There’s no denying it, the ideal dog is one that will seamlessly blend into your family, helping it to feel complete. Though, when it comes to choosing the best dog breed for families, that can be a lot harder than it may seem. After all, there are so many out there. From small protective dogs, to shaggy breeds to pretty pups, the choices are endless. But if we’re being completely honest here, having a well-behaved, obedient dog that actually listens is a dream—especially for first-time pet owners or anyone looking for a low-maintenance dog. That’s why we rounded up a list of 7 obedient dogs that are every pet parent’s dream, featuring family-friendly and expert-recommended breeds.

One of the best thigs about obedient dogs is that they are easier to train, better at following commands and smart. These are the dogs you see that will come when their owners call and sit on command—basically, the ones we all admire. What’s not to like?

Curious which ones experts say are well-behaved dogs, make loyal pets and are family-friendly dogs? Check out our list of the most obedient dogs, below. You may even be surprised by some that are included. And if you had your heart set on a certain breed that doesn’t fall on this list, it doesn’t mean they are doomed to be disobedient. It’s just that some breeds are better-known for following commands than others. If obedience is a top priority for you, consider one of these expert-approved dog breeds.

Related: 7 Small Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed Everywhere

7 Most Obedient Dog Breeds

Doberman Pinscher

What are the most obedient dog breeds? Well, a Doberman is one. There’s a reason why Dobermans are often used for security and protection—these dogs listen. “As a dog that was bred to have a job, it is highly intelligent and therefore generally very easy to train, as long as the owner consistently applies positive training methods,” says Julie Hunt, DVM, a veterinarian contributor at Embrace Pet Insurance.

Dobermans are loyal, attentive, and always willing to work, says Aimee Warner, DVM, resident veterinarian at Waggel. “They are eager pleasers and immediately responsive to routine and command,” she says. But Warner notes that Dobermans need to be socialized early and go through obedience training “so that they can direct their energy and intelligence in productive ways.” The best way to get impressive obedience out of your Doberman? Be positive, assertive and calm, according to Warner.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Alert, loyal, fearless

Poodle

Another obedient and lovable dog breed our experts recommend are Poodles! While they have a reputation for being show dogs, these popular pups are incredibly smart dogs and make great family-friendly dogs, especially for first-time dog parents. That’s why they make our list of obedient dogs every pet parent will love. “Poodles are extremely impressive at training,” Warner says. “They are elegant-looking, but they are also one of the most clever breeds in the world.” No matter whether it’s a toy, mini or standard Poodle, this breed is a faster learner.

If you really want to hedge your bets with obedience, Hunt suggests opting for a Standard Poodle. “The standard Poodle has the calmest demeanor, which can help it to focus on its training, while the miniature and toy poodles may be more easily distractible,” she says. Overall, Warner says that poodles are quick to pick up new commands and enjoy showing off the skills they’ve learned. “Friendly and intelligent, they excel in obedience competitions and therapy work,” she says.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Active, proud, smart

Border Collie

Which dogs are easiest to train? A Border Collie is one our experts recommend. These adorable dogs are known for their high levels of intelligence and that is one reason they are so well-behaved. However, since this breed likes to be mentally stimulated, they also need lots of exercise, according to Warner. Though, because Collies were originally bred to herd sheep, they are excellent dogs at following commands, Hunt says.

This loyal breed is very smart and they learn fast, making them obedience school stars. Collies have a lot of energy and enjoy plenty of outdoor time, so they are great for owners who are active. You can take your Collie running with you or just spend some solid time at the dog park. Tip: They’ll be even more obedient once they’re a little tuckered out.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Energetic, affectionate, smart

English Springer Spaniel

If you’re looing for a family-friendly dogs that are good with kids and an obedient dog for first-time owners, this is it! English Springer Spaniels are a sporting breed that was originally bred to help hunters. That’s why they follow directions well and are eager to please, according to Abel Gonzalez, DVM, clinical director at Dutch.

Springer Spaniels are an obedient dog breed, but they’re also clever. These pretty pups are also known for their big, soulful eyes as well.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Friendly, playful, obedient

Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog looks similar to a Border Collie, and they’re cousins of sorts. Like the Border Collie, the Shetland Sheepdog is very good at following commands. “They’re highly intelligent,” Warner says, noting that this obedient breed is also eager to please its owners.

Shelties can be trained quickly and like to be mentally stimulated, making it important to have new tricks and commands in your back pocket. This well-behaved breed also tends to dominate obedience, agility and herding trials.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Playful, energetic, bright

Related: 7 Majestic Dog Breeds That Are Big, Beautiful and Devoted, Say Experts

Rottweiler

Rottweilers have a reputation as a guard dog—and your Rottie will do that, too. But this breed also one of the most obedient dog breeds as it is easy to train. Rottweilers love knowing they have a job to do, whether that’s agility training or finding lost balls in the yard.

This lovable breed is known for its loyalty, and they can be surprisingly playful. One training tip to remember: Just be aware that Rottweilers like to be mentally stimulated. So, if you’re occupied and can’t play, be sure to have plenty of dog puzzle toys ready to go.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Loyal, loving, confident guardian

Australian Cattle Dog

One more dog breed that is excellent at following commands is the Australian Cattle Dog. They are also known as a Blue Heeler (aka Bluey dog), and they have plenty of energy, combined with lots of smarts. Australian Cattle Dogs are independent thinkers, but they also like to have a sense of purpose. This breed responds well to training and can pick up new tricks easily. It’s no wonder it’s an expert-approved dog.

Like Bluey, Australian Cattle Dogs tend to have big personalities, and they’re also playful. But all that energy needs to be channeled somewhere, making it important to keep your Blue Heeler active. Once your pup has gotten a good romp in, they’ll be great listeners.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Loyal, intelligent, tenacious

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This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Nov 2, 2025, where it first appeared in the Dogs section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.