10 Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners

Becoming a first-time dog owner is exciting, but it can also be more or less of a challenge depending on the kind of breed you get. There are so many different dog breeds, and it’s hard to know how to choose the right one. Before you take home the next adorable puppy you see, there are a few things to consider. Fortunately, certain dog breeds have relatively predictable energy levels, sizes, looks, and grooming needs. Here are 10 great dog breeds for first-time dog owners.

Tip

Distinct breed traits—trainability, aggression toward strangers, and prey drive—may be rooted in a dog’s genes, but each dog is different despite this hardwiring. Nurturing and behavioral training can, in some cases, supersede doggy DNA. It is essential to remember that a dog’s breed will not perfectly predict how a particular dog will act.

Breed Characteristics

The best breed for a first-time dog owner is a 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. If you prefer a lazy lap dog, then it’s best to avoid high-energy dog breeds. You may lean toward a lower-maintenance dog breed as your first one, especially if you do not have time for lots of grooming. Foster dogs from a rescue are already house-trained and well-socialized; these are better dogs for beginners since puppies are a lot of work, requiring socialization, training, and a lot of attention.

Bichon Frise

The bichon frise is a happy-go-lucky little dog, great for families with children or apartment living. It looks a bit like a bouncy cotton ball. This breed is a great all-around companion. Bichons are relatively easy to train, adapt well to any lifestyle, and only need moderate daily exercise to be happy and healthy. You will need to dedicate the time and money to regular visits to the groomer. This breed’s curly coat needs to be trimmed regularly and brushed carefully. For a lower-maintenance coat, keep your bichon’s hair cut short.

Breed Overview

• Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)
• Height: 9 to 12 inches
• Weight: 7 to 12 pounds
• Coat and Color: Curly white coat; may have traces of apricot, buff, or cream
• Life Expectancy: 14 to 15 years

Boxer

If you are looking for a medium-large high-energy dog, look no further than the playful boxer. This loyal dog forms a close bond with family. If you lead a reasonably active lifestyle, a boxer could be right for you. This breed needs plenty of exercise and a strong foundation of training. Though young boxers can be a little hyperactive, they are trainable and enjoy attention during training. Once trained and socialized, boxers can thrive in active households and often get along well with kids. Guardians by nature, boxers are naturally protective of their families, especially children. The boxer’s grooming needs are basic.

Breed Overview

• Group: Working (AKC)
• Height: 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch at the shoulder
• Weight: 55 to 70 pounds
• Coat and Color: Short coat; fawn and brindle are the standard colors
• Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a sweet, affectionate dog with a puppy-like appearance. Cavaliers can thrive in all kinds of households and tend to get along well with children of all ages. This breed is small but not tiny and has a gentle demeanor. This dog is elegant, attentive, and generally quiet. The Cavalier’s moderate energy level means basic daily exercise is typically enough to maintain health. It needs basic training and responds to it well. Despite a medium-length coat, this dog’s grooming needs are basic. Regular brushing is essential to avoid tangles in the hair.

Breed Overview

• Group: Toy (AKC)
• Height: 12 to 13 inches (to the withers)
• Weight: 13 to 18 pounds
• Coat and Color: Long, sleek and silky coat with feathering around ears, feet, chest, and tail in four color varieties, tricolor, blenheim, ruby, and black and tan
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years

Golden Retriever

The golden retriever is the quintessential family dog; they are eager to please. Goldens are excellent with children of all ages. This medium-large dog is happy, loyal, affectionate, and active. The breed is intelligent and adaptable to thrive in most households. They also need a fair amount of exercise to keep them in good physical condition and prevent boredom. Training is essential but not difficult. They love to learn and can be trained to do many things. The breed needs regular brushing to keep its coat free of tangles and mats.

Breed Overview

• Group: Sporting (AKC)
• Height: 21.5 to 24 inches
• Weight: 55 to 75 pounds
• Coat and Color: Medium-length double coat; light to dark gold
• Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador retriever is one of the most popular and recognizable medium-large dog breeds. Labs adapt well to most environments and are excellent with kids. They are intensely loyal and affectionate dogs that form close bonds with their families. This breed is active, playful, and intelligent. They thrive in active households that can provide plenty of exercise and training. Labs love to learn and can be trained to do almost anything, enjoying fetching, running, and snuggling. Fortunately, they only have minor grooming needs, like regular brushing to minimize shedding.

Breed Overview

• Group: Sporting (AKC)
• Height: 21.5 to 24.5 inches
• Weight: 55 to 80 pounds
• Coat and Color: Short, dense double coat in black, chocolate, or yellow
• Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

Papillon

Don’t let this dog’s diminutive frame fool you. This happy, friendly, and adaptable dog breed can do well in a variety of households. The papillon gets along with children, but they must be gentle. The papillon is a hardy little dog that enjoys a somewhat active lifestyle. This versatile cutie can function as a lap dog and exercise partner. The papillon does not need a lot of exercise but wants a chance to play and run around. The breed is easy to train and requires only moderate grooming.

Breed Overview

• Group: Toy (AKC)
• Height: 8 to 11 inches
• Weight: 6 to 10 pounds
• Coat and Color: Straight, long, single-layer coat with frills; white with markings and a mask of color, usually red, sable, black, or lemon
• Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years

Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is a dainty and sweet little lap dog. The Pom often bonds closest to a single owner but can still do well in families. This breed is better with gentle older kids but can adapt to many situations. Daily basic exercise is generally enough to keep your Pom happy. They need basic training to provide structure and boundaries. Without training, the breed’s feisty and stubborn side may come out. Fortunately, they respond well to consistent, positive training and will thrive because of it. This dog is bright and moderately active with a big fluffy coat. Fortunately, its coat is not as high-maintenance as it looks. Regular brushing is generally all you need to keep your Pom looking good.

Breed Overview

• Group: Toy (AKC)
• Height: 6 to 7 inches
• Weight: 3 to 7 pounds
• Coat and Color: Long, double coat that comes in many colors, though the most common are red, orange, cream, sable, black, brown, and blue
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years

Poodle

The poodle is a popular, versatile dog breed that makes a wonderful companion. The poodle is adaptable to its environment and can do very well in various households, including those with children. This breed comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, or standard. All are intelligent and respond well to training. Poodles are energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They need grooming regularly to maintain their curly, continually growing coat.

Breed Overview

• Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)
• Height: Over 15 inches (standard); 10 to 15 inches (miniature); 10 inches and under (toy)
• Weight: 45 to 70 pounds (standard); 15 to 18 pounds (miniature); 5 to 9 pounds (toy)
• Coat and Color: One of many solid colors, including but not limited to white, black, gray, brown, apricot, and particolored
• Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire terrier is a great starter dog for those who want a little lap dog. This breed is affectionate towards its owner and may even act protective around strangers. The Yorkie has a moderate energy level and only needs basic exercise. Daily walks are great for this breed. It also needs a solid foundation of training. Without structure, these little dogs can be stubborn and vocal. Train your Yorkie as you would a big dog, and it will help strengthen the bond between you and lay down boundaries. This dog has grooming needs that require attentiveness. Yorkies have continually growing hair that must be brushed and trimmed regularly. If you have the time and budget for regular groomer visits, it will be fairly simple to keep your Yorkie in good condition.

Breed Overview

• Group: Toy (AKC)
• Height: 8 to 9 inches
• Weight: 5 to 7 pounds
• Coat and Color: Long, straight, and silky coat; color combinations are black and gold, black and tan, blue and gold, and blue and tan
• Life Expectancy: 13 to 16 years

Mixed Breed Dogs

When considering the right breed for you, it’s important to keep mixed-breed dogs in the picture. These one-of-a-kind dogs can make excellent companions. If you are not sure which breed is right for you, visit your local shelter or rescue group to meet some adorable mutts. Rescue workers can match you with a dog that has the traits you desire. Training, exercise, and grooming are necessary for all dogs, but a mixed-breed dog’s needs will depend on its unique makeup.

Breeds to Avoid

You might want to pass on highly independent, stubborn breeds or dogs with an unpredictable disposition if you are a first-time owner. These breeds can require intensive behavioral and socialization training and close supervision around strangers. Breeds to consider skipping include Akitas, Airedale terriers, and Australian cattle dogs.