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Potty Training: 11 Breeds That Are Easy to House Train

Dog Parents

Top 11 Easiest Dogs to Potty Train

Woofz Team

Updated on | December 8, 2025

Reviewed by

Karen Piwinski

Potty training a dog is one of the biggest challenges for dog owners. From an adorable pup to adult dogs – all of them need to be housebroken. Some dogs are quick learners and get used to a bathroom routine much faster than others. Thus, choosing the right breed can make a big difference.

Key Takeaways

Intelligent breeds are often the easiest dogs to train for potty purposes.
A consistent schedule and positive reinforcement are essential for success.
Even the easiest potty training dogs require the right training method

If you’re wondering what are the easiest dogs to potty train, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll help you choose a dog breed that’s easy to house train. Explore more of our recommendations, and you'll have a potty trained dog with minimal stress.

Easiest Dogs to Potty Train

Here is a list of the top easiest dog breeds to potty train. It contains breeds that are known for being intelligent and eager to please. They also tend to have better bladder control and overall trainability in general.

Below, you will find general information on the best dogs to potty train, including the breed’s key characteristics and temperament.

1. Border Collie

These dogs are highly intelligent, focused, and always eager to learn.

Border Collies are constantly ranked among the easiest dogs to potty train. They quickly pick up new skills and advanced tricks when pet parents are committed to a goal and a schedule.

2. German Shepherd

German Shepherds are very popular due to their intelligence and strong work ethic. Their adaptability and strong protective instincts make them a priority choice for the police and military. German Shepherds respond well to structured routines and positive reinforcement techniques.

3. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are usually great family dogs. Being friendly and cooperative, Labradors pick up potty training quickly. Their desire to please drives the training to unprecedented levels.

4. Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds, or Aussies, are highly trainable and neat dogs.

They tend to pick up potty cues fast, especially the crate training. Incorporate obedience training alongside crate training – it boosts positive results.

5. Maltese

Malteses are intelligent, small dogs, which makes them easy to potty train. They usually learn bladder control fast, provided their owners are consistent with routine. Positive reinforcement can assist in enhancing training success.

6. Miniature Schnauzer

These dogs are alert and eager to please their pet parents. Miniature Schnauzers can be house-trained in a surprisingly short time. Make sure to stay committed and handle them gently.

7. Papillon

Papillons typically form strong emotional bonds with their owners. They respond well to praise, allowing them to succeed in potty training quickly.

8. Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are well-known for their high drive as well as short attention spans.

Despite that, these dogs can learn potty habits rather well when trained kindly and patiently. Make sure to use positive reinforcement and be careful to not allow them in areas where they are not supervised.

9. Afghan Hound

Afghan Hounds love freedom and independence, which can create challenges during training. However, with consistent praise and structured routine, Afghan Hounds learn bathroom routines in no time.

10. Bernese Mountain Dog

Known as large and gentle giants, Bernese Mountain Dogs are among dogs that are easy to potty train. They are smart and eager to please their owner – qualities that contribute to fast potty training.

11. Standard Poodle

Every pet parent who has a Poodle can confirm that they are smart dogs. Their high adaptability allows them to learn potty habits fast once taught.

Try our potty program!

Why These Dog Breeds Are the Easiest to House Train

There are some common features between all these dog breeds that make them easy to housebreak. These include:

Intelligence and high trainability. Many of these breeds are renowned for their intelligence. It allows them to learn faster and easier compared to other dogs.
Sharp instincts. Dog breeds like the Miniature Schnauzer naturally avoid soiling beside their sleeping area. Thus, such instinctive behavior enhances learning potty habits faster.
Desire to please. Some dog breeds, such as the Labrador Retriever or Papillon, are highly motivated by nature. They are driven by a genuine desire to please their owners, making them among the easiest dogs to house train.
Bladder control. Large breeds tend to have stronger bladder control than other small breeds. It allows them to pee less frequently, which can potentially assist in house training.

Wrap-Up

The breeds listed above are among the best dogs to potty train. They are the most promising ones due to their intelligence, sharp instincts, and responsiveness. However, the easiest dog to potty train isn’t just about the breed. Consistency, commitment, patience, and the right training technique are just as crucial. With the right approach and an open heart, any new puppy or adult dog can easily be housebroken.