8 Dog Breeds Perfect for First-Time Owners

Are you thinking of getting your first dog? Being a first-time dog owner can be both challenging and rewarding, so it’s important you do your research to find the perfect breed to suit your lifestyle.

“First-time owners might consider looking for intelligent breeds with a calm character, which are likely to be easier to train,” a spokesperson from The Kennel Club tells Country Living.

“You should also take into consideration individual breeds’ exercise and grooming requirements to ensure you can take care of your new family member and all their needs.”

It’s also particularly important to consider the space you have available to you, and the time you can dedicate to your new addition.

Do you have lots of space to spare for a new dog, or are you a little more limited? Are you able to spend lots of time at home with them, or will they likely need to be looked after by others at some point? All of these things can affect which breed would make for the best first dog for you.

Want to adopt a dog but not sure where to start? Take a look at the best dog breeds for first-time owners below…

1. Labrador Retriever

Labrador retrievers make for great first dogs for both families and couples, as they are loyal, relatively easy to train, and usually incredibly friendly.

“Crowned as the most popular breed for many years, the Labrador is known for its versatility, making them great guide dogs, therapy dogs or working gundogs, as well as excellent family pets,” the Kennel Club tells us.

“They are smart, happy and kind, and originally bred as gundogs, they have a strong will to please their owners so tend to enjoy training. They are a great choice for first-time owners with a garden or outdoor space, who enjoy active exercise.”

2. Cardigan Welsh Corgi

“A vulnerable native breed, and cousin to the more famous and late Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite, the Pembroke Corgi, Cardigan Welsh Corgis are intelligent little dogs, suitable for those living in a small house and looking for their first dog,” the Kennel Club tells us.

“Despite their short legs, Corgis are active, alert dogs originally bred to help farmers with livestock, and they enjoy their daily walks as much as any longer-legged dog!”

However, they aren’t only a great breed for first-time owners in rural areas. “Despite their countryside origins, Corgis thrive in both country and town and make a great, steady companion for a first-time owner,” the Kennel Club continues.

3. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers can be a little stubborn, but their lovable nature, diminutive size and their complete and utter loyalty make them fabulous first-time dogs for new owners.

“Originating from Yorkshire, where they travelled around with workers in mines and cotton mills, Yorkshire Terriers later became a family favourite,” says the Kennel Club.

“Their small size and intelligence make them a great choice for first-time owners, especially those living in smaller city apartments or an urban flat. Yorkshire Terriers enjoy their regular walks but will also be happy to relax on the sofa, and can be a great four-legged friend for older first-time owners,” they continue.

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4. Miniature Poodle

The Kennel Club adds: “The Poodle, which comes in three different sizes – Standard, Miniature and Toy – originates from Germany. They are very clever dogs, famous for their glamorous curly coat, which is also minimally shedding.”

But as well as their low maintenance, they are also very easy to train.

“Due to their intelligence and balanced nature, Miniature Poodles tend to be very trainable which is ideal for first-time owners, and they are happy with up to one hour of exercise per day, making them suitable for city dwellers too,” the Kennel Club says.

5. Bernese Mountain Dog

They may be on the larger side, but Bernese Mountain Dogs couldn’t be easier to look after as a breed, making them great for first-time owners.

“The Bernese Mountain Dog is loyal, intelligent and good-natured breed,” the Kennel Club says. “These ‘gentle giants’, which were originally bred as working dogs, are an ideal choice for the first-time owner who wants a large, devoted, family dog.

“Despite their size, Bernese Mountain Dogs only require an average amount of exercise, around an hour a day, and will happily spend time exploring their own garden or outdoor space.”

6. Italian Greyhound

“Italian Greyhounds are small but speedy dogs,” the Kennel Club says. “Their short coat and affectionate nature make them ideal for first-time owners, and they tend to prefer quick bursts of intense exercise over very long walks.

“Their Hound ancestry also makes them intelligent and loyal.”

7. Golden Retriever

Like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers are incredibly friendly and sociable dogs, so make for an easy addition to the family if you are thinking about getting your first pet pooch.

“Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly nature, as well as their intelligence. They make excellent assistance or therapy dogs, but have also been a family-favourite for decades. They are active and will enjoy plenty of exercise, making them a great four-legged friend for first-time owners with a larger house and garden and fitness-filled lifestyle,” says the Kennel Club team.

8. Papillon

Also known as the ‘butterfly dog’, the Papillon is a small dog with moderate exercise needs, making them a great companion for first-time owners living in an apartment or small house, explains the Kennel Club.

They add: “The nickname comes from the breed’s distinctive shape of ears, which are alert and well-feathered, resembling the spread wings of a butterfly. Papillons are intelligent and friendly little dogs that are eager and quick to learn.”

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