10 Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners
So you're considering welcoming a dog into your home... great news! Raising a four-legged friend is truly a rewarding experience. As you prepare to become a dog parent for the first time, remember that getting a new puppy is a long-term commitment. After all, you will take them to their forever home! This is why it is important to consider dog breeds that are sociable, easy to train, and complement your lifestyle. To help you with your search, we've compiled a list of the best dog breeds for new owners, along with information about each dog. Whether you're looking for a big, small, energetic four-legged friend or the 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. An ideal companion, this devoted
breed loves interaction and can easily adapt to suit any 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. Their cheerful
personalities allow them to get along well with people of all ages.
Grooming: Cavaliers are occasional
shedders. To avoid tangles in their long and silky coat, they require brushing
several times a week. Cavaliers' ears should also be combed and cleaned
often.
Exercise: Cavaliers will gladly match the
activity level of their pet parents. 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: A 16th-century prescription written
for the Queen of England directed her to keep this comfort dog on her lap to
treat a cold, according to a post by National Purebred
Dog Day.
Learn more about the gentle Cavalier King
Charles Spaniel.
#2: Labrador Retriever
It's no wonder Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog breed in the United States. Outgoing and
warmhearted, these enthusiastic dogs love to have fun!
Temperament: Labrador Retrievers are obedient,
good-natured dogs. They are able-bodied, energetic, and easily trainable. Good
for first-time pet parents, Labs are not particularly sensitive and easily
forgive the occasional mishap.
Grooming: Labs shed regularly and their double
coat needs weekly brushing.
Exercise: This athletic breed loves
playing fetch and requires about an hour of daily exercise. Labs' enthusiasm
makes them one of the best first-time dog breeds for active households.
Fun Fact: According to CBS News, Labs were named America's most popular dog breed for the 30th
consecutive year in 2021.
Discover more about the spirited Labrador Retriever.
#3: Pug
Pugs' small, sturdy bodies and wrinkled faces have enchanted pet parents for
centuries. With a sense of humor and a bit of spunk, this laidback dog breed is
a real pleasure. Because their flat faces make it harder to breathe, Pugs do
best in moderate temperatures, according to puge time.
Temperament: Pugs are friendly, even-tempered
dogs who love to be loved. They are easy to train because of their tender,
pleasing personality. Pugs are also in tune with people's emotions and should
not be left alone for extended periods, as they are prone to separation
anexiety.
Grooming: Despite their short and smooth coats,
Pugs regularly shed. They should be brushed weekly, while the folds around
their eyes require daily cleaning.
Exercise: Pugs are on the more inactive
side. As a short-faced breed, they should not be subjected to strenuous
exercise. Short walks and backyard outings are keys to keeping Pugs fit,
and chew 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.
Read on about the cheerful pug.
#4: Brittany
When considering the best dogs for first-time owners, don't skip past the
Brittany! This loyal breed is the perfect match for those who lead an active
lifestyle but want a smaller, sweet pooch.
Temperament: The smallest of the sporting dogs, Brittanys have relentless energy
rivaling that of the Labrador Retriever. They are smart, sensitive, and have an
upbeat personality. Brittanys are skilled at hunting and other sports due to
their natural willingness to learn new things.
Grooming: Brittanys shed seasonally but
should be brushed two to three times a week. Their ears should also be checked
and cleaned weekly.
Exercise: Brittanys require lots of
exercise. They have great stamina and are perfect for lively families who love
the outdoors.
Fun Fact: According to Brittany Breed Info, Brittanys have won more titles of
"Dual Champion" (American Kennel Club winners in both the field and
show ring) than all other Sporting breeds combined.
Find out more about the talented Brittany.
#5: Poodle
All three Poodle varieties—Toy, Miniature, and Standard—are
excellent choices for the novice pet parent. Despite their sophisticated
reputation, Poodles are fun-loving furry friends and can fit into a wide range
of lifestyles!
Temperament: Intelligent and well-behaved, Poodles are
highly trainable companions. These family dogs aim to please, often
forming strong bonds with members of their household. Poodles are a bit
reserved around strangers, but suppy socialization can help to bring out
their bright, joyful personalities.
Grooming: As a hypoallergenic dog breed, Poodles are infrequent shedders,
but their fashionable coats should be brushed regularly. In addition,
professional grooming is recommended every four to six weeks.
Exercise: With a muscular build, Poodles are
active dogs who love to keep busy. 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."
Uncover more information on the versatile poodle .
#6: Papillon
Papillons are cheerful dogs with butterfly-wing-shaped ears that easily catch
your attention. They are agile, attentive, and love to stick by their pet
parent's side. Papillons are one of the best first-time dog breeds for those
wanting an all-around family dog in a smaller size!
Temperament: Along with the Toy Poodle, Papillons
are known for being among the smartest and most trainable of the Toy breeds.
They are spirited and outgoing, but not high-strung. While Papillons love to
play, this breed can become overwhelmed by roughhousing.
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 toys and running around in the backyard.
Fun Fact: According to a post from dog
days Marie Antoinette's
Papillon named Coco lived to be 22 years old.
#7: Golden Retriever
Inherently friendly and endearing, it's no surprise Golden Retrievers are so
popular! These joyful dogs are trustworthy, reliable, and bound to return your
affection with heartwarming devotion.
Temperament: This breed is very social and gets
along well with others. While playful, Golden Retrievers remain mild-mannered
and seem to know what behavior is expected of them. They are tolerant, obedient,
and easy to train.
Grooming: Once or twice a year, Golden
Retrievers heavily shed their double coats. This breed requires daily brushing
during these times and weekly brushing throughout the rest of the year.
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: It's said that Golden
Retrievers can carry an egg in their soft mouth without cracking the shell,
according to the American Kennel Club.
Learn more about the devoted Golden Retriever.
#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 have no prey drive and
simply love human interaction. They are confident, even-tempered, and enjoy
being pampered. This intelligent breed can be slightly harder to train because
of occasional stubbornness, but a few dog training tips
for beginners can help you raise a well-adjusted furry friend!
Grooming: This breed sheds infrequently.
Shih Tzus with long coats require daily brushing while those with moderate and
short coats require brushing a few times a week. To protect their eyes, Shih
Tzus' top tufts of hair should be cut short or tied back.
Exercise: Shih Tzus need minimal exercise,
making them good apartment dogs. Short walks and
indoor playtime are recommended to keep Shih Tzus 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
Though they're synonymous with racing, Greyhounds are mellow, comfort-loving
dogs who prefer plenty of snooze-time. 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. Somewhat cat-like in manner, these dignified dogs
prefer peace and quiet. They require a patient approach to training but are
nonaggressive and rarely bark.
Grooming: This breed's short, smooth coat
requires occasional brushing using gentle grooming tools such as 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.
Find out more about the independent Greyhound.
#10: Bichon Frise
Self-assured and outgoing, the Bichon Frise is an absolute joy of a companion.
This breed has a positive outlook on life and loves to be around people and
other pets.
Temperament: Bichons are bubbly, personable
pooches who enjoy being the center of attention. They thrive in dog games and competitions, and can be trained to do countless
tricks. While adaptable, Bichons form strong attachments to their family
members and should not be left alone frequently.
Grooming: Bichons rarely shed and are a
good choice for allergy-suffering pet parents. Even so, Bichons should be
brushed regularly and visit the groomer every four to six weeks.
Exercise: With occasional spurts of
energy scattered across lengthy periods of coolness, Bichons are somewhat
active and require regular exercise. This breed especially enjoys short walks
and play sessions with pet parents.
Fun Fact: Bichons were originally used by
Spanish sailors as ship dogs, according to Puppy Toob.
