So, you finally decided to get a dog.
Welcome to the best decision of your entire life, by the way.
But now comes the part nobody warns you about. Picking the breed. Because there are hundreds of them. Some need two hours of daily exercise, or they will destroy your couch. Some shed so much that you will find dog hair in your soup. Some have health issues that will have you on a first-name basis with the vet.
Not ideal for a first-time dog owner, right?
That’s why we made this list. These 10 best dog breeds for first-time owners are simple choices for your life. Genuinely, some of the best dogs for first-time dog owners. Manageable, affectionate, forgiving of rookie mistakes, and just really, really good at making your apartment feel like a home.
Did You Know?
The Toy Poodle has been ranked as one of the top two most intelligent dogs in the world by canine psychologist Stanley Coren, as noted by American Kennel Club. Consistently, for decades. They can learn a new command in fewer than five repetitions. Five!! Your first dog might actually be smarter than you. Just saying.
Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners: Simple Choices
1. Toy Poodle
If you are a first-time owner and you want a dog that is easy to train, low-shedding, and endlessly loving, a Toy Poodle is the best choice.
These little dogs are a highly intelligent breed, and they prove it every day. Teach them a command once, and the Poodle breed has got it locked.
Toy Poodle is eager to please. It makes training less like work and more like a fun little game you both enjoy. They do not need excessive exercise, as they have lower exercise needs, as noted by PetMD. Daily walks plus some indoor play keep them happy. They are also hypoallergenic, which means loose hair and dander are not really a problem. No fur tumbleweeds across your floor. Bonus.
These dogs thrive in apartment living, houses, with singles, and with families. Basically, they adapt. And for a first dog, flexibility is everything.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, or “Yorkies” as every single Yorkie owner calls them, is a fan favorite for good reason. They are bold, sassy, and are absolutely obsessed with their humans.
First-time owners love them because these are small dogs, portable, and surprisingly easy to manage once you understand their quirks.
Yorkies do need regular brushing because that silky coat does not take care of itself. As per Purina, that coat is actually flowing tresses, similar to human hair.
And they do require minimal exercise, which makes them awesome for people with a more laid-back lifestyle. They are naturally protective little dogs, too. It is kind of hilarious given their size, but also kind of amazing.
They will alert you to everything. Delivery person? Bark. Squirrel three blocks away, bark. Ghost, definitely bark.
Great dogs for apartment living. Great as a first pet, and for first-time dog owners who want a ride-or-die companion.
3. Shih Tzu
These are famously calm, happy, gentle little dogs that were literally bred to be companions. Not hunters, not workers. Just… lap dogs who love people.
For a first time dog owners, that is exactly the energy you want.
Shih Tzu, the Asian dog, does not require excessive exercise. A couple of short daily walks and some chill indoor hang time, and they are completely content.
They are also one of the friendliest dog breeds toward kids, strangers, and other pets, which makes them incredibly easy to bring into any home situation.
They do need regular grooming; that beautiful coat is high maintenance. But that is totally worth it. The Shih Tzu is one of the most low-stress, go-with-the-flow breeds for first-time owners out there.
4. Maltese
The Maltese has been a companion dog for literally thousands of years, dating back to as far as the 4th and 5th centuries, as noted by Chewy.
And, there is a very good reason they are still widely popular today.
They are gentle (kind of gentle giants), affectionate dogs who bond deeply with their humans and want nothing more than to be near you at all times.
Maltese dogs are great for new owners because they are small. They do not need a lot of space, and they are not extremely active.
They are happy with moderate daily exercise, no marathon training needed, as they have moderate energy levels. These small white dogs are also one of the better breeds for people with allergies since they do not have heavy shedding coats that trap loose hair everywhere.
One thing to know: they can get a bit clingy. But is that really a bad thing when you just got your first dog? We say no.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Possibly the most gentle, loving, and easygoing dog breeds in existence.
Seriously. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is almost unfairly sweet. They love everyone. You, your friends, your neighbors, the UPS driver. They have a calm demeanor that makes them incredibly easy to live with… if you are still figuring out this new puppy owner thing.
This Spaniel dog breed has moderate energy levels, which means they are a happy breed when you take them on daily walks. But they are not going to lose their minds if you skip the dog park one afternoon.
They are aan ffectionate breed + a royalty. They just want to be next to you. On the couch. In bed. Wherever you are, that is where they want to be.
They are one of the most popular breeds for first-time owners for a reason. They are forgiving, they are patient, and they are just easy to love.
6. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are a little cloud of joy.
But also, bold, smart, and capable for their size.
Pomeranians come from a lineage of sled-pulling working dogs, the early Spitz-type dog breeds. It means there is real grit packed into that little fur cloud.
First-time owners are usually surprised by how confident and aware these little dogs are.
Poms are great for people who want a dog with a big dog personality in a small breed package. They do well with daily exercise and light indoor activity.
They do not need a big living space at all. Just give them attention, mental stimulation, and some training, and they are wonderful.
They also do not need excessive exercise. Just enough to keep that Pomeranian brain from getting bored.
WARNING!! They will make you take approximately 4,000 photos of them per week.
7. Pug
Pugs are one of the most beloved small dog breeds in the U.S., and first-time owners fall for them hard and fast.
They are funny, they are lovable, and they have this ridiculous charm that makes every single day entertaining. A “valued” companion dog, as per Britannica.
Pugs are not energetic dogs. They are not going to drag you on a five-mile run. They would genuinely prefer you did not.
They need minimal exercise, which makes them perfect for more relaxed houses. You can easily house train them. Plus, they are intensely loyal to their people and incredibly social.
They get along with other dogs, kids, strangers, basically everyone!
One heads up!! Pugs can have some health issues related to being a flat-faced dog breed.
So, finding a reputable breeder is super important.
But as a companion dog for a first-time owner, certain breeds are naturally lovable and easy to live with.
8. Havanese
The Havanese is Cuba’s only native dog breed, and honestly, they brought all the good vibes with them. The quintessential family dog good vibes.
They are happy, social, endlessly cheerful little dogs that were made for human companionship. They are not shy, they are NEVER aggressive, and they are not demanding… they are just delightful, with “spring in each of their step”, as per AKC.
Havanese dogs are easy to house train, easy to properly socialize, and happy in different living environments. Apartments, houses, big families, and solo owners.
They have a moderate energy level and do well with daily walks plus some indoor play. They are also one of the small dog breeds for first-time owners who have other pets at home. And that’s because these breeds tend to get along with pretty much everyone.
They love spending time with you. That is really their whole thing. And for a first dog, that is everything.
9. Boston Terrier
The “American Gentlemen,” and honestly, the nickname fits.
Boston Terriers are clean, well-mannered, and sharp. They are not barkers. They are not destructive. And they are not high-maintenance drama queens at all.
They are solid, reliable, and lovable companions who happen to look incredibly dapper.
For first-time owners, Bostons are a dream. They are low-maintenance, easy to groom, easy to train, and adaptable to pretty much any living situation.
They do not need too much exercise, regular daily exercise and some playtime keeps them happy and healthy. They are also famous for having a calm demeanor indoors. Hence, they are fantastic for apartment living or smaller homes.
These black and white dogs bond deeply with their humans and are great with kids and other breeds, too. If you want the best dog breeds, pick the one that basically checks every single box; the Boston Terrier is right there.
10. Papillon
Last on the list but absolutely not least.
The Papillon is named after the French word for “butterfly” because of those gorgeous ears. They are one of the most underrated small dog owners. They look delicate. And, they are anything but.
Papillons are another one of the highly intelligent dogs, energetic in a fun way, and incredibly trainable. They actually do really well in dog sports like agility. It is a great option if you want an active little companion without dealing with a larger dog.
They are friendly, curious, and they form incredibly strong bonds with their humans.
They do well with regular brushing and daily exercise, and they thrive when they have mental stimulation.
If you want a small dog that actually wants to do things with you, adventures, training, weekend activities, the Papillon is your dog.
Conclusion
The right breed makes all the difference.
But some breeds need experienced handlers, HUGE amounts of daily exercise, and serious mental stimulation to stay happy. An attitude common in these small breeds.
That is not a first dog situation. That is a full-time commitment even experienced owners find challenging.
These 10 dogs? These are different. These are the best dog breeds for first-time owners. The dogs that make you feel like you actually know what you are doing. Even when you are Googling “is it normal if my dog eats grass” at 11 PM.
But for small dogs and first-time owners, this list is a great starting point.
Pick the right breed. Go to a reputable breeder or your local rescue. And get ready for the best chapter of your life.
Your dog is out there waiting for you. Go find them.
