Getting your very first dog can be exciting. However, it's also a big responsibility because there's a lot that comes along with it. Additionally, every dog breed is different and has their own characteristics that make them stand out.
Some dogs are more energetic than others, some are stubborn and difficult to train, some dogs are very calm and gentle, and some dogs require a lot of special grooming. If you aren't familiar with taking care of a dog, you want to make sure that your first dog is a breed that is easy to train, easy to care for, and can mesh with your lifestyle.
While every individual dog is different, some breeds are good for first-time dog owners and can adapt to any lifestyle. Here are the best breeds to consider if you're a first-time dog owner.
5 best dog breeds for first-time dog owners
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, white, fluffy dog breed. It's a great choice if you live in an apartment or smaller living space, or if you aren't comfortable around bigger dogs for whatever reason. Smaller dogs are also cheaper to care for since they require less food. They are known for being very affectionate.
Bichon Frises are a great choice for families with children or other pets that aren't dogs. Bichons are very easy to train and adapt well to a variety of living situations. Their coat does require regular brushing to prevent tangles, and smaller dogs are notoriously harder to potty train, but overall Bichons are easy to take care of. Some of them can bark a lot, though, so that's something to keep in mind.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is another small dog breed, and they are considered one of the smallest Spaniels. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are great for first-time dog owners because of how adaptable they are. They can fit well into a variety of lifestyles and living spaces and are very "go with the flow" dogs.
Cavaliers are also great dogs for families with children because they are very gentle and affectionate. They are also athletic and love exercise, so they'll be a good playmate for children. Cavaliers can get along with just about anyone. Like the Bichon, Cavaliers require regular brushing because they have a longer coat. They are prone to several health conditions, but buying from a responsible breeder and keeping up with regular vet care can ensure your Cavalier is healthy.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds for first-time dog owners, and for good reason. Not only are they easy to come by, but they have one of the best personalities of any dog breed. They are very sweet and goofy dogs that love just about everyone they meet, and they also get along well with other pets.
Golden Retrievers are also one of the most intelligent dog breeds, and they are eager to please their owners. This makes them very easy to train. However, their intelligence can also make them a bit mischievous and they can get bored easily, especially when they are puppies. But training and making sure they get plenty of exercise and playtime can help prevent some of this mischievous behavior. They also do well if they have another dog to play with, especially another Golden Retriever, so you may find yourself with more than one eventually.
Golden Retrievers are one of the dog breeds that are most prone to cancer, though, so regular vet care is crucial with them.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever was the most popular dog breed in America for 31 years straight, and a lot of that is due to how good they are for first-time dog owners. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most trainable dog breeds because they are very eager to please. They love being around people, no matter what they're doing, and are very in tune with their owners' needs. Because of their loyalty and trainability, Labs make great service dogs, emotional support dogs, or therapy dogs.
Labrador Retrievers also have a very friendly, affectionate, and gentle personality. They are a great choice for families with children of all ages. They are very athletic dogs and often make great companions for hunting, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Labrador Retrievers are also excellent swimmers because they have webbed toes! They also come in three colors: black, chocolate, and yellow.
They are also prone to health conditions though, especially obesity and joint problems. They love to eat, so feeding them a healthy diet in the right portions is crucial. Because of their energy and exercise needs, they may not make the best dogs for small living spaces.
Poodle
Poodles are one of the most versatile dog breeds you can get. They are one of the most intelligent dog breeds, second only to the Border Collie. Poodles also come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. So, if you need a smaller dog because you don't have a lot of space, you can get a Toy or Miniature Poodle and still get all the great qualities in a smaller package.
The Poodle's intelligence makes it easy to train, and they are very loving and loyal with their family. Poodles are also hypoallergenic dogs, so they are a great choice for people with allergies. However, they do have more grooming needs than most dogs because of their coat, which can get matted or tangled if not brushed or cut regularly.
Poodles are very athletic and this combined with their intelligence means they need a lot of exercise and stimulation or they could get bored, which could lead to destructive behaviors. They love to swim though, so this is a good activity to do with your Poodle if you live somewhere with water access.
Every dog breed has its pros and cons, but these five breeds tend to be the best and most popular dog breeds for first-time dog owners. However, any dog breed can make a great choice as long as you understand their care needs, are willing to spend time training them, and can commit to what the dog requires. Best of luck on your search for the perfect dog for you!