Key Takeaways
Certain breeds are more suitable for first-time owners due to their temperament and care requirements.
Always consider adopting from a shelter, as mixed breeds can also make excellent pets for beginners.
Selecting your first dog can be thrilling yet daunting. Whether the dog will be your sole companion, a playmate for your kids, or a “fur baby” for you and your partner, it is crucial that the dog fits your lifestyle.
While each dog is unique, breeds typically have predictable energy levels, sizes, appearances, and grooming needs that can guide you in selecting the best dog for you. Poodles, Labrador Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Yorkshire Terriers are some breeds well-suited for first-time owners.
There’s also a lot to learn in terms of housebreaking, setting up feeding routines, grooming, and general canine healthcare. Most of all, there’s inevitably a get-to-know-you period where you and your new four-legged friend learn each other’s personalities and behaviors. You don’t want to come out of that period feeling that you’ve made the wrong choice of dog. Fortunately, certain breeds tend to be the best dogs for first-time owners, as they are more easy-going, lower maintenance, or less intimidating than some other breeds.
Here are the best dog breeds for first-time dog owners.
The Best Beginner Dogs for Families
Breed Characteristics
The best breed for a first-time dog owner is the dog that matches your energy and attention level. If you want a dog that can go running with you, choose an athletic dog with endurance, such as the Labrador retriever. If you prefer a calm lapdog—the Cavalier King Charles spaniel is one such breed—then it’s best to avoid high-energy dog breeds. You may lean toward a lower-maintenance dog breed, like the papillon, as your first dog, especially if you do not have time for lots of grooming.
Remember that all dogs, no matter the breed, will require good care, training, and veterinary care. Adult foster dogs from a rescue are often already house-trained and well-socialized; these can be excellent dogs for beginners since puppies are a lot of work, requiring socialization, training, and a lot of attention.
