If you’re thinking of adopting a dog for the first time, it’s normal to feel nervous and a little overwhelmed. From grooming and nutrition to exercise, learning how to care for a pup can be an exciting journey. First-time owners should look for calm, easy-to-train breeds that can adapt to their lifestyle.
Dogs that are high-energy and harder to train are better suited to experienced pet parents. Luckily, there are plenty of friendly dogs with minimal exercise needs that make wonderful pets for new owners and adapt well to apartment living. Some breeds, like highly driven herding and working dogs, need experienced trainers and an active lifestyle, so first-timers should think twice before adopting them.
City life can be busy and overwhelming, and small dogs that adjust well to compact spaces often make great city pets. As a first-time owner, it’s important to research a dog’s background and temperament before bringing one home. This article covers seven breeds that tend to be adaptable and easy to manage for beginners.
Wonderful Dog Breeds Suited for Beginner Pet Parents
1. Pug
Pugs are one of the most popular small dog breeds and a great fit for city owners, especially those with little or no experience. This small, sturdy dog is playful and has a clownish streak that keeps its owners entertained.
The breed is believed to have originated as a Chinese dog breed before Dutch traders brought it to England at the end of the 17th century, according to Britannica. Pugs are known for their small, stocky bodies and flat, brachycephalic faces. As a first-time owner, you won’t have to work hard to earn a pug’s loyalty, since they love human attention and give it back freely.
Pugs are one of the best breeds for less active families and for owners who work from home and don’t go out much. They won’t mind short walks, but as a flat-faced breed, they’re healthier staying indoors in hot weather.
Their wrinkled faces need regular cleaning to keep dirt from building up, but their smooth coats are easy to care for. Pugs do shed, though weekly brushing keeps their coats in good shape.
2. Havanese
Ever seen a little dog with a lush, long coat and wondered if you’re too inexperienced to look after one? While long-haired dog breeds do need time and care for their coats, many of them make wonderful lap dogs, even for newbies. The Havanese is one of those gorgeous, easygoing small breeds that suits just about any type of owner.
Havanese are tiny but playful dogs that enjoy a wide range of activities with their families. From indoor play and trips to the dog park to agility, scent games, and fetch, they thrive on a moderately active lifestyle.
Native to Cuba, they’re sometimes called “Havanese Silk Dogs” because of their luxurious hair, according to PetMD. They’re intelligent and highly trainable, which makes them one of the best breeds for first-time owners. Start training early, and you’ll have a sociable little pet who gets along well with children and other animals.
3. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are small, balanced dogs with a square-shaped build and a regal way of moving. This spitz-type breed was cherished by royals like Queen Victoria, but it has also been a popular lap dog among everyday families. Its curious, cheerful nature makes it a wonderful first dog that will happily settle into your home.
Poms are a stylish choice for new pet parents. They carry themselves with confidence and come with a profuse coat and a foxy, wolf-like face on a compact body. Despite their size, they aren’t shy, and they have an outgoing, self-assured personality, according to Orvis.
Poms can have a stubborn streak, so start consistent training from puppyhood. They can play with kids but don’t enjoy rough play, so make sure children know how to handle a small dog gently.
If you’d like a good watchdog too, the Pomeranian is a solid pick. These dogs are very alert and will bark to let you know when a visitor arrives or something unusual is going on.
4. Toy Poodle
Poodles are one of the most well-known breeds among dog lovers, famous for their striking, curly coats. They come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. If you’re a first-time dog parent, you might want to consider the Miniature Poodle, which is smaller than the Standard and larger than the Toy.
A Miniature Poodle is the right fit if you don’t mind regular grooming. Their hair keeps growing, so it needs frequent brushing, plus occasional professional grooming, to stay clean and mat-free. Like other Poodle varieties, they have a water-resistant coat and make good swimming partners, but because they’re small dogs, keep a close eye on them in the water.
This affectionate breed can be a wonderful pet for new owners, as long as it gets daily exercise and mental stimulation. Poodles are among the smartest dog breeds, so besides physical activity, they enjoy puzzle toys and other mental challenges.
5. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies were originally bred as rat-catching companions for Scottish weavers who had moved to England in the 1800s. They’re curious and spunky, and they tend to have a prey drive that can send them chasing small animals like rodents. Beyond that, they have a gentle temperament and adapt well to family life.
Yorkshire Terriers are tiny but playful toy dogs with sweet faces and gorgeous, floor-length silky coats. This compact pup has a big personality and a classic terrier attitude, which makes it a great option for active first-time owners.
Even if you’re new to dog ownership, regular brushing sessions are a great way to bond with your Yorkie while keeping that beautiful coat clean. Their hair is similar to human hair, and it can be trimmed short to make it more manageable. Yorkies shed very little, which makes them a good option for many allergy sufferers, though no dog is completely hypoallergenic.
These small dogs stay healthy with moderate exercise and indoor games. Supervise them around kids so they don’t get hurt accidentally.
6. Shih Tzu
What Shih Tzus lack in size, they make up for with an affectionate, sociable nature. Their long coats need regular brushing, but when it comes to temperament, they’re one of the easiest breeds for people adopting their first dog.
Shih Tzus were bred as alert little companion dogs and have lived alongside Chinese royalty as well as monks. They’re sometimes called “little lions” because of their lion-like faces and the coats that cascade down their bodies. Those coats don’t shed heavily and come in a variety of colors, which makes them very photogenic.
A Shih Tzu’s affectionate nature makes it a wonderful choice for families with seniors and children, and its small size is a great match for apartment living. Like all pets, Shih Tzus need proper veterinary care to stay healthy, so schedule regular vet visits for your pup.
7. Maltese
Maltese are small, adorable dogs with shiny, pure white coats that really do dazzle. Named after the island of Malta, this ancient breed is still a great furry friend with a cheerful temperament.
This compact, adaptable pooch makes a good first dog and lives easily in small spaces. Maltese do best in moderate weather and stay healthy with indoor games or playtime in a fenced yard. They’re clever and trainable with consistent methods. They can be aloof with strangers, but they love joining their humans in family activities.
Though Maltese are delicate, they’re very alert and will bark to let you know about anything unusual. They can live well with children, but supervision helps make sure no one accidentally trips over them.
Fun fact: Hotel heiress Leona Helmsley left her Maltese, Trouble, a $12 million trust fund. A judge later reduced it to $2 million, and the pup lived a life of luxury in Florida with round-the-clock security.
Conclusion
Dog parenthood is a responsibility you should never take lightly. These best dog breeds suit first-time owners, but be sure to adopt from a reputable breeder known for ethical practices, or consider a shelter or rescue. No matter how low-maintenance a breed is, every dog needs some upkeep, along with proper care and nutrition to stay healthy.
