The American Kennel Club reports that dog owners are less likely to suffer from hypertension and show improved responses to stress. Owning a dog means you can live longer!
Choosing your first fur baby as a dog parent can be a bit overwhelming. You are not just adopting a dog, you want a companion for your family and a protector for your kids. That is why the dog breed you select should be well-suited for your lifestyle.
Whether you want an athletic puppy for your active lifestyle or a low-maintenance breed with minimal grooming needs, there is the right dog for you. There are numerous small to large dog breeds for first-time owners.
Going to become a pet parent for the first time? Here are some popular dog breeds for you.
Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles spaniel is one of the most popular teacup dogs, also popular as lap dogs. These little dogs are a perfect fit for an active person. The small pups are athletic, playful, and affectionate with their family members.
With a long, noble, and royal lineage, these small dogs have floppy ears, wavy coats, short legs, and flat faces that distinguish them from other dogs. Due to their medium-length coat, they have minimal grooming needs.
The small spaniels can survive in all types of households. They have a friendly nature and get along well with children of all ages. Plus, if you’re an active person who likes spending time outside and exercising frequently, these pups are the right choice for you.
This dog requires daily exercise and a good walk of half an hour to one hour. If you take your spaniel for a walk for half an hour, spend the other 30 minutes playing fetch to ensure their proper physical and mental stimulation.
Remember, every dog breed has its own pros and cons. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are ideal for apartment living, but cannot tolerate heat. Also, they experience various health issues due to their short muzzles.
2. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador retriever has been a highly sought breed in the U.S. for several decades. Labs are highly intelligent dogs that do best in active households. These large dogs are intensely loyal, affectionate, and friendly around young kids, other pets, and even strangers.
Labs love to run and cuddle. These working dogs are eager to learn and can be easily trained to do anything, including fetching, running, and snuggling. They are the happiest in environments where there is a lot of exercise and training.
Luckily, labs are low-maintenance dogs having moderate grooming needs. However, they shed a lot, so you have to do regular brushing to reduce shedding. You can also give your Labrador an occasional bath to keep their skin and coat clean.
Labradors are smart and have an eagerness to please. They make great therapy dogs and can learn many activities through specialized training. According to PetMD, some fun activities for Labrador retrievers include:
Agility
Tracking
Scent work
Swimming
Hiking
Running
Playing
3. Golden Retriever
The golden retriever is a family dog known for its friendliness and intelligence. They are eager to please and prove to be excellent companions for children of all ages. They can adapt well to different environments.
Golden retrievers are one of the easiest dogs to train. But training is essential and can help them learn a lot of things. Early exposure to different people, situations, and environments can shape their behavior.
Golden retrievers are a happy breed. These big dogs require a fair amount of exercise to stay in good physical condition and avoid boredom. Regular exercise contributes to their overall well-being.
Feeding balanced food also promotes their well-being. High-quality dog food tailored for this particular dog breed should be a part of their diet.
Important: Give your retriever only 2-3 cups of food every day to avoid bloating.
4. Miniature Poodle
Miniature poodles are the cutest little non-sporting dogs with curly hair. Britannica mentions that they do not have a short coat, but some dog owners prefer to keep their poodle trimmed in a short clip.
Poodles are an excellent choice for first-time dog owners. They’re highly intelligent, quick to learn, and incredibly in tune with their owners, often picking up on your voice, actions, and even what you might do next.
Poodles are the national dog of France. They are affectionate and friendly companions for your family. Poodles have high energy levels and require regular exercise to stay active.
Take your poodle for daily walks and engage them in interactive play. It will help you strengthen bonds with these furry canine buddies. Mini poodles are the best dogs for smaller environments.
5. Bichon Frise
Bichon frise is another popular dog breed with a great personality. Their small size, moderate exercise needs, and playful nature make them ideal for first-time dog owners. AKC notes that Bichons are friendly, easy-going, and eager to please.
Hypoallergenic white coat with a velvety touch, rounded head hair, dark eyes, and black leather of nose and lips are the distinguishing traits of this breed. Their size and confidence make them a great dog for apartment living.
Bichons need to be properly socialized. Early training can help them behave well around other animals and a variety of people. Consistent and positive reinforcement can help them learn appropriate behaviors.
Many small dog breeds are great for first-time owners, but the fluffy white Bichon Frise truly stands out. These cheerful, affectionate pups are easy to care for and love making new friends—whether it’s people or other dogs.
6. Havanese
Havanese are Cuba’s official national dog. They were originally bred as lap dogs and make excellent house pets. Havanese love attention and form strong bonds with their human companions.
These fluffy charmers will win you over with their playful energy and silly antics. Havanese dogs are friendly, affectionate, and social by nature—great with kids, other pets, and always ready to make new friends.
Like other teacup breeds, Havanese are eager to please. They are very easy to train and will steal your heart with their cute gestures.
Breeders often cross this breed with others to create a wide range of lovable hybrids. For instance, there are mixed-breed dogs, like “Havapoo”, obtained by crossing a Havanese with a poodle.
7. Pug
Pugs are one of the best breeds for first-time owners. Wrinkly face, curled tails, and small size are the distinguishing characteristics of this breed. They have a charming and playful personality.
However, pugs can develop serious separation anxiety. So, if you are a corporate employee who stays away from home for 8 hours, do not adopt a pug!
This breed makes an excellent watchdog without being overly noisy, which makes them well-suited for apartment or small-space living. They’ll usually give a quick bark to alert you of visitors, then welcome them with their trademark snorts and grunts.
Pugs are a great choice for first-time dog owners thanks to their affectionate nature, low exercise needs, and friendly personality. Just keep in mind they can face breathing problems because of their flat faces and are prone to weight gain, so regular vet care and portion control are important.
8. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are small dogs with big hearts. Ideal for first-time owners, Shih Tzus are friendly and affectionate, and love sitting in your lap.
But now, pet parents have moved these dogs from their laps into dog sports. Owners train Shih Tzus for agility competitions.
Thanks to their small size and generally easygoing nature, Shih Tzus make a great choice for first-time dog owners. PDSA notes that they’re usually social, affectionate, and enjoy being around people. Just be consistent with training, and don’t hesitate to join a class if you need support!
This breed does not need extensive exercise and does not bark much. But you have to brush their silky coat several times to keep it from getting tangled. Surprisingly, they shed very little.
Like many other teacup breeds, flat-faced Shih Tzus might experience health issues leading to frequent vet visits.
9. Papillon
Another toy dog breed, the papillon, originates from France. “Papillon” in French means butterfly. This breed has been named after its butterfly-shaped ears.
Papillon is a muscular pup with fine bone structure. These dogs are even-tempered and never have low energy levels. Always happy, extremely active, and alert, a Papillon deserves to be your first dog.
Papillons love to play outdoors, and they can be easily trained. They have low to moderate exercise needs. Around 30-45 minutes of daily exercise will suffice.
Like many toy breeds, Papillons have big personalities packed into tiny bodies. They’re alert and make surprisingly good watchdogs, even helping to keep small pests at bay. Known for being happy, intelligent, and friendly, Papillons usually get along well with guests and children alike.
Conclusion
From cute little pugs to basset hounds, greyhounds, and Saint Bernards, there are certain breeds fit for first-time dog owners. If you are planning to adopt a new dog, make sure to get yourself familiar with the exercise and grooming needs of different breeds. Opt for the dog that is a perfect fit for your needs!
