10 Best Breeds for First-Time Dog Owners
Owning a dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life — trust me, I know, I grew up with dogs. Dogs bring joy, companionship, and boundless energy into our lives. However, not all dog breeds are created equal, especially for those dipping their toes into the world of dog ownership for the first time.
In this post, I will give you my recommendations on the best breeds for first-time dog owners — breeds I picked mainly for their temperament and easy and friendly disposition. So, here are my recommendations for the 10 best breeds for first-time dog owners.
BONUS: Psssst, there are some breeds that are, on paper, perfect for first-time dog owners, but they come with a catch! That said, I have added them in the second list, but I do explain why I am not comfortable recommending them. However, I want you to make your own informed decision.
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10 Best Breeds for First-Time Dog Owners
When it comes to choosing your doggo, there is a lot you need to consider, such as the energy levels, shedding, ease of trainability and, most importantly, temperament. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all' with dogs, and the same goes for those who never owned a dog before.
That is why my list is a mix of all sorts of breeds, and I have mainly selected them for their temperament and, in most cases, (relative) easy trainability. And remember: regardless of the breed you choose, it is ALWAYS your responsibility to properly train and socialise your pet. If you don't, he will start life at a disadvantage.
Every breed has what I call ‘breed-specific characteristics'. They are distinct breed traits that are hardwired into their DNA — an example is prey drive.
Now, not every dog will ‘behave' as they should be based on their breed-specific characteristics. However, when it comes to puppies, we simply don't know how they will grow up to behave. For that reason, I base my list on general breed information.
Labrador Retriever
Is there anything more heartwarming than a friendly Labrador? Renowned for their gentle and loving nature, Labradors are the epitome of family pets — they are excellent with kids! Their adaptability to various lifestyles makes them a fantastic choice, whether you live in a bustling city or a quiet suburb.
Labs, as they are affectionately known, love to learn and please their owner, making training quite easy. Think of them as the golden retriever's amiable cousin, always ready for a game of fetch or a snuggle on the couch. Labs thrive better in active households, though, because they need at least 2 hours of exercise each day.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are the teddy bears of the dog world. They exude warmth with their ever-cheerful disposition and eagerness to make you smile. For first-time owners, the Goldens nurturing nature is both comforting and reassuring.
They thrive on social interaction and are particularly brilliant with children. If happiness had a mascot, it would be a Golden Retriever. They are intelligent, making training a breeze. They do require quite a bit of exercise, though, so keep that in mind.
Bernese Mountain Dog
A big dog with a gentle and loving nature…that is the Bernese Mountain Dog for you. If you have kids and are looking for a patient, sturdy dog with a fantastic calm and even temperament, you need to look no further. The BMD is a perfect fit for families with children of all ages and other pets.
He is also very loyal to his owner and is eager to please — combined with his intelligence, that makes him quite easy to train. Although he can be a bit stubborn at times — but can't we all be that sometimes 😜. You do need to invest quite heavily in early and continued socialising before he gets too big.
Did you know that Michael D. Higgins, the current Irish President [as of 2024], has a Bernese Mountain Dog named Misneach, meaning Courage? Before that, he had 2 other BMD, named Síoda and Bród. Guess it's safe to say the Irish President loves Bernese Mountain Dogs!
Great Dane
The Great Dane is indeed great — The AKC calls him the “Apollo of Dogs”. They need a lot of space because they are so big. But don't worry, while big, these gentle giants have infinite patience and love their owners — beware: they can be prone to separation anxiety due to their bond with you!
You may not expect it due to their size, but they need a considerable amount of exercise, adding to about 2 hours a day. Word of caution: due to their size, you MUST ensure that training starts early! You want to train your Great Dane before he becomes too big.
Did you know that Scooby Doo is a Great Dane?!
Maltese
The Maltese is one of those breeds that loves to be a lapdog! But don't let his tiny stature fool you because they make excellent guard dogs, believe it or not.
They don't require a ton of exercise, making them suitable for most households. That said, they are energetic in their own way and love to play — I swear, not much is funnier than seeing this tiny dog play with a stuffed animal at least twice his size 😂.
The Maltese is a deeply affectionate dog. While they are intelligent, they can have a mind of their own. However, they are usually treat-motivated, so keep them at the ready for steady and positive reinforcement training.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Maltese have a rather fragile frame, making them better suited to families without children or older children who can be gentle with them.
Beagle
Beagles, with their floppy ears and soulful eyes, are not just friendly but also incredibly adaptable, meaning they can live anywhere. They do require a lot of exercise, with a minimum of 2 hours a day.
It is best to keep your Beagle on a leash when going out for a walk…they WILL chase whatever scent they pick up! Beagles are laid back, patient, and good with kids.
Two things to keep in mind: (1) they can be very vocal when left alone for too long; (2) they can be a bit stubborn, making training slightly more challenging.
Did you know that Snoopy is a Beagle?! “Then why is Snoopy black and white?” I hear you ask. That is because the comic first came out in 1950, and back then everything was printed in black and white.
Poodle
Initially, I was unsure if I wanted to add the Poodle to this list for 1 main reason: the Poodle is extremely intelligent and needs a lot of mental stimulation! However, the Poodle has too much going for them to be excluded from this list.
The Poodle is a very versatile and adaptable dog. They are brilliant with children; they love playtime, are affectionate, and are very loyal and loving to their families.
So, if you are a confident person who can provide the much-needed mental stimulation, the Poodle will be an excellent choice!
The Poodle comes in 3 sizes: The Standard, Miniature and Toy. This means that you can have a Poodle regardless of how big or small your living quarters are — just perfect!
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
This Irish beauty has plenty of Terrier traits, yet isn't your typical Terrier at the same time — they are very people-orientated, friendly, affectionate, and they absolutely adore spending time with anyone willing to pet them.
They also love to play and are very enthusiastic. Keep in mind that he is still a Terrier, so he might chase small(er) animals — if you have other small(er) pets in the house, you need to ensure they are conditioned to them from an early age.
The Wheaten can be pretty stubborn, so if you are not (yet) confident in training this dog, don't hesitate to join puppy/training classes for extra support.
Whippet
Some zoomies followed by Netflix and chill? Then the Whippet is what you are looking for. They want about an hour's worth of exercise, including some off-leash sprinting in a secure area, but other than that, the Whippet sleeps, on average, about 12 to 14 hours a day!
Keep him on a leash when you walk him because his high prey drive has him chasing whatever takes his fancy!
The Whippet is trainable, but don't expect a whole repertoire of tricks; they are not the brightest of the bunch 😅. Whippets love being around their owner. Due to their incredibly strong bond with their owner, Whippets are prone to separation anxiety, so just keep that in mind.
Whippets and Greyhounds are often mistaken for one another. While these cousins look very similar in appearance, the Greyhound is much larger than a Whippet.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians, also known as Poms, are very affectionate and loving. Now, they might be small, but they'll guard you like they are giants. They can be quite vocal and will not hesitate to alert you to that leaf that just blew past your window — *shudders* scary 😱!
However, they are intelligent, and although they can be a bit stubborn and mischievous from time to time, they are quite easy to train. They do, however, have a relatively short attention span — as an ADHDer, I can relate 😅 — so keep in mind that you will need patience.
They do not require too much exercise, making them ideal for most households.
I have added the Pomeranian to my initial list even though, technically, it is a brachycephalic breed. I usually do not recommend these types of breeds, however, in general, the Pomeranian does not get the dreaded BOAS – Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome. That is why I have added this breed here and not in the list below.
Did you know that the Keeshond is often mistaken for a Pomeranian? These are 2 different breeds — The Keeshond can only come with a grey, wolf-like, coat; the Pomeranian comes in a host of other colours, with the orange sable (as seen above) being the most common.
However, in some countries, like Belgium and the Netherlands, the Pomeranian is the same breed as the Toy Keeshond…confusing much?!
Great but with a Catch
Alright, let’s clear something up. Some excellent beginner dog breeds didn’t make my initial list. Why? Well, these breeds are ‘brachycephalic', in other words, short-nosed breeds, and they can be prone to severe breathing problems.
Sure, their snoring might seem funny, but imagine struggling to breathe every day. It’s heartbreaking — Just think back to the time(s) you had a stuffed nose and struggled to breathe…now imagine your dog having the same issue, for most of their life.
While I love recommending dog breeds — that is what my business is all about —, I also feel it’s my duty to highlight these issues. Many new owners, even some seasoned ones, may not know about this.
It’s up to you, but please take a moment to learn about these breeds before deciding because these breeds not only suffer physically from their anatomy, but they might also hurt your wallet! While I always recommend pet insurance, if you are out of luck, you will still pay a hefty sum in vet bills over the years.
I recommend not buying these breeds as puppies but adopting them from your local shelter.
5 Great Yet Not So Great Breeds
Here are 5 additional dog breeds that are great for first-time dog owners but come with a warning.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If you’re after a dog that blends perfectly into both family and solo settings, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel could be your match made in doggy heaven. With an affectionate and patient demeanour, Cavaliers are like little therapists — minus the fees!
They adjust well to various living conditions and don’t demand excessive exercise, making them a splendid choice for those with a slower pace of life. They have a gentle demeanour and get along well with children. They are intelligent and easy to train.
Bichon Frisé
Think of the Bichon Frisé as the perpetual optimist; they bring sunshine into any room they enter. These gentle fluffballs are known for their friendly, cheerful demeanour, making them perfect for first-time dog owners.
They are also relatively easy to train, don't need an excessive amount of exercise, are very adaptable, and don't shed much.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu might be small, but they pack a lot of love in their little frames. Perfect for apartments or smaller homes, these dogs are adaptable and affectionate.
Whether you’re binge-watching your favourite series or just relaxing at home, a Shih Tzu is the perfect lap dog, content just to be with you.
The Shih Tzu does not require a lot of exercise, is not prone to barking, and loves learning new things, so training is a breeze.
Did you know that the Shih Tzu is, genetically speaking, one of the breeds closest to wolves?! They actually share more DNA than most other breeds — exceptions are Malamutes and Huskies.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie for short, is a playful and friendly little dog with roots in mid-19th century England. They have a sweet disposition and are adaptable and fast learners — although house training might take a bit more time and effort.
They have moderate exercise needs but remember: it is a Terrier, so they love to chase — best keep him on a leash. While they are excellent family dogs, it is best to wait until your children are older because they are very tiny and fragile.
Small children might also accidentally upset him, which could cause him to react. That said, according to a Sniffspot survey, 88% of Yorkie owners would recommend the Yorkshire Terrier as a first-time dog.
Papillon
Don't let their size fool you; Papillons are small dogs with big brains. Known for their intelligence and ease of training, they're an excellent choice for those looking for a clever, nimble pet.
Their friendly nature allows them to get along splendidly with families, making them a joy to train and a marvel to watch as they learn new tricks effortlessly. They are somewhat active but also love to curl up on your lap.
Did you know that ‘papillon' means ‘butterfly' in French? They get their name from the butterfly look their ears have when erect (as you can see in the image above).
To Wrap Things Up
Choosing the right dog breed can be daunting. You're often inclined to go with a breed that looks cute, you saw in a movie, or you know someone with the same breed. That does not necessarily mean that your desired breed is suitable.
I hope this list has given you a good idea of the 11 best breeds for first-time dog owners; I have done my best to include something for everyone.
While nothing stops you from getting the breed you really want, the breeds in this list are very suitable for those who have never owned a dog before. It will help you ease into dog ownership and give you the confidence you need to become a responsible dog owner.
IMPORTANT: I must stress that, regardless of which breed you go for, A LOT will depend on WHERE you get your dog! You MUST look into good and reputable breeders to ensure you get the pup with the best possible temperament, behaviour, and health.
So, do you already have an idea of what breed you would like? Drop your reply in the comments below; I would love to know!
Remember to pin an image to your favourite pet board!
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