The Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners

Welcoming a dog into your family for the first time is exciting — and maybe a little daunting. There are many decisions to make when adopting a dog: What will their name be? Where will they sleep? What toys will they like? But perhaps the most important decision first-time owners need to make is which dog is right for them.

This is a decision that needs a lot of thought. Yes, you may fall in love with the first dog you see at the shelter, but if their grooming, exercise and training requirements don’t match your lifestyle, they’re probably not the right dog for you. It’s important to do some research on which dog breeds fit your lifestyle but also, as a first-time dog owner, which breeds are relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips on first-dog ownership, as well as some dog breeds you may want to consider during your search for the perfect canine companion.

The Best Dog to Own Is the One That’s Right for You

When researching dog breeds, you may start with obvious questions like small dog or big dog? But you also need to consider the different needs of a particular breed and how that fits with your family and lifestyle. For example, certain breeds are better with young children than others. Some breeds, like border collies and German shepherds, are extremely active and intelligent, and therefore need constant stimulation. Some dogs require an outdoor space, and some dogs don’t get along well with other pets.

Here’s a starter list of questions to ask yourself and some examples of the outcomes if that breed isn’t a good fit with you.

• Do you have time to brush and groom your dog regularly? A dog with a high-maintenance coat can develop painful mats if it isn’t brushed regularly.
• Are you able to meet your dog’s exercise requirements? High-energy dogs that aren’t exercised enough can develop behavior problems.
• Can you provide enough mental stimulation for your dog? Highly intelligent dogs need both physical and mental exercise — bored dogs can become destructive dogs.
• Are you committed to training and socializing your dog? All dogs benefit from constant training and socialization to prevent behavior issues.

Once you have those answers, you can start looking at dog breeds that match. However, remember that, just like humans, every dog is unique. Breed characteristics are a good place to start, but they may not be entirely true for a particular dog.

Also, many people choose to adopt dogs from a shelter or rescue organization, rather than from a reputable breeder. Rescue dogs tend to be mixed breeds, so their characteristics are a little harder to pinpoint. What is great about a rescue dog, though, is that the shelter staff can often provide valuable insight into their personalities and needs, and can tell you if they match with what you’re looking for.

Best Dogs for First-Time Owners

If a dog breed is consistently in the top 10 of the American Kennel Club’s most popular breeds list, then there’s usually a good reason for it. Here are three top 10 breeds that are great choices for first-time dog owners.

Golden Retriever

The epitome of a family dog, golden retrievers are happy and affectionate dogs that love to please their people. Their personality is easy-going and they love other dogs, but they do need an active family to play with them and teach them basic manners. Otherwise, they may get bored and decide to relandscape the backyard!

Labrador Retrievers

There’s a reason that Labs were the most popular dog breed in the U.S. for over three decades. If you’re looking for an active dog that will go running with you, hike a trail or play flying disc with the kids, a Labrador retriever is a great option. These large dogs adapt well to different situations, and they’re a highly intelligent breed that loves to learn. Grooming and training are both pretty easy with this happy breed.

Poodle

The great thing about poodles is that they come in three sizes, so they’re a good breed to consider no matter what size of dog you’re looking for. A toy poodle typically weighs less than 10 pounds, while a standard poodle is 45 to 70 pounds, and a miniature poodle is somewhere in between. No matter their size, poodles are adaptable, smart and easy to train. They do need regular grooming but their low-shedding coat, which produces less dander than many breeds (no dog is truly hypoallergenic), makes them a great choice for people who are allergic to dogs.

Easiest Dog Breeds to Take Care Of

If you’re a first-time owner looking for a dog that’s pretty chill, goes with the flow, and doesn’t need to be the center of your attention, the breeds below may be worth considering.

Boxer

If you have an active family with kids, boxers are a great dog to consider. These medium-large dogs (up to 70 pounds) are playful, naturally protective of their family and love being loved on. Their coat doesn’t need much maintenance, but they do need daily exercise and basic obedience training to help them channel their energy.

Shih Tzu

These lively little dogs love their family and playing with kids. They make great companions and play time is typically enough exercise for them. Their coat does need regular brushing, but it doesn’t shed very much.

Low-Maintenance Dogs for First-Time Owners

Some dogs, like Afghan hounds, have high-maintenance grooming needs and require regular grooming visits to take care of their coats. If this doesn’t sound like you, and you’re looking for a low-maintenance breed that doesn’t need a lot of grooming, consider these little dogs.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These cuties look like puppies even when they’re adults. Cavalier King Charles spaniels are adaptable, affectionate and calm lapdogs that are gentle with kids. Their coat only requires basic brushing and grooming and their exercise needs can be met with a daily walk or playing in your apartment.

Papillon

A lapdog that also wants to play outdoors? That’s a papillon. These happy, friendly and easy-to-train dogs are a bundle of playfulness in a tiny 6- to 10-pound body. And despite their impressive ear fringe, papillons are relatively easy to groom (although regular brushing is recommended).

Other breeds you may want to consider when looking for your first dog include the Bernese mountain dog, Yorkshire terrier and bichon frisé.

Should I Get a Puppy or an Adult Dog?

No one can resist puppy eyes and soft snuggles, but that cute ball of fluff comes with a lot of work — socialization, potty training, obedience classes, constant supervision, many veterinarian visits and the destruction that typically comes with teething. And while a puppy is adorable, their personality is hard to read at just a few months of age. So, if you’re looking for an easier first-dog experience, an adult rescue dog that is already house-trained and has developed a personality that you can connect with may be a better choice. There are plenty of adult dogs that need a new home, too!

So, What Dog Should I Get?

Ultimately, you’re the only one who can decide the perfect breed for you. No matter which dog you decide to bring home, remember that all dogs need veterinary care, nutritious food, training, socialization, mental stimulation and, of course, lots of love. If you have more questions about adopting a new dog, check out our guide to adopting a pet.