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Our Pick For The Best Dogs Breeds For First Time Owners

Best Dogs Breeds For First Time Owners | thepetsrise.com
Written by Arlene S. Lane

Best dogs breeds for first time owners are one of the most dreams come true moments for anyone looking for a dog to adopt for the first time. We all know how amazing pets dogs are. They can bring smiles to their owner with their funny and friendly persona and if you have taught them some tricks then you have an infinite supply of joy. However, finding the right best first dog is quite overwhelming.

Whether you are looking for a dog for your kids or want to gift it to your partner whatever the reason is, getting your first dog can be both an exciting and a little anxious experience. You will need to look for several dog care guides, and learn about their behavior, maintaining your house when your dog is also your family member, and so on. This is because first time owners dog shouldn’t look messy and untrained or detached from their owner according to us.

While the starting time between your dog and you would be a learning period, you will want to make sure that you make it easy for both of you and will not be too time-consuming and hectic. This is where the best dogs breeds for first-time owners come in handy. These breeds have specific personality traits, attitudes, and easygoing personalities that make them the best dog for a first time owner. 

Best Dogs Breeds For First Time Owners

From easy grooming to training and learning behavior, these are the best first dogs that you can consider if this is your first time adopting a dog.

1. Golden Retriever

Best Dog For A First Time Owner

Quick Overview of Golden Retriever Breed

Weight: 55 to 75 pounds

Height: 24 inches

Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years

Level of care: 5/5

For first-time pet owners, a Golden Retriever is the perfect companion. They are gentle, loyal, and friendly dogs that make excellent family pets. They are also easy to train and are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please.

Golden Retrievers have a great temperament, which makes them an ideal choice for novice pet owners who may not have experience with training dogs. Not only do they require minimal training, but they also require minimal grooming, making them a low-maintenance breed that is perfect for busy households.

Their intelligence and even-tempered nature make them suitable for households with children as well. They are natural hunters, which means they require lots of exercises. They are also very energetic and need to be taken on a daily walk or jog to ensure they don’t get bored and develop behavioral issues such as hyperactivity.

2. PapillonPapillon | petsrise.com

Quick Overview of Papillon Breed

Weight: 5 to 10 pounds

Height: 7.8 to 11 inches

Life expectancy: 14 to 16 years

Level of care: 4/5

If you are looking for the best first dog for a first-time pet owner, look no further than the Papillon. This small, elegant breed of dog is known for its intelligence and loyalty, making it an ideal companion for inexperienced owners. Papillons are also easy to train and can quickly pick up new commands and tricks. They are athletic and spritely despite having such small sizes. 

They can benefit greatly from playtime. They also have a friendly disposition which makes them great around children and other animals. With proper care, a Papillon can be one of the best small dog breeds for first-time owners. They can be a great lifelong companion that adds joy to your life. 

3. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog | petsrise.com

Quick Overview of Bernese Mountain Dog Breed

Weight: 70 to 115 pounds

Height: 23 to 27.5 inches

Life expectancy: 7 to 10 years

Level of care: 4/5

If you are a first-time pet owner looking for easy to train dog breeds for first-time owners, Bernese Mountain Dog is an ideal choice. This breed is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and obedience. It is also easy to train and can be a great companion for first time owners.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are loving, gentle, and affectionate with their family members. They are also quite patient with children and other pets in the house. They have a calm nature which makes them the best dogs breeds for first time owners. They are an ideal choice for those who want to get their first pet but don’t have much experience in handling dogs.

This breed is also very adaptable and can easily adjust to new environments or changes in routine. With proper training, they make excellent watchdogs as well as companions. All these qualities make Bernese Mountain Dog the best dog for a first time owner.

4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Quick Overview of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed

Weight: 13 to 18 pounds

Height: 12 to 13 inches

Life expectancy: 11 to 15 years

Ease of care: 4/5

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are one of the best dogs breeds for first time owners. These dogs are affectionate, gentle, and loving companions that make wonderful additions to any family. They are also easy to train and can be taught basic commands quickly. Furthermore, they require little extra grooming but minimal exercise needs, making them perfect for busy households.

With their sweet dispositions and charming personalities, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are sure to bring joy into your home. One of the most important things to remember when considering a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is that these dogs are not meant for families with smaller children. 

Despite their gentle nature, these dogs do not tolerate rough handling and may respond in ways you don’t want them to when startled or provoked. With that said, they are one of the best small dog breeds for first time owners and wonderful companions for older children and adults. Especially those who can exercise patience and control around the dog.

5. Basenji

Basenji | thepetsrise.com

Quick Overview of Basenji Breed

Weight: 22 to 24 pounds

Height: 16 to 17 inches

Life Expectancy: 13 to 14 years

Ease of Care: 4/5

If you are looking for the best first dog of your life or are you a first time pet owner looking for the best dog breed for your family? Look no further than the Basenji. This breed is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and adaptability to different environments. It is also easy to train and has a low-maintenance coat that requires minimal grooming.

The Basenji is one the great dog breeds for first time owners who want a loyal companion that will bring years of joy into their lives. They aren’t like other touchy dogs who will stay on their ankles so individuals who often have to go out will find this breed a great choice.

6. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise | thpetsrise.com

Quick Overview of Bichon Frise Breed

Weight: 7 to 12 pounds

Height: 9 to 12 inches

Life Expectancy: 14 to 15 years

Ease of Care: 4/5

The bichon Frise dog breed is known for its friendly temperament and happy-go-lucky nature. The Bichon Frise is the best first dog for those with limited space as it has a small size and friendly, affectionate nature. They are adaptable to any environment and don’t require an excessive amount of exercise. They are also easy to train dog breeds for first time owners. However, they require a bit extra time to groom and maintain. To enjoy less grooming time, keep their curly fur short and trimmed.

Their appearance alone can bring a smile to anyone’s face because they look like a bouncy ball. Bichons are also considered to be hypoallergenic, which makes them a great choice for people with allergies. They are loyal and sociable and make great companion dogs.

7. German Shepherd

German Shepherd | thepetsrise.com

Quick Overview of the German Shepherd Breed

Weight: 50 to 90 pounds

Height: 22 to 26 inches

Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years

Ease of Care: 5/5

German Shepherds are the best dog for a first time owner, looking for a loyal and protective companion. They are intelligent, easy to train and have a great temperament that makes them a great fit for families with children. They also have an innate sense of loyalty and protectiveness which can make them an ideal choice for first time dog owners. They are smart and intelligent which is why they are being utilized in K-9 units.

Their strong work ethic and eagerness to please their owners make them one of the best dog breeds for first time owners. German Shepherds are also highly adaptable, so they can fit into any lifestyle or home environment. With the right training, they can be an excellent addition to any family, and become a great watchdog. If you are looking for the best dogs breeds for first time owners then this is the right choice for you.

8. Boxer

Boxer | thepetsrise.com

Quick Overview of the Boxer Breed

Weight: 55 to 70 pounds

Height: 24 to 26 inches

Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

Ease of Care: 5/5

Are you considering getting a new dog for your home but don’t know which breed to choose? Boxers are one of the best dogs breeds for first time owners. They are loyal and loving, making them a great companion for first-time pet owners. Not only that, but they are also intelligent and easy to train dog breeds for first time owners. This means they can quickly learn commands and tricks.

Boxers also have a playful nature and can be easily socialized with other pets or people. All in all, boxers make an ideal pet for first time owners who want an intelligent, loyal, and loving companion.

9. Labrador Retrievers

Labrador Retrievers

Quick Overview of Labrador Retrievers Breed

Weight: 55 to 80 pounds

Height: 24 inches

Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

Ease of Care: 5/5

Labrador Retrievers are a great choice for first-time owners due to their friendly, loyal, and outgoing personalities. They are also incredibly intelligent, making them easy to train dog breeds for first time owners. Labs are also known for being very gentle and tolerant of children, making them great family dogs.

Additionally, they are relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming and exercise needs. Lastly, they are an incredibly versatile breed, as they are well-suited for a variety of activities, from swimming to agility courses. The lab is undoubtedly a great dog breeds for first time owners who love to visit outdoors too often.

10. Great Dane

Great Dane | thepetsrise.com

Overview of the Great Dane Breed

Weight: 110 to 175 pounds

Height: 28 to 30 inches

Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years

Ease of care: 3/5 

Great Danes are the best dogs breeds for first time owners because of their sweet and loving temperament. They are gentle giants who love to spend time cuddling with their humans. They are also very intelligent and loyal companions. Because of their courage and intelligence, they can also become great watchdogs.

To reach its full potential in terms of training, this breed does benefit from expert obedience instruction. They are intelligent and easy to train, making them the perfect companion for inexperienced pet owners.

Additionally, Great Danes are not particularly active dogs and are content to lounge around the house, making them low-maintenance pets. Being a low-maintenance breed, this is the best first dog for one who has a busy job schedule.

11. Pugs

Pugs | thepetsrise.com

Overview of Pugs Breed

Weight: 14 to 18 pounds

Height: 10 to 13 inches

Life expectancy: 13 to 15 years

Ease of care: 5/5

These are the best dogs breeds for first time owners because of their affectionate, loyal, and easy-going personalities. They are also small, which makes them a great choice for apartment living. Pugs are also low-maintenance, as they don’t require a lot of exercise or grooming. They are also a great choice for novice dog owners because they are very intelligent and easy to train. They can get along with any pet owner and other pets.

Additionally, Pugs are very low-allergenic, so they are a great choice for those with pet allergies.

12. Standard Poodles

Standard Poodles | thepetsrise.comStandard

Overview of Standard Poodles Breed

Weight: 45 to 70 pounds

Height: 18 to 24 inches

Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

Ease of Care: 4/5

Poodles are generally very intelligent, loyal, and Easy to Train Dog Breeds for First Time Owners. They also tend to be fairly low maintenance when it comes to grooming and exercise. However, you will need to trim their fur once a month depending on the growth to avoid matting and brushing is also important. They are also very loving and affectionate, so they make great companions for first time dog owners. With their high intelligence and eagerness to please, they are easy to train and can learn many tricks and commands. They also have a good temperament, so they’re not overly aggressive or prone to barking at people or other dogs. Finally, their versatility makes them suitable for many different lifestyles and homes.

13. Yorkshire Terriers

Yorkshire Terriers | thepetsrise.com

Overview of Yorkshire Terriers Breed

Weight: 8 pounds

Height: 7 to 8 inches

Life expectancy: 11 to 15 years

Ease of care: 3/5

They are one of the best breeds for first time owners because they are eager to please, intelligent, and easy to train. They are also small in size and can live happily in most environments. Yorkshire Terriers are loyal and affectionate, making them excellent companion dogs. They are also fairly low maintenance, with minimal grooming requirements and no special dietary needs. All of these traits make them one of the best breeds for first time owners.

Final Thoughts

We have included some large and pure small dog breeds for first time owners in our list. However, there are some mixed breeds that can also be the best first dog for first time pet owners. Some species like terriers, herding dogs, or in general any dog which requires high maintenance shouldn’t be your choice if this is your first time. Before you adopt your first dog you should consider searching for a dog behavior guide to understand their behavior and talk to your friend who already owns a dog. Our dog care blog features some of the best dog food tips, pet care guides, and Other important material that one can consider. Take a look to make an informed decision.

 

About the author

Arlene S. Lane

Arlene S. Lane is a veterinary technician and hospital manager with over 12 years of experience. Arlene has been contributed expert content to The Pet's Rise for over 10 years.
Arlene has worked in veterinary medicine since 2017. Arlene's veterinary experience ranges from routine wellness care and preventive medicine to emergency and specialty care, where she has performed duties ranging from specialized nursing to clinical administration.

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