8 Best Small Dog Breeds That Are Easy To Train

8 of the best small dog breeds that are easy to train include the Miniature Poodle, Papillon, Shetland Sheepdog, and the Toy Fox Terrier. Oh, and Corgis of course! They’re great little dogs, and they’re perfect for those who want a dog that’s not too stubborn. 

Dogs are the best and most wonderful companions we could ask for. They give us unconditional love and ask for nothing in return, and all we need to do is take care of them and give them the attention they need. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t a lot of work, and some dogs need a lot more than others in order to turn them into good citizens. 

There are breeds that are notoriously difficult to train because they’re stubborn and don’t want to listen unless it’s on their terms. But there are also many small breeds of dogs that are easier to train and more likely to pick things up quickly. Just remember – small dogs don’t need less attention, exercise, or training than large ones.

Here are 8 of the best small dog breeds that are easy to train.

Key Takeaways:

• An easy dog breed is ideal for first-time owners
• Small dogs need just as much work as large dogs 
• Many small dogs are badly behaved because they aren’t trained 
• Persistence, patience, and positivity are the keys to success in training

Why Pick An Easy Breed? 

If you haven’t had a dog before or you’re at a stage in your life where you just can’t handle the high-energy chaos that comes with a more difficult breed, an easy one is what you need. They still need all the exercise and stimulation any other dog does, but they need less to be satisfied and they are also much easier to train because they are better listeners. 

Not everyone wants to deal with a ball of chaotic energy, and that’s why it’s good to know which breeds are a little easier to take care of (and train). 

8 Best Small Dog Breeds That Are Easy To Train

There are so many fantastic breeds of small dogs out there for you to love, but I have 8 that I would definitely recommend over the others. These small breeds are easier to train and more biddable, which means things should be smoother for you. 

1. Miniature Poodle

Poodles of all sizes are highly intelligent, and Miniature Poodles are no different. They pick up commands exceptionally quickly, and they love to learn, which makes them eager to please. They’re very sweet dogs, but the only thing to remember is that their exceptional intelligence means they do need plenty of mental exercise to keep them entertained. 

2. Shetland Sheepdog 

This is another smart breed, and these working dogs have quick minds and eager attitudes that make them biddable and receptive to new commands. They will pick them up fairly quickly, and they absolutely love agility and general obedience training. They can be a little noisy, but it is very easy to train out of them.

3. Chihuahua

They are one of the smallest breeds in the world, and Chihuahua’s get a bad rap. The thing is, they are actually very smart and easy to train, but most people who own them see them as little lap dogs who don’t need discipline. They want to learn, and they want to please you, and without the mental stimulation, they go a little stir-crazy. 

4. Papillon 

Papillon are named for their massive ears, which look just like butterflies (which is what their name means in French). They’re one of the few small breeds that were bred to be a lap dog, but that doesn’t make them any harder to train. They’re quick little pups, and they pick up tricks and commands very easily. 

5. Pomeranian 

Fluffy and sassy, Pomeranians are Spitz dogs with a lot going on in their minds. They are highly intelligent and easy to train, and they are certainly not lap dogs. Not only do they love flyball and agility, they’re also avid lovers of obedience, and they are even a popular choice for therapy dogs. They love to learn, and they’re even more eager to please you. 

6. Dachshund

These long dogs are little hunters, and they are very good at their job. They love to sniff around for vermin and other prey, and this is what they were bred for. As a result, they are quick learners and have sharp minds that make them good for learning tricks and commands. They’re even good at finding missing people and can be trained for it. 

7. Toy Fox Terrier 

While bred to be hunters, these dogs have sharp minds that love to learn new things. They’re incredibly active, and Toy Fox Terriers enjoy having things to do, like flyball and agility. Sure, they are quite happy to curl up in your lap and go to sleep, but giving them time to learn obedience and get that mental exercise will always be their favorite. 

8. Corgi

I couldn’t make a list about smart dog breeds and not include Corgis! As you know, Corgis are super smart little dogs. Yes, this means they can be bossy – but it also means they’re very easy to train if you’re consistent and patient.

According to canine researcher, Stanley Coren, Pembrokes are the 11th smartest breed and Cardigans the 26th most intelligent breed out of more than 100. They understand new commands within 5-15 repetitions. And, they obey a first command 85% of the time or better. Some of the breeds they outrank include Airedales, Border Terriers, Weimaraners, and Standard Schnauzers.

Are There Breeds You Should Avoid?  

If you’re looking for an easy breed of small dog, there are some you should definitely avoid, like Border Terriers and Australian Shepherds. They are both wonderful but also very stubborn and independent!

Even Jack Russell Terriers can be too much work for those who want an easier breed. Essentially, you’ll want to avoid the high-energy working breeds if you don’t want to break a sweat trying to keep up with their activity levels and racing brains.  

Do you have a small dog breed that was (or wasn’t!) easy to train that we should include in this list?

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Small Dogs Easier To Train? 

Small dogs are not necessarily easier to train. Some small breeds are notoriously stubborn and difficult to get a handle on. Size really doesn’t matter with dogs, and there are so many large dogs that are just as hard to train (looking at you, Huskies). A smaller dog is often badly behaved as an adult because many people think they don’t need the training. 

Do Small Dogs Need Less Exercise? 

No, small dogs don’t need less exercise than other breeds. They often need just as much (if not more) than their larger counterparts. Many small dogs are working breeds, which means they have more energy and need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to keep them occupied and prevent them from getting bored. 

Are Small Dogs Noisier? 

It’s true that small dogs can be quite a bit noisier than larger ones. They tend to be louder and more vocal, and a lot of this comes down to what the breed was designed for and their jobs as working dogs – especially those used for hunting and herding. However, just because they like to talk a lot doesn’t mean they can’t be trained to be quieter. 

Final Thoughts 

There are so many fantastic small dog breeds to choose from, and the ones on my list are the easiest to train and some of the most relaxed dogs around. Of course, they still need a lot of exercise and plenty of mental stimulation to ensure they don’t get bored and destructive, but training is smooth sailing with these breeds. 

If you ever struggle with training, there is no shame in asking a professional for help. They can show you the best way to get through to your dog and help you communicate with them. Even the easiest dogs can be stubborn if they want to, and we all need some assistance every now and then. Professional trainers are there to help both of you.