Best Dogs for Obedience
Our expert-curated list of the best dogs for obedience in 2026, ranked by suitability and temperament.
Overview
Finding the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a prospective owner can make. This 2026 guide to the best dogs for obedience evaluates breeds across multiple factors to help you make an informed choice.
We considered temperament ratings, health profiles, grooming requirements, exercise needs, and real-world owner experiences to compile this definitive list.
How We Chose
Our ranking criteria include:
- Temperament match: How well the breed's personality fits the intended purpose
- Health profile: Overall breed health and common conditions
- Adaptability: How well the breed adjusts to different environments and lifestyles
- Owner satisfaction: Real-world feedback from breed owners in 2026
- Availability: How accessible the breed is through reputable breeders and rescue organizations
The Rankings
Border Collie
The Border Collie earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 5/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from Scotland, this medium-sized breed from the Herding group weighs 30–55 lbs and lives 12–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 12–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Poodle
The Poodle earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 3/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from Germany, this medium-sized breed from the Non-Sporting group weighs 40–70 lbs and lives 12–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Hypoallergenic coat
- Lifespan of 12–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 1/5
- Exercise needs rated 5/5
- Price range $1000–$2500
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 3/5, energy 5/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from Germany, this large-sized breed from the Herding group weighs 50–90 lbs and lives 9–13 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 3/5
- Family-friendly (5/5)
- Lifespan of 9–13 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 1/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 1/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from Scotland, this large-sized breed from the Sporting group weighs 55–75 lbs and lives 10–12 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 10–12 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 5/5
- Exercise needs rated 2/5
- Price range $1000–$2000
Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 3/5, energy 1/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from Scotland, this small-sized breed from the Herding group weighs 15–25 lbs and lives 12–14 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 3/5
- Family-friendly (5/5)
- Lifespan of 12–14 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 1/5
- Exercise needs rated 5/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 5/5, energy 5/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from United States, this medium-sized breed from the Herding group weighs 40–65 lbs and lives 12–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 5/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 12–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 1/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 2/5). Originally from Belgium, this large-sized breed from the Herding group weighs 40–80 lbs and lives 14–16 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (2/5)
- Lifespan of 14–16 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 2/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $1000–$2500
Collie
The Collie earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 4/5, energy 3/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from Scotland, this large-sized breed from the Herding group weighs 50–75 lbs and lives 12–14 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 4/5
- Family-friendly (5/5)
- Lifespan of 12–14 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 5/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 3/5, energy 5/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 4/5). Originally from Germany, this large-sized breed from the Working group weighs 60–100 lbs and lives 10–12 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 3/5
- Family-friendly (4/5)
- Lifespan of 10–12 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 5/5
- Price range $1000–$2500
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 4/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from Canada, this large-sized breed from the Sporting group weighs 55–80 lbs and lives 11–13 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (5/5)
- Lifespan of 11–13 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500