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Choosing your first dog is thrilling, but it demands a lot of foresight and soul-searching. It's easy to make some general statements about which dog breeds are best for first-time dog owners. Minimal hereditary health risks, simple grooming needs, trainability, and a manageable size also come into play.
Typically, good first dogs usually have a calm temperament, which is often easier for novice owners to manage. But what if you're an outdoorsy type or you'd prefer to parent a more energetic pup?
At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide the best dog for a first-time owner. But here are some breeds to help kickstart your search.
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Best first-time dog breeds - at a glance
Not much time? Here's our snapshot of the best dogs for beginners:
| Breed | Temperament | Training Ease | Exercise Level | Ideal Environment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bichon Frisé | Cheerful & Joyful | High | Low | Apartments / Home Workers |
| Boston Terrier | Friendly & Well-mannered | High | Moderate | Urban / Small Spaces |
| Boxer | Playful & Protective | High | High | Active Families |
| Cavalier King Charles | Gentle & Affectionate | High | Low | Apartments / Relaxed Homes |
| Greyhound | Quiet & Intelligent | High | Moderate | Calm Homes |
| Golden Retriever | Patient & Even-tempered | High | High | Families / Suburbs |
| Labrador Retriever | Friendly & Outgoing | High | High | Active Households |
| Poodle | Alert & Clever | Very High | Moderate/High | Versatile / Interactive |
| Pug | Sociable & Mellow | Moderate | Low | Relaxed / Indoor Living |
| Shih Tzu | Calm & Cuddly | Moderate | Low | Small Apartments |
The best puppies and dogs for first-time owners, listed
Golden Retriever
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The sunny sidekick
Why they’re great for first-time owners: Golden Retrievers are patient, even-tempered, and forgiving, with an unusually high tolerance for inexperienced handlers who are still learning the ropes. Their eagerness to please makes training more straightforward and rewarding.
Ideal owner: The ideal first-time owner for a Golden is someone looking for a loyal and active pet who enjoys regular walks and enriching playtime. Goldens are perfect for families, as their gentle disposition makes them great with children and other pets.
Things to consider: While Golden Retrievers are adaptable and easygoing, they do require regular exercise to manage their energy levels and prevent obesity. Their thick coats need frequent regular grooming to avoid matting and manage shedding. And they’re prone to potential health issues like hip dysplasia and heart conditions, which can require substantial care and expense.
Why this breed might not be for you: High grooming, exercise and interaction needs.
Labrador Retriever
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The eager ally
Why they’re great for first-time owners: Labrador Retrievers are friendly and eager to please, which makes them exceptionally trainable; good first-time dog breeds typically have these traits! Their patience, good temperament, and strong response to positive reinforcement techniques are all ideal for new pet parents. They’re also world-class sweethearts who fit beautifully into families.
Ideal owner: The ideal first-time owner for a Labrador Retriever is someone who can provide them with regular physical activity and mental stimulation. They thrive in active households where they can be part of daily activities, like running, hiking, or playing fetch.
Things to consider: Labs need ample exercise and mental engagement to stay healthy and happy; otherwise they can become bored and destructive. They’re also prone to obesity if their diet isn't properly managed. Labs are also prone to certain health issues, like hip and elbow dysplasia. Prospective owners should be prepared for regular exercise, mindful feeding practices, and diligent routine healthcare.
Why this breed might not be for you: High exercise and stimulation needs, close diet management.
Boxer
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The joyful protector
Why they’re great for first-time owners: Boxers boast boundless energy and profound loyalty, combined with a protective nature that doesn’t overshadow their friendliness. This makes them excellent for first-time owners looking for a dog who’s both a companion and a protector. They’re also playful, patient, and highly trainable.
Ideal owner: The ideal first-time owner for a Boxer is someone who enjoys an active lifestyle and can provide plenty of exercise and engagement. Boxers are well-suited to families with older children who can match their high energy and playfulness, or individuals who can spend significant time training and socialising them.
Things to consider: While Boxers are adaptable and joyful, they require consistent exercise, training, and socialisation to manage their exuberance and prevent them from becoming destructive or overprotective. They’re prone to some health issues, such as heart conditions and hip dysplasia, and their short noses make them sensitive to extreme heat or cold.
Why this breed might not be for you: High exercise, stimulation and socialisation needs.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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The royal lapdog
Why they’re great for first-time owners: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prized for their gentleness, adaptability, and affectionate temperament. Their friendly nature also makes them easy to socialise, and they’re generally well-behaved around children and other pets. Cavaliers thrive in both smaller and larger homes; they're one of the best dog breeds for apartments and first-time owners.
Ideal owner: Cavaliers are perfect for first-time owners looking for a loyal and affectionate pet who enjoys a relaxed lifestyle. Owners will be called upon for gentle daily walks and plenty of cuddle time, but no hikes through the Brecon Beacons.
Things to consider: While Cavaliers are easygoing, they do need regular grooming to maintain their silky coats and prevent matting. They’re also one of the more illness-prone breeds, at high risk for conditions like heart disease and syringomyelia (a disorder that causes cysts in the spinal cord). And they don't do well when left alone for long periods, so they're best for households where someone is frequently home.
Why this breed might not be for you: High grooming and socialisation needs.
Bichon Frisé
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The cheerful charmer
Why they’re great for first-time owners: Bichon Frisés are friendly, joyful, and well-suited to a variety of living situations. They’re small and easy to handle, and do perfectly well in apartments or other homes without large outdoor spaces. They’re also intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easy to train
Ideal owner: The ideal owner for a Bichon is someone who enjoys the companionship of a lively, affectionate dog who doesn't require extensive outdoor exercise–but does need regular interaction and mental stimulation. They’re perfect for individuals or families who are often home, and who can provide the social interaction and grooming that Bichons thrive on.
Things to consider: Bichons require regular grooming to maintain their fluffy, hypoallergenic coat, which can be a commitment of both time and expense. They’re generally healthy, but like many small breeds, they can be susceptible to dental issues and allergies. They’re best suited to homes where they can receive plenty of attention.
Why this breed might not be for you: Prone to separation anxiety.
Poodle
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The clever canine
Why they’re great for first-time owners: Poodles, whether standard or miniature, are exceptionally brainy and easy to train. This makes them a wonderful choice for first-time dog owners who want their new dog to pick up tricks (and rules) quickly. They’re also generally healthy, and their low-shedding coat is an added benefit for individuals worried about allergies.
Ideal owner: Poodles fit well with individuals or families who enjoy interactive play and training sessions. They thrive on attention and excel in a variety of activities, from obedience to agility. They’re suitable for owners looking for a versatile and engaging pet.
Things to consider: While Poodles are highly adaptable and trainable, their intelligence means they require constant mental stimulation to prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviour. Their coat, although nearly hypoallergenic, requires regular professional grooming to keep it in good condition and free of mats.
Why this breed might not be for you: Very high mental stimulation needs and requires a lot of professional grooming.
Shih Tzu
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The silky snuggler
Why they’re great for first-time owners: Shih Tzus are friendly (and cuddly!) by nature. They do well in apartments and smaller living spaces, since they require less room and exercise than larger breeds. Shih Tzus are also known for their calm demeanour and adaptability, making them easy companions for those new to dog care.
Ideal owner: The ideal owner for a Shih Tzu is someone who enjoys a more laid-back lifestyle but still wants a companion to cuddle and play with. They’re perfect for owners who can provide regular grooming and enjoy the close companionship that this breed offers.
Things to consider: While Shih Tzus are low-energy and relatively easy to care for, they do require regular grooming to maintain their long, luxurious coat. They’re also prone to certain health issues, such as eye conditions and breathing problems stemming from their short snout. Socially, Shih Tzus are very dependent on their owners and may develop separation anxiety, so they're best for homes where someone is often present.
Why this breed might not be for you: Higher grooming needs and needs lots of face-to-face time.
Pug
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The plump playmate
Why they’re great for first-time owners: Pugs are even-tempered and sociable, small enough to handle easily, and do well in apartments. They’re also known for their strong desire to please their owners and their ability to adapt to various lifestyles, whether it’s a quiet household or one with constant activity.
Ideal owner: The ideal Pug parent wants a loving and loyal pet that enjoys family life but doesn’t require extensive physical activity. It also helps if you’re looking for a dog who has a playful personality and a fabulous sense of humour.
Things to consider: While Pugs are generally easygoing, low-energy dogs, they do face some specific health challenges, such as breathing difficulties due to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure. They also tend to be prone to obesity without proper diet and exercise. And they require regular cleaning and grooming due to their wrinkles, which make them prone to skin infections.
Why this breed might not be for you: Close diet and exercise management, with high grooming needs, especially cleaning.
Boston Terrier
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The American gentleman
Why they’re great for first-time owners: Boston Terriers are well-suited for first-time dog owners due to their manageable size and generally well-mannered disposition. They’re friendly, affectionate, and do well in smaller living spaces, which a lot of great first-time dogs have. Boston Terriers are also relatively easy to train thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please.
Ideal owner: The ideal first-time owner for a Boston Terrier is someone looking for a loyal and lively pal who doesn’t require a large amount of outdoor exercise, but does enjoy interactive play and walks. They’re perfect for city dwellers or those in smaller living spaces who want a companionable, low-maintenance canine.
Things to consider: Boston Terriers have some hereditary health concerns, including respiratory issues, due to their short snouts and sensitivity to extreme temperatures. They’re also prone to eye issues due to their prominent peepers. And while their energy levels aren’t as high as those of larger breeds, they do require regular, moderate exercise to keep them healthy and happy.
Why this breed might not be for you: Sometimes prone to separation anxiety and stubbornness.
Greyhounds
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The world's fastest couch potato
Why they’re great for first-time owners: It may not seem that way, but the speedy Greyhound is one of the best dogs for novice owners.
Ideal owner: Calm, quiet homes with a stable routine and lots of chilled out time. Ideal for families, older people and first-time pet parents who can offer gentle, empathetic companionship and the ability to handle the Greyhound's prey drive around small animals.
Things to consider: Greyhounds may be calm, but they still have a prey drive, so you should never walk them unleashed (trust us, you won't catch them). They prefer quiet, calmer homes, and they'll need lots of patience to adjust to home life and any changes. They also have moderate exercise needs, balancing their need for walking, short bursts of running and some space to catch up on sleep.
Why this breed might not be for you: Not suitable if you don't have a fenced garden or if you'd prefer a high-energy pet.
Dog breeds that first-time pet parents usually avoid
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Now, we've chatted about the best puppies for first-time owners and some great first dogs. But what about breeds that aren't recommended for first-time pet parents?
To caveat this list, it's important to remember that all dogs are individuals. We aren't saying these definitely aren't a good idea - they're just breeds first-time pet parents don't typically choose.
| Breed | Challenge(s) | Temperament | Why it's "hard" for beginners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akita Dalmatian | Dominance and size | Independent & Protective | Naturally wary of strangers and may challenge an unassertive "leader". |
| Belgian Malinois | Strong drive | Intense and surprising | High need for activity and mental stimulation, needs "jobs" to do, not just walks |
| Border Collie | High need for mental and physical stimulation | Intelligent and positive | If not mentally "worked," they will herd and become destructive out of boredom. |
| Siberian Husky | Stubbornness | Independent & Vocal | Notoriously difficult to train off-leash; known "escape artists" who need lots of exercise. |
| Rottweiler | Strength and territorial guarding | Loyal | Needs lots of socialisation to tone down their protective, territorial instinct |
| Chow Chow | Aloofness and stubbornness | Dignified and proud | Can become overly-suspicious of guests and hard to train. |
| Dalmatian | Very high energy | Sensitive & resilient | Needs lots of exercise and can become destructive or vocal if under-stimulated. |
Next steps: bringing your new friend home
As you prepare for this exciting new chapter, there are a few final steps to take. First, create a welcoming environment at home with all the essentials, like a bed, food and water bowls, and some safe toys. Make sure to do some general puppy-proofing. And plan a visit to the veterinarian within the first few days of bringing your pet home.
Finally, consider investing in ManyPets dog insurance. For life with your tailmate.
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