When it comes to training a large dog, intelligence and eagerness to learn can make a world of difference. While every dog has its unique personality, some breeds are known for their quick learning abilities and adaptability. In this guide, we’ll explore the ten quickest learning large dog breeds that are easy to train. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or an experienced trainer, these breeds could be the perfect fit, offering loyalty, companionship, and intelligence. From the energetic Border Collie to the gentle yet smart Golden Retriever, discover which of these remarkable dogs might be your ideal four-legged friend.
Did you know that the average dog can understand up to 165 words, and some highly trainable breeds can learn over 250 commands as mentioned by the American Psychological Association?
When it comes to large dogs, intelligence and quick learning are more than just impressive traits—they’re essential. Larger breeds often require firm training to manage their size, strength, and energy levels. The easier they are to train, the better they adapt to family life, obedience training, and even specialized work like search and rescue.
If you’re looking for a large breed that picks up commands quickly, responds well to training, and thrives in a structured environment, this list is for you. From loyal protectors to playful companions, here are 10 large dog breeds that stand out for their intelligence and trainability.
Quick-Learning Large Dog Breeds
1. German Shepherd
Quick Facts:
Known for: Intelligence, loyalty, versatilityIdeal for: Active families, working roles, service workTemperament: Confident, obedient, eager to learn
German Shepherds are one of the most intelligent dog breeds, ranking third in canine intelligence. Their ability to grasp new commands in less than 5 repetitions makes them exceptionally easy to train. Bred for herding and protection, their sharp instincts and problem-solving skills set them apart.
Originally bred for herding, German Shepherds quickly became essential in police and military work. Their strong work ethic and adaptability make them excellent search-and-rescue dogs, therapy companions, and service animals. Their dedication to tasks and sharp learning ability ensure they excel in demanding roles.
To train a German Shepherd effectively, pet parents should focus on consistency, positive reinforcement, and mental stimulation. Engaging them in interactive play, obedience exercises, and dog sports strengthens their bond with their owners while keeping them mentally sharp.
Despite their intelligence, German Shepherds can be strong-willed and require firm yet patient training. Their high energy levels mean they need structured routines and sufficient exercise to prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors as stated in PDSA.
These dogs adjust well to new environments but thrive on routine. They quickly adapt to advanced training and are eager to please, making them ideal for pet parents looking for a responsive, intelligent companion.
2. Golden Retriever
Quick Facts:
Known for: Friendly nature, intelligence, adaptabilityIdeal for: Families, therapy work, active ownersTemperament: Gentle, affectionate, eager to please
Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds, loved for their intelligence and affectionate nature. They are easy to train due to their eagerness to please, making them ideal for first-time owners. Their friendly disposition also helps them get along well with other dogs, ensuring a harmonious household.
Originally bred as hunting companions, Golden Retrievers have expanded their roles to include therapy, service work, and search-and-rescue missions. Their adaptability and trustworthiness make them excellent partners in various fields, from emotional support to professional work.
To train a Golden Retriever effectively, pet owners should focus on positive reinforcement, consistency, and engaging activities. Incorporating dog sports such as agility or obedience trials helps keep them mentally and physically stimulated while strengthening their bond with their owners.
One challenge with this breed is their excitement, especially when meeting new people or other dogs. They may jump or become overly enthusiastic, so early socialization and patience are key to shaping good manners.
Golden Retrievers adjust well to different training environments and routines. Their affectionate nature, high intelligence, and eagerness to learn make them one of the most beloved and trainable large breeds.
3. Doberman Pinscher
Quick Facts:
Known for: Intelligence, loyalty, protectionIdeal for: Experienced pet owners, active householdsTemperament: Confident, energetic, trainable
Doberman Pinschers are among the most intelligent and quick-learning breeds. Originally bred as guard dogs, they possess strong instincts, sharp problem-solving skills, and an eagerness to work. Their intelligence ranking places them among the top five smartest breeds, making them a popular breed for protection and service work.
Over the years, Dobermans have been widely used as working dogs in various roles. From police and military service to being an excellent service dog for individuals with special needs, their versatility and reliability make them a top choice for demanding tasks.
Training a Doberman requires positive reinforcement, structure, and daily mental stimulation. As an active breed, they thrive with obedience training, agility exercises, and interactive play that channels their energy productively.
One challenge pet parents may face is their high energy and need for leadership. Without proper training, Dobermans can develop dominant behavior, so early socialization and firm but gentle guidance are crucial.
Dobermans quickly adapt to new commands and environments when trained consistently. Their intelligence, loyalty, and work ethic make them one of the best quick-learning large breeds for dedicated owners.
4. Belgian Tervuren
Quick Facts:
Known for: Intelligence, agility, strong work ethicIdeal for: Active families, experienced dog ownersTemperament: Protective, energetic, eager to learn
Belgian Tervurens are exceptionally intelligent and quick learners, ranking among the most trainable breeds. Their herding background gives them strong instincts, and they thrive on challenges that engage their minds. Highly observant and eager to please their owners, they respond well to structured training.
Historically, this breed has been used in police work, search-and-rescue missions, and as service dogs. Their loyalty to humans and natural alertness make them excellent protective companions, always ready to respond when needed.
The best training methods for Belgian Tervurens involve positive reinforcement, consistency, and regular mental stimulation. Since they bond deeply with their owners, interactive training sessions help strengthen their obedience and focus.
One common challenge with this breed is their high energy and sensitivity. They require daily exercise and mental engagement to remain well-mannered, making them best suited for owners who can provide an active lifestyle.
Belgian Tervurens adapt well to new commands and environments when trained properly. Their intelligence, loyalty, and eagerness to learn make them one of the most well-mannered and trainable large dog breeds.
5. Irish Wolfhound
Quick Facts:
Known for: Gentle giant nature, historical hunting skillsIdeal for: Families, open spaces, relaxed companionshipTemperament: Smart, patient, affectionate
Irish Wolfhounds are smart dogs with a calm yet attentive nature, making them receptive to training. Their history as hunters and companions to humans has shaped their ability to work closely with their owners. While they learn well, their independent streak means training requires patience and consistency.
Historically, these dogs worked closely with humans, hunting large game and guarding estates. Their intelligence and strength made them valuable in tracking and protection tasks. Over time, they transitioned into loyal family companions known for their gentle demeanor.
The best training method for an Irish Wolfhound includes positive reinforcement and short, engaging sessions as stated in PetMD. While they are not considered extremely easy to train, they respond well to encouragement. Keeping sessions interesting helps maintain their focus and willingness to learn.
One challenge with this breed is their slow maturity, meaning a puppy may take longer to grasp commands. Their large size requires early training to ensure they become well-mannered adults. Without structure, they may develop stubborn or overly independent tendencies.
Despite their relaxed nature, Irish Wolfhounds benefit from staying active to maintain their health. Regular exercise and mental stimulation help keep them engaged and well-adjusted. Their adaptable personality makes them excellent companions in various living environments.
6. Newfoundland
Quick Facts:
Known for: Water rescue skills, gentle temperamentIdeal for: Families, outdoor-loving ownersTemperament: Loyal, intelligent, affectionate
Newfoundlands are highly intelligent dogs with a natural eagerness to learn. Their working history as water rescue dogs has made them excellent problem-solvers. They quickly pick up commands, especially when training is started at an early age.
These dogs have been historically trained for water rescues and heavy labor. Their strength and swimming ability made them valuable for fishermen. Today, they continue to be used in water rescue operations, thanks to their instincts and intelligence.
The best way to train a Newfoundland is through positive reinforcement and gentle guidance. They respond well to consistency and reward-based methods. Mental stimulation is essential to keep them engaged and eager to learn.
One challenge is their large size, which makes early training crucial. They can be stubborn if not properly socialized. They are usually good with other pets, but their size requires careful introductions, especially with small dogs.
Newfoundlands adapt well to different environments, as long as they receive proper exercise. They thrive in homes with access to water or outdoor space. Their calm nature makes them highly adaptable to various family dynamics.
7. Boxer
Quick Facts:
Known for: Playful energy, strong loyaltyIdeal for: Active families, experienced ownersTemperament: Protective, affectionate, energetic
Boxers are intelligent and quick learners, making training an engaging experience. Their history as working dogs gives them strong instincts, allowing them to understand commands easily. They are eager to please, which makes them highly responsive during training.
Originally bred for hunting and guarding, Boxers have been trained for police and military work. Their agility and strength also make them excellent competitors in dog sports. Today, they continue to serve as loyal family protectors and service dogs.
The best training methods for Boxers involve positive reinforcement and short, engaging sessions. They respond well to rewards and enjoy activities that challenge them mentally. Consistency and patience are key when training a new dog of this breed.
Their high energy can make them stubborn at times, requiring firm but gentle guidance. Without proper training, they may develop excessive jumping or chewing habits. However, their eager-to-please nature makes them quick to correct mistakes.
Boxers adapt well to various living situations as long as they stay active. They thrive in homes where they receive plenty of attention and mental stimulation. With the right training, they grow into well-mannered and affectionate companions.
8. Rottweiler
Quick Facts:
Known for: Strength, loyalty, confidenceIdeal for: Experienced owners, active householdsTemperament: Protective, intelligent, affectionate
Rottweilers are highly intelligent, ranking among the smartest working breeds. Their strong instincts and eagerness to learn make them easy to train when guided properly. Even as a puppy, this breed quickly picks up commands with consistency and structure.
Historically, Rottweilers were trained for herding livestock and pulling carts. Over time, they became popular dog choices for police work, search-and-rescue, and even therapy roles. Their natural guarding abilities also make them excellent family protectors.
Training a Rottweiler requires a firm yet positive approach, as they respond best to clear leadership. Mental stimulation, obedience exercises, and reward-based methods keep them engaged. Socializing them early with pets and people ensures a well-rounded temperament.
Without proper guidance, Rottweilers may become stubborn or overly protective. Their size and energy require consistent training to prevent dominance issues. While incredibly loyal, they need strong leadership to become well-mannered companions.
Rottweilers adapt well to different environments when given structure and purpose. They thrive in active homes with owners who provide training, exercise, and attention. When raised correctly, they become affectionate pets and lifelong guardians.
9. Great Dane
Quick Facts:
Known for: Gentle giant nature, regal appearanceIdeal for: Families, spacious homesTemperament: Affectionate, intelligent, friendly
Great Danes are incredibly smart and quick learners despite their size. Their intelligence, combined with their eagerness to please, makes training smooth when started early. While they may seem intimidating, they are gentle pets that form strong bonds with their owners.
Originally bred as hunting and guard dogs, Great Danes have a long history of working alongside humans. Today, they are popular as family companions and even excel in therapy work. Their calm demeanor and intelligence make them one of the most trainable large dog breeds.
Positive reinforcement and consistency are key to training a Great Dane successfully. Reward-based methods help reinforce good behavior, and mental challenges keep them engaged. Early socialization with other pets ensures they grow into well-mannered, confident dogs.
Their size can make training a challenge, especially as puppies, since they grow rapidly. Without structure, they may develop stubborn tendencies or forget their strength. Despite their intelligence, patience is essential when training such a large dog.
Great Danes adjust well to new environments when given stability and routine. They thrive in loving homes where they receive attention, exercise, and mental stimulation. Their affectionate nature makes them wonderful pets, proving that even a giant can be a gentle companion.
10. Bernese Mountain Dog
Quick Facts:
Known for: Gentle nature, striking tri-color coatIdeal for: Families with active lifestylesTemperament: Loyal, affectionate, intelligent
Bernese Mountain Dogs are among the smartest dog breeds, making them easy to train with the right approach. Their working history as farm dogs has shaped their intelligence, allowing them to quickly grasp commands. Their eagerness to please makes training enjoyable for both pet parents and pups.
Historically, these dogs were bred for pulling carts, herding livestock, and guarding farms. Their strength, intelligence, and loyalty made them indispensable workers. Even today, they thrive in jobs that require cooperation, whether in search-and-rescue or therapy work.
Positive reinforcement and consistency are the best training methods for this breed. Rewarding good behavior with treats and praise keeps them engaged. Early socialization with other dogs ensures they grow into well-adjusted, friendly companions.
Due to their size and energy, they can be slow to mature, sometimes displaying stubbornness. Training sessions should be short and engaging to keep their attention. Establishing structure early helps prevent bad habits from forming.
Bernese Mountain Dogs adapt well to new experiences when properly introduced. They bond deeply with their families and do best in environments where they receive love, training, and plenty of outdoor time. Their gentle nature makes them a favorite among dog breeds worldwide.
Conclusion
If you love friendly, loyal, and easy-to-train dogs, the above-mentioned breeds should be on your list—right alongside the Border Collie and Labrador Retriever. They share a gentle temperament with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the intelligence of a Standard Poodle.
Whether working as therapy dogs or excelling in active lifestyles like Australian Shepherds and Herding Dogs, they bring joy to every home. Socializing them early with other dogs, like a playful Shetland Sheepdog, ensures they grow up friendly and confident. If you’re after a devoted companion, this breed checks all the boxes.
In conclusion, when seeking large dog breeds that are quick learners and amenable to training, it’s vital to consider those renowned for their intelligence, adaptability, and eagerness to please. Breeds like the German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Labrador Retriever are often cited for their remarkable ability to grasp commands swiftly, making them ideal companions for families and individuals alike. These dogs not only excel in obedience and agility but also thrive in various roles, from service work to family pets. By choosing one of these intelligent breeds, owners can enjoy a rewarding training experience and a deeply fulfilling relationship with their canine companions.