Any dog has the potential to become your best friend, but some breeds are known for being super loyal companions with brilliant recall. From Border Collies to Shetland Sheepdogs, these obedient pups will always come when called.
"One of the most rewarding activities dog owners can take part in with their four-legged-friend is obedience," Bill Lambert from The Kennel Club tells Country Living. "As one of the many disciplines that can be competed in at Crufts, competitive obedience showcases the training that you and your dog have achieved, through a series of obedience tests, and demonstrates how obedient and well-trained your dog can be."
Do remember that any dog's behaviour and attitude depends on its training, socialisation and individual personality. On that note, take a look at the obedient dogs with the best recall...
1. Border Collie
"The Border Collie is an all-round superstar at canine activities, including obedience, but also agility and herding. In fact, Border Collies were originally bred to work with sheep and cattle, with many still working as farm dogs, so they are perfectly suited for the discipline of obedience," Bill tells us.
"They are an intelligent, happy and hard-working breed, who can make a very loving pet, however they need active owners who can provide the mental and physical exercise they require."
2. Labrador Retriever
"Regularly topping the list of the most popular dog breeds in the UK, Labradors are a versatile breed who have also proven to be adept in the obedience ring," Bill adds. "Due to their kind, friendly nature and positive energy, Labradors have become a firm family favourite, but they are also just as suited working as a guide dog or assistance dog."
3. Australian Shepherd
"As the name suggests, the Australian Shepherd was originally bred as a sheepdog and as such, enjoys exercise that fulfils their herding instincts. Their kind and obedience character makes them perfect for disciplines based around instructions and planned choreography, such as obedience or heelwork to music," explains Bill.
"Their active nature does require an owner that can provide them with more than two hours' exercise a day, as well as access to a large garden."
4. Shetland Sheepdog
"Whilst most recognisable by their beautiful and rich coat, Shetland Sheepdogs are also strong, active and intelligent sheepdogs originating from the Shetland Islands. They tend to be easy to train and excel in many canine activities including agility and obedience, but also can be a calm companion for less active owners."
5. English Springer Spaniel
"English Springer Spaniels are active, medium-sized dogs that enjoy exploring the outdoors. Thanks to their friendly disposition, intelligence and dutiful nature, they are well-suited to the discipline of obedience."
6. Curly Coated Retriever
Bill tells us: "A vulnerable native British breed, the Curly Coated Retriever is thought to be the oldest of the Retriever breeds. A covering of densely packed curls is what gives this elegant gundog breed its name, and much like its Retriever cousins, it is an intelligent, friendly and reliable breed, and it is these qualities that are crucial for success in obedience."
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12 dog winter coats to keep your pups cosy
Keep your pup snug and secure with this thick quilted dog jacket from H&M. Perfect for a winter's walk, it has quilted seams, a stand-up collar with an open front, and a belt with a hook and loop fastening at the back.
Designed to resist whatever the weather throws at you, this waterproof dog coat is ideal for older pups with joint problems or less fur and has a particularly warm inner lining.
Keeping warm and snug just got a whole lot easier thanks to this gorgeous waxed coat from Joules. In olive green, it has a tweed lining and beautiful bee prints.
In a gorgeous white, this pocket-detail faux shearling dog jacket has been designed to add an extra layer of warmth during those cold winter days. It has two small holes for their legs, as well as a zipped pocket on the back.
This thermal dog coat is excellent for winter walks, thanks to its self-heating technology.
"Our reflective technology lining, combined with a hollow fibre core maximises the dog coats thermal properties," say petslovescruffs.com. "The thermal dog coat has a fleece collar and chest pad to provide greater comfort, improved fitment and allow unrestricted movement."
A warm pet coat is great to ward off the chill during winter. Not sure which one to pick up? We love this technical dog parka, which has been specially developed for short-haired dogs and dogs without an undercoat.
In olive green, this luxurious Barbour coat is ideal for dogs who like the finer things in life.
On the hunt for a warm knit jumper? To keep your furry friend extra cosy, why not pick up this Barbour jumper. Boasting a unique design with a roll neck for elite comfort, it's perfect for them to wear on a Christmas Day walk.
READ MORE: The Barbour Christmas advert 2021 stars Paddington Bear and his heart-warming family
Made from super-soft fleece fabric, this blue fluffy coat has teddy bear ears attached to keep your dog warm and cosy. It also has a stretch jersey fabric, making it easy to pull on and off.
William Morris fans will love this adorable reversible dog coat in the brand's classic print. With a water-resistant, waxed cotton outer fabric, it also helps to keep rain off.
OVER GLAM Medium faux leather sleeveless dog jacket
This sleeveless dog jacket looks so cosy! It has small holes for their legs and black poppers to keep them cosy.
In vibrant blue, this microfibre dog coat is light and absorbent to offer protection from getting cold. It has a click fastener on the back and openings for legs and tail.
