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The Most Obedient Dogs You Can Have

The Most Obedient Dogs You Can Have

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10. Australian Cattle Dog

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9. Rottweiler

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8. Papillon

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7. Labrador Retriever

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6. Shetland Sheepdog

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5. Doberman Pinscher

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4. Golden Retriever

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3. German Shepherd

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2. Poodle

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1. Border Collie

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10. Australian Cattle Dog
9. Rottweiler
8. Papillon
7. Labrador Retriever
6. Shetland Sheepdog
5. Doberman Pinscher
4. Golden Retriever
3. German Shepherd
2. Poodle
1. Border Collie

Adopting a pet is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Adding a furry family member is incredibly rewarding and will bring endless joy – and complete adoration – to your home. Whether you prefer to train your dog with a few basic commands – sit, stay, give me your paw – or prefer the more advanced – open the refrigerator, get the paper, fetch my slippers – you will need to spend time working with your dog.

But it's not always as simple as getting your new pet to listen, learn, and repeat. Some dogs require more work, dogs that, much like some humans, refuse to listen to what you are teaching. Then there are other canines, who will listen intently, and immediately grasp the concept. These dogs are known for their obedience, a trait that is desirable in any pet, and necessary in a working dog. (Training takes work, just like any sport, from the UFC Fight Night athletes who sparred in Denver to footballers playing for Canada and Uruguay in the Copa America.)

You may not think certain instructions are necessary for your new sidekick, but the American Kennel Club recommends that every dog owner consider some form of obedience training for their canine, not just to ensure good behavior but to establish good communication skills.Obedience is one of the AKC's oldest sporting events, and ranges from walking on- and off-leash to retrieving and jumping. The guidelines say that dogs must demonstrate willingness and enjoyment as part of the obedience trials. (Here are the smartest dog breeds in America.)

To determine the top dogs known for their obedience, 24/7 Tempo reviewed the report "Dogs and home insurance: what you need to know" from insurance comparison company Confused.com. Dog breeds were ranked based on a survey of more than 200 dog obedience judges. Information on a breed's personality attributes, typical size, and life expectancy came from the American Kennel Club.

Of course, although these breeds are listed as the most obedient, this doesn't mean they will always listen to you. Certain dogs may be stubborn or perhaps your training methods aren't working well. But if you want to start with the most obedient breed, adopting the top dog in this category will certainly work. The Border Collie takes the prize here, described as being energetic and remarkably bright.

According to the AKB, "Having a job to perform, like agility or herding or obedience work is key to Border happiness." That might also apply to some of the other breeds on our list, including the German Shepherd, Shetland Sheepdog, and Australian Cattle Dog. (These are the most stubborn, hardest dog breeds to train.)

Here are the top dog breeds known for their obedience.

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