If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Royal Kennel Club (that’s the new name for the UK Kennel Club) figures show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels over recent years.
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes - the UK Kennel Club recognises 221 different pedigree dogs, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).
Then there are all manner of crossbreeds, from so-called ‘designer dogs’ to lovable mongrels.
So there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or an easy to train dog.
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There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
That academic work measured canine intelligence with three different metrics, one of which was “working and obedience intelligence” - in other words a dog’s ability to learn from humans and effectively and consistantly carry out commands.
Here are the 10 breeds of dog that Coren found were the most obedient - starting with the most obedient.
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5. Dobermann
Dobermanns, also known as Doberman Pinschers, complete the top five of most obedient dogs. They make great guard dogs and are incredibly loyal. | Canva/Getty Images
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6. Shetland Sheepdog
You need to be able to follow commands to successfully heard sheep, so it's no surprise that the cheery Shetland Sheepdog makes an appearance in the top 10 most obedient breeds of dog. | AFP via Getty Images

7. Labrador Retriever
The adorable Labrador Retriever may be the UK's most popular dog breed, but it's only seventh when it comes to obedience - they are still very good boys and girls though. | Canva/Getty Images

8. Papillon
The only small dog to make the top 10 is the Papillon, who are also the most agile of the more diminutive breeds. | AFP via Getty Images

