Big, Beautiful Dogs That Are Easy to Train

Every breed of dog can bring comfort and love to a human companion. Some breeds, however, have been recognized for their ease of training over others. Larger dogs that have been bred for generations to work alongside humans exhibit intelligent traits and a readiness to learn. These big, beautiful breeds are well-known for their stable temperament and easy training.

  1. Golden Retriever

    • Loveable and loyal, golden retrievers can be easily trained.

      Loyal, happy and friendly, the golden retriever is a large, gentle breed that weighs between 60 to 80 lbs. Always ready to give affection and play, the golden retriever was once used to retrieve waterfowl, and bred alongside humans for hunting. Golden retrievers are instantly recognizable for their bright-blond coat and shaggy fur. With a superb sense of smell and a natural wit, the golden retriever is a great family companion that learns quickly and remembers well.

    Doberman Pinscher

    • Doberman pinschers are often trained to work as guide dogs and for use in the military.

      The short-haired Doberman pinscher is known for both its brains and brawn. Tall and weighing in between 60 to 85 lbs. on average, the Doberman is quick, agile and fiercely loyal, and it often attaches strongly to one family. Because of their impressive size, bold bark and imposing figure, Doberman pinschers are easily trained as guard dogs. Despite this, the Doberman is also a loving breed that is ready to please any family. Keen and quick, the Doberman pinscher is considered one of the smartest breeds in the world.

    German Shepherd

    • German shepherds are always eager to learn.

      German shepherds are well-known and are regularly kept for their intelligence and ease of training. Weighing an average of 75 to 85 lbs., this large breed has served in many roles, from police work to rescue teams. The German shepherd is the breed of choice for many organizations seeking the perfectly trained companion. This breed's intelligence leads to quite a bit of curiosity, however, and may sometimes appear a little aloof. Nevertheless, a German shepherd is typically self-confident and eager to learn.

    Poodle

    • Standard poodles are a highly intelligent breed.

      Prim, proper and fluffy, the poodle is often associated with dog pageants and shows. Although miniature poodles and toy poodles popularly spring to mind when considering this breed, standard and "grande" poodles grow much larger (up to 65 lbs.), yet display the same eager intelligence as always. Considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds around (and equally easy to train), the standard poodle craves human company and are always at the ready.

    Weimaraner

    • Weimaraners were once trained for big-game hunting.

      Sometimes called the "grey ghost" because of its pale, sleek coat and agile features, the Weimaraner is a large dog, weighing in at 70 to 85 lbs. on average. Once admired for its uses in big-game hunting, the Weimaraner is known for its speed, intelligence, and tenacious attitude. Although the Weimaraner is no longer commonly used for hunting, the breed has retained its strong reputation for being easily trainable and obedient.