Best Dog Breeds For First-Time Owners (With Pictures)

Getting a dog is an amazing experience. It’s hard to pick a first dog breed when there are so many breeds and hybrids out there.

Make sure your first dog fits your lifestyle and home. You should choose a dog with a similar energy level if you’re an active person who likes to run or walk. A dog with lower energy will be a better choice if you prefer to spend most of your time indoors.

When choosing a family dog that will enjoy spending time with your children, choose one that will love you all equally and be willing to participate in the fun and games without being overly demanding.

What about cats? Choose a breed that is known to be easy-going and social with other animals. In our list, we present thirteen of the best breeds of dogs for a first-time pet owner, so we hope that this will help you decide which is the right pet for you.

Best Dog Breeds For First-Time Owners

1. Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever has dominated the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular breeds for nearly 30 years. This is due to several factors. It is easy for him to interact with people, dogs, and even cats because he is friendly. Since he’s intelligent and willing to please, he’s perfect for service work. Furthermore, he’s energetic and active, so he’ll need regular exercise. He is a loving and loyal companion for singles or families who are looking for their first pet.

2. Golden Retriever

Both the Golden Retriever and the Labrador have a similar appearance. In addition to showing affection, he is loyal and loyal to his family and equally comfortable curled up in front of the fire or playing with them enthusiastically. The long hair on his body may make him more attractive to some owners, but it also requires regular brushing to prevent tangles and knots.

3. Poodle

Another very popular breed of dog is the poodle. Despite the fact that he requires regular exercise, he is always delighted to receive attention and to give it. His affection for children is no different from his affection for adults. As close as you can get to hypoallergenic dog fur is the Poodle’s coat, which will need to be maintained continuously.

4. Papillon

With its almost regal appearance, the Papillon is ideal for households. His intelligence and willingness to follow positive training makes him an excellent family member. This breed sheds minimally, but it will take some brushing to maintain his coat. While he is an active dog, because he is small, it will not take too much exercise to exhaust him. Sitting on his owner’s knee when he is tired is one of his favorite things to do.

5. Bichon Frise

A second breed described as “hypoallergenic” is the Bichon Frise, as even people with allergies don’t seem to have any problems with it. The Bichon Frise has an affectionate nature and loves attention. This small breed is relatively easy to train, and will thrive on a daily walk and a lot of attention from their owner. It is common for the Bichon to be shy when first meeting strangers, but when he gets to know them, he more than makes up for it.

6. Cavalier King Charles

An incredibly clever little canine, the Cavalier King Charles is capable of switching between being energetic and playful to being lazy and prostrate in an instant. Because of his sweet and loving nature, he’s a great first-time dog because he needs regular walks and deserves some attention to keep his coat from getting matted.

7. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus were originally bred as companion dogs, and his primary role today is to spend as much time as possible on the lap of his owner. Due to the lack of hunting instinct, they should be friendly and relaxed, and should have no trouble getting along with other pets, including cats. They are popular as lap dogs because of their size, but keep in mind they require regular grooming.

8. Greyhound

Dogs like Greyhounds are fun and easy to own. It’s no surprise that he’s more likely to be found curling up on the sofa than charging around. Even though he’s trained for high-energy, high-octane sports, he’s just as content curling up on the couch. Then again, he is instinctively hunting, so he must be leashed and exercised regularly. Greyhounds make a great choice for dog owners who are looking for a dog that is both active and easy to curl up with.

9. Whippet

Greyhounds and Whippets look similar, and they were bred for the same purposes. The Whippet is known for not barking excessively, so if you are concerned about noise, it is a great choice. Since this breed is valued for its sprinting ability, rather than its endurance, chances are he’ll find himself sitting next to the Greyhound. Even though the Whippet enjoys a brisk run, he shouldn’t be left unattended.

10. Great Dane

Some people may not consider the Great Dane as a good first dog. Great Danes are, after all, giants. There is also a possibility that he slobbers a lot and needs to have his face wiped. He also loves attention, is incredibly soft, and is always striving to please his master. Additionally, these dogs have surprisingly low energy levels for a dog of their size and are perfectly content to sprawl out on a couch.

11. Cockapoo

Poodles and Cocker Spaniels combine their advantages in the Cockapoo, a hybrid breed. Despite the fact that they will need regular brushing, they are easy to maintain, as well as easy to train. In addition to exploring and having fun outdoors, they enjoy spending time at home with family and friends as well.

12. Boxer

If you are looking for a loyal, loving companion who will never leave your side and loves to get out and exercise with you, then you should give the Boxer a try. They’re high-energy, energetic dogs that can be quite demanding of your time. The dog can also be considered silly if he is young, but his playful and friendly nature makes him a wonderful family pet.

13. Yorkshire Terrier

First-time owners may find the Yorkshire Terrier to be a great lap dog. When they are young, they are responsive to training. They love being held and being on your lap. In addition, their coat is constantly growing, which means they must maintain a regular brushing routine and trim their coat around their eyes, especially. Because of their loving nature and minimal exercise requirements, this breed makes a wonderful companion.

Conclusion

In addition to the ones on this list, there are thousands of purebreds and hybrids. There could have been added almost any of the popular hybrids, such as the Labradoodle. A whole list of color variations from Labradors could be compiled, and Vizslas are loyal and loving breeds, but they require more training.

No matter what breed you choose, before adopting, be certain that its needs match your lifestyle. You may want to look into puppy classes to teach your dog basic obedience, and don’t forget to also check your local shelter for mixed-breed dogs, as these can also make excellent family pets. If you are looking for a dog bed then see our collection.