Choosing the right dog breed for a first-time owner can be a daunting task. It is important to select a breed that is not only friendly and adaptable but also easy to train and care for. First-time dog owners should look for breeds that have stable temperaments, relatively low maintenance needs, and that get along well with families and other pets. This article highlights the 21 best dog breeds for first-time owners, offering a variety of sizes, temperaments, and energy levels to suit different lifestyles. Here are the top picks, listed from number one through twenty-one.
21. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are small, affectionate dogs that thrive on companionship. They have a friendly temperament and are known for their loving nature. Shih Tzus are relatively low-energy dogs, making them ideal for apartment dwellers or those who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. Their grooming needs are medium to high due to their long hair, but their manageable size and mellow temperament make them great for first-time owners.
20. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are cheerful, playful and affectionate dogs that make great companions for first-time owners. They are small, hypoallergenic and have a friendly temperament, making them great for families with children or people with allergies. Bichon Frises are relatively easy to train and they thrive on human interaction, making them a perfect addition to any home.
19. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They are friendly, adaptable and get along well with children and other pets. Cocker Spaniels require regular grooming due to their long, silky coats, but their loving and loyal nature makes them a popular choice for first-time dog owners.
18. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are small, muscular dogs known for their easygoing and affectionate nature. They are low maintenance in terms of grooming and exercise needs, making them ideal for city dwellers or those with a more sedentary lifestyle. French Bulldogs are known for their playful and loving nature, making them great companions for first-time owners.
17. Papillon
Papillons are small, intelligent and highly trainable dogs that make excellent pets for first-time owners. They are known for their friendly and sociable personalities. Despite their small size, Papillons are energetic and love to play and exercise regularly. They are relatively low-maintenance and adapt well to different living environments.
16. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are compact, friendly, and easy to train, which makes them perfect for novice dog owners. They have a playful yet gentle temperament and get along well with children and other pets. Boston Terriers require minimal grooming and are relatively low-maintenance, making them an excellent choice for first-time dog owners.
15. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their affectionate and gentle nature. They are small, adaptable, and get along well with children and other pets. These dogs are easy to train and thrive in human companionship, making them an ideal choice for first-time dog owners who are looking for a loving and loyal pet.
14. Havanese
Havanese dogs are small, friendly, and highly adaptable, making them great companions for first-time owners. They have a cheerful temperament and love to be around people. Havanese dogs are easy to train and are known for their hypoallergenic coat, which makes them a great choice for people with allergies.
13. Maltese
Maltese dogs are small, affectionate, and known for their gentle nature. They thrive in human companionship and are relatively easy to train. Maltese dogs have long, silky hair that requires regular grooming, but their loving and loyal nature makes them a great choice for first-time dog owners.
12. Pug
Pugs are small, sturdy dogs that are known for their charming and affectionate nature. Their temperament is playful and calm, making them ideal for novice dog owners. Pugs are low maintenance in terms of grooming and exercise needs, making them perfect for people with a more relaxed lifestyle.
11. Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs or Shelties are intelligent, trainable and are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They are great with children and other pets and thrive on human interaction. Shelties require regular grooming due to their long hair, but their loyal and loving nature makes them a great choice for first-time dog owners.
10. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are friendly, intelligent and highly trainable dogs that make great companions for first-time owners. Their personalities are playful and friendly and they get along well with children and other pets. Corgis are relatively low-maintenance, but they do need regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy.
9. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are small, energetic, and highly trainable dogs that are perfect for first-time owners. They are known for their friendly and sociable nature and get along well with children and other pets. Miniature Schnauzers do require regular grooming, but their manageable size and loyal nature make them a great choice for novice dog owners.
8. Beagle
Beagles are friendly, curious and are known for their gentle nature. They are great with children and other pets and their playful nature makes them ideal for active families. Beagles do require regular exercise and mental stimulation, but their loving and loyal nature makes them a popular choice for first-time dog owners.
7. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are small, intelligent and highly adaptable dogs that make excellent companions for first-time owners. They are known for their friendly and sociable personalities and are relatively easy to train. Yorkies have long, silky coats that require regular grooming, but their manageable size and affectionate nature make them a great choice for novice dog owners.
6. West Highland White Terrier
West Highland White Terriers or Westies are small, energetic and are known for their friendly and sociable nature. They are easy to train and get along well with children and other pets. Westies do require regular grooming to maintain their beautiful hair, but their manageable size and affectionate personality make them great companions for first-time owners.
5. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly, loyal and intelligent nature. They are great with children and other pets and can be trained, making them ideal for first-time dog owners. Golden Retrievers do require regular exercise and mental stimulation, but their loving and gentle nature makes them a popular choice for families and individuals alike.
4. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are friendly, sociable and highly trainable dogs that make great companions for first-time owners. They are great with children and other pets and their playful nature makes them ideal for active families. Labrador Retrievers require regular exercise and mental stimulation, but their loyal and loving nature makes them a favorite among novice dog owners.
3. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are gentle, calm and are known for their affectionate nature. They have a calm temperament and get along well with children and other pets. Basset Hounds are relatively low-energy dogs, making them ideal for people who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. Their long ears and droopy faces give them a unique look, and their loyal and loving nature makes them a great choice for first-time dog owners.
2. Border Terrier
Border Terriers are small, energetic, and highly trainable dogs that make excellent companions for first-time owners. They are known for their friendly and sociable nature and get along well with children and other pets. Border Terriers require regular exercise and mental stimulation, but their manageable size and loyal nature make them a great choice for novice dog owners.
1. Boxer
Boxers are energetic, playful and are known for their affectionate nature. They are great with children and other pets and can be trained, making them ideal for first-time dog owners. Boxers require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Their loyal and loving nature makes them a popular choice for families and individuals alike.
Choosing the right breed of dog is crucial to having a successful and satisfying first-time dog owner experience. These 21 breeds offer a range of sizes, temperaments, and energy levels, ensuring there is a perfect match for every lifestyle. By considering each breed’s unique characteristics and needs, new dog owners can find a loyal and loving companion to share their lives with.