So, you finally feel ready to be a dog parent for the first time, and now you want to know about the best dogs for first-time owners? Well, then, you are at the right place.
In this article, we will introduce you to 10 amazing dog breeds perfectly suited for first-timers, each with their own unique charm and personality. So grab a comfy spot and get ready to meet some adorable pups!
Check Out 10 Best Dogs For First-Time Owners
Before we dive in to talk about the best dogs for first-time owners, let’s pause for a moment. Being a dog parent is a huge commitment – it requires a lot of time, patience, dedication, and, lastly, and most importantly, financial resources (those vet bills are no joke).
Do you think you are ready to commit to all that and start your journey towards becoming a dog parent? If the answer is yes, then dive in to meet some of the best dogs for first-time owners below:
Golden Retriever
| Category | Breed Facts |
| Height | 23-24 inches (male) 21.5-22.5 inches (female) |
| Weight | 65-75 pounds (male) 21.5-22.5 inches (female) |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
| Temperament | Intelligent, even-tempered, sociable, friendly, fun-loving, and playful |
| Coat type and coat length | Double-coated, medium to long |
| Shedding level | Moderate to heavy shedder |
| Training difficulty level | Easy to train |
Hailing from Scotland, Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds of choice for first-time dog parents, and for good reasons. They are friendly, loyal, intelligent, and playful. But most importantly, Goldens are family-oriented dogs and have an extremely affectionate and gentle temperament.
Most Golden Retrievers are social butterflies. They crave company, and nothing makes them more happy than being a part of their owner’s pack. Because of their extroverted nature, Goldens get along fine with small children and other pets, too.
In addition, they are very eager to please their owners, which makes them an easy-to-train breed, even for first-time owners. However, Golden Retrievers are also a very active and energetic breed. So, they are more suitable for first-time owners who have a moderate to highly active lifestyle. However, first-time pet parents should also learn about the golden rules of golden retriever care to ensure a happy and healthy lifestyle.
Beagle
| Category | Breed Facts |
| Height | 13 inches & under or Around 13-15 inches |
| Weight | Under 20 pounds (13 inches and under) 20-30 pounds (13-15 pounds) |
| Lifespan | 10-`15 years |
| Temperament | Loving, Even-tempered, sociable, curious and mischievous |
| Coat type and coat length | Smooth and Short |
| Shedding level | Moderate shedder |
| Ease of training | Difficult to train |
The Beagle is a small to medium-sized, tri-colored scent hound that originated from England. They are one of the most popular and recognizable breeds in the world. It has large brown eyes, floppy ears, and a short, dense, and water-resistant coat. Originally, the Beagle was bred to track small games such as hares, rabbits, and foxes. While the beagle is still used in hunts today, they are also being increasingly used for other purposes, such as detection and companion dogs.
By nature, the Beagle is friendly, playful, and loyal, but also stubborn, independent, curious, and vocal. It is a social and pack-oriented dog and enjoys the company of humans and other dogs. The Beagle is generally easygoing and adaptable, but it may suffer from separation anxiety, boredom, or stubbornness if left alone for too long or not given enough exercise and stimulation.
Moreover, the Beagle may be small in size, but it is an energetic breed and needs a moderate amount of exercise on a daily basis. It will keep them mentally and physically stimulated. With a lifespan of 12-15 years, the beagle is a generally healthy breed but suffers from some health issues, such as eye disorders, heart disease, and obesity.
Poodle
| Category | Breed Facts |
| Height | 15 inches and above |
| Weight | 60-70 pounds (male standard poodle) 40-50 pounds (female standard poodle) |
| Lifespan | 10-18 years |
| Temperament | Intelligent, playful, people-oriented, and sensitive |
| Coat Type and coat length | Curly and long |
| Shedding level | Low shedding |
| Training difficulty level | Easy to train |
Poodles are one of the most elegant and smartest breeds of dog in the world. But they are not just a pretty sight. Poodles are loyal and affectionate and have a very friendly and playful temperament, which makes them a great choice for first-time owners.
In addition, the Poodle is a very adaptable and versatile breed and can live in different environments and climates as long as it has enough human contact and exercise. If they are properly socialized from a young age, then Poodles get along well with children and other pets.
Poodles come in three different sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. As a result, first-time owners can pick the type of Poodle that will best fit their living space. Moreover, all three types are hypoallergenic. This means that Poodles don’t drool a lot, and their dense, curly, single-layered coat is low shedding, which is good news for people with allergies.
Bernese Mountain Dogs
| Category | Breed Facts |
| Height | 25-27.5 inches (male) 23-26 inches (female) |
| Weight | 80-115 pounds (male) 70-95 pounds (female) |
| Lifespan | 7-10 years |
| Temperament | Intelligent, affectionate, patient and playful |
| Coat Type and Coat Length | Double-coated and medium-length |
| Shedding Level | Moderate to heavy shedder |
| Ease of Training | Easy to train |
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, strikingly handsome, tri-colored dog breed from Switzerland with a moderately long, silky coat. The markings on their coat and face consisting of three colors: Black, rust, and white are one of their most recognizable features.
It is one of the four types of Sennenhund dogs (Swiss Mountain Dog or Swiss Cattle Dog). These dogs originally used to perform a variety of tasks. These are herding, guarding, and pulling carts. The breed has gained a name for itself for traits such as hardiness, loyalty, and intelligence.
It is also friendly, gentle, affectionate, and good with children, making it one of the best dogs for first-time owners. However, it has a short lifespan of 7-10 years and is prone to several health problems, such as hip dysplasia, cancer, and bloat. The breed needs moderate exercise and regular grooming. The Bernese Mountain Dog thrives best in a cool climate.
The Shih Tzu
| Category | Breed Facts |
| Height | 9-10.5 inches |
| Weight | 9-16 pounds |
| Lifespan | 10-18 years |
| Temperament | Affectionate, extroverted, friendly, curious and playful |
| Coat Type and Coat Length | Double-coated and long |
| Shedding Level | Low shedding |
| Training Difficulty Level | Easily trainable |
The Shih Tzu is a small, long-haired dog breed that originated from Tibet and China. It is also known as the “lion dog” or the “chrysanthemum dog” because of its appearance. The breed actually has a very fascinating history. Centuries ago, imperial breeders employed by Chinese emperors developed the breed from Tibetan breeding stock.
For hundreds of years after that, the Shih Tzu led a very comfortable lifestyle at the palace of Chinese emperors, getting pampered and cuddled by the members of the royal family. As a result, the Shih Tzu turned out to be a very outgoing and affectionate dog breed with a friendly and playful temperament.
Moreover, being a toy dog breed, the Shih Tzu can fit in anywhere, be it a house or an apartment. They are typically 8 to 11 inches tall and weigh 9 to 16 pounds. It has a lifespan of 10 to 16 years. In addition, the Shih Tzu has a hypoallergenic coat that comes in many colors but requires regular grooming and brushing.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
| Category | Breed Facts |
| Height | 12-13 inches |
| Weight | 13-18 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Temperament | Gentle, Good-natured, Friendly and adaptable |
| Coat Type and Coat Length | Silky and wavy and medium length |
| Shedding Level | Moderate shedding |
| Training Difficulty level | Easy to train |
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small, elegant, and friendly toy dog breed that originated from England. The breed is named after King Charles II. He was very fond of these dogs and allowed them to enter any public place. It is a descendant of the English Toy Spaniel, which was crossed with Asian breeds like the Pug and the Japanese Chin to create a flatter face.
Currently, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the most popular breeds in the UK and the US. It is often called the perfect lap dog because of its size. An adult Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is only 12-13 inches tall, 19-20 inches in length, and weighs around 13-18 pounds. It has a long, silky coat that comes in four colors. This includes Blenheim (chestnut and white), tricolor (black/white/tan), ruby, and black and tan.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a very affectionate, sociable, and playful dog. It loves human companionship and gets along well with other pets and children. It is also a moderately active dog that needs daily walks and playtime but can adapt to apartment living easily.
Boxer
| Category | Breed Facts |
| Height | 23-25 inches (male) 21.5-23.5 inches (female) |
| Weight | 65-80 pounds (male); female dogs weigh around 15 pounds less than male |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
| Temperament | Friendly, intelligent, affectionate and playful |
| Coat Type and Coat Length | Smooth and short |
| Shedding Level | Low shedding |
| Ease of Training | Slightly challenging to train |
The Boxer is a medium to large, short-haired dog breed of mastiff-type, developed in Germany. The breed has a rich lineage. They descended from the Old English Bulldog and the now-extinct Bullenbeisser. Initially, the dogs used to accompany and aid hunters during their excursions. But nowadays, they have transitioned into guardian and companion dogs.
It has a smooth, tight-fitting coat that comes in fawn, brindle, or white, with or without white markings. The boxer can be easily recognized because of its broad, short skull, square muzzle, and underbite. Because of their history as a hunting dog breed, the boxer has strong jaws and a powerful bite. It is ideal for gripping large prey. But despite their strong appearance, they have an insatiable need for snuggles.
Temperament-wise, the Boxer is loyal, affectionate, intelligent, and playful. At the same time, it is also stubborn, independent, and vocal. The breed has a high energy level. Hence, it needs moderate exercise to stay mentally and physically stimulated.
Bichon Frise
| Category | Breed Facts |
| Height | 9.5-11.5 inches |
| Weight | 12-18 pounds |
| Lifespan | 14-15 years |
| Temperament | Gentle, affectionate, curious, and playful |
| Coat Type and Coat length | Curly, double-coated and long |
| Shedding Level | Low shedding |
| Ease of Training | Easy to train |
The Bichon Frise is a small, non-sporting dog breed known for its long, curly white hair. This gives it a fluffy, cotton ball-like appearance. These dogs are typically peppy and people-oriented. Hence, they do not like to be left alone.
Often described as “living stuffed animals” due to their adorable looks. Bichons are highly affectionate, friendly, and playful, making them great companions. They are also hypoallergenic, which makes them suitable for people with allergies.
But despite their small size, they are sturdy and resilient, with a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Their intelligence and cheerful disposition, coupled with their adaptability, make them ideal pets for various living conditions.
Greyhounds
| Category | Breed Facts |
| Height | 28-30 inches (male) 27-28 inches (female) |
| Weight | 65-70 pounds (male) 60-65 pounds (female) |
| Lifespan | 10-13 years |
| Temperament | Sweet-natured, calm, easy going and affectionate |
| Coat Type and Coat Length | Smooth and Short |
| Shedding Level | Low-shedding |
| Training difficulty level | Can be difficult to train |
The Greyhound, originating from Egypt, is a large-sized dog breed belonging to the family of hounds. The breed is easily recognizable by its muscular, long legs, strong, streamlined, and slender body, and short, smooth coat. In addition, the Greyhound, with its narrow head, long neck, long slim tail, and deep chest contributing to its unique “S” shape, is built for speed.
Reaching up to 45 miles per hour, the Greyhound is the fastest animal within the canine kingdom. They are also the second fastest in the world, with Cheetahs being the fastest. But despite their athletic abilities, they have a calm and gentle nature.
Moreover, greyhounds are even-tempered, intelligent, and affectionate. This makes them excellent companions for first-time owners. They are also very low maintenance in terms of grooming because of their short coat.
French Bulldog
| Category | Breed Facts |
| Height | 11-13 inches |
| Weight | Under 28 pounds |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
| Temperament | Affectionate, sociable, playful |
| Coat Type and Coat Length | Smooth and Short |
| Shedding Level | Low |
| Training Difficulty level | Easy to train |
The toy bulldog breed was immensely popular among English lacemakers, especially in Nottingham. These lacemakers brought their toy bulldogs with them when they moved to Northern France. In France, toy bulldogs crossbred with other breeds like the Pugs and Terriers. The resultant offspring sported bat-like ears and was called Bouledogue Français or the French Bulldog.
The French Bulldog is a small but compact and muscular dog with a short, square face with wrinkles. Their large bat-like ears are their most recognizable feature. The average height of a French Bulldog is 11 to 13 inches, and the average weight is 19 to 28 pounds. They are perfect for living in apartments because of their small size.
Temperament-wise too, the breed is playful, friendly, loyal, and adaptable, making it a popular breed for first-time dog owners. Another reason why the French Bulldog is great for first-time owners is because they are low maintenance when it comes to grooming.
Time To Decide What Kind Of Dog Is Right For You!
Now that you have gone through the list of best dogs for first-time owners, here comes the hard part. This involves deciding what kind of dog is right for you. By now, you know that dogs come in different sizes, personalities, and characteristic traits. So make sure to choose a dog breed that complements your lifestyle the best.
To do so, you should take into account certain factors. This includes a dog’s energy level, temperament, grooming needs, health issues, and compatibility with other pets and people.
After you have shortlisted a few breeds, make sure to thoroughly research the breeds online. You can also consult a veterinarian or a dog trainer.
Which dog breed you think is right for you? Comment Below.
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