5 Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners

Last Updated on April 25, 2022 by Pauline G. Carter

Are you excited to start a new journey with your first-ever pup? Being here means you are still stuck in finding the best breed for you. Getting a loyal companion for the first time is so exciting, but this process comes with bundles of confusion.

Out of 200 breeds of the pedigree dog, along with several crossbreeds, choosing a perfect one is certainly a daunting task. There is no “one size fits all” approach while looking for a perfect match. 

Do not spoil this unbridled joy of becoming a dog owner for the first time by making a wrong choice. We will take you through different breeds that will work for you as an inexperienced first-time dog owner.

Considerations Before Stepping Into Doggy Parenthood

Getting your first-ever dog is thrilling and nerve-wracking at the same time. Before you bring a new pup home, make sure you are prepared for it. 

Dogs have their quirks and medical glitches, so you must do some research beforehand for the betterment of both you and the dog. 

Mixed breeds are healthy, but if you are adopting the one from a shelter, then most probably they have certain behavioral problems. It means they require a lot of training. If you do not have enough time, do not adopt them. 

So first-time owners must acquire dog breeding information to better assess which traits and behaviors are appealing to them. Things to consider if you are a first-time dog owner are;

• Avoid High energy Dogs if you do not have at least an hour to give them exercise, such as Australian Shephard, German Shephard, etc.
• Avoid Breeds with medical problems as purebred dogs have more risk of genetic problems. 
• Avoid stubborn breeds because they require intensive socialization and behavioral training, which is an uphill task for first-time owners, such as Australian Cattle dogs, Airedale terriers, etc.

Breeds Suitable For First Time Owners

1. Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise is an amazing beginner dog breed for your family. These cute lapdogs have very playful and friendly personalities. They are quite social and love to interact with new faces.

They are very intelligent, so training them is a downhill task. This makes them a perfect match for first-time owners. 

Another inviting trait of this breed is its hypoallergenic coat. First-time owners who are prone to getting allergic can look for this breed without any fear.

They can stay fresh without a shower for at least a month. Frequent grooming and a few visits to the groomer can help them stay fit. You can give them a short haircut to further reduce their maintenance needs.

Breed Overview:

2. Papillon:

Another friendly breed that is most suitable for first-time dog owners is Papillon. These toy dogs are very happy and alert.

When you are playing with these dogs, the energy you experience is dynamic. Do not get fooled by their small size; they are the fireballs rolling wildly in your house.

They require training; sometimes, you have to give them agility training as well. But they are so smart that they can easily learn new skills. As compared to other toy dog breeds, Papillon requires less grooming and maintenance.

They are safe to play with children as they are not aggressive at all. In a nutshell, if you are looking for some happy-go-lucky pup that can easily get along with your family, you should have your eyes on this breed.

Breed Overview:

3. Golden Retriever:

Another exciting dog for the first-time owner is the Golden retriever. A loyal, affectionate, happy, and friendly dog that is eager to entertain. One worth praising trait of Golden Retrievers is their adaptive nature.

They love to play with children of all ages. They require a regular dose of exercise to keep them in a good mood. Training is also a prerequisite for them, but they love to learn new and exciting things.

Moreover, they require some regular brushing to avoid getting their coat tangled. When you can’t make time for them, engage them in toy puzzles because they like mental exercises.

Breed Overview

4. Goldendoodle:

If you are new to dog parenting and want a large dog breed, Goldendoodle is a perfect pooch for you. It is an adorable mix breed that inherited friendliness from the retriever side and intelligence from the poodle side.

Same as other breeds on the list, they are easy to train, which makes them the best fit for you if you are a first-time dog owner. Their friendliness, temperament, and trainability are attractions for those without any experience in raising a pup.

They shed very little, making them an ideal breed for those suffering from allergies. They can easily make a bond with anyone near them, especially dogs, so if you have children at home, there is no threat while having this pup at home.

Breed Overview:

5. Labrador Retriever

If small dogs are too delicate for you and large dogs give you vicious vibes, then it is the best idea to look for a medium-size pooch. Labrador retriever is the most popular medium to large dog with friendly, loyal and affectionate behavior.

Their learning capability is exceptional, making them an easy breed for first-time owners. Their sociability, liveliness, and intelligence make them ideal beginner dogs.

They are not aggressive toward strangers and even other dogs. This breed needs significant exercise and training, so get them if you are active and not so busy.

Another charming trait of this breed is they require very little grooming. Just brush them regularly if you want low shedding from them.

Breed Overview: