8 Dogs That Excel at Mastering Tricks (and 5 That Impress With Their Unique Talents)

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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.

Obedience training with German Shepherd
lightpoet/123rf

Owning a dog that loves to learn tricks can be incredibly rewarding. Some breeds are natural-born performers, eager to learn and show off their skills. These dogs are not only smart but also highly trainable, making them a joy to work with for both beginners and seasoned trainers. Research has shown that dog breeds with higher intelligence levels tend to perform better in trick training and problem-solving activities.

1. Border Collie – The Genius Performer

Border collies playing
stevelancaster/pixabay

If there’s a gold medal for trick training, the Border Collie wins hands down. Known for their incredible intelligence, these dogs thrive on mental stimulation. Owners have trained Border Collies to perform complex agility courses and even understand hundreds of words. A famous example is Chaser, a Border Collie who learned over 1,000 nouns! Beyond their brilliance, Border Collies are extremely energetic and love being active, which makes them perfect for tricks that involve movement, like weaving through poles or jumping through hoops. They’re happiest when they have a job to do, so teaching them tricks is a great way to keep their minds and bodies engaged.

2. Poodle – The Elegant Entertainer

Dogs That Excel at Mastering Tricks
Skyler Ewing/Pexels

Poodles aren’t just stylish—they’re smart too. Whether standard, miniature, or toy, this breed excels in obedience and trick training. Their eagerness to please, combined with their sharp intellect, makes them a favorite in dog shows and competitions. Imagine a Poodle dancing in sync with its owner—yes, they can do that! What makes Poodles stand out is their adaptability. They’re quick learners and can be taught to perform a variety of tricks, from fetching specific items to standing on their hind legs. Plus, their playful personalities make them a joy to train, as they often add a little flair to whatever trick they’re learning.

3. Golden Retriever – The Friendly Star

Dogs That Excel at Mastering Tricks
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Golden Retrievers aren’t just friendly; they’re also highly trainable. These dogs are often seen performing tricks in commercials and movies because of their ability to quickly learn commands. From playing dead to fetching specific items, a Golden can master it all with patience and praise. Their gentle nature and eagerness to please make them fantastic for families who want a dog that’s both loving and talented. Golden Retrievers also have an uncanny ability to sense their owner’s emotions, which can make training sessions even more enjoyable and rewarding.

4. Labrador Retriever – The Versatile Learner

Dogs That Excel at Mastering Tricks
Leslieblack2/Pixabay

The Labrador Retriever’s playful personality pairs perfectly with their eagerness to learn. Known for their use in service and therapy work, Labs can pick up tricks like carrying groceries or even opening doors. Their versatility is unmatched. Labs are natural problem solvers, which makes them excel at tricks that require a bit of creative thinking. Plus, their enthusiasm for treats and praise means they’re always up for a training session, no matter the time or place.

5. Australian Shepherd – The Energetic Athlete

An Australian Shepherd
RebeccasPictures/PixaBay

Australian Shepherds are energetic and intelligent, making them great at trick training. They’re famous for their ability to herd, but their athleticism also means they can learn tricks like spinning, jumping through hoops, and balancing objects with ease. Aussie Shepherds are natural show-offs and love performing for an audience, which makes them ideal for families who enjoy spending time teaching their dog new skills. Their high energy levels mean they’ll always be ready for the next challenge, whether it’s learning a new trick or mastering an agility course.

6. Papillon – The Tiny Trickster

Dogs That Excel at Mastering Tricks
alexas_fotos/pixabay

Don’t let their small size fool you. Papillons are tiny tricksters packed with energy and intelligence. These adorable dogs love to perform and are perfect for owners looking for a compact companion with big capabilities. Papillons are known for their agility and can easily learn tricks like spinning, rolling over, or jumping through small hoops. Their cheerful and curious nature makes them quick learners, and their size means they can perform tricks almost anywhere—even in small spaces.

7. Shetland Sheepdog – The Quick Thinker

Woman playing with a Shetland Sheepdog outdoors.
Blue Bird/Pexels

Sheepdogs, or Shelties, are highly intelligent and thrive in obedience training. Their herding instincts give them a natural ability to pick up commands quickly, making them excellent trick learners. Shelties are also incredibly loyal, which means they’ll work hard to please their owners. They’re especially good at tricks that require precision and focus, like retrieving specific objects or navigating obstacle courses. Their fluffy coats and expressive faces make every trick they perform look even more impressive.

8. Belgian Malinois – The Fearless Achiever

Dogs That Excel at Mastering Tricks
Blue Bird/Pexels

This breed is often seen excelling in police and military roles, but they’re also fantastic at tricks. Belgian Malinois are quick learners and love challenges, so teaching them complex tricks is both fun and rewarding. These dogs are known for their incredible focus and determination, which makes them ideal for advanced tricks like climbing ladders or performing intricate sequences. Their high energy levels and strong work ethic mean they’re always up for a new challenge, making them a favorite among experienced dog trainers.

9. Bloodhound – The Scent Detective

Blood Hound
User Erland22, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

When it comes to scent work, Bloodhounds are in a league of their own. Their powerful noses can track scents over miles, making them invaluable in search and rescue missions. Teaching tricks might not be their forte, but their unique sniffing skills are awe-inspiring. Bloodhounds are incredibly patient and focused, which means they excel in activities that require persistence and attention to detail. While they may not perform traditional tricks, their ability to follow a scent trail is nothing short of magical.

10. Greyhound – The Graceful Sprinter

Dogs That Excel at Mastering Tricks
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Speed is the name of the game for Greyhounds. Known as the fastest dogs in the world, they can reach speeds up to 45 mph. While they may not sit pretty for a long time, their graceful running abilities are a spectacle to behold. Greyhounds are also surprisingly gentle and affectionate, which makes them wonderful companions. Their unique talent for sprinting is a reminder that every dog has its own special abilities, even if they’re not focused on tricks.

11. Great Pyrenees – The Calm Guardian

Dogs That Excel at Mastering Tricks

Guarding is where the Great Pyrenees shines. Bred to protect livestock, these dogs have an innate ability to detect and deter threats. Their calm and independent nature makes them exceptional protectors, though they may not jump at the chance to roll over on command. Great Pyrenees are incredibly loyal and will go to great lengths to keep their loved ones safe. Their unique combination of gentleness and vigilance makes them stand out as guardians of both people and animals.

12. Siberian Husky – The Tireless Explorer

Dogs That Excel at Mastering Tricks
Mikhail Nilov/Pexels

Siberian Huskies are built for endurance. These dogs are legendary sled pullers, capable of traveling long distances in harsh conditions. They might not fetch your slippers, but their teamwork and strength in sledding competitions are second to none. Huskies are known for their playful and mischievous personalities, which means they’ll keep their owners on their toes. Their ability to work as part of a team highlights their incredible discipline and resilience.

13. Akita – The Loyal Protector

Dogs That Excel at Mastering Tricks
Monicore/Pixabay

Akitas might not be eager to perform tricks, their dedication to guarding their families is nothing short of remarkable. Stories of Akitas waiting years for their owners are a testament to their unique talents. These dogs are also incredibly dignified and independent, which means they prefer to show their love through actions rather than flashy tricks. Their steadfast devotion makes them one of the most loyal companions you could ask for.

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