Do you want to bring a new furry member of the family home? You’ve arrived at the right location. Since you probably don’t have much experience choosing, housing, and training the ideal canine, you want to set yourself up for success. But how exactly do you plan to do this? by picking out a puppy from the top breeds recommended for first-time dog owners.
Naturally, we don’t just tell you to look at our top recommendations and pick one of them; instead, we provide you with detailed advice to help you make the right choice. While a list of dog breeds that are good for first-time pet owners, in general, will be provided, you’ll also find everything else you need to make a wise decision.
Let’s dive in right now!
Why It’s a Good Idea to Pick a Specific Breed?
If you’re considering getting a certain breed, you can learn about its typical characteristics beforehand. While it’s true that no two dogs of the same breed are identical, there are certain similarities between canines of the same breed. If you are just starting out, it’s a good idea to do some research on the breed of dog you want to purchase so you know what to expect.
One good reason to choose a specific dog breed is if you want the dog to perform a certain task. If you know what you’re searching for, narrowing your search to a specific breed will enhance the chances that you’ll find a dog that suits your needs. Whether you want a dog who can help you hunt, play fetch all day, or just lounge around with you, there is a breed of dog for you.
Breed Characteristics
You might be wondering how to decide on the best traits for your first dog. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Several considerations should be made. This section is useful even if you already own a dog. It is especially important if this is your first dog. Let’s jump right in, shall we?
Trainability
Let’s begin with one of the most common questions brought up while talking about different types of dogs. The question is, how challenging is it to train this breed? Let’s be straightforward for a second. Any physically capable dog can be taught. No dog in the world has both a healthy mind and body, making it especially challenging to train.
If someone tells you this, they are either completely wrong or have never trained a dog before. However, certain dog breeds are naturally more receptive to training than others. Although the rate at which you can train a dog of the same breed varies from dog to dog, there are some breeds about which you can make broad assumptions.
You should, then, consider “smart” dog breeds if you’re looking to get a dog for the first time. That means picking up the basics fast and easily, such as knowing where and when to urinate and defecate and being able to follow straightforward instructions like “sit, down, remain,” etc.
Even if a dog is an “easy-to-train” breed, success in training them is no guarantee. You might have an easier time of it, but you should still expect some work and time investment.
Friendliness
An important trait, friendliness is often evaluated based on how the dog gets along with humans and other dogs. You can expect your well-socialized dog to be loving and loyal to you and your family if you take good care of it. Although canine sociability with humans and other animals is often assumed, this is not always the case.
Some dogs are naturally friendly and open to meeting new people. While others aren’t, obviously. If you want a dog but don’t know where to start, think about more social breeds. In contrast to the “unfriendly,” they may be easier to work with, but not because they are better.
To increase your chances of success, it’s important to disable any functions you feel are beyond your capabilities. The last thing you want to do is send a dog back because it isn’t friendly enough. You should absolutely go ahead and buy a dog if you want one, but if you think you’d prefer one that doesn’t socialize well with humans or other animals, that’s fine, too.
Think about your routine, how often your dog will be around people, and how easily it will adjust to its new environment. Any dog can be considered friendly with strangers through training and socialization; nevertheless, it is easier to manage breeds that naturally exhibit friendliness.
Maintenance Level
The second factor to think about is how much care a specific breed needs. We won’t say that low-maintenance dogs are better for first-time pet owners than high-maintenance dogs. However, such is not the case here. How well you take care of your dog is entirely up to you.
If you’ve never owned or cared for a dog before, you need to know that they’re a LOT of work. You’ll have to give your dog regular attention and care, including taking it for walks and lessons, feeding it, and keeping it secure and comfortable. This is in addition to your current responsibilities.
It’s important to think about how much time you have to take your dog to the groomer once a month or every two weeks. And if you’re thinking, “Oh my, how will I manage?” Delete any high-upkeep dog breeds from consideration.
List of the Best Breeds for First-Time Dog Owners
Now that you know what to look for, we want to point you in the right direction. This list of the top dog breeds for first-time pet owners is provided as a resource only. We make no promises that you won’t find your perfect dog among the many breeds that aren’t on this list.
But here are some breeds to think about when you do start looking.
1. Poodle
Some people may consider poodles the most intelligent breed of dog because of this. They learn quickly, are exceptionally neat, and are easy to instruct. To keep their skin and fur in good condition, they do need regular grooming. Because of their busy nature, you should make sure that suits your routine.
2. Papillon
Again, a small dog, but this one can change its ways. If you’re looking for a little, active companion, the Papillon is the dog for you. They may be small, but they have plenty of life and determination. They’ll jump at the chance to hang out with your family and kids and quickly make fast friends with everyone. It’s simple and fast to train them to do tricks.
3. Bichon Frise
Another toy dog breed, this one is usually just a happy little ball of fur. You can find a Bichon Frise that fits your personality, whether you’re looking for a calm and quiet pet or a lively member of the family. They can adapt to many environments and situations, have moderate intelligence, and are easy to instruct.
They’re fine with living in apartments because they’re indoor dogs first and foremost. Light exercise is all they need to be healthy and fit despite their busy schedules. As a new owner, you should know that their fur requires some extra care.
4. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the smaller dog breeds we offer. However, these little creatures are far more combative than the varieties we covered previously. They need a consistent training regimen and reasonable amounts of exercise to avoid becoming irritated and aggressive toward strangers.
5. Golden Retriever
You’ve probably heard that Golden Retrievers make the best pets for families. That’s just right! They have a lot of energy and would be perfect for a dynamic, outdoorsy household. On the other hand, they are extremely loyal and caring individuals. They have a kind nature that makes them great with children, and they may be easily trained by even inexperienced dog owners.
6. Labrador Retriever
Another great option for households is the Labrador Retriever. Similar to their golden analog, they are loyal, devoted, intellectual, and full of boundless energy. One advantage they have over golden retrievers is that their fur is slightly shorter. You still need to brush them often even if they don’t need frequent, complex care.
7. Great Dane
If you’re looking for a large dog, go no further than the Great Dane. Because of their calm demeanor and large size, these dogs make great pets for families. Unlike other dogs, these big dogs can handle living in cramped quarters like apartments.
They don’t need a lot of attention or effort on your part. The only problem is that their lives are limited to 7-10 years. However, having a Great Dane throughout this time would make it unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it: a comprehensive guide to choosing the best dog breed for a new owner, along with a list of the best breeds for beginners. Remember that we are just scratching the surface here. It will take some time until you find someone who is a good fit for you. Don’t feel rushed, take your time.
If you think you already know what kind of dog would be best for you, it’s still a good idea to do some research. Don’t be obsessed with how you look. We understand that the color or cut of the fur is important to you, but please remember that it is only one small part of your new pet.
