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Being a first-time dog owner could be a fun and rewarding experience. However, owning a dog involves a tremendous amount of responsibility. So, if you’re looking for the best beginner dogs for your family, speak with reputable breeders to figure out which dog breed is right for you?
There are numerous factors to consider before getting the best dog breeds as a first-time owner. And among these, the most crucial factor is your lifestyle.
You might already have a list of the best dog breeds in your mind, but it’s important to understand that not all canines are suitable for first-time dog owners.
Therefore, to assist you in your research, we have compiled a detailed list of the best dog breeds suited to the first-time owner because of their calm demeanour and ease of training. After all, you wish to have a positive start with your new companion, and a few breeds make this easier than others.
Let’s explore the top 9 best dog breeds for first-time owners.
1) Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Appearance: With a melting look that appeals to many dog owners, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the most charming dog breeds. The Cav is distinguished as a magnificent dog by his overall beauty, grace, and temperament.
Temperament: Cavaliers are an intelligent and easy-to-train dog breed. This breed gets along well with children and other canines because of their easy-going personality and friendly nature.
Cavaliers don’t bark often, but they will alert you to the presence of strangers. However, cavaliers are not watchdogs, as they greet people with great affection.
Exercise: Charles Spaniels do not require much exercise. A daily walk and some light plays are usually sufficient for their health and well-being. Cavs are adaptable to their owners’ lifestyles, whether energetic or relaxed.
Grooming: Despite their long coats, they are easy to maintain and only require regular brushing. Since the ears of this breed are droopy and heavy, they restrict airflow and may cause infection. So, you must pay extra attention to the ears.
Cavalier Dog Breed Information
Height
12 to 13 inches
Weight
13 to 18 pounds
Life expectancy
12 to 15 years
Coat type
Long Silky coat
Breed type
Small Breed
2) Poodle
Appearance: Poodles are charming and one of the best dog breeds for seniors as well. They come in three different sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. This breed can fit into a wide range of lifestyles and can live in almost any size living space.
Temperament: Poodles are among the smartest dogs, and their willingness to obey commands makes them easy to train. Poodles make great family dogs and get along nicely with kids. As a result, they are a perfect choice for first-time dog owners.
Exercise: Poodles are high-energy dogs that demand a lot of mental and physical stimulation. A daily walk of at least an hour is essential for their good health and happiness.
Grooming: Poodles have a lovely coat that sheds only once or twice a year. They require regular brushing and expert grooming every four to six weeks to keep their curly coat in good shape.
Poodle Dog Breed Information
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)
Life expectancy
10 to 18 years
Coat type
Different for each sub-breed
Breed type
Medium breed
3) Golden Retriever
Appearance: The Golden Retriever is one of America’s most popular dog breeds, with exceptional beauty. Golden retrievers are powerful, medium-sized dogs with a shiny gold like coat. Goldens have been a family favourite for a long period of time.
Temperament: Golden Retrievers are intelligent, obedient, and friendly butterflies that are easy to train. These loyal, and devoted dogs are wonderful family pets and great with children of all ages.
Exercise: Golden Retrievers are a high-energy dog breed that requires plenty of regular exercise and long durations of running to stay healthy.
Grooming: Golden retrievers are heavy shedders and shed excessively once or twice a year. Besides from that, Golden Retrievers shed more frequently on a daily basis. Therefore regular brushing with a good brush will usually help to remove majority of the dead hair.
Gold Retriever Dog Breed Information
Height
24 inches
Weight
60 to 90 pounds
Life expectancy
12 to 15 years
Coat type
Short and Smooth
Breed type
Large Breed
4) Labrador Retriever
Appearance: The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. Labs are a classic family dog with a joyful demeanour that makes them a popular choice among first-time dog owners.
Temperament: Labradors are friendly and extremely loyal to their owners, with an amiable temperament that allows them to be taken anywhere.
Exercise: Labrador retrievers are a energetic breed that demands a lot of daily exercise. They are well suited to homes who can compete with their high energy levels. They are among those breeds of dogs who would lounge in the house calmly but also be active enough to accompany you for walks and runs.
Grooming: Labradors shed on a regular basis therefore their coats must be brushed regularly. Thus keep these things in mind before you choose them as your first dog.
Labrador Dog Breed Information
55 to 80 pounds
Life expectancy
10 to 12 years
Coat type
Double coat (A harder top coat and a smoother under coat)
Breed type
Large Breed
5) Bichon Frise
Appearance: The Bichon Frise is a small dog breed with a toy-like appearance and a fluffy white coat that resembles a cotton ball. Bichons make wonderful companions and get along well with other canines and children.
Temperament: Bichon Frise is an easygoing little dog who adores his family and can fit into any lifestyle. However, if a Bichon is left alone for long periods of time, it can develop undesirable behaviour. Bichons are easy to train and have a positive response to it.
Exercise: The Bichon Frise is a happy-go-lucky dog who requires moderate exercise. Bichon enjoys playing with their pet parents and going for walks, both of which are necessary for their happiness and health.
Grooming: The fluffy coat of the Bichon Frise sheds very little but requires frequent brushing . This breed’s curly coat needs expert grooming from time to time. The Bichon Frise is the ideal breed for anyone with dog allergies because it is hypoallergenic.
Bichon Frise Dog Breed Information
9.5 to 11.5 inches
12 to 18 pounds
14 to 15 years
Double coat (A harder top coat and a smoother under coat)
Small Breed
6) Papillon
Appearance: The Papillon is a gorgeous dog breed with butterfly-like ears. This affectionate toy breed is a combination of beauty and intelligence and is well-known for being a wonderful family pet.
Temperament: Papillons are lively dogs with sharp minds, making them easy to train. Papillon is a wonderful companion who adores you and wishes to spend all of his time with you. They don’t like being left alone. This versatile breed is suitable for various households, especially those with children.
Exercise: Papillons enjoy playing with interactive toys and do not require much exercise.
Grooming: Papillons are seasonal shedders and require regular brushing throughout this time. Apart from this, they only require moderate brushing, hence easy to groom.
Papillon Dog Breed Information
8 to 11 inches
5 to 10 pounds
14 to 16 years
Long, straight, and silky
Small Breed
7) Pug
Appearance: With big, bright eyes, large spherical head and wrinkled brows, pugs make fantastic companions and ideal choice for novice or first-time dog owners. Pugs are great family dogs that get along nicely with young children.
Temperament: Pugs have a calm and friendly attitude that makes them easy to train. Unlike other little dogs, this breed is quiet and does not bark excessively. Pugs are devoted to their families and love spending time with them, so leaving them alone for an extended amount of time may cause anxiety issues.
Exercise: Pugs are easy-going dogs that don’t need plenty of exercises. They are usually satisfied with a short walk and some time spent playing with their toys. Even though a pug would prefer snuggling with you rather than exercising, regular walks and play sessions are essential to keep them healthy.
Grooming: Even though pugs have a short coat, they shed a lot. Therefore, their fur has to be brushed regularly. Moreover, the folds around their eyes need frequent cleaning.
Pug Dog Breed Information
10 to 13 inches
14 to 18 pounds
13 to 15 years
Short and smooth
Medium Breed
8) Shih Tzu
Appearance: The Shih Tzu has a pleasing appearance with a broad, rounded head wrapped in a thick coat, a small body, and a set of large, round, and black eyes. They are the perfect cuddling companion with a bright and friendly personality.
Temperament: Shih Tzu is a lively small dog who enjoys spending time with its human family. Shih Tzus are intelligent canines, yet they can be challenging to train due to their stubbornness. But with proper training and socialization from an early age, they make wonderful family pets and get along well with children.
Exercise: Shih Tzu is an excellent apartment dog who does not need a lot of exercise. However, plan short walks and involve them in indoor activities to maintain their weight.
Grooming: Shih Tzu’s long coats need regular brushing to avoid tangles in the hair. They require a little more maintenance as the hair grows long and often covers the eyes, and therefore the hair above their eyes has to be cut frequently or tied up in a tuft to keep their eyes protected.
Shih Tzu Dog Breed Information
9 to 11 inches
Weight
9 to 16 pounds
Life expectancy
10 to 16 years
Double coat (A short under coat and long over coat)
Small Breed
9) Pomeranian
Appearance: Pomeranians are one of the most popular dog breeds among first-time dog owners. They are recognized for their stunning coat supported by a thick undercoat. Their small, dainty size makes them a fantastic lap dog.
Temperament: Pomeranian has a cheerful demeanor and can adapt to various situations. They are always alert and extremely loyal to their owners. Pom makes great family dogs with some basic training.
But they can be stubborn and aggressive at times. Therefore it’s essential to provide consistent training right from the start.
Exercise: Poms are energetic dogs, but a short walk and indoor play are more than enough to make them happy.
Grooming: Despite their long magnificent coat, they are low-maintenance dogs who only require regular brushing.
Pom Dog Breed Information
10 to 13 inches
14 to 18 pounds
13 to 15 years
Double coat (A short under coat and long over coat)
Medium Breed
Ending Notes
Deciding the best dog breeds for yourself and your family can be a beautiful but challenging experience. With so many good dog breeds to choose from, it can become tricky to make the right choice.
So, decide with a calm mind before bringing a first puppy home.
The most important part is staying committed to your four-legged friend. They love you with everything they have, and thus it’s your responsibility to take complete care of them.
Be regular with their exercise, feed them on time, take care of their grooming, and love them the most.
