retrievers are recognized for their eagerness to please. Because of this, and because of their intellect, they are particularly open to training. They are also passionate foodies who will go to great lengths for a delight.
Breed Overview
HEIGHT: 23 to 24 inches (male); 21.5 to 22.5 inches (female)
WEIGHT: 65 to 75 pounds (male); 55 to 65 pounds (female)
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Medium-length double coat; light to dark gold; medium to large stature
4_Labrador Retriever
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| source ; Photo by Binyamin Mellish: https://www.pexels.com/photo/adult-chocolate-labrador-retriever-lying-on-brown-and-white-striped-textile-544269/ |
Labrador retrievers and golden retrievers have a lot in common. Because of their intelligence, enthusiasm, and calm and gentle temperament, they're another breed that's frequently taught as a service dog. They're also noted for their exceptional retrieval abilities. Food rewards work great with Labs during training, just like they do with goldens. Just keep in mind that Labs are prone to obesity, so keep portions in check.
Breed Overview
HEIGHT: 21 to 24 inches
WEIGHT: 55 to 80 pounds
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Sturdy, athletic build; smooth, water-resistant double coat; otter-like tail
5_Vizsla
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Vizslas are known for their endurance, passion, devotion, and intellect. They are commonly referred to as "Velcro dogs" because they are
eager to please and build very strong relationships to their owners. Vizslas require a lot of activity, and training is a great method for them to get some. Dog sports are a great way for these dogs to get a mental and physical workout at the same time.
Breed Overview
HEIGHT: 22 to 23 inches
WEIGHT: 45 to 50 pounds
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Muscular and well proportioned; russet-colored short, smooth, dense coat
6_English Springer Spaniel
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| source : Photo by Johann: https://www.pexels.com/photo/english-cocker-spaniel-puppy-sitting-on-ground-beside-grass-1254140/ |
The English springer spaniel may check a lot of boxes if you're searching for a dog with unlimited energy and excitement, as well as a genuine desire to please. This active and cheerful breed has a wagging tail and enjoys having a job to accomplish. It also has exceptional retrieve abilities and a highly sensitive nose that can be used in dog sports. These canines will thrive in an active household where they will receive lots of exercise.
Breed Overview
HEIGHT: 19 to 20 inches
WEIGHT: 40 to 53 pounds
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Long ears; dense, medium-length coat with feathering; coloring includes black or liver with white markings (or the opposite) along with blue or liver roan and tricolor
7_ Poodle
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| source : Photo by Steven Van Elk: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-dog-lying-on-the-floor-13632036/ |
The poodle's beautiful and refined appearance is responsible for much of the breed's popularity. This breed, on the other hand, is intelligent and ready to please. Poodles are loyal to their owners and enjoy learning new things. They can become specialists at learning complex tricks if you keep training entertaining for them. Because of their natural athleticism, they can thrive in dog sports such as agility.
Breed Overview
HEIGHT: Standard: 15 inches; miniature: 10 to 15 inches; toy: 10 inches and under
WEIGHT: Standard: 45 to 70 pounds; miniature: 15 to 18 pounds; toy: 5 to 9 pounds
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Curly, dense single-layer coat; may be one of many solid colors, including white, black, gray, brown, and apricot
8_keeshond
The keeshond is a dog that is intelligent, loyal, gentle, sociable, and simple to teach. While they have a placid temperament, these dogs are incredibly alert and curious, and they are continuously taking everything in. Furthermore, due to their athleticism, they have a lot of zest for attempting new things and tend to excel when learning new dog sports. However, because keeshonds were bred to be watchdogs, you may need to invest in additional training to keep vigilant barking under control.
Breed Overview
HEIGHT: 17 to 18 inches
WEIGHT: 35 to 45 pounds
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Almost fox-like in appearance; thick plumed tail; mask around the eyes that gives the impression of glasses; thick double coat; usually a mixture of gray, black, and cream with varied shading
9_Havanese
The Havanese is a sociable, versatile, and intelligent dog breed. It's also known for being easier to teach than a lot of other little dog breeds, which can be a little bossy at times. During training, the Havanese is usually very attentive and ready to comply, especially when given a lot of positive reinforcement. The breed also competes in dog sports and obedience contests on a regular basis.
Breed Overview
HEIGHT: 8.5 to 11.5 inches
WEIGHT: 7 to 13 pounds
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: May have one or two colors including black, silver, white, cream, tan, fawn, gold, sable, and red; coat can vary drastically from silky straight to very wavy with ringlets
10_Manchester Terrier
While terriers are noted for their intelligence, they are also known for being strong-willed and aggressive. Manchester terriers, on the other hand, are usually more responsive and trainable than other terriers while not being any less intelligent. These dogs thrive on being active and having a task to complete, which aids in their training. As long as you keep training sessions interesting and difficult, their enthusiasm for mental challenges should triumph over their terrier intransigence.
Breed Overview
HEIGHT: Toy: 10 to 12 inches; standard: 15 to 16 inches
WEIGHT: Toy: Under 12 pounds; standard: 12 to 22 pounds
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Smooth, glossy, short, dense coat; colors include black and tan or black with mahogany markings; powerful, compact, muscular body; naturally erect ears
Breeds to stay away from
There are some dog breeds you should avoid if you want your dog to learn and reliably perform complex tricks or tasks. It's not that these breeds aren't intelligent. They merely have a stubborn, independent character that makes training challenging. Afghan hounds, Pekingese, Basenji, Borzoi, and Shiba Inus are examples of such breeds.