Bringing a dog into your life is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. But if you’re new to the dog world, the idea of adding a furry friend can feel a little overwhelming—after all, dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities.
Here’s the good news: not every dog is a bundle of nonstop energy or a challenge to handle. In fact, many dogs are downright chill, happy to lounge by your side and soak up your love without turning your home upside down.
Whether you live in a cozy apartment, have a busy schedule, or just want a laid-back companion who’s happy to chill after a nice walk, choosing a calm dog breed is key.
These pups aren’t about chaos or endless exercise demands—they’re all about steady companionship, gentle vibes, and being the perfect match for a beginner’s lifestyle. Ready to discover which easygoing dogs might make your first dog-owning journey smooth, joyful, and full of tail wags? Let’s take a look!
Key Takeaways
Meet calm, friendly dogs like Basset Hounds and Cavaliers—perfect for first-time owners.
See why Labs and Goldens are family favorites that fit busy lives with ease.
Discover how French Bulldogs and Havanese bring charm and comfort to apartment living.
Get quick tips on grooming and exercise to find the right breed for you.
Easygoing Dog Breeds For First-Time Owners
1. Basset Hound
Known for their calm and easygoing nature, Basset Hounds are a great fit for first-time dog owners. They get along well with kids and other pets, making them a friendly addition to any household.
Their low energy levels mean they prefer relaxing over running wild, which is ideal for owners who want a chill companion.
Calm and patient: Bassets take life at their own slow and steady pace. This gives new owners plenty of time to learn and respond calmly to any doggy moments.
Quiet and apartment-friendly: With their short legs and generally quiet nature, they fit well in apartments or smaller living spaces.
Minimal grooming: They need only basic grooming, especially around their skin folds, but be prepared for some drooling.
Originally bred for tracking scents, Basset Hounds still enjoy moderate walks but don’t demand intense exercise, as mentioned by PetMD. Their easy temperament helps them forgive the occasional training slip-ups common with new owners.
Just keep in mind their floppy ears need regular cleaning to prevent infections. With their funny faces and sweet stubborn streaks, Bassets bring plenty of personality without overwhelming first-timers.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
With soulful eyes and a loving nature, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are perfect for first-time dog owners who want a gentle, affectionate companion. These small dogs thrive on cuddles and human interaction, making them ideal for apartment living or busy families.
Friendly and social: Cavaliers get along well with strangers, kids, and other pets, making them wonderful family dogs.
Balanced energy: They enjoy playtime but are just as happy relaxing on the couch, matching your energy, whether you want fun or downtime.
Easy to train: Their natural desire to please helps them learn quickly with gentle guidance.
Known for their adaptability, Cavaliers fit comfortably into both lively homes and quiet apartments. They don’t need much exercise and handle moderate grooming easily.
Their calm yet playful personality means they bring joy without overwhelming new owners. If you’re looking for a loving dog who’s ready to be your loyal sidekick, this breed is a top choice.
3. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are famous for their outgoing and affectionate personalities. They make great companions for first-time owners who enjoy an active lifestyle and want a smart, loyal dog by their side.
Energetic and playful: Labs love games like fetch and swimming, so they thrive with regular exercise and outdoor fun.
Easy to train: Their intelligence and eagerness to please make training straightforward, even for beginners.
Great with kids and pets: Labradors are gentle, friendly, and get along well with family members and other animals.
Known as America’s most popular breed, Labs balance energy and reliability perfectly. They have weatherproof coats that need simple grooming, like brushing and occasional baths, according to WebMD.
While they’re full of puppy-like enthusiasm for years, they also grow into steady, dependable adults.
Just keep in mind, their big hearts come with hearty appetites and a youthful urge to chew, especially in adolescence. Overall, Labs are a versatile, loving choice that fits well in many homes.
4. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are beloved for their friendly faces, flowing golden coats, and gentle nature. They make fantastic companions for families and first-time dog owners who want a patient, loving, and dependable furry friend.
Patient and tolerant: Goldens are famously gentle and great with children of all ages, as well as other pets. Their calm, friendly disposition helps them fit seamlessly into busy households.
Smart and eager to please: This breed’s intelligence shines through in consistent training sessions. They pick up commands quickly and respond well to positive, consistent guidance.
Active but adaptable: Golden Retrievers enjoy daily exercise like walks, hikes, or games of fetch. But they are also happy to lounge and relax, making them flexible companions for both active and more laid-back owners.
Golden Retrievers bring a perfect balance of energy and calmness. They thrive on social interaction and being part of family activities, spreading joy wherever they go.
Their moderate exercise needs make them suitable for a variety of lifestyles—from lively families to quieter homes. Though their gorgeous coats require regular brushing to stay healthy and shiny, their grooming needs remain manageable.
5. Havanese
The Havanese, Cuba’s national dog, brings a bright and joyful spirit to any home. Known for their silky coats and friendly personalities, these small dogs make wonderful companions for first-time pet owners looking for a loving and adaptable pet.
Friendly and sociable: Havanese love being around people and easily fit into family life, getting along well with kids and other pets.
Smart and trainable: Their intelligence and eagerness to please mean they learn quickly and enjoy mastering new tricks, making training fun for beginners.
Perfect for various homes: Whether you live in an apartment or a larger house, the Havanese adapts well and happily joins you for outings or relaxes quietly when you’re away.
These dogs have a playful, puppy-like energy that lasts well into adulthood, keeping life lively and fun. They thrive on attention and human interaction, so they’re happiest when included in daily activities. ‘
Despite their small size, Havanese dogs have big personalities and love to entertain their families with clever antics and affectionate behavior.
Their hypoallergenic coat helps keep cleaning easier, although regular grooming is needed to keep their fur looking its best.
6. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are famous for their distinctive bat-like ears, compact size, and lovable personalities. They make fantastic companions for first-time dog owners who want a playful yet relaxed friend.
Perfect for apartments: Their low energy means they don’t need excessive exercise, just short daily walks and some playtime.
Affectionate and social: Frenchies love being close to their humans and get along well with kids and other pets.
Easy grooming: Their short coats require little maintenance, though their facial wrinkles need occasional care.
Despite their small size, French Bulldogs have a sturdy, muscular build and a big personality. ASPCA says that they enjoy being the center of attention and thrive on human interaction.
While they are generally laid-back, these playful pups love to play and can be quite entertaining with their quirky antics and expressive faces.
Known for having a quiet and calm demeanor, French Bulldogs rarely bark but will alert you if something’s wrong, making them surprisingly good watchdogs. They’re smart and respond well to gentle, positive training—even if they have a little stubborn streak.
7. Shih Tzu
Despite their small size, Shih Tzus are surprisingly sturdy, with strong bones and muscular builds. These affectionate dogs love nothing more than to curl up beside their owners, making them perfect lap companions for first-time dog parents.
Their low exercise needs mean they adapt well to apartment living, but be prepared for some dedicated grooming.
Affectionate and devoted: Shih Tzus thrive on close contact and enjoy spending quality time with their family members.
Sociable and friendly: They get along well with children, other pets, and love meeting new people.
Grooming needs: Their long, flowing coats require regular brushing and trimming to stay healthy and beautiful.
Because of their thick fur, Shih Tzus can struggle in warm climates unless they have access to air conditioning. Their calm, easygoing temperament, combined with their elegant appearance, makes them a delightful addition to many households.
Conclusion
Finding the best dog breeds for your lifestyle is all about understanding what fits you and your home. Whether you want a calm companion, an active friend, or a loving lapdog, choosing the right breed makes dog ownership a joyful and rewarding experience.
Remember, every dog brings its own special charm, so matching their personality with your needs is key to a happy, lifelong friendship.
If you’re a dog lover ready to become a pet parent, take your time to explore these easygoing breeds and imagine how they might fit into your daily life.
The right breed can bring comfort, laughter, and companionship like nothing else. So go ahead—start your journey to finding a furry friend who’ll make your house feel more like home.
Looking for more options? You can also check out the Bichon Frise, Rat Terrier, Bernese Mountain Dog, German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, Irish Wolfhound, Boston Terrier, and Great Dane.
