15 Best Dogs For First Time Dog Owners

There are hundreds of different dog breeds out there, and most will make a great dog for a first-time owner. However there are few breeds that are ideal for first time dog owners, and will make the experience of owning a dog an easy and joyful one.

Best First Dog

So you’ve been doing a bit of thinking and you’ve decided to get a dog. You’re excited but at the same time a little scared as you have never owned a dog before. It’s only natural to be a little scared as you just don’t know what to expect. Will the dog destroy my home, or will it takes hours to train the dog, or will the dog constantly bark.

Becoming a dog owner is a responsibility not to neglected or taken lightly; the trust that a dog has in its owner should never be betrayed. A dog is not a toy that can be abandoned after a while, out of boredom.

Best Dogs First-Time Owners

Choosing a dog is determined by multiple factors: where you live, the size of your house, the time you can spend with the dog and, of course, the amount of finance you have at your disposal. The negative aspects and difficulties that may arise will better be weighed in advance.

Golden Retriever

With their loving, sweet and gentle nature it is no surprise that the Golden Retriever makes the top of the list. They love to play and make their families happy. They are loyal and affectionate. However their long coats will require a lot of regular grooming. If you lead a busy lifestyle or spend periods of time away from home a Golden Retriever shouldn’t be your choice of dog and you should look into another breed.

Golden Retriever Facts

Avg Lifespan: 10 – 12 yrs.
Avg Weight Male: 65 – 75 lbs (29.4 – 34.01 kg).
Avg Weight Female: 60 – 70 lbs (27.2 – 31.75 kg).
Avg Height Male: 22 – 24 inch (56 – 61 cm).
Avg Height Female: 20 – 22.4 inch (51 – 57 cm).
Coat: Straight or moderately wavy dense water repellent coat with a good undercoat.
Color: Any shades of gold or cream.
Temperament: Trustworthy, Reliable, Friendly, Confident, Intelligent, Kind, Biddable.
Country of Origin: Scotland.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

They are a lovable breed with stunning looks. This dog love people and will want to be involved in everything whether this is sitting on your lap or going for a walk. They have a very easy going trusting nature, and are generally quite welcoming of strangers. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can however be quite stubborn at times, but will be quite happy either playing with children or sitting on the laps of an older person.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Facts

Avg Lifespan: 9 – 14 yrs
Avg Weight Male: 13 – 18 lbs (5.9 – 8.2 kg)
Avg Weight Female: 13 – 18 lbs (5.9 – 8.2 kg)
Avg Height Male: 11 – 13 inch (30-33 cm)
Avg Height Female: 11 – 13 inch (30-33 cm)
Coat: Silky, smooth coat and commonly a smooth undocked tail
Color: Black and Tan, Tri-color, Blenheim, Ruby
Temperament: Sociable, Affectionate, Fearless, Patient, Playful, Adaptable
Country of Origin: England.

Labrador Retriever

The Lab is one of the most popular family pets in the world, and is ideal for first time dog owner. Their friendly and intelligent nature makes them particularly suited to new dog owners. They are very energetic and will require lots of exercise to remain fit and healthy. They love their families and will want to be with you at all times, which is why they are probably not the best choice if they are to be left at home on their own for lengthy periods.

Labrador Retriever Facts

Avg Lifespan: 10 – 14 yrs.
Avg Weight Male: 64 – 80 lbs (29 – 36 kg).
Avg Weight Female: 55 – 70 lbs (25 – 32 kg).
Avg Height Male: 22 – 25 inch (57 – 62 cm).
Avg Height Female: 21 – 23 inch (55 – 60 cm).
Coat: Double coat (under and outer) to keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer (short, straight and very dense).
Color: From solid colors to brindles, to dual colors like black and tan (yellow, black and chocolate or brown).
Temperament: Gentle, High Intelligent, Kind, Agile, Outgoing, Trusting, Even Tempered, Extreme Good Nature, Never Showing Aggression.
Country of Origin: Canada.

Poodle

Poodles are smart and intelligent dogs which is why they are an especially good choice for any first time dog owner. They are energetic but can be a little bit wary of strangers. You will find three sizes of Poodle – Standard, Miniature and Toy. All three will require regular haircuts and grooming.

Poodle Dog Facts

Avg Lifespan: 12 – 15 yrs.
Avg Weight Standard Poodle: 44 – 70 lbs (20 – 32 kg).
Avg Weight Miniature Poodle: 11 – 19 lbs (5 – 9 kg).
Avg Weight Toy Poodle: 4 – 6 lbs (2 – 3 kg).
Avg Height: 9 – 23 inch (24 – 60 cm).
Coat: Non-shedding (most allergy sufferers can live with a poodle).
Color: Black or White, Cream, Sable, Black and White, Blue and Silvers, Grey, Browns, Reds and Apricots.
Temperament: High Intelligent, Alert, Active, Faithful, Instinctual, Trainable, Sophisticated, Smart, Lively and Active.
Country of Origin: Germany, France.

Goldendoodle

A designer breed combining 2 of the top breeds on the list, it should come as no surprise that it makes the top 10. A mix between the golden retriever and poodle, this is breed is loving, intelligent, affectionate and energetic. All of these will make a loving dog that will be ideal for first time dog owners.

Goldendoodle Dog Facts

Avg Lifespan: 10 – 15 yrs.
Avg Weight Standard Size: 45 – 77 lbs (20 – 35 kg).
Avg Weight Medium Size: 30 – 45 lbs (13 – 20 kg) and and the mini Goldendoodles weigh 15 – 30 lbs (6 – 13 kg).
Avg Height Male: 24 – 26 inch (61 – 66 cm).
Avg Height Female: 22 – 23 inch (56 – 58 cm).
Coat: Hypo-allergenic, Non-shedding, Uniquely Soft Feel (Curly and Wavy Coat).
Color: Black, Silver, Cream, Apricot Cream, Chalk, Gold, Red, Apricot, Chocolate, and Cafe.
Temperament: Very Smart, Friendly, Energetic, Intelligent, Friendly, Quick Learners and are Trained Very Easily.
Country of Origin: United States.

Labradoodle

One of the most popular designer breeds, the Labradoodle mixes the loving, energetic and even temperament of both the poodle and Labrador. They will be highly intelligent and easy to train, but will also be your best friend. Their size can vary depending on whether the poodle genes are from the standard, miniature or toy variety. Rest assured though they will be a great little companion for any first time dog owner.

Labradoodle Dog Facts

Avg Lifespan: 12 – 15 yrs.
Avg Weight Standard Size: 50 – 66 lbs (23 – 30 kg).
Avg Weight Medium Size: 28 – 44 lbs (13 – 20 kg) and and the mini Goldendoodles weigh 15 – 26 lbs (7 – 12 kg).
Avg Height Standard: 21 – 24 inch (53 – 63 cm).
Avg Height Mediums: 17 – 20 inch (43 – 52 cm), Miniatures 14 – 16 inch (36 – 42 cm).
Coat: Low to Non Shedding (It should be straight, wavy or forming loose spirals. It should not be too thick, dense, fluffy or fuzzy).
Color: chalk, cream, caramel, black, silver, blue, chocolate, café, parchment, gold, apricot, and red.
Temperament: Great with kids, Very intelligent, Easy to train, Loyal and affectionate.
Country of Origin: Australia.

Bichon Frise

This little dog is loving and affectionate. They were breed purely for companionship so it should come as no surprise that they are also a fantastic little dog for first time dog owners. They love to perform in front of their family and will learn new tricks quickly.

Bichon Frise Dog Facts

Avg Lifespan: 12 – 15 yrs.
Avg Weight Male: 6 – 11 lbs (3 – 5 kg).
Avg Weight Female: 6 – 11 lbs (3 – 5 kg).
Avg Height Male: 9 – 11 inch (23 – 30 cm).
Avg Height Female: 9 – 10 inch (23 – 28 cm).
Coat: Very fluffy and looks like a little puffball. The breed carries a loosely curled coat with fine silky hairs. The coat is considered to be hypoallergenic and is mostly all white.
Color: Sometimes a cream coloring may be seen but for the most part white is the main color.
Temperament: Feisty, Affectionate, Cheerful, Playful, Sensitive, Gentle, love to perform tricks, Obedient, Very Independent, Charming, Do Not Bark a Lot, Competitive.
Country of Origin: Spain.

Cockapoo

Designer breeds are becoming pretty popular and the Cockerpoo is fast becoming one of the most sought after. A mix between a Cocker Spaniel and a poodle, this breed is happy, loving and affectionate. They shed very little, but will require regular grooming. However like both poodles and Cocker Spaniels they can sometimes get re-occurring ear infections.

Cockapoo Dog Facts

Avg Lifespan: They have a long life span 13+ yrs the oldest recorded 22 years old.
Avg Weight: 11 – 24 lbs (5 – 11 kg).
Avg Height: 9 – 15 inch (25 – 38 cm).
Grooming: is not only for aesthetics purposes, it is also a vital part of keeping your Cockapoo healthy and comfortable.
Coat: Non moulting breed, almost hypoallergenic hair, good for those people who have allergies. They are pretty much odorless and they don’t slobber.
Color: Black, White, Liver, Brindle, Liver & White, Light Brown, Dark Brown, Black & White, Blue, Gold.
Temperament: Trainable, Intelligent, Can be Very Energetic, Loyal, Jealous, Great with kids.
Country of Origin: United States.

Papillon

This little dog has a big reputation. They are intelligent and have lots of energy, so are more suited to those with a more active lifestyle. They are happy in either a big house or a small flat. Due to their tiny size if you do have kids just remember to make sure they play gently.

Papillon Dog Facts

Avg Lifespan: 13 – 16 yrs.
Avg Weight Male: 8 – 10 lbs (3 – 5 kg).
Avg Weight Female: 5 – 9 lbs (2 – 4 kg).
Avg Height: 8 – 11 inch (20 – 28 cm).
Purpose: Companion dog and Show dog.
Alternative Names: Continental Toy Spaniel (in many parts of Europe), Epagneul Nain Continental (in many non-English speaking countries), Butterfly Dog, Squirrel Dog.
Coat: The single coat that it is fine, long and straight, sometimes has extra frill its depends on the dog but they have them on the ears, at the chest and at the back of the tail and the legs.
Color: White and Black, White & Lemon, White & Red , White & Sable, White Black & Tan, Black Brown & White, Black Red & White , Brown & White, Fawn & White, Red, Red White & Sable, Sable, White , White & Silver.
Temperament: Friendly, Very Intelligent, Love the Exercise, Amusing, Charming, Animated, Playful, Passionate, Understand and Learn Really Fast.
Country of Origin: Spain, France, Italy. England and Belgium are also credited.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu are very lively and energetic dogs. They are very happy dogs with a lot of charisma. Because they are so courageous, they may come across as arrogant and make great watch dogs. With their dynamic character, they can bark a lot. Shih Tzus are good with children who treat the dog with respect. Shih Tzus are also very loyal to their owners can experience separation anxiety if they are separated from their owners for long periods of time.

Shih Tzu Dog Facts

Avg Lifespan: 10 – 16 yrs.
Avg Weight Male: 8 – 15 lbs (4 – 7 kg).
Avg Weight Female: 8 – 15 lbs (4 – 7 kg).
Avg Height: 9 – 10 inch (22 – 25 cm).
Grooming: They will need to be brushed daily so they can avoid tangling hair.
Coat: Hypo-allergenic, Soft long coat, typical Shih Tzu has a blaze of white on the tail tip and also on the forehead. Double-coated is very dense and can grow very long.
Color: Black, White, Liver, Brindle, Liver & White, Light Brown, Dark Brown, Black & White, Blue, Gold.
Temperament: Very friendly, Affectionate, Smart, Full of Energy, Very sweet and Playful, Can bark a lot, Good with Children, Very Loyal, Courageous, Make great watch dogs, Can experience separation anxiety.
Country of Origin: Chinese/Tibetan in origin and means “Lion Dog”.

Pug

The pug is a funny looking little dog. However he makes up for his small size with a massive personality. They are great with children and other pets, and are ideal for any new first time dog owner. They are happy in most environments whether it is a large house or small flat. Pug don’t need lots of exercise, and are quite happy to simply snuggle up for cuddles.

Pug Dog Facts

Avg Lifespan: 12 – 15 yrs.
Avg Weight: 14 – 18 lbs (6 – 8 kg).
Avg Height: 10 – 13 inch (25 – 33 cm).
Coat: Don’t let a Pug’s short soft coat fool you! Pugs do shed tons of hair!
Color: Black, Fawn, Apricot, Silver Fawn.
Temperament: very stubborn and determined, loving and affectionate, intelligent, great companion dogs, lap dog, loving, good-natured dogs that bring warmth and laughter to every home, NOT great guard dogs, Pugs are BAD workout partners.
Health Problems: have short muzzles, prominent eyes, and deep facial folds as well as screw tails, all of which make them susceptible to certain illnesses and injuries.
Country of Origin: China.

Boston Terrier

This little guy is loving, affectionate and friendly (even with strangers). They love to be with their family so they are probably not the best breed to choose if you are planning to leave them on their own for long periods. They are happy either playing and walking, or being snuggled up on the sofa with their family.

Boston Terrier Dog Facts

Avg Lifespan: 13 – 15 yrs.
Avg Weight: 8 – 24 lbs (4 – 11 kg).
Avg Height: 9 – 15 inch (22 – 38 cm).
Coat: The coat of the Boston Terrier is very pleasant to the touch, a short, glossy and smooth. The tail is short. The coat is short, tight, almost does not fade.
Color: Color can not only be brindle, but also white and black markings with white or black colors.
Temperament: Vibrant energy, good-natured, beautiful ‘guard’ quality, excellent character and high level of intelligence, Very smart, vigilant, and more enthusiastic, They love children, gently and willingly play with them, they have a balanced psyche, they are not subject to violent outbursts, aggression or misbehavior.
Health Problems: The breed is very poorly adapted to severe frost or heat. In winter, they need to dress in a wool sweater or something else (for severe frosts provided special footwear). In summer, try to avoid overheating in the sun. Representatives of this breed often snore during sleep. Also do not forget about breathing problems caused by a shortened muzzle.
Country of Origin: United States.

Maltese

The Maltese is another dog that makes up for his size with a larger than life personality. They are active and almost puppy like well into their later years. They are cuddly and love affection, and love their families, making them perfect for novice dog owners. Just remind your kids to be gentle, although this little dog thinks he bigger than he actually is, he is still small and fragile.

Maltese Dog Facts

Avg Lifespan: 12 – 15 yrs.
Avg Weight Male: 64 – 80 lbs (3 – 4 kg).
Avg Weight Female: 55 – 70 lbs (3 – 4 kg).
Avg Height Male: 8 – 10 inch (21 – 25 cm).
Avg Height Female: 7 – 9 inch (20 – 23 cm).
Coat: Usually have long hair that is surrounded by skin that is a darker color.
Maltese dogs have silky long coats of hair but have no undercoat. Suitable for persons who have allergies.
Color: They are usually pure white but may also be cream colored or may have a light lemon color. You will rarely find these dogs in a pale ivory color and sometimes with traces of a pale orange.
Temperament: good companion dogs, very lively and playful, have a tendency to bark a lot.
Country of Origin: Malta.

Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog is a little bit smaller than the collie. They are extremely loyal, happy and intelligent. This dog can be trained with ease, and they are energetic so will make a great agility dog. Shetland Sheepdog can be very vocal and can sometimes bark a lot which can be a bit overwhelming for a first time dog owner.

Shetland Sheepdog Dog Facts

Avg Lifespan: 12 – 13 yrs
Avg Weight: 13 – 26 lbs (6 – 12 kg)
Avg Height: 13 – 16 inch (33 – 41 cm)
Coat: The double coat, although beautiful and soft, it requires constant attention and brushing. Even when fully brushed, shedding will occur.
Color: Blue Merle, Black and White, Sable and White, Sable, Black and Tan, Merle, Tri-color.
Temperament: The Shetland sheepdog is a smart and alert that has a lot of intelligence. make great family dogs, also can learn to respond to signals and voice commands. has a large degree of trainability and intelligence. Shetland sheepdog has a beautiful personality, their temperament makes them perfect for small apartments and urban locations. This dog must be raised from a puppy to be around children for the best results. This dog is going to bark when people pull in the driveway, knock on the door, appear suspicious or are unfamiliar to the dog. This is a part of their loyal nature to alert the family of danger.
Country of Origin: Shetland Islands, Scotland.

Yorkshire Terrier

Small enough to fit in a handbag this little dog has a big personality. They are intelligent and sprightly, and get on well with other pets and they are great with both adults and children, and make a great dog for first time owners. Their coat needs a lot of attention so regular grooming is essential, and it can be a little much for some new dog owners. They are always alert which can sometimes mean they bark and yap a lot. Yorkshire Terriers come in Standard and Mini sizes (also called miniature or teacup). Mini’s are typically 3 to 4 pounds while the standard s are about 6 to 7 pounds. A standard Yorkshire Terrier will reach a height of 8 to 9 inches.

Yorkshire Terrier Dog Facts

Avg Lifespan: 13 – 16 yrs
Avg Weight: 4 – 6 lbs (2 – 3 kg)
Avg Height: 8 – 9 inch (20 – 22 cm)
Coat: The coat on a Yorkshire Terrier is long, fine, and silky, parted down the middle of their back. The hair is only one layer and doesn’t shed. Yorkie fall under hypo allergic dog section.
Color: It may take three to four years for the Yorkie coat that reaches the last and the final result. The final color is mostly black with a grayish tinge.
Temperament: Yorkshire Terrier is a very smart dog, and are very intelligent, so they are easy to train and teach if you start early. Very proud, loves to be spoiled, can be very demanding. They are very territorial, they play pretty well with older respectful children, but are not really recommended for young children. The Yorkshire Terrier is a wonderful watchdog. This dog love to bark, but over all a Yorkshire Terrier is a very friendly, loving happy and sweet dog.
Country of Origin: England.

Choosing Best Dog Breeds For First Time Owners Conclusion

Many families end up unhappy because they don’t know how important choosing the right dog breed is. It can be the difference between a long, wonderful life with your dog, and only a few months before you decide that this beautiful puppy is better suited to another person.

When choosing the best dog breed for first time owner, you can never really know exactly what breed is right for you, but you can make an educated guess based on your life, your wants, and your needs. Really look into the breed before you get any dog, and you’ll have a good companion no matter what.