So, you’re thinking about welcoming a dog to your home…that’s great news! It is incredibly fulfilling to raise a furry friend. Keep in mind that getting a new puppy is a long-term commitment as you get ready to become a first-time dog parent. After all, you’ll be bringing them into their forever home! That’s why it’s important to consider breeds that are sociable, easy to train, and complementary to your lifestyle.
To help you on your search, we’ve compiled a list of the best dog breeds for first-time owners along with information on each pooch. Whether you want a furry friend who is large, small, a bundle of energy, or an occasional couch potato, there’s sure to be a breed for you!
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The graceful Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, or “Cavalier,” is a charming choice for first-time pet parents. This loyal breed is the perfect companion because it is socially adept and can fit into any kind of lifestyle!
Temperament: Affectionate and easygoing, Cavaliers are known for their friendliness. They are smart, easy to train, and one of the more patient small dog breeds. They get along well with people of all ages thanks to their upbeat personalities.
Grooming: Cavaliers are occasional shedders. Their long, silky coat needs to be brushed several times a week to prevent tangles. The ears of cavaliers should also be frequently combed and cleaned.
Exercise: Cavaliers are happy to match their pet parents’ level of activity. As long as this breed enjoys a daily walk or another form of moderate exercise, they will be perfectly happy lounging around the house the rest of the day.
Fun Fact: According to a post by National Purebred Dog Day, the Queen of England was prescribed in the 16th century to keep this comfort dog on her lap to treat a cold.
2. Labrador Retriever
It’s no wonder Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog breed in the United States. These energetic dogs are friendly and outgoing, and they enjoy having fun!
Temperament: Labrador Retrievers are obedient, good-natured dogs. They are able-bodied, energetic, and easily trainable. Labs are good for first-time pet owners because they are not very sensitive and are quick to forgive the odd mishap.
Grooming: Labs shed regularly and their double coat needs weekly brushing.
Exercise: This energetic breed needs approximately an hour of exercise per day and enjoys playing fetch. Labs’ enthusiasm makes them one of the best first-time dog breeds for active households.
Fun Fact: Fun Fact: In 2021, Labs were the most popular dog breed in America for the thirty-first year in a row, according to CBS News.
3. Pug
Pet parents have been enthralled with pugs for centuries due to their small stature and wrinkled faces. This easygoing dog breed has a great sense of humour and a hint of sass. Pugs thrive in moderate temperatures because their flat faces make breathing more difficult for them, according to Pug Time.
Temperament: Pugs are friendly, even-tempered dogs who love to be loved. Their gentle, endearing nature makes them simple to train. Because they are prone to separation anxiety, pugs should not be left alone for prolonged periods of time. They are also sensitive to people’s emotions.
Grooming: Despite their short and smooth coats, Pugs regularly shed. The folds around their eyes need to be cleaned every day, but they should be brushed once a week.
Exercise: Pugs are on the more inactive side. They are a short-faced breed, so vigorous exercise is not recommended. Short walks and backyard outings are keys to keeping Pugs fit, and chew toys can help to keep these pooches occupied.
Fun Fact: Pugs kept Tibetan monks company in their monasteries during ancient times, according to ASPCA Pet Health Insurance.
4. Brittany
When considering the best dogs for first-time owners, don’t skip past the Brittany! For people who want a smaller, cuddlier dog but still lead an active lifestyle, this devoted breed is a great fit.
Temperament: The smallest of the sporting dogs, Brittanys have relentless energy rivaling that of the Labrador Retriever. They possess intelligence, empathy, and a positive outlook in life. Brittanys are skilled at hunting and other sports due to their natural willingness to learn new things.
Grooming: Brittanys should be brushed two or three times a week, although they shed seasonally. Every week, their ears should also be examined and cleaned.
Exercise: Brittanys require lots of exercise. They are ideal for active families who enjoy being outside because they are very durable.
Fun Fact: More American Kennel Club winners in both the field and show ring than all other Sporting breeds combined have been named “Dual Champions” (Brittany Breed Info).
5. Poodle
For the first-time pet owner, the Toy, Miniature, and Standard Poodle breeds are all great options. Poodles are fun-loving furry friends that can fit into a wide range of lifestyles, despite their sophisticated reputation!
Temperament: Intelligent and well-behaved, Poodles are highly trainable companions. These family dogs strive to please and frequently develop close relationships with members of their home. Poodles are a bit reserved around strangers, but puppy socialization can help to bring out their bright, joyful personalities.
Grooming: Poodles are a hypoallergenic dog breed that rarely sheds, but they still need to have their stylish coats brushed on a regular basis. Furthermore, it is advised to have professional grooming done every four to six weeks.
Exercise: Poodles have a muscular build and are energetic, busy dogs. They require frequent exercise and enjoy going for long walks. Originally bred to retrieve birds in the water, Poodles are also skilled swimmers!
Fun Fact: The word “Poodle” is derived from the German term “pudel,” meaning “to splash about.”
6. Papillon
Papillons are cheerful dogs with butterfly-wing-shaped ears that easily catch your attention. They are nimble, perceptive, and devoted to their pet parent. Papillons are one of the best first-time dog breeds for those wanting an all-around family dog in a smaller size!
Temperament: Among the smartest and most trainable of the toy breeds are Papillons, along with the Toy Poodle. They are gregarious and lively without being tense. Despite their love of play, Papillons are easily overstimulated by rough play.
Grooming: Papillons are seasonal shedders. Despite having long and glossy hair, this breed only requires weekly brushing.
Exercise: These jolly, active dogs need regular mental and physical stimulation. Papillons enjoy playing with interactive dog toys and running around in the backyard.
Fun Fact: Marie Antoinette’s Papillon, Coco, lived to be 22 years old, according to a post from National Purebred Dog Day.
7. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are naturally amiable and cute, which explains why they’re so well-liked! These joyful dogs are trustworthy, reliable, and bound to return your affection with heartwarming devotion.
Temperament: This breed gets along well with people and is highly gregarious. Golden Retrievers are playful, but they also maintain good manners and appear to understand what is expected of them. They are tolerant, obedient, and easy to train.
Grooming: Golden Retrievers shed their double coats heavily once or twice a year. For the duration of these seasons, this breed needs to be brushed every day; otherwise, it should be brushed once every week.
Exercise: Golden Retrievers need lots of activity to remain in high spirits. Eager and willing to participate in a wide range of outdoor dog activities, this breed is great for families who love going on adventures.
Fun Fact: According to the American Kennel Club, golden retrievers are rumoured to be able to carry an egg in their soft mouth without breaking the shell.
8. Shih Tzu
If you’re looking for an ideal lapdog, look no further! Bred to be house companions, Shih Tzus are loving snugglers who want nothing more than to be your BFF.
Temperament: Shih Tzus merely adore interacting with people and have no desire to hunt. They are confident, even-tempered, and enjoy being pampered. Because of their sporadic stubbornness, this intelligent breed can be a little more difficult to train, but with a few beginner dog training tips, you can raise a well-mannered furry friend!
Grooming: This breed sheds infrequently. Brushing is necessary several times a week for Shih Tzus with moderate to short coats, but daily brushing is necessary for those with long coats. To protect their eyes, Shih Tzus’ top tufts of hair should be cut short or tied back.
Exercise: Exercise: Shih Tzus are good apartment dogs because they don’t require a lot of exercise. Shih Tzus should play indoors and go for short walks to stay in shape.
Fun Fact: According to Puppies Club, Shih Tzus were introduced to the United States by military personnel returning home from World War II.
9. Greyhound
Despite their association with racing, greyhounds are actually laid-back, cosy dogs that enjoy lots of downtime. Gentle, affectionate, and clean, these low-maintenance furry friends are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners wanting to keep their home tidy!
Temperament: Greyhounds are instinctively compassionate and docile. With their almost feline appearance, these noble dogs are content with silence. They are non-aggressive and infrequently bark, but they do require a patient approach to training.
Grooming: Occasionally, this breed’s short, smooth coat needs to be brushed with soft grooming tools like a dog grooming glove.
Exercise: One of the fastest animals on Earth, Greyhounds flourish when provided ample time and space to sprint freely. If regularly given this opportunity, Greyhounds are happy to spend the rest of the day lounging about.
Fun Fact: According to PetPlace, Greyhounds can sprint up to 45 miles per hour.
10. Bichon Frise
Extrovert and confident, the Bichon Frise is a true pleasure to have as a friend. This breed enjoys being around people and other pets and has an optimistic outlook on life.
Temperament: Bichons are gregarious, amiable dogs who take pleasure in being the centre of attention. They can be trained to perform an endless number of tricks, and they excel in dog sports and competitions. Although they are adaptive, Bichons develop close bonds with their family members and should not be left alone too often.
Grooming: If you have allergies, bistons are a great option because they don’t shed much. Even so, Bichons should be brushed regularly and visit the groomer every four to six weeks.
Exercise: Bichons need regular exercise because they have intermittent bursts of energy interspersed with extended periods of cold. This breed particularly enjoys playtime and quick walks with pet parents.
Fun Fact: Bichons were originally used by Spanish sailors as ship dogs, according to Puppy Toob.
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