7 Rare Dog Breeds Suitable For First-Time Owners

Choosing the right breed is one of the most important steps for first-time dog owners. With hundreds of dog breeds recognized across the world—anywhere from 200 to over 450, depending on the source—the options can feel overwhelming. While many first-time owners gravitate toward popular choices, there’s a whole world of rare dog breeds that are just as well-suited for new dog parents.

Some of these lesser-known breeds bring a perfect balance of affectionate nature, low maintenance, and adaptability to various living environments. Whether you’re drawn to small dogs, medium-sized dogs, or versatile dog breeds, discovering the right match can lead to a truly wonderful companion for life.

This guide explores those hidden gems—dog breeds for first-timers that offer loyalty, charm, and everything a new puppy parent could hope for.

Rare Dog Breeds Suitable For First-Time Owners

Here are seven rare dog breeds for first-time owners:

1. Biewer Terrier

The Biewer Terrier is a wonderful choice for novice dog owners and those in apartment living environments. Despite its name, the Biewer Terrier isn’t part of the Terrier Group—it’s a proud member of the Toy Group.

This little pup was once known as the “German Yorkshire Terrier,” and its cheerful spirit makes it one of the best breeds for new dog parents.

Biewer Terriers are known for being cheerful, playful, and very loyal to their owners. Even though they’re small, they have a lot of energy. Their tiny size makes them great for apartment living, but they still need daily playtime to stay happy and healthy.

• Size: Grows to just 7–11 inches in height and weighs only 4–8 pounds.

• Coat Needs: Has a medium-length coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its shine.

• Appearance: Known for its beautiful, silky coat and playful charm.

• Health: Typically strong and healthy dogs with the right care and attention.

• Temperament: Gentle, loving, and a great choice for those seeking affectionate dogs.

2. Tibetan Terrier

The Tibetan Terrier—often called the TT—is a rare dog breed that brings both charm and companionship to first-time dog owners. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), this breed isn’t part of the Terrier group.

Instead, it belongs to the non-sporting group and was originally bred in Tibet as a watchdog and to hunt vermin in mountainous terrain. Their history as a naturally protective breed adds to their appeal for those looking for a low-key, dependable companion.

Tibetan Terriers are friendly, outgoing dogs that make great family pets. They’re smart, loyal, and loving. Because of their thick double coat, they do need regular grooming to keep their fur in good shape.

• Life Expectancy: Can live a long, happy life of 15 to 16 years.

• Coat: Dense, wool-like coat that may require moderate grooming.

• Personality: Known for being easy-going pups, making them great for new dog owners.

• Temperament: Gentle and alert, yet playful and calm.

• Size: Typically medium-sized dogs, ideal for various living environments.

  

3. Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a lesser-known gem among dog breeds, especially for those seeking a unique yet practical companion.

Once treasured for its role in retrieving waterfowl, this breed holds a far more prominent place in history than many realize. Today, it’s best known for its extraordinary skill in truffle hunting.

The Lagotto is a wonderful family dog that enjoys being around loved ones and makes a great companion. They’re easy to socialize with and get along well with children. However, they can feel bored or lonely if left alone too long.

• Hypoallergenic Qualities: A good option for people with allergies, as their dense coat tends to shed less.

• Trainability: Highly responsive and easy to train, even for new dog parents.

• Lifestyle: Lagottos are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them one of the best dog breeds for homes that can provide mental stimulation and regular activity.

• Size: Typically, medium-sized dogs with a sturdy build.

• Coat Care: Requires moderate grooming to remove loose hair and maintain texture.

4. Kooikerhondje

The Kooikerhondje is a charming, small dog with a spaniel-like appearance and a cheerful personality. Hailing from the Netherlands, this rare dog breed was once used to lure ducks into traps, but today it’s winning hearts as a playful and affectionate house pet.

With its balance of energy and cuddliness, the Kooikerhondje is one of those breeds for first-time owners that’s both fun and easy to live with.

Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes can make great pets, but they do need some effort and attention. On the bright side, they’re loving family dogs and usually get along well with children.

Profile

• Size: Stands 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder.

• Maintenance: A low-maintenance breed with minimal grooming needs.

• Trainability: Quick to learn and responsive to positive reinforcement techniques.

• Lifestyle Fit: Loves participating in dog sports like flyball, but also enjoys being a couch buddy.

• Temperament: Gentle and very compatible with children, making them excellent family pets.

5. Finnish Lapphund

The Finnish Lapphund is a smart, fluffy, and gentle dog bred to herd reindeer in the cold climates of Lapland. This versatile dog breed is well known for its loyalty, agility, and thick, luxurious coat.

Despite its working-dog heritage, the Finnish Lapphund makes an excellent fit for new dog owners, due to its calm temperament and affectionate personality.

They are friendly, loving family dogs who enjoy relaxing indoors with their people — a trait that ties back to their origins. But they also need the drive and temperament to stay active and do the work they were bred for.

• Build: Medium-sized and sturdy, perfect for homes with space to play.

• Activity Needs: Needs regular exercise and daily walks to stay physically and mentally healthy.

• Agility: Naturally quick and agile, making it great for active lifestyles.

• Coat Variety: Striking coats in shades of black and cream, red, silver, white, fawn, and brown—each one unique.

• Maintenance: Requires moderate grooming to manage loose hair and keep the coat in top shape.

6. Bolognese

The Bolognese may be a rare dog breed, but its fluffy white coat and loving personality make it unforgettable. Related to other small dogs in the bichon family, the “Bolo” is prized for its calm demeanor, cuddly size, and deep bond with its humans.

Though petite, this dog has been bred for centuries to be a companion, so it’s no surprise that they’re calm, loyal, and loving with their families. They have a relaxed nature and aren’t high-maintenance, which makes them great for traveling or tagging along on errands.

• Size & Build: Compact and adorable, ideal for apartment living.

• Lifespan: Typically lives between 12–14 years, offering many years of companionship.

• Feeding Needs: According to PetMD, adults do well on two meals a day (morning and evening).

• Coat: Soft, white coat with minimal grooming needs, though regular grooming helps remove loose hair and maintain appearance

7. Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin is a unique and elegant lap dog known for its dainty demeanor and feline-like habits. This ancient Chinese breed, despite the name, has royal roots and was treasured as a companion for nobility. With its independent nature, love of high perches, and tidy habits.

Japanese Chins are wonderful dogs, even for first-time owners. They don’t need much exercise or grooming, they’re easy to travel with because of their small size, and they’re very affectionate toward those who care for them.

• Temperament: Polite and affectionate with its family, but can be a little wary of strangers.

• Exercise Needs: Doesn’t require much activity, like high-energy dogs. A couple of ten to fifteen-minute daily walks are enough to meet its moderate exercise needs.

• Cleanliness: Naturally tidy and often compared to cats for their grooming habits.

• Lifestyle Fit: Ideal for first-time owners and those with a calm family life.

• Affectionate Breed: Forms close bonds with dog parents.

Conclusion

Bringing home your first dog is an exciting, life-changing experience, and choosing the right breed is a big part of that journey. Many of these dogs are not only beautiful but also deeply intuitive, making it easier to build a lasting bond. They can thrive in all sorts of households—whether it’s a quiet apartment or a busy family home—and often offer a refreshing alternative to more mainstream choices.

Their uniqueness doesn’t make them difficult; instead, it often means they come with a special kind of companionship that stands out. With patience, gentle positive reinforcement techniques, and lots of love, your new best friend will quickly become part of your everyday life.