Top 10 Most Trainable Small Dog Breeds

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Top 10 Most Trainable Small Dog Breeds

Introduction

Wondering how to find the best small dog to train? While a good training method can help any dog learn your rules and commands, starting with a breed known for their high trainability may make the job easier. You'll be looking for a dog who is intelligent, pays attention to you, and is eager to please. Whether they are working dogs, hunters who were bred to watch your every command, or are just plain smart, there are definitely some dog breeds that are easier to train than others. Here are the most trainable small dog breeds to help you in your search!

#1 Miniature or Toy Poodle

Thought to be one of the most intelligent small dogs, the Poodle, either the miniature or toy type, can learn whatever you want to teach them pretty fast. These lovable little fur balls were bred for hunting, but they were often used in circuses by gypsies to perform tricks because they were so quick to learn.

#2 Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is one of the smallest breeds in the world, and may also be one of the smartest. These pawrfect poochies are even known to be furbulous actors in many television commercials and shows. Palm-sized and easy to handle, these cute little critters make wonderful family pets.

#3 Shetland Sheepdog

Though bred for herding livestock, the Sheltie is really a playful pup. Fiercely loyal to their family and wary of strangers, this doggo is known to be a barker. Luckily, this intelligent breed is also one of the most trainable. These pups excel at obedience and agility training, and if started early, can be trained out of those bad habits.

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#4 Dachshund

This pawesome pooch is known to be a great hunter, keeping your house free of vermin. They can even find missing people if trained for it. These long-bodied doggies also come in two varieties, so you can choose between long and shorthair Dachshunds. Either way, you can't go wrong with these pupsters.

#5 Papillon

The adorable Papillon was named for its ears, which look like butterfly wings and comes from a heritage of different types of spaniels. Though mostly bred to be lap dogs, these smart cookies are quick to learn whatever it is you want to teach them. They’re excellent at learning tricks, and are pawfect as agility and show dogs.

#6 Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier got its fantastic reputation from its ancestor, Sergeant Stubby, who served 18 months in the service in World War I, saw 17 battles, and even caught a German spy. Now that is a smart pup! Gentle and intelligent, this woofderful companion is one easy dog to train!

#7 Pembroke Welsh Corgi

You know that if royalty had a favorite breed, it was probably a smart one, and Queen Elizabeth loved the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. These poochies are so smart they can herd and drive animals that are 50 times their size. Although kept mainly for pets today, they’re still incredibly quick to learn whatever you want to teach.

#8 Pomeranian

This fluffy pup may look like a stuffed animal, but they are smarter than you might think. These pawesome poochies are talented, and can be found winning trophies in tracking, flyball, agility, obedience, and even as a therapy dog. So, teaching your Pomeranian not to jump on the furniture should be pretty simple.

#9 Toy Fox Terrier

The Toy Fox was bred to hunt critters like foxes, mice, rats, and other vermin, but today they are usually kept as family pets. Although they love to sit in your lap, they are working dogs that like to stay busy so give them something to do like obedience, agility, frisbee, or flyball.

#10 Miniature Schnauzer

This grumpy old man is actually a very active and happy pup. Once bred to be a rat hunter, today the Mini Schnauzer likes being the center of their family's life. With a need to please and energy to spare, consistent and patient owners find this affectionate companion quite easy to train.