Pet Zone

First-Time Dog Owner? These 8 Breeds are the Perfect Choice

By Morgan

If you’re about to be a first-time dog owner, these breeds are the best choices for you

Adopting or buying a pup is not an easy choice to make, especially if you’re a first-time dog owner. Before welcoming the little one into your home, there are a few things to think about! Each dog is different, but in general, each breed’s energy levels, sizes, appearances, and grooming requirements are fairly predictable, which can help you choose the right dog.

Some breeds that make excellent first pets include Yorkshire terriers, Labrador retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and poodles. To help you avoid doubting yourself if you’ve made the wrong choice of dog, I’ve made this sort of guide article in which I will list all the breeds suitable for first-time dog owners.

Read about the breed you’re interested in

Are you a senior living alone and want a dog to keep you company? Then look for a breed that doesn’t need much physical exercise or running outdoors. If you don’t like to see hairballs all over the house, then look for a short-haired breed with low-maintenance fur; that’s why you might think about getting your first dog from a breed requiring less attention, like the papillon.

Keep in mind that every dog, regardless of breed, needs proper training, care, and veterinary attention. Since puppies are a lot of work and need a lot of attention, socialization, and training, adult foster dogs from a rescue are frequently already house-trained and well-socialized, making them great dogs for beginners.

first-time owner — Photo by BGStock72 from Envato Elements

Maltese

The Maltese’s charming face and amiable disposition make it difficult to resist, especially if you’re a first-time dog owner. They’re cute for sure, but you have to know that these dogs need monthly trims, so make sure you keep their silky coat manageable and short. Also, make time every day to brush their coat even though they don’t shed much; despite having so much fur, they like it when you do that, so you can see brushing as bonding time and not as another task to complete.

The Maltese is a very loving, content breed that enjoys lounging on your lap and doesn’t need a lot of exercise; that’s why it is mainly recommended for seniors, for those who have a busy schedule, or for people with minimal space in their home.

Papillon

As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, Papillon is one of the breeds that suit a first-time dog owner because it’s low maintenance, it’s super adaptable in any household, and it loves children too.

The papillon is a resilient small dog that likes to lead an active life. This adaptable cutie can serve as both an exercise partner and a lapdog. The papillon wants to play and run around, but it doesn’t require a lot of exercise, so 30 to 45 minutes of walking per day is enough for it to be happy. The breed only needs moderate grooming and is simple to train.

Because Papillons can live up to 15 years, you will be able to enjoy their company for a very long time if you are fortunate enough to take good care of them.

Golden Retriever

Everybody loves Golden Retrievers! They’re sweet, smart, loyal, and most importantly, easy to take care of if you’re a first-time dog owner. They thrive in any type of household as long as they receive love, affection, and attention—something that keeps them busy; otherwise, they might start munching on stuff.

Furthermore, a little bit of daily exercise is mandatory for a Golden Retriever, but 1 hour a day is more than enough. It’s also recommended that you train your Golden Retriever puppy from an early age. Oh, and don’t forget to brush its fur regularly to keep it free from tangles.

I use the Self Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs and Cats from Hertzko for my 3 dogs, and all I can say is that it is better than the classical Furminator, which, in my opinion, is also pretty overrated. Order your brush from Amazon for just $12.99.

Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is a small, adorable lapdog suitable for a first-time dog owner. Although they can thrive in families and love children too, Poms tend to bond most strongly with a single owner. For the most part, daily simple exercise will keep your Pom happy.

They require fundamental instruction to establish boundaries and structure. Even though a lot of people manage to train their dogs on their own, I recommend professional training. Otherwise, the stubborn and feisty side of the breed might surface, and you may not like it. To keep your Pom looking nice, you usually just need to brush it once a day.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are small dogs that love to show affection. Whether they are playing with the kids or resting on the couch next to you, this ancient Chinese breed is happiest when they are with their family. Although it’s one of the best breeds for first-time dog owners because it doesn’t require a lot of physical activity, neither will bark excessively when they are home alone, you will need to brush that gorgeous, silky coat at least a few times a week to keep tangles at bay.

Boxer

If you’re a first-time dog owner and you’re searching for a medium-sized, energetic dog, the playful boxer is the perfect choice. This devoted dog develops a strong relationship with the family. And you might be a good fit for a boxer if you have a moderately active lifestyle. This breed demands a solid training foundation and lots of exercise.

Despite their tendency toward hyperactivity, young boxers are trainable and like being the center of attention when they are training. After being socialized and trained, boxers can flourish in busy homes and frequently get along with children. Additionally, this breed requires little upkeep in terms of grooming, so if you don’t like fur all over your couch, adopt a boxer!

Yorkshire terrier

As a first-time dog owner, buying a lapdog is probably a great idea, and I warmly recommend the Yorkshire Terrier. In addition to being loving toward its owner, this breed can be protective of strangers. The Yorkie requires only simple exercise because of its moderate energy level. This breed benefits greatly from daily walks.

Some people may argue with me because of what I am going to say, but a Yorkie needs training. By training your Yorkie the same way you would a large dog, you can establish boundaries and deepen your relationship. Furthermore, Yorkies’ constantly growing hair necessitates frequent brushing and trimming.

Poodle

There was a time back in the day when everybody had a poodle on a leash. They were proudly walking near their owners, jumping and running eagerly to the nearest park. The good news is that if you want to adopt a poodle, but don’t know for sure, then read the following lines. Poodles are super adaptable, versatile (because they can thrive even in small apartment spaces), and lovable too.

There are three sizes available for this breed: standard, miniature, and toy. They’re all smart and do very well in training. Poodles are active canines that require a lot of mental and physical stimulation, so make sure you go on regular walks with them, and when you stay indoors, keep them busy with lots of toys they can chew on.

For their coat to stay curly and keep growing, they require frequent grooming.

Hey there! Do you have a furry friend at home, or are you thinking about being a first-time dog owner this year? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

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About the Author

Morgan

Howdy! I am Morgan, a proud momma of 3 dogs, 1 cat, and an Ara parrot, and an animal lover since I was a kid. Because I grew up surrounded by all sorts of pets since my grandpa was a zookeeper back in the day, I learned that life without animals will be sad and empty. With the Pet Compilation team, I will share my knowledge of pets, how to care for them, to feed them, and to make them feel loved. Any questions you might have regarding the topic, feel free to ask me. See ya around!