Owning a dog is both a fulfilling and challenging experience. It means gaining a new best friend with whom you will be sharing your life’s great adventures.
Things to consider before getting a dog
If you plan to bring home a new pup, especially if you are a first-time dog owner, the list of considerations can be longer. Do you live alone or belong to a family with kids? Do you have enough space in your home for your new family addition? Or, are you a senior who is looking for a companion dog?
Pups can be full of energy, and you will need much patience to train them. You can also consider getting a mature dog, which may require less training.
For first-time dog owners, you need to take note not only of the following: dog breeds, temperament, and behavior, but also their size: little dogs, medium dogs, or giant dog breeds. Others also plan to adopt one from the shelter where there can be more chances of getting mutts or mixed breed dogs.
While there are kid-friendly dog breeds, there are also senior-friendly dogs. So when you plan to have your first dog, the first thing you should do is imagine what it is like to have a dog.
If you are that athletic type of person and plan to have a running or exercise buddy, then the best dog for you is a high-energy breed also. If you are the kind of person who loves binge-watching on TV, then low-energy dog breeds will certainly fit you.
Which dog is best for inexperienced owners?
Perhaps you already have some dog breeds in mind, but you should know this: there are certain dog breeds for first-time dog owners. Read along to know the best dog breeds for first-time owners.
1. Bichon Frise
These happy fur babies are suitable for apartment living. Bichon Frise dogs look like fluffy cotton balls, with an average weight of 7-12 pounds. They are great for families with children, and their coat is hypoallergenic, making them ideal pets if you have allergies.
These lapdogs are not just friendly, charming, and playful but intelligent too, making them easy to train. They belong to the non-sporting group, as categorized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and their life expectancy is 14-15 years.
So long as you keep their hair short, you need not worry about taking care of a high-maintenance dog. Daily brushing and a visit to the groomer every 4-6 months are recommended to keep them looking tip-top.
2. Labrador Retriever
For more than three decades, the AKC has recognized the Labrador Retriever as the most popular breed in the United States. This affectionate breed is intensely loyal to its owners and can adapt well to homes with kids. Their life expectancy is 10-12 years.
These medium-large dogs have an average weight of 55-80 pounds. Because Labs are an active breed, they need to exercise regularly. Your dogs should engage in daily walks, running, playing fetch, and training activities.
These intelligent Labrador Retrievers love to learn about anything, so first-time owners will never get bored with this cuddly breed. They are fit for owners with an active lifestyle and even belong to the sporting group under the AKC.
As to grooming needs, Labs are low maintenance. Their thick and short coat only needs little grooming, including regular brushing to minimize shedding.
3. Golden Retriever
Consistently topping the list among the United States’ most beloved canines, the Golden Retriever has high energy like the Labrador Retriever and is very playful and friendly. They also belong under the same category by the AKC as sporting dog breeds and have a life expectancy of 10-12 years. Their average weight is about the same as Labs.
If you have other pets in your home, Golden Retrievers can get along with them. As to intelligence, Golden Retrievers tend to be more intelligent than Labs.
Training is easy as this breed is eager to learn new tricks, do mental and physical exercise, and play. This makes them among the highly recommended dog breeds for first-time owners.
Exercise and grooming needs should go together to maintain your dog’s health. Their long coat requires weekly brushing to minimize shedding.
First-time owners will surely love their sociable nature and outgoing personality. So if you have not decided which among the dog breeds to pick, Goldies can be a good choice.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Also among the top choices of best dog breeds for first-time owners is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The AKC has classified them as toy dog breeds. The life expectancy for dogs of this breed is 12-14 years.
If you plan to have your first dog as your snuggle buddy, this sweet little dog can be a perfect match for you. These high-spirited little pups love to stick close to their owners and spend time relaxing with them. For that reason, they are also the best breed if you are looking for an effective therapy dog and life partner.
Dogs of this breed are moderately intelligent and good with training. They are very attentive and love to please their owners.
Their gentle and friendly nature makes them a good fit for families with children and even older people. They are generally quiet and graceful.
As with grooming, they are low maintenance dogs and require only moderate grooming, such as brushing their long coat daily to avoid tangles, monthly nail trimming, and weekly ear checks.
As these dogs love to snuggle on the sofa, as a responsible owner, you need to encourage your dog to exercise to keep them in tip-top health condition.
5. Poodle
Another ideal companion dog, this popular dog breed, is categorized as a non-sporting dog by the AKC. Poodles are a fluffy breed, and they come in three sizes: standard poodle, miniature poodle, and toy. Dogs of this breed live longer, with an average life expectancy of 10-18 years.
First-time owners will certainly love Poodles because they are highly adaptable to their environment. They can fit well in families with children.
Because they are exceptionally smart and energetic, they will need much mental stimulation and exercise. First-time owners will also love their hypoallergenic coat that is as soft as a pillow.
Enthusiasts and breeders took notice of this breed’s positive qualities that they have bred them with other dog breeds to produce designer breeds. Among them are the Golden Doodle, Labradoodle, Cavapoo, and Cockapoo.
To keep their coat fluffy and lustrous, brushing their coat daily as well as taking them at least once or twice a month to the groomer is recommended. Their positive qualities make them the best breed for beginners.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
Another great starter dog breed for first-time owners is the Yorkshire Terrier, which belongs to the toy group as categorized by the AKC. Yorkies are moderately active dogs and only require basic exercise. Their life expectancy is 13-16 years.
If you plan to get a Yorkie as a pet, you should never miss training your dog because this breed tends to be a little stubborn at times. Never underestimate these little dogs. They may look tiny, gentle, and affectionate, but they can be very brave, and protective of their owners, especially around strangers.
When training these dogs, give it your 100 percent shot as you would an adult dog. That way, they do not only learn in the process but develop your owner-pet bond as well.
Their long hypoallergenic coat is likened to human hair, so you need not worry about your allergies being triggered. Certainly, that makes them one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners.
As to grooming, these dogs have specific needs, especially with coat maintenance. Aside from regular brushing, trimming their coat must also be done regularly. A regular visit to the groomers is likewise advisable to maintain their coat’s health.
7. Boxer
The AKC has categorized Boxers as belonging to the working group with a life expectancy of 10-12 years. Playful, loyal, and affectionate especially with children, these canine buddies are the right ones for you especially if you live an active lifestyle.
They are known to be natural guardians as they are very protective of their respective families. Training them is not hard, as they love the attention they are getting from their owners.
Because they are hyperactive, Boxers need daily exercise. As to grooming needs, they require only a little grooming.
8. Pomeranian
Also classified as a toy by the AKC, Pomeranians have an average life expectancy of 12-16 years. Although some of them are finicky eaters, they are considered among those ideal dog breeds for first-time owners because they are easy to keep.
Poms are friendly, perky, and brave lap dogs. They do not mind their body size and would never think twice to tackle other dogs that are bigger than them. While they may not be on par with larger dogs in terms of body size, at least, they can warn them verbally.
They are intelligent and thrive well on training. They love to learn new tricks. Pomeranians are highly adaptable. They are good around older kids. Because they are quite active, they do not have to deal with obesity.
Their fluffy double coat is not high maintenance as it appears to be. Regular brushing is just the key to maintaining coat health.
9. Papillon
Categorized by the AKC as a toy breed, Papillions have an average weight of only 5-10 pounds. In French, the term Papillon means butterfly.
These dogs are affectionate, friendly, and happy. They can easily adapt to different households, including those with children. They can both be lapdogs and exercise buddies as they are full of energy and very athletic.
Papillons love to run around and are highly trainable. They can even indulge themselves in agility training.
You need to groom these cute pooches at least once a month. Unlike other breeds, they lack undercoats, making pampering relatively easier and simpler.
10. Mixed breeds
While the rest of the choices are pure-breed dogs, it is equally important to include mutts or mixed breeds. Many other breeds deserve a second chance, and these can be found at your local shelters. Rescue dogs can be as sweet as any other dog breed.
If you have a heart for the homeless, then that is a sign that you should adopt one from the shelter. Whichever country you are in, there are many local shelters available in your place. Try to check them.
You can make your list too
You do not need to wait for a sign for you to be able to get the dog of your dreams. It does not have to be expensive as you always have the option to adopt.
List down the qualities you want for a dog and match them with your current lifestyle and household. Get advice and tips also from reputable sites before raising one.
While it can be thrilling to have a canine companion finally, you need not be stressed about training and raising a dog. Owning one should be a worthwhile and fulfilling experience instead. Good luck with your first dog!
*photo by veo_photo – depositphotos
