Bringing a pet home for the first time is always bittersweet. You’re excited and have anxiety at the same time, thinking about your new furry friend and whether they’ll be able to adjust in your home easily or not. If you’re someone who is looking for the right dog breed as a first-time owner, this guide is for you.
We have gathered 7 small dog breeds that are ideal for first-time owners. These canines thrive in human companionship, have affectionate temperaments, moderate exercise needs, and are highly trainable. Their adaptability makes them ideal for city living and open fields in rural areas.
Read on to explore these amazing small dog breeds for new dog owners, learn how you can take care of them, plus the amazing benefits of being a pet parent.
Lovable Pocket Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners
1. Maltese
An ancient dog breed originating from the Island of Malta, Malteses are known for their luxurious floor-length coat and playful personality. Maltese are charming and irresistible, and their sweet look and beautiful coat make them very attractive.
According to the American Kennel Club, Maltese may be a small dog, but they are fearless, very alert and watchful, which makes them excellent watchdogs. They bark to alert their pet parents if someone is approaching or something does not feel right. These canines form strong bonds with their owners and like staying close to them.
Maltese are prone to developing separation anxiety, which is why leaving them alone is not a good idea. They respond well to reward-based training, and owners must plan to keep them engaged. A plus point about these canines, they are hypoallergenic. Yes, even with that amount of hair.
They are the ideal first dogs for people with allergies who did not bring a pet home because they feared getting sick.
2. Toy Poodle
An elegant-looking toy breed, Toy Poodles make clever and loyal companions to the right owners. These canines are regarded as the smartest dog breeds because of their intelligence, curious nature, and eager-to-please attitude.
Poodles have playful and affectionate personalities and are not overly demanding, which makes them a beloved breed and the perfect match for new owners. Their adorable looks and profuse, curly coats, and ability to settle into apartment living make them wonderful family pets.
As mentioned, Toy Poodles are intelligent dogs and are very empathetic, which makes them great at therapy work as well. They may have minimal exercise needs, but they do benefit from daily walks and interactive games inside the house.
Regular brushing and grooming needs must be a top priority to maintain their elegant look.
3. Havanese Dog
Smart, spirited, and energetic canines from Cuba, Havanese are known as one of the most entertaining small dogs and make great companions for first-time owners. They require regular brushing and have high grooming needs because of their ever-growing long coat.
Havanese may be small but have big personalities. They have a barking problem, which can be an issue for apartment dwellers, but with consistent training and use of positive reinforcement methods, these canines stay well-behaved both indoors and outdoors.
These beginner-friendly dogs are best suited for owners who have enough time to fulfill their energy needs. They need at least 30 minutes of regular physical exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Havanese get along well with everyone, including children, but playtime must be supervised to ensure no one gets injured.
4. Shih Tzu
A Tibetan toy dog breed, Shih Tzus were originally bred to be furry companions. They are pleasant, energetic, and thrive in human companionship. They are fond of meeting new people and love getting attention from their owners and other people, says Orvis.
Shih Tzus are great pets for kids, but they need supervision to prevent injuries. Shih Tzus have moderate energy levels and need only little exercise and positive reinforcement training to maintain their calm demeanor.
These canines may be compact but have a solid build. They are alert and bark if someone is approaching near the house. Shih Tzus are ideal for first-time owners and love spending time with them. They are content and adaptable canines who can live in both smaller spaces and apartments as long as they have their owners by their side.
5. Bolognese
A small companion dog breed originating from Italy, Bolognese are calm, faithful dogs with a long, furry, pure white silky hair. These small dogs are sturdy and have alert expressions. They are typically reserved with strangers but bark to alert their owners if something is not right or there’s a stranger around.
Bolognese get along very well with their owners and form strong bonds with them. They like spending time with their family and do not like being left alone. These small dogs are intelligent and are quick learners, which makes them highly trainable.
They are ideal for first-time owners as long as you have enough games and activities to keep this clever little small breed entertained. Bolognese may be a small dog, but they are high energy and require an hour of exercise in daily life to stay happy and healthy. They like going on walks, but if a walk is long, they can always be carried.
6. Japanese Chin
Also known as the Japanese Spaniels, Japanese Chin dogs are cat-like canines that were bred to be both a lap dog and a companion dog breed. They are intelligent and sensitive canines whose only purpose is to be a companion dog and a great one at that.
This small breed is very responsive and affectionate with its loved ones but is aloof and reserved around strangers. They get along well with everyone and even other pets and can thrive in any environment as long as they are getting due attention from you.
Japanese Chins are indoorsy dogs. They are quiet and easy to train, which makes them suitable breeds for first-time owners. If you have enough time to provide them with training and regular mental stimulation, these small, loyal, and entertaining canines are the ideal breed for you.
7. Biewer Terrier
Dogs of German Descent, Biewer Terriers are a result of two Yorkshire Terriers. These canines are usually kept as companion dogs or show dogs. Biewer Terriers are small dog breeds with a long life span. They can even live longer if given proper care and love.
This Terrier breed is small in size, has an endearing appearance, and a charming personality that makes it a popular choice for dog lovers. They are very lively, playful, and highly devoted to their pet parents, says PetMD.
This small breed is very energetic and requires regular playtime and exercise to remain happy and healthy. They need regular mental stimulation with puzzle toys and mind games to stay focused. These terriers are also ideal for apartment living but do need some outside time.
Conclusion
Finding the right small dog breed as a first-time pet owner can be a little intimidating because there are so many options to choose from. You don’t need a large dog breed to enjoy the perks of owning a pet. These small dogs are affectionate, are low maintenance, and eager to please, which makes them ideal for first-time owners.
The breed you choose mainly depends on the living space you have and the time and care you can dedicate to these canines. Without further ado, choose the best breed for your home and bring in some much-needed paw-sitivity.
