Choosing the right dog breed for a new dog owner can be a daunting task. It is important to choose a breed that is not only friendly and adaptable, but also easy to train and care for. New dog owners should look for breeds that have a stable temperament, require little care, and get along well with family and other pets. This article highlights the 21 best dog breeds for new dog owners, offering a variety of sizes, temperaments, and energy levels to suit a variety of lifestyles. Here are the top picks, listed from number twenty-one to one.
21. Shih Tzu Dog
Shih Tzus are small, affectionate dogs that enjoy companionship. They have friendly personalities and are known for their loving nature. Shih Tzus are relatively low-energy dogs, making them ideal for apartment living or for those who prefer a more laid-back lifestyle. Their grooming needs are medium to high due to their long coats, but their manageable size and sweet temperament make them great for first-time owners.
20. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are a playful, affectionate and happy breed that make great companions for first-time dog owners. They are small, hypoallergenic and have a friendly nature, making them great for families with children or those with allergies. Bichon Frises are relatively easy to train and thrive on human interaction, making them the perfect addition to any household.
19. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They are friendly, adaptable, and get along well with children and other pets. Cocker Spaniels require regular brushing due to their long, silky coats, but their loving and loyal temperaments make them a popular choice for first-time dog owners.
18. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a small, muscular dog breed known for its easygoing and affectionate nature. They require little grooming or exercise, making them ideal for city dwellers or those with sedentary lifestyles. The French Bulldog is known for its playful and loving temperament, making them a great companion for first-time owners.
17. Papillon
The Papillon is a small, intelligent and trainable dog that makes a great pet for first-time owners. They are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. Despite their small size, the Papillon is very active and enjoys regular play and exercise. They are relatively easy to care for and adapt well to a variety of living environments.
16. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are compact, friendly, and easy to train, making them perfect for new dog owners. They have a playful yet gentle temperament and get along well with children and other pets. Boston Terriers require minimal grooming and are relatively low maintenance, making them a great choice for new dog owners.
15. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their affectionate and gentle nature. They are small, adaptable, and get along well with children and other pets. These dogs are easy to train and thrive on human companionship, making them an ideal choice for first-time dog owners looking for a loving and loyal pet.
14. Havanese Dog
The Havanese is small, friendly, and highly adaptable, making them a great companion for first-time dog owners. They have a playful temperament and enjoy being around people. The Havanese is easy to train and is known for its hypoallergenic coat, making them a great choice for people with allergies.
13. Maltese
The Maltese is a small, affectionate dog known for its gentle nature. They thrive on human companionship and are relatively easy to train. The Maltese has a long, silky coat that requires regular grooming, but their loving and loyal temperament makes them a great choice for first-time dog owners.
12. Pug
Pugs are small, sturdy dogs known for their charming and affectionate nature. They have a playful yet laid-back temperament, making them ideal for new dog owners. Pugs are low maintenance in terms of grooming and exercise needs, making them perfect for people with a more laid-back lifestyle.
11. Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs, or Shelties, are intelligent, easy to train, and known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They are great with children and other pets and thrive on human interaction. Shelties require regular brushing due to their long coats, but their loyal and loving personalities make them a great choice for first-time dog owners.
10. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are friendly, intelligent and easy to train, making them great companions for first-time dog owners. They have a playful and outgoing personality and get along well with children and other pets. Corgis are relatively easy to care for but need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.
9. Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is a small, active, and easily trained dog breed that is great for new dog owners. They are known for their friendly and outgoing nature and get along well with children and other pets. The Miniature Schnauzer requires regular grooming, but their manageable size and loyal temperament make them a great choice for new dog owners.
8. Greyhound
Beagles are friendly, curious and known for their gentle nature. They are great with children and other pets and have playful personalities that make them ideal for active families. Beagles require regular exercise and mental stimulation, but their loving and loyal temperaments make them a popular choice for first-time dog owners.
7. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a small, intelligent and adaptable dog breed that makes a great companion for new dog owners. They are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities and are relatively easy to train. Yorkies have long, silky coats that require regular grooming, but their manageable size and affectionate nature make them a great choice for new dog owners.
6. West Highland White Terrier
West Highland White Terriers, or Westies, are small, energetic, and known for their friendly and outgoing nature. They are easy to train and get along well with children and other pets. Westies need regular brushing to maintain their beautiful coat, but their manageable size and affectionate temperament make them great companions for first-time owners.
5. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly, loyal, and intelligent nature. They are great with children and other pets and are highly trainable, making them ideal for first-time dog owners. Golden Retrievers require regular exercise and mental stimulation, but their loving and gentle temperaments make them a popular choice for both families and individuals.
4. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a friendly, outgoing and easy to train dog, making it a great companion for new dog owners. They are great with children and other pets, and their playful temperament makes them ideal for active families. Labs need regular exercise and mental stimulation, but their loyal and loving nature makes them a favorite among new dog owners.
3. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are gentle, laid-back dogs known for their affectionate nature. They have a calm temperament and get along well with children and other pets. Basset Hounds are relatively low-energy dogs, making them ideal for people who prefer a more laid-back lifestyle. Their long ears and sleepy faces give them a unique appearance, and their loyal and loving nature makes them a great choice for first-time dog owners.
2. Border Terrier
Border Terriers are small, active, and easy to train dogs that make great companions for new dog owners. They are known for their friendly and outgoing nature and get along well with children and other pets. Border Terriers need regular exercise and mental stimulation, but their manageable size and loyal temperament make them a great choice for new dog owners.
1. Boxer
Boxers are active, playful and known for their affectionate nature. They are great with children and other pets and are highly trainable, making them ideal for first-time dog owners. Boxers need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Their loyal and loving temperament makes them a popular choice for both families and individuals.
Choosing the right dog breed is crucial to a successful and fulfilling first-time dog ownership experience. These 21 dog breeds come in a variety of sizes, temperaments, and energy levels, ensuring there is a perfect match for every lifestyle. By considering the unique characteristics and needs of each breed, new dog owners can find a loyal and loving companion to share their lives with.
