Every dog has its own unique physical and behavioral traits. Some dog breeds are better suited for first-time dog owners compared to others. New pet parents need to consider a variety of factors before bringing their first dog home.
Remember, the cutest pup is not always the easiest one to live with. The foremost thing to consider is their size. Small dog breeds are better suited for novice owners, especially if they live in an apartment. They usually have an adaptable nature.
Low-maintenance dogs are better suited for first-time dog owners. Such canines have lower exercise needs and are highly sociable. They get along nicely with everyone, including kids, other pets, and even strangers.
Here are 7 top small dog breeds perfect for first-time owners.
Top Small Dog Breeds Perfect for First‑Time Owners
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are graceful and affectionate dogs with a gentle temperament. Originally bred as lap dogs for the British royals, they are easygoing, versatile, and adaptable. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have moderate exercise needs.
These calm dogs do well with indoor play sessions and two 20- to 30-minute walks every day, according to PetMD. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels thrive on human interaction and do not like being left alone for extended periods.
They make one of the best dog breeds for first-time dog owners who can spend plenty of time at home. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are eager to please and intelligent dogs that can be trained easily using positive reinforcement training methods.
Their lustrous and shiny coat needs a little more than regular brushing using a soft bristle brush to stay free from mats and tangles.
2. Havanese
Havanese are small dogs with a big personality. Once known as Havana Silk Dogs or Spanish Silk Poodles, they have an outgoing and affectionate nature. Havanese bond quickly with their people and like to follow them like a shadow.
This exceptionally intelligent breed is very easy to train and does not have extensive exercise needs. Like many other small breeds, their compact size and adaptable temperament make them a perfect match for first-time dog owners who prefer apartment living.
However, they do not like being left alone for extended periods. Otherwise, they can develop separation anxiety.
Havanese grab attention due to their beautiful and long coat. The coat requires plenty of grooming, including daily brushing and frequent bathing. Professional grooming may also be needed from time to time. Some owners opt for a ‘puppy cut’ for relatively easier maintenance.
3. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus need attention and affection just like fish need water. Often referred to as ‘little lions,’ these adaptable dogs can adjust well to a sedentary lifestyle, but they are also up for adventurous walks with their humans.
Having a sweet disposition, Shih Tzus need moderate exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Only a few short walks and indoor play sessions would suffice for them. Their calm personality, combined with other traits, makes them perfectly suitable for first-time owners.
Shih Tzus are alert dogs, so they will bark to inform you when something is new or unusual around them. However, they are brachycephalic and have flat faces. Regular checkups are important to prevent breathing problems.
Regular grooming of their long coat is important to prevent mats and tangles. Shih Tzus may not be as trainable as some other dogs, but respond well to positive reinforcement methods.
4. Pug
These ultimate lap warmers are known for their friendly nature and smooshed muzzles. Among the ancient dog breeds, Pugs are easygoing and eager-to-please dogs. They usually have a laid-back and calm demeanor.
However, they do have high-energy moments. Pugs are highly adaptable, full of character, and can thrive in various environments, according to PetPlan. They need no more than an hour of daily exercise to stay healthy and content.
These traits make them one of the best small dog breeds for first-time owners. Pugs are brachycephalic dogs. Their flat faces make them less suited to hot weather. Their love for food and intelligence make them very easy to train.
Note: Pugs are not physically good candidates for high energy dog sports like running and agility. Low key activities like walks and games of fetch are fun for them.
5. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are small dogs that make excellent companions for new owners. They get along nicely with kids, other pets, and even strangers. Though highly sociable, Bichons do not have very high energy levels. They love taking part in family activities and are highly adaptable to their surroundings.
That is why they fit right into small living spaces and make great first dogs. Bichon Frises thrive on human interaction and need lots of attention to be happy. Bored or lonely dogs may be prone to separation anxiety. Bichon Frises are playful and loving dogs with a gentle temperament.
Smart and highly trainable, these little dogs learn new commands quickly. The long double coat of these small white dogs has extensive grooming needs. It has to be brushed regularly and bathed frequently to be clean and free from mats and tangles.
Bichon Frises do well with only 30 minutes of daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Like other small dogs, they are also prone to certain health issues like diabetes, cataracts, and dental disease.
6. Toy Poodle
One of the smartest small dog breeds, Toy Poodles are the smallest of the three Poodle variants. They bond closely to their families and may develop separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods. Having an eager-to-please nature, Toy Poodles are highly trainable dogs.
These traits make Toy Poodles equally suited for experienced as well as new owners. Despite their small size, they excel at a variety of dog sports like agility, obedience training, and tracking. Swimming is a great exercise for them, according to the American Kennel Club.
Toy Poodles are small dogs packed with bundles of energy. Regular physical and mental stimulation is important to keep them healthy and content. Toy Poodles have an adaptable nature and thrive in many environments.
7. Miniature Dachshund
Famously nicknamed as ‘Sausage dogs’ or ‘Wiener dogs,’ Dachshunds are available in two sizes. Miniature Dachshunds are small dogs, well suited for new dog owners. Their manageable size and low-maintenance personality make them easy to care for.
Mini Dachshunds also come in three coat varieties. Smooth-coated Dachshunds have a sleek and low-shedding coat that needs minimal grooming. Wire-haired and long-haired Dachshunds, however, need frequent grooming. Doxies need moderate but regular daily exercise to strengthen their long backs.
Being even-tempered and affectionate, Mini Dachshunds get along nicely with children. However, they can be a bit noisy and standoffish towards strangers.
Hardwired to pick up smells and chase moving objects, Dachshunds require good recall and lead training from an early age.
Conclusion
If you are a new owner looking for your first dog, a small dog breed may be the right fit for you. Small dogs usually require very little exercise for physical and mental stimulation. They do well with a few long walks and indoor play sessions.
They are highly adaptable and adjust well with active families as well as with lazy owners. Their coats often require little grooming, but some may have high-maintenance fur. These canines are loved for their easygoing and affectionate personalities and make loving pets with proper training and socialization.
