Plenty of us decided to welcome new four-legged friends into our homes in the last couple of years – according to the Kennel Club figures dog ownership soared and post-lockdown demand for puppies remains high.
There are a whopping 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
As well as having varying levels of intelligence, different breeds of pup are also very different when it comes to the crucial process of training.
While some are liable to quickly pick up basic commands, others will find it a far trickier business – while others may even ignore your wishes even though they understand you perfectly.
So, here are the 10 breeds of dog that are easiest and most difficult to train.
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5. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in the UK and their quick learning and curious nature makes them perfect for guide dogs or hearing dogs. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Papillon
If you are looking for a smaller breed of dog that is easy to train, then the Papillon could be for you - they have quick minds and enjoy learning new things. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Chow Chow
Chow Chows are a very mild-tempered dog, but are another dog described by the American Kennel Club as "aloof". So they'll always be very pleasant about ignoring every word you say. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Borzoi
The long-nosed Borzoi will seem to be eager to please but won't necessarily manage to do so. The American Kennel Club's explanation for this is that "in their quiet, catlike way they can be stubborn, and training is best accomplished with patience, consistency, and good humor." Photo: Canva/Getty Images