8 Dog Breeds That Are Masters of Tricks (and 8 That Charm With Simplicity)

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Mathew Abraham

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Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

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Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and so do their personalities and talents. While some breeds thrive on learning complex tricks and showing off their skills, others enchant us with their uncomplicated charm and affectionate demeanor. This mix of brilliance and simplicity makes every dog unique, offering something for every type of owner. Let’s explore eight dog breeds that excel in mastering tricks and eight that charm us with their laid-back nature.

1. Border Collie

Border Collie playing with a frisbee
Екатерина Котик/Pexels

Widely recognized as the smartest dog breed, Border Collies are unparalleled when it comes to learning complex tricks. These dogs are eager to please, quick to understand commands, and thrive on mental stimulation. Their agility and focus make them top performers in dog sports and obedience competitions. However, their intelligence requires consistent training and challenges, as boredom can lead to destructive behavior. If you’re ready for a partner who learns almost anything, the Border Collie is your breed.

2. Poodle

A poodle playing with pink ball
Skyler Ewing/Pexels

Poodles, regardless of size (standard, miniature, or toy), are incredible learners and performers. Their combination of intelligence, athleticism, and eagerness to please makes them ideal for advanced training. Poodles excel at tricks ranging from simple commands to intricate dance routines. They’re also known for their adaptability, making them perfect companions for trainers of all skill levels. Their trainability, paired with their stylish appearance, ensures they shine both in the home and on the stage.

3. Golden Retriever

Two Golden Retrievers playing with a ball
Barnabas Davoti/Pexels

Golden Retrievers are not only affectionate family dogs but also skilled trick learners. Their high intelligence and eagerness to please make them natural at mastering tricks, especially when positive reinforcement is used. They are often found excelling in obedience trials, therapy work, and even movie roles. Their patience and gentle demeanor also make them excellent for teaching tricks to younger family members.

4. Australian Shepherd

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sharkolot/pixabay

Australian Shepherds are energetic, intelligent, and always ready to work. Known for their problem-solving skills, they’re quick to pick up advanced tricks and commands. These dogs thrive in environments where they’re mentally and physically challenged, such as agility courses and trick competitions. Their natural herding instincts make them particularly skilled at precision-based tasks, turning any trick session into a showcase of their talents.

5. German Shepherd

German Shepherd jumping
pohjakroon/PixaBay

German Shepherds’ intelligence and versatility make them exceptional trick learners. Their strong work ethic and loyalty to their owners ensure they give their all in training sessions. From basic commands to advanced routines like opening doors or fetching specific items, German Shepherds are quick to learn and eager to perform. Their discipline and focus make them standout stars in canine performances.

6. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever
Ray Bilcliff/Pexels

Labrador Retrievers are among the easiest breeds to train due to their intelligence, enthusiasm, and love for food rewards. They excel in learning both practical commands and playful tricks. Labs’ cheerful disposition ensures they’ll approach every training session with enthusiasm, making them a joy to work with. Their versatility allows them to master tricks ranging from fetching specific items to balancing treats on their noses.

7. Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terrier playing with a toy
kkolosov/123rf

Jack Russell Terriers may be small, but they’re packed with energy and intelligence. These dogs love to learn and show off their skills, often mastering tricks like jumping through hoops or performing spins with ease. Their high energy levels mean they’re always ready for training sessions, though their independent streak may require a bit of extra patience. For experienced trainers, Jack Russells are delightful tricksters.

8. Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois
Catherine Read/Pixabay

Belgian Malinois are known for their incredible drive and ability to learn advanced skills. Commonly used in police and military work, they’re quick to pick up intricate commands and tricks. Their intelligence and physical agility make them ideal for high-energy trick performances, including parkour-style routines. However, they’re best suited for owners who can dedicate time to rigorous training and exercise.

9. Bulldog

Bulldog puppy sitting on green grass.
BLACK17BG/Pixabay

Bulldogs may not perform flashy tricks, but their laid-back charm is irresistible. They’re content with basic training and simple commands, often preferring snuggles over sessions. Bulldogs are low-maintenance in their training needs, and their unique appearance paired with their lovable personality makes them natural scene stealers. Their calm and easygoing nature ensures they fit in well with families and individuals alike.

10. Basset Hound

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maxpinilla/pexels

With their soulful eyes and gentle demeanor, Basset Hounds capture attention effortlessly. These dogs are not inclined to perform tricks but excel in being lovable companions. They have a natural charm that doesn’t rely on elaborate performances, as their endearing stubbornness and relaxed approach to life make them unforgettable pets. Bassets are happiest when lounging around with their families.

11. Shih Tzu

Shih tzu sleeping
pankaj gosai/Pexels

Shih Tzus are bred to be affectionate lap dogs, and they excel at their primary role: being adorable. While they can learn basic commands, their preference is often to relax and bask in attention. Their playful antics, combined with their luxurious coats and expressive faces, make them natural entertainers without the need for complex tricks. Their charm lies in their affectionate and easygoing nature.

12. Great Dane

Great Dane 5
Melissa Askew/Unsplash

Great Danes may be large, but their personalities are soft and simple. They’re not overly eager to learn tricks, but their affectionate and gentle nature more than compensates. These gentle giants charm everyone with their calm demeanor and loyalty. They form strong bonds with their families, and their presence alone is enough to captivate hearts, making them iconic pets.

13. Chihuahua

A Deer head Chihuahua
henry_smalldog_angry/Instagram

Chihuahuas might have a sassy reputation, but their charm lies in their bold personalities. While they’re capable of learning tricks, many are content with being pampered companions. Their small size and big attitudes make them naturally entertaining, even without a repertoire of commands. These tiny dogs excel at brightening up homes with their quirky and confident nature.

14. Pug

Pug lying on a bed with a person sleeping in the background.
Burst/Pexels

Pugs are known for their clownish personalities and expressive faces. While they’re capable of learning simple tricks, they often rely on their natural charm to entertain. Their love for people and comical antics make them instant favorites, with no flashy performances needed. Pugs thrive on human interaction, and their playful yet lazy demeanor ensures they’re always a source of joy.

15. Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard lying on the ground surrounded by greenery.
Katerina/Pexels

Saint Bernards are gentle giants whose simplicity and warmth make them unforgettable. They’re not likely to perform advanced tricks, but their calm and caring nature makes them perfect companions. These dogs are incredibly loyal and thrive in family environments where they can relax and offer comfort. Their sheer size and lovable demeanor create a lasting impression on everyone they meet.

16. Mastiff

Mastiff Dog
dtatiana/123rf

Mastiffs may not be eager performers, but their loyal and protective nature is their true charm. These dogs thrive on simple interactions and are deeply devoted to their families. Their dignified presence, coupled with their gentle affection, makes them captivating in their own right. Mastiffs excel as quiet and reliable companions who form unbreakable bonds with their owners.

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