Dogs are known for their calm and serene nature—they fill our homes with joy and excitement. Some dogs tend to be mischievous and keep their owners on their toes. Due to their intelligence, curiosity, and stubborn streak, you will often find them showing playful tricks.
While they can be a bit challenging to manage at times, their adventurous spirit will keep you and your family entertained. Mischievous breeds thrive on mental stimulation and physical activity. They find their own ways of entertaining themselves when bored.
Such dogs can be a bit tricky to handle for novice pet parents. At the same time, having them at home is a delightful experience. What if I tell you some mischievous dog breeds make wonderful pets for first-time owners as well.
Here are the top mischievous dog breeds that make excellent pets for first-time dog owners.
Most Mischievous Dog Breeds for First-Time Dog Owners
1. Labrador Retriever
Breed Profile
Height: 21.5 to 24.5 inches
Weight: 55 to 80 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
A timeless favorite, the Labrador Retriever stands out for its loyalty and affectionate nature. Their eagerness to please and high trainability make them easy to manage. That is why they are an excellent choice for first-time pet parents.
These medium to large dogs adjust well to their surroundings and behave well around children. Labs do shed significantly, especially seasonally, and require regular brushing. But they are relatively easy to groom due to their short coats.
They love exploring their surroundings due to their incredibly curious nature. Their playfulness often leads them to mischief like chewing on household items, digging in the garden, or trying to escape the yard. Labradors are avid swimmers who enjoy swimming in water.
2. Boxer
Breed Profile
Height: 21.5 to 25 inches
Weight: 50 to 80 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Boxer is another ideal breed for first-time parents, known for their mischievous nature. These are loyal, affectionate, and easy to care for dogs. One of the most popular dog breeds, they are ideal for active dog owners due to their high energy levels and playfulness.
These easy-to-train dogs need minimal grooming, which makes them well-suited for novice pet parents. The American Kennel Club describes them as active, bright, and fun-loving pups. Young boxers are hyper and upbeat and require extra attention during training.
These high-spirited canines need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and active. Around 30 to 120 minutes of daily exercise is required for adequate mental and physical stimulation. Lack of proper exercise can lead to destructive behaviors like chewing and excessive licking.
3. Pug
Breed Profile
Height: 10 to 13 inches
Weight: 14 to 18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
These friendly and happy pups have a warm and pleasant nature, which makes them ideal as first dogs. With charming and loving personalities, Pugs act like funny clowns and get along well with people and other pets. They form strong bonds with their owners.
Pugs do not require excessive exercise to stay fit and are content lounging around the house. At the same time, these playful and mischievous fellows are always up for some fun when you are in the mood. Pugs are bright, but they can also be relentless, so it is better to train them patiently using positive reinforcement methods.
Their large head, sparkling eyes, and wrinkled brows give them human-like expressions, including surprise, curiosity, and happiness. These adaptable dogs are equally happy in the city and country, with young folks, kids, and the elderly.
4. Pomeranian
Breed Profile
Height: 6 to 7 inches
Weight: 3 to 7 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
Pomeranians are small dogs known for their adorable looks and lively personalities. They form strong bonds but prefer a single owner of their choice. Their affectionate and friendly demeanor, protective nature, and high trainability make them well-suited for first-time pet parents.
Poms are the adorable little cuddle buddies who love to be around others. Bold, bossy, and full of sass, Poms fill your home with joy and laughter. However, Poms are demanding and need a lot of attention. Improperly trained Poms may bark excessively and be stubborn.
Sometimes, housebreaking can be a problem for first-time Pom owners. These adorable troublemakers are full of energy, and they are always on the lookout for mischief, such as hiding your socks or sneaking food. These curious dogs will explore every nook and corner of your home.
5. French Bulldog
Breed Profile
Height: 11 to 13 inches
Weight: Under 28 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
These pint-sized comedians have a natural affinity for napping. They are easy to train and love spending time with their owners. French bulldogs have an easygoing personality and get along well with children and the elderly. These traits make them perfect for first-time pet parents.
French bulldogs are easy-to-groom dogs that thrive on human contact. These little troublemakers have a curious nature, and their playful antics will make you laugh and sigh. Frenchies have a stubborn streak, and they are caught rooting bags or snatching food when nobody is around.
Making a mess is their talent, particularly if they are left alone for too long. So it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your Frenchie. According to PDSA, these happy dogs have moderate energy levels and need around 60 minutes of exercise every day, including short walks and play time.
6. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Breed Profile
Height: 10 to 12 inches
Weight: Around 30 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 13 years
Queen Victoria’s favorite dog, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, is known for its intelligence and easy trainability. These traits make them well-suited as first dogs. Their outgoing personalities allow them to adjust to various lifestyles.
Corgis do well with minimal food and moderate daily exercise. They form strong bonds with their owners and are known for their playful nature. Sometimes you’ll find yourself trying to stop them from chewing your shoes.
Obedience training and positive reinforcement methods work great for training Pembroke Welsh Corgis. They excel in performing tricks and dog sports, including agility, dock diving, barn hunting, and scent work.
7. Golden Retriever
Breed Profile
Height: 21.5 to 24 inches
Weight: 55 to 75 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Just like their Labrador cousins, Goldies also make wonderful pets for novice owners. These loyal companions behave well around kids and other dogs. They are known for their intelligence and high trainability, but they don’t have the highest energy levels compared to other large breeds.
According to PetMD, Golden Retrievers have a friendly demeanor and eagerness to please. At the same time, they are popular for their love for chewing on almost everything. Apart from this, they are capable of creating unintended chaos, like knocking over items and jumping on guests.
These curious dogs love carrying things in their mouths, be it shoes or a remote control. It means things will go missing if you have a Goldie at home. However, providing them adequate exercise to fulfill their physical and mental needs can help avoid such behaviors.
Conclusion
Some mischievous dog breeds, known for their intelligence, high trainability, and curious personalities, make wonderful pets for first-time pet parents. If you are planning to adopt a mischievous yet easy-to-train dog, one of the breeds mentioned in this article may be the ideal fit for you!
