The 13 Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners
If you are a first-time dog owner, then here are the top thirteen dog breeds for first-time owners. All of these dogs have easy-to-maintain coats and are low-maintenance. The AKC recommends brushing your dog every week to remove loose hair. You can give your dog occasional baths. If you’re looking for a dog breed that requires little maintenance, the corgi is a great choice.
The Bichon Frise is a great lapdog. This adorable, loving dog is easy to train and good with children. According to the American Kennel Club, its fluffy white coat is hypoallergenic and doesn’t cause any issues with sensitive skin. Bichon Frise needs to be bathed monthly, but benefit from brushing once a week. They should also be groomed every four to six weeks.
Australian Shepherds: These dogs are great choices for first-time dog owners. Although originally bred to be competitive racers, these dogs are now a low-maintenance breed. They enjoy exploring the outdoors and soaking up your company. They have a strong hunting instinct, so they should be kept away from cats and small animals. However, if you want a dog that can help you keep your home clean and tidy, opt for a breed like this.
A cocker spaniel is another popular choice for first-time owners. A cocker spaniel is a friendly and sociable breed that requires regular grooming and daily exercise. Unlike Cocker spaniels, they’re not as active as a golden retriever but are still an excellent choice for first-timers. Their high energy makes them ideal for people on the go. However, they’re prone to chasing other animals and can be dangerous on walks.
Another small dog breed that is perfect for a first-time owner is the Boston terrier. These dogs are small and lovable. They weigh around 12 to 25 pounds and stand 15 to 17 inches tall. Be sure to avoid large dog breeds with unfriendly names, like Dogue de Bordeaux, Basenji, and vizsla. The following dogs are ideal for first-time dog owners.
Golden retrievers are great for families because they are sociable, easy to train, and obedient. Golden retrievers love children and can adapt well to any lifestyle. Goldens can be trained easily and enjoy an active lifestyle. But be prepared to give your dog plenty of exercise! Goldens require regular brushing and a two-week shedding period. So, keep that in mind when choosing a dog.
Great Danes are great for first-time owners because they are low-energy and need little exercise. Their low energy level makes them great companions for apartment dwellers. They don’t require much in the way of exercise and grooming. The Great Dane stands about 28 to 30 inches tall and weighs up to 200 pounds. Pugs are good with kids and are a great choice for first-time owners.
Some of the most popular dog breeds for first-time owners are the standard poodle, goldendoodle, and labradoodle. However, Briggs recommends against these breeds for first-time owners because they require a lot of mental and physical attention. If you have little time to spend on caring for a dog, you might want to consider other breeds. Some of the best dogs for first-time owners are a mix of the two.
Boxers are easy to train and don’t have much energy. They require forty to 60 minutes of exercise each day and drool a lot. Maltese are small dogs that grow up to about nine inches (23 cm) tall and weigh 7 pounds (3 kg). Their soft, silky coat makes them the perfect couch potato. Their small size and minimal grooming requirements make them a great choice for first-time dog owners.
The best breed for first-time owners should match the lifestyle of their owners. For instance, an active person might want a running partner, while a homebody might prefer a lazier lap dog. If you don’t have a lot of time to care for a dog, go for a lower-maintenance breed that sheds less. For the first-time dog owner, choosing a breed with minimal grooming requirements is more convenient. Alternatively, adopting a foster dog from a rescue center will save you a lot of time and energy.
Whippets are fast, lazy and friendly. They get along with everyone, except cats. While they don’t shed much, they do need regular grooming. While they are low-maintenance dogs, they require regular trips to the groomer. And if you live in an apartment, a smaller breed might be more suitable. Mastiffs are also good options for first-time owners. These dogs need only moderate grooming and are docile.