15 Eager Dog Breeds That Try Their Best

Labrador Retrievers are the ultimate “try their best” dogs. They aim to please, whether it’s during a game of fetch, helping around the house (badly), or learning a new trick. Labs will happily repeat a task over and over, tail wagging, even if they’re not quite getting it right. Their boundless energy and enthusiasm mean they give everything 100%, and their forgiving nature makes them a dream to train. Even when they mess up, they do it with such cheer that you can’t help but laugh—and maybe give them a treat anyway.

Border Collie

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Border Collies don’t just try—they go into full overdrive. These canine geniuses are driven to work and obsessed with getting things right, but what makes them truly lovable is how hard they try, even when their human is being confusing. They live for praise and purpose, and their high-energy efforts are often impressive, hilarious, or both. Whether herding livestock or chasing a laser pointer like it owes them money, Border Collies throw themselves into every task with laser focus and a “let me do it again!” attitude. Try not to get shown up by your own dog.

Golden Retriever

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Golden Retrievers are like the wholesome overachievers in a family sitcom—they’re sweet, earnest, and just want everyone to be happy. Whether it’s bringing you your shoes, fetching a ball (or a leaf that looks like a ball), or cuddling during a bad day, they do it with full-hearted effort. Even if they completely miss the point, Goldens try so hard it’s impossible not to love them for it. Their happy-go-lucky nature, combined with their eagerness to please, makes them one of the most consistently “trying their best” breeds around.

Boxer

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Boxers are goofy bundles of energy that always give their all, sometimes with hilarious results. They’re eager to participate in everything their humans do, even if their execution is less than flawless. Whether they’re trying to learn a new command or just attempting to fit their large bodies into small spaces for a cuddle, Boxers do it with wild enthusiasm. Their expressive faces say it all: “Am I doing this right? Who cares—let’s go!” You’ll never doubt a Boxer’s effort, even if you occasionally question their methods.

Australian Shepherd

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Australian Shepherds are incredibly intelligent and fiercely devoted to their people, which makes them eager to try anything and everything. These high-energy dogs thrive on challenge and learning, but it’s their relentless effort that really stands out. Even if they’re exhausted, they’ll still bring you a ball, a stick, or possibly the couch cushion—whatever they think you want. They don’t just work hard; they try hard, sometimes to the point of herding children, cats, or the vacuum. If you want a dog that gives life 110% (with bonus shedding), this is your breed.

Shetland Sheepdog

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Sheltie might be petite, but its effort level is massive. These dogs are incredibly intelligent and highly sensitive to their humans, always aiming to do the right thing—even if that means circling the dining table to herd the family into one spot. Their eager-to-please nature, combined with a strong work ethic, means they’re constantly trying their best to understand and serve. Sometimes they get overly excited and bark their intentions into the air, but their effort is never in question. Shelties don’t half-do anything—they whole-do everything.

Cocker Spaniel

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Cocker Spaniels are sweet-natured dogs that want to get everything right, from fetching to being the perfect snuggle buddy. Their soulful eyes and floppy ears are matched by a desire to please, often leading them to try again (and again) until they succeed. Even if they get distracted by a smell or a snack along the way, they always circle back with determination. Their enthusiasm is endearing and often results in wiggly tail-wagging chaos that somehow still counts as success. With a Cocker, the effort is as heartwarming as the achievement.

Beagle

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Beagles may have a strong independent streak, but when they decide to try, they go all in. Whether it’s tracking a scent or digging a hole that leads to the center of the earth, they give their full effort with nose-to-ground dedication. Training can be a challenge, but not because they don’t try—it’s just that their priorities sometimes include squirrels and invisible smells. Still, their persistence and enthusiasm make it clear they’re trying their very best, even if their version of success involves barking at a leaf for 20 minutes.

Dalmatian

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Dalmatians are energetic dynamos who tackle life like it’s a sprinting competition they forgot to train for, but are determined to win anyway. Originally bred as carriage dogs, they love having a job—even if that job is enthusiastically barking at the mailman. They’re eager to learn, eager to play, and especially eager to be part of whatever their humans are doing, whether it’s jogging or just rearranging furniture. Dalmatians may get a little overexcited and occasionally misread the assignment, but they’ll always try their best, spots and all.

Bernese Mountain Dog

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Bernese Mountain Dogs are big, beautiful workhorses who live to make their humans happy. They may not be the fastest or most agile, but they try with all their fluffy might. Whether pulling a cart, learning obedience, or just trying not to drool on your shoes, a Bernese gives it their best effort. Their slow-motion enthusiasm is oddly touching, and their loyalty means they’ll keep trying long after their legs say “nap time.” They’re like the lovable giant who never gives up—even if they fall asleep halfway through trying.

Vizsla

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Vizslas are emotional athletes—hyper-attached to their people and eager to try whatever you’re doing, even if it involves stairs they’re not great at. These dogs want nothing more than to make you happy, and their constant eye contact screams, “Am I doing good? Please say yes!” They try hard, love hard, and may panic slightly if you leave the room for two minutes. Their determination is matched only by their need for hugs, and every attempt they make feels powered by love, loyalty, and a hint of nervous energy.

Boston Terrier

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Boston Terriers are energetic little comedians who give every task a go, even if they have no idea what the task actually is. Whether trying to chase a ball, jump onto a couch, or perform a trick, they’re always 100% committed. Their expressive faces and hilarious sound effects make their attempts even more entertaining. They thrive on human approval and will keep trying until they get a laugh, a treat, or a high-five. They’re like stand-up comedians with fur, always delivering effort—and punchlines.

English Springer Spaniel

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Springers are eager, athletic, and ready to leap into action at a moment’s notice—literally. They love to work, play, and show off their skills, even if they sometimes go a little overboard with enthusiasm. Their strong desire to please means they try hard to get things right, even if their enthusiasm occasionally results in mud-covered mishaps. Whether you’re training them or just throwing a stick, they approach every moment with full-body effort. A Springer Spaniel doesn’t just try—they launch.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

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Don’t be fooled by their stubby legs—Corgis are feisty, determined little workers who give everything their all. Herding? Absolutely. Barking at random sounds? You bet. Trying to carry a toy that’s bigger than them? Not a problem. Corgis are smart, energetic, and stubborn in the most entertaining way. Their attempts are often hilarious, but their effort is always sincere. They might not always succeed, but they’ll never stop trying—and they’ll do it with sass.

German Shepherd

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German Shepherds are intelligent, loyal, and eager to serve—and they put full effort into everything they do. Whether it’s obedience training, protection work, or simply sitting politely while you eat dinner (with intense eye contact), they always try their best. These dogs thrive on structure and purpose, and they’ll go above and beyond to meet expectations. Even when they’re not sure what you’re asking, they’ll attempt a series of commands just to cover their bases. With a German Shepherd, trying hard isn’t a phase—it’s a lifestyle.

The Award for Participation Goes to… Everyone Here

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Whether they nail it or flop with flair, these eager breeds deserve applause for their nonstop effort. From determined herders to enthusiastic little overachievers, they may stumble, but their hearts are all in. These pups don’t just show up—they give it their best, try again, and love you through every awkward attempt. So hand out the treats, throw in a belly rub, and maybe offer a participation ribbon or two. To them, they’re already champions—and honestly, they’re probably hoping that ribbon is edible.