11 Best Large Dog Breeds That Are Surprisingly Easy to Train

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Large dogs may seem challenging, but many big breeds are surprisingly easy to train. With intelligence, eagerness to please, and a strong work ethic, these dogs quickly master obedience, tricks, and even specialized tasks. While their size might suggest more effort, many respond well to positive reinforcement and consistency. These gentle giants thrive on learning and love working with their owners. Whether you’re a first-time owner or an experienced dog lover, these large breeds make training enjoyable with their smart, cooperative, and willing nature.

Standard Poodle

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Known for their elegant appearance and sharp minds, Standard Poodles are one of the easiest large breeds to train. These highly intelligent dogs thrive on mental stimulation, making obedience training a fun and rewarding experience. They pick up commands quickly and excel in advanced skills like agility and service work. With their eagerness to learn and strong bond with their owners, Standard Poodles make training feel like a partnership rather than a chore.

German Shepherd

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German Shepherds are famous for their intelligence and work ethic, making them a top choice for police, military, and service work. They are natural problem-solvers and are incredibly responsive to training when given clear instructions and structure. Their strong desire to please their owners means they quickly grasp new commands and tasks. These dogs can become highly obedient, reliable, and well-behaved companions with proper guidance.

Labrador Retriever

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Labradors are not only friendly and affectionate, but they are also among the easiest large breeds to train. Their food motivation and eagerness to please make them quick learners who respond well to positive reinforcement. Labs excel in obedience training, therapy work, and assistance roles, proving their intelligence and adaptability. Whether teaching them basic manners or advanced tricks, Labradors approach training with enthusiasm and charm.

Golden Retriever

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Golden Retrievers are another breed that excels in obedience and training. Their friendly nature, intelligence, and willingness to work make them perfect candidates for service dog roles and advanced obedience. They respond best to positive reinforcement and enjoy learning new tasks, often making training feel like a game. Goldens are naturally cooperative, which means even novice dog owners can successfully train them with patience and consistency.

Doberman Pinscher

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Despite their tough appearance, Dobermans are highly intelligent and eager to learn, making them one of the easiest large breeds to train. When trained using firm yet positive methods, they are naturally alert and respond exceptionally well to commands. With their strong work ethic, they excel in obedience, protection work, and advanced skills. Their quick ability to understand commands makes them a favorite among experienced dog owners and trainers.

Collie

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Collies are known for their intelligence and strong herding instincts, which make them highly trainable dogs. They have an innate ability to read their owners and respond quickly to commands, making obedience training smooth and enjoyable. Their gentle and eager-to-please nature means they take instruction well and love mental challenges. Whether learning tricks or mastering basic manners, Collies are always ready to impress with their quick learning skills.

Belgian Malinois

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Often compared to German Shepherds, Belgian Malinoiss are incredibly smart and driven, making them one of the most trainable large breeds. They thrive on structure and mental stimulation, excelling in obedience training, agility, and even specialized jobs like search and rescue. Their energy level requires a dedicated trainer, but their intelligence makes the process highly rewarding. With the right approach, a Belgian Malinois can become one of the most obedient and skilled dogs you’ll ever meet.

Portuguese Water Dog

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Originally bred to assist fishermen, Portuguese Water Dogs are highly trainable and eager to work. They are intelligent and responsive and love having a job, making them excel in obedience training. Their problem-solving skills allow them to pick up new commands quickly, and their playful nature keeps training sessions fun. With proper guidance, they make fantastic companions who enjoy learning and staying engaged.

Weimaraner

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Weimaraners are known for their intelligence and strong attachment to their owners, making them highly trainable when given proper guidance. They require consistent training and mental stimulation, but their eagerness to please makes them quick learners. They excel in obedience, tracking, and agility work, proving their ability to master new tasks efficiently. A Weimaraner can become an incredibly obedient and well-behaved companion with a confident and structured approach.

Rottweiler

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Rottweilers may have a reputation as tough guard dogs, but they are also incredibly smart and trainable. They form strong bonds with their owners and respond well to structured training and leadership. When trained with positive reinforcement and consistency, they quickly pick up commands and can excel in obedience, protection work, and even therapy roles. Their loyalty and intelligence make them one of the best large breeds for dedicated trainers.

Giant Schnauzer

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Giant Schnauzers are highly intelligent and thrive on structured training. They are quick learners with a strong work ethic, making them ideal candidates for obedience training and advanced skills. Their energetic and alert nature requires mental and physical engagement, but their trainability makes them excellent working dogs. With firm yet positive training, a Giant Schnauzer will quickly be one of the smartest and most obedient dogs.

The Big Dogs Who Ace Obedience Class

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Training a large dog might seem challenging, but these breeds prove that size doesn’t mean difficulty. These big dogs’ intelligence, eagerness to learn, and cooperative nature make training sessions smooth and enjoyable. Whether learning basic manners, mastering advanced commands or excelling in specialized work, these breeds thrive when given proper guidance. Their ability to quickly pick up new skills makes them easy to train and highly rewarding companions. Owning a large dog with a sharp mind means you’ll have a loyal, well-behaved best friend who’s always ready to impress.