What dog is good for first time owner? Tips and Tricks

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The Best Beginner Dogs for Families

The best breed for a first-time dog owner is the dog that matches your energy and attention level. If you want a dog that can go running with you, choose an athletic dog with endurance, such as the Labrador retriever. If you prefer a calm lap dog—the Cavalier King Charles spaniel is one such breed—then its best to avoid high-energy dog breeds. You may lean toward a lower-maintenance dog breed, like the papillon, as your first one, especially if you do not have time for lots of grooming.

Remember that all dogs, no matter the breed, will require good care, training, and veterinary care. Adult foster dogs from a rescue are often already house-trained and well-socialized; these can be excellent dogs for beginners since puppies are a lot of work, requiring socialization, training, and a lot of attention.

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    Bernese Mountain Dog

    Bigandt_Photography/Getty s The Bernese Mountain Dog might be big, but these dogs are easy-going, eager to please, affectionate, and intelligent. They love a good romp with the kids, but are also happy to spend the evening relaxing at home. They adapt well to just about any living situation, and while not aggressive, they are fairly good watchdogs and are very devoted to their humans. Be aware, however, that Berners shed quite a bit and do require regular brushing to remove loose hair.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Working (AKC)Height: 23 to 27.5 inchesWeight: 70 to 115 poundsCoat and Color: Medium length double coat in black, tan, and whiteLife Expectancy: 7 to 10 years

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    Bichon Frise

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris The bichon frise is a happy-go-lucky little dog, great for families with children or apartment living. It looks a bit like a bouncy cotton ball. This breed is a great all-around companion. Bichons are relatively easy to train, adapt well to any lifestyle, and only need moderate daily exercise to be happy and healthy. You will need to dedicate the time and money to regular visits to the groomer. This breeds curly coat needs to be trimmed regularly and brushed carefully. For a lower-maintenance coat, keep your bichons hair cut short.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)Height: 9 to 12 inchesWeight: 7 to 12 poundsCoat and Color: Curly white coat; may have traces of apricot, buff, or creamLife Expectancy: 14 to 15 years

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    Boxer

    Cyrielle Beaubois / Getty s If you are looking for a medium-large high-energy dog, look no further than the playful boxer. This loyal dog forms a close bond with family. If you lead a reasonably active lifestyle, a boxer could be right for you. This breed needs plenty of exercise and a strong foundation of training. Though young boxers can be a little hyperactive, they are trainable and enjoy attention during training. Once trained and socialized, boxers can thrive in active households and often get along well with kids. Guardians by nature, boxers are naturally protective of their families, especially children. The boxers grooming needs are basic.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Working (AKC)Height: 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch at the shoulderWeight: 55 to 70 poundsCoat and Color: Short coat; fawn and brindle are the standard colorsLife Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

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    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

    Martin Rogers / Getty s The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a sweet, affectionate dog with a puppy-like appearance. Cavaliers can thrive in all kinds of households and tend to get along well with children of all ages. This breed is small but not tiny and has a gentle demeanor. This dog is elegant, attentive, and generally quiet. The Cavaliers moderate energy level means basic daily exercise is typically enough to maintain health. It needs basic training and responds to it well. Despite a medium-length coat, this dogs grooming needs are basic. Regular brushing is essential to avoid tangles in the hair.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Toy (AKC)Height: 12 to 13 inches (to the withers)Weight: 13 to 18 poundsCoat and Color: Long, sleek and silky coat with feathering around ears, feet, chest, and tail in four color varieties, tricolor, blenheim, ruby, and black and tanLife Expectancy: 12 to 14 years Continue to 5 of 14 below.

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    Golden Retriever

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris The golden retriever is the quintessential family dog; they are eager to please. Goldens are excellent with children of all ages. This medium-large dog is happy, loyal, affectionate, and active. The breed is intelligent and adaptable to thrive in most households. They also need a fair amount of exercise to keep them in good physical condition and prevent boredom. Training is essential but not difficult. They love to learn and can be trained to do many things. The breed needs regular brushing to keep its coat free of tangles and mats.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Sporting (AKC)Height: 21.5 to 24 inchesWeight: 55 to 75 poundsCoat and Color: Medium-length double coat; light to dark goldLife Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

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    Great Dane

    On average, Great Danes stand around 28-30 inches tall. Elsa Hoffmann/Shutterstock Dont let the Great Danes great size intimidate you. These oversize pooches are gentle giants, although they can be fierce watchdogs if they feel their family is endangered. As a general rule, however, Great Danes are easy-going dogs that enjoy playing, are highly intelligent, and are very affectionate with their favorite humans. A dog this large needs careful attention to obedience training, however, and while only moderate shedders, Great Danes tend to be droolers.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Working (AKC)Height: 28 to 32 inchesWeight: 110 to 175 poundsCoat and Color: Short, smooth coat in almost any color or combination of colorsLife Expectancy: 7 to 10 years

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    Labrador Retriever

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris The Labrador retriever is one of the most popular and recognizable medium-large dog breeds. Labs adapt well to most environments and are excellent with kids. They are intensely loyal and affectionate dogs that form close bonds with their families. This breed is active, playful, and intelligent. They thrive in active households that can provide plenty of exercise and training. Labs love to learn and can be trained to do almost anything, enjoying fetching, running, and snuggling. Fortunately, they only have minor grooming needs, like regular brushing to minimize shedding.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Sporting (AKC)Height: 21.5 to 24.5 inchesWeight: 55 to 80 poundsCoat and Color: Short, dense double coat in black, chocolate, or yellowLife Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

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    Maltese

    Sebastian Condrea / Getty s Its hard to resist the adorable face and friendly nature of the Maltese. These dogs have beautiful silky coats that drape to the floor if left untrimmed, but regular haircuts can keep their coat short and manageable. Despite all that fur, they dont shed much, but should be brushed daily. The Maltese is a very affectionate, happy breed that doesnt require excessive exercise and is content to spend time relaxing on your lap.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Toy (AKC)Height: 7 to 9 inchesWeight: Less than 7 poundsCoat and Color: Long silky white coatLife Expectancy: 12 to 15 years Continue to 9 of 14 below.

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    Mixed Breed Dogs

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris When considering the right breed for you, its important to keep mixed-breed dogs in the picture. These one-of-a-kind dogs can make excellent companions. If you are not sure which breed is right for you, visit your local shelter or rescue group to meet some adorable mutts. Rescue workers can match you with a dog that has the traits you desire. Training, exercise, and grooming are necessary for all dogs, but a mixed-breed dogs needs will depend on its unique makeup.

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    Papillon

    RichLegg / Getty s Dont let this dogs diminutive frame fool you. This happy, friendly, and adaptable dog breed can do well in a variety of households. The papillon gets along with children, but they must be gentle. The papillon is a hardy little dog that enjoys a somewhat active lifestyle. This versatile cutie can function as a lap dog and exercise partner. The papillon does not need a lot of exercise but wants a chance to play and run around. The breed is easy to train and requires only moderate grooming.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Toy (AKC)Height: 8 to 11 inches Weight: 6 to 10 poundsCoat and Color: Straight, long, single-layer coat with frills; white with markings and a mask of color, usually red, sable, black, or lemonLife Expectancy: 14 to 16 years

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    Pomeranian

    Lucinda Haza / Getty s The Pomeranian is a dainty and sweet little lap dog. The Pom often bonds closest to a single owner but can still do well in families. This breed is better with gentle older kids but can adapt to many situations. Daily basic exercise is generally enough to keep your Pom happy. They need basic training to provide structure and boundaries. Without training, the breeds feisty and stubborn side may come out. Fortunately, they respond well to consistent, positive training and will thrive because of it. This dog is bright and moderately active with a big fluffy coat. Fortunately, its coat is not as high-maintenance as it looks. Regular brushing is generally all you need to keep your Pom looking good.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Toy (AKC)Height: 6 to 7 inchesWeight: 3 to 7 poundsCoat and Color: Long, double coat that comes in many colors, though the most common are red, orange, cream, sable, black, brown, and blueLife Expectancy: 12 to 16 years

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    Poodle

    Irina Marwan / Getty s The poodle is a popular, versatile dog breed that makes a wonderful companion. The poodle is adaptable to its environment and can do very well in various households, including those with children. This breed comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, or standard. All are intelligent and respond well to training. Poodles are energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They need grooming regularly to maintain their curly, continually growing coat.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)Height: Over 15 inches (standard); 10 to 15 inches (miniature); 10 inches and under (toy)Weight: 45 to 70 pounds (standard); 15 to 18 pounds (miniature); 5 to 9 pounds (toy)Coat and Color: One of many solid colors, including but not limited to white, black, gray, brown, apricot, and particoloredLife Expectancy: 10 to 18 years Continue to 13 of 14 below.

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    Shih Tzu

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris The Shih Tzu is a small dog thats big on affection. This ancient Chinese breed is happiest when spending time with the family, whether thats flopped on the couch next to you watching TV or playing with the kids. This isnt a breed with a high need for exercise, nor is it prone to excessive barking, but you will need to brush that beautiful silky coat at least several times each week to prevent tangles. Surprisingly, however, the Shih Tzu sheds very little.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Toy (AKC)Height: 9 to 10.5 inchesWeight: 9 to 16 poundsCoat and Color: Long silky double coat in almost any solid color or color plus whiteLife Expectancy: 10 to 18 years

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    Yorkshire Terrier

    Natasha Japp Photography / Getty s The Yorkshire terrier is a great starter dog for those who want a little lap dog. This breed is affectionate towards its owner and may even act protective around strangers. The Yorkie has a moderate energy level and only needs basic exercise. Daily walks are great for this breed. It also needs a solid foundation of training. Without structure, these little dogs can be stubborn and vocal. Train your Yorkie as you would a big dog, and it will help strengthen the bond between you and lay down boundaries. This dog has grooming needs that require attentiveness. Yorkies have continually growing hair that must be brushed and trimmed regularly. If you have the time and budget for regular groomer visits, it will be fairly simple to keep your Yorkie in good condition.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Toy (AKC)Height: 8 to 9 inchesWeight: 5 to 7 poundsCoat and Color: Long, straight, and silky coat; color combinations are black and gold, black and tan, blue and gold, and blue and tanLife Expectancy: 13 to 16 years

    • What dog is good for first time owner?

    Why Breed Matters for First-Time Owners

    What dog is good for first time owner?

    Really, breed matters for all owners. Even if you’re flexible on what you’re looking for in a dog, you probably have a few preferences on size, coat type, energy level, and friendliness.

    As a dog behavior consultant, many of my most difficult cases originate from owners getting in over their head with a fashionable breed that’s the wrong fit for their homes. At the shelter, we see thousands of dogs each year that were mismatched with their owners. Many of these poor fits could have been avoided if the humans spent more time researching their chosen breed.

    Every dog breed originated with a specific needs and goals in mind. Dogs that are bred for hunting, guarding, pulling sleds, herding, or sitting on laps will all come with vastly different energy levels and temperaments.

    What dog is good for first time owner?

    Let’s take my dog Barley as an example. He’s a border collie — a breed that’s notorious for being wicked smart and having a go-go-go attitude (he’s a total fetch maniac)!

    Charming collies doing handstands and yoga on YouTube really “sell” this breed, but they’re not a great fit for most first-time families.

    There are days where Barley comes home from a 19-mile run, takes a two-hour nap, and is then ready for more action as he runs circles around the house squeaking his 93 different toys. In addition to his boundless energy, he can open doors. You can see why letting him get bored could be a recipe for disaster.

    If I had small children (like Barley’s previous owner did), I honestly doubt I could handle having Barley in my home. He’s incredibly trainable and will do almost anything I ask, but I have to constantly give him tasks, or he makes up games and jobs for himself.

    If I wasn’t a marathon-running dog trainer, Barley would be a very challenging dog!

    It’s easy for me to take a few impressive training videos of him and pretend he’s the most perfect dog out there (well, he is to me). The truth is that this breed is a tough one, and they really aren’t for everyone.

    The point is, Barley is a very typical border collie. Anyone who has done a little research on the breed would know how high-octane these dogs can be.

    Still, we get hundreds of herding dog mixes into the shelter for behavior problems that are depressingly common with underchallenged and bored dogs. They bark, dig, chase children, and try to herd cars.

    Take the time to Google what your chosen breed is bred for and common behavior problems. Research is imperative to success as a first-time owner.

    Before selecting a dog, take some time to get real about what you’re looking for. K9 of Mine’s pre-adoption series will help you create a scorecard and really think through the preparation process.

    Don’t base your decision off of an individual dog!

    I’ve met enough Akitas to know that they’re generally a very tough breed, but my neighbor’s Akita is easier to handle and friendlier than most Labs I’ve met.

    1 Bichon Frise

    What dog is good for first time owner?

    Small and fluffy, bichons are well-known as affable and goofy companions. Their easygoing nature and adorable poof of white make bichons a charming addition to new dog homes. They’re commonly described as peppy and curious, and are relatively confident and easygoing for small dogs.

    Energy Level: Medium-low. Bichons are likely to be happy laying at your side and accompanying you around town, but will also enjoy brief bursts of high-energy play.

    Coat Type: Long and fluffy. Your options with a bichon are meticulous brushing or regular trimming.

    Brains: Average, ranked 45 out of 137. These dogs are fast learners but aren’t exactly working dogs!

    Brawn: Tiny. Bichons weigh 16 to 18 pounds and are easily maintained by less-active owners.

    TOP 10 BEST DOG BREEDS FOR FIRST TIME OWNERS

    Getting your first dog can be an overwhelming experience, especially when it comes to choosing a breed. There are hundreds of dog breeds you can choose from, and many breeds are actually a cross between other breeds on the list. So, what’s the difference between all these dog breeds, and what are the best dog breeds for first-time owners?

    Not only does breed affect your dog’s size and appearance, but it also plays a role in their behavior and the health issues they may experience. Some breeds have a tendency to get more excited than others, while some breeds may be more prone to back problems. Finding the best dog for a first-time owner is all about assessing your needs and deciding what you’re comfortable with.

    In this article, we’ll talk about some of the best dogs for first-time owners to help you find the perfect pup. If you’re looking for a great first dog, here are some breeds to check out.