7 Small Dog Breeds That Are Calm and Easy to Train
Small dogs can be just as calm as gentle giants and trainable as working dogs. Discover the small dog breeds that are calm and easy to train from our article.
Small dog breeds aren’t just cute and playful. Some boast trainability and intelligence much bigger than their tiny frame, proving that they are suitable for a wide range of training, from basic obedience to dog sports to service animal work.
If you’re looking for small dog breeds that are calm and easy to train, you’re in for a treat. Our article will list highly trainable small dog breeds you should consider adopting. Read on to get to know these adorable small dog breeds that can learn all kinds of tricks, even from a novice dog trainer.
7 Small Dog Breeds That Are Calm and Easy to Train
Below is our list of small dog breeds that are calm and easy to train. We’ll include a variety of dog breeds, so everyone reading our article is sure to find the perfect match.
1) Havanese
With adorable facial expressions and a playful personality, the Havanese are surprisingly eager to please and enjoy participating in training sessions with their owners. They are quick to learn new things, and the agile body of the Havanese makes this breed a good candidate for various dog sports that are suitable for small breeds, like agility and rally.
2) Bichon Frise
Known for their distinct rounded haircut, the Bichon Frise is one of the best small dog breeds that are calm and easy to train. Although they can get more playful than trainable at times, the Bichon Frise is a dog breed that remains calm and eager to learn when presented with the right motivations during training sessions.
3) Bolognese
One of the lesser-known small white dog breeds, the Bolognese is undoubtedly more trainable than their popularity. As long as a Bolognese is fulfilled with their routine, training won’t take much time or effort from the owner’s end. They are quick to pick up basic commands, and owners of this calm small dog breed can advance to more complicated tricks in just a few weeks.
4) Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire terrier, shortly known as the Yorkie, is one of the most popular small companion dog breeds. The trainability of this toy breed doesn’t strike most Yorkie owners, but they can be more trainable than expected. They are highly affectionate dogs that bond strongly with every family member, making training not only easy but also enjoyable.
5) Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher appears messy with a wiry medium-length coat. While this gives the breed a distinct appearance, the working lineage as mousers equip the breed with a high drive and reasonable trainability. They can be stubborn here and there, but training will be effortless once you know what an Affenpinscher considers a high-value reward.
6) Toy Poodle
The toy poodle is the smallest variety of the poodle dog breed. Despite their tiny size, the toy poodle is as trainable as their larger siblings. From basic obedience to advanced training types, including service dog training, the toy poodle is a highly trainable breed that won’t disappoint in training. However, the high energy levels of the toy poodle make training best after sufficient exercise and mental stimulation to stay calm during training.
7) Papillon
Weighing under ten pounds, the Papillon is an alert and curious small dog breed that absorbs training like a sponge with the right training approach. Papillons can learn everything you throw at them if you mix up training with adequate playtime and lots of praise and treats. The athletic capabilities of the Papillon also make this breed a serious contender for dog sports like agility.
Bonus: Small Doodles
If you haven’t found the right breed for you in the list above, consider small doodles that range from Cavapoos and Maltipoos to Cockapoos and mini Labradoodles. With the intelligence coming from the poodle parent and the qualities they get from the other parent breed, you will find countless small doodles that will fit your description as a small dog that's calm and easy to train. You may even find a dog suitable for service dog training from these mixed breeds.
Find the Best Small Dog Breeds That Are Calm and Easy to Train for You
While being calm and trainable can be key factors in finding the best small dog breed for you, evaluate every breed as a whole rather than only looking at these two qualities. The coat type, temperament, family life, aggression towards other pets, prey drive, exercise needs, and many other considerations should go into finding the right breed.
Not considering all these about any dog breed may bring up challenges in other areas despite a breed generally being calm and easy to train. Therefore, weigh in everything about the dog breeds you're interested in to find the best match for you and your life circumstances.
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