Most obedient large dog breed: Which follows orders best?

By Chloe Petrylak
published

Looking for the most obedient large dog breed? Here are the ones that made the list

obedient large dog breed
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Choosing an obedient large dog breed is an understandable option to take – they make more excellent companions, and in theory at least, are easier to train.

While pretty much all dogs can be trained, sometimes how easy it is to do so can be dependent on their genes. Some breeds are simply more amenable than others.

Does your dog make the obedient dog breed list? Read on to find out...

German Shepherd

German Shepherd health issues

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Loyal, intelligent, and protective – not to mention handsome and elegant – German Shepherds make for very obedient dog breeds. Over time, they can build up strong bonds with their owners, and are often used as service dogs.

Newfoundland

Obedient large dog breed

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The very definition of the phrase 'Gentle giant', Newfoundland dogs are always eager to please, and seem to have an uncanny ability to get on with everyone. Their friendly nature means that positive reinforcement training tends to be a more effective approach than strict instructions.

Great Dane

Side profile of Great Dane outside

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Great Danes love to make their owners happy. However, due to their size, it’s important to ensure that they have good recall and walk easily on a lead as they can be quite intimidating for both other dogs and humans alike. Still, this obedient large dog breed are fantastic pets.

Golden Retriever

One of the best dog breeds for first time owners: Close up of Golden Retriever outside looking at camera happily with tongue out

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This obedient large dog breed is a popular family pet, Golden Retrievers are intelligent, patient, and very eager to please. According to canine psychologist Stanley Coren, this breed will often obey a first command around 95% of the time.

Cane Corso

Cane Corso dog outside with owner handing him a bowl of food

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Cane Corso are an intelligent breed that often take the role of protector very seriously, which is probably why their name roughly translates as ‘bodyguard dog’. However, it’s important to ensure that obedience training is present to stop them from ruling the house.

Border Collie

Border Collie outside holding a stick in its mouth with blue sky behind

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Border Collies are known for being intuitive, quick learners, which – combined with their strong work ethic – makes them an extremely loyal and obedient large dog breed. However, to prevent boredom, this breed will need lots of mental enrichment.

Labrador Retriever

A yellow Labrador Retriever dog smiles as it lays on a wooden bench outdoors on a sunny day.

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The most popular dog in America, this outgoing breed loves to learn. Also commonly trained as service dogs, Labrador Retrievers love being active, especially if it involves fetching things or going for a swim.

Chloe Petrylak
Chloe Petrylak

Chloe is a freelance writer, editor, and proofreader, who has more than ten years’ experience in creating animal-focussed content. From National Geographic to Animal Planet, Chloe’s passion for creating fact-filled features all about wildlife and the environment is evident. But it’s not just wild animals that Chloe’s fascinated by. Having written more than 75 articles for PetsRadar - and having her very own four-legged friend by her side - it’s no wonder that her love of dogs (and, of course, cats) has grown exponentially.  

Her website, www.chloemaywrites.com, and social media pages - @ChloeMayWrites on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter - showcase her knowledge through daily facts and trivia tidbits. For example, did you know that snails have teeth?!