The best dogs for first time owners are easygoing and friendly, making excellent family pets. These breeds are a great choice for first-time dog owners. They tend to do well with kids and other dogs and can be well-adjusted members of your family. If you want a loyal companion that is low-maintenance, these breeds fit the bill. These pups are not generally high-energy breeds, but, as with all dogs, they still need daily exercise and attention. Most do not require extensive grooming, making them easy to care for.
Keep in mind that a breed’s characteristics can vary, and training and lifestyle also influence a dog’s behavior. In general,these are some of the best dog breeds for first-time owners due to their adaptable temperaments and trainability. For each breed, there is a rating to show their adaptability (with 5 being the most adaptable), energy levels (5 is the highest energy), bark level (with 5 being the most vocal), grooming needs (5 requires the most grooming), and trainability (5 being the easiest to train). If you’re looking for your first pet dog, consider these breeds.
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Best Dog Breeds for First Time Owners
If you’re a first-time owner, you’ll want to find a calm but sociable dog breed that is not too difficult to train. These dog breeds are known for their adaptable personalities, which will make dog ownership easier. These are some of the best dogs for first-time owners, categorized by size.
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Small Dogs
Small dogs can often live easily in apartments and adjust to city living well. These small dog breeds are a great choice for first-time dog owners as they are generally calm and low-maintenance.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a good-natured pup with a sweet, loving disposition. These doe-eyed pups usually get along with people and other dogs quite well, and they are gentle and even-tempered. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are well-suited to apartment living, making them popular in cities.
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Adaptability: 3/5
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Energy Level: 3/5
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Bark Level: 3/5
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Grooming Needs: 2/5
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Trainability: 4/5
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a happy-go-lucky small dog that adjusts well to city or country life. These gregarious dogs need regular exercise to stay happy. They get along well with other dogs and people and are usually easy to train, making the Bichon Frise one of the best dogs for first time owners. They have low-shedding, curly coats but need regular grooming to prevent mats and keep their coats healthy.
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Adaptability: 4/5
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Energy Level: 4/5
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Bark Level: 3/5
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Grooming Needs: 5/5
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Trainability: 4/5
Papillon
The Papillon is an alert, friendly, and happy dog. These cute pups are very adaptable and easy to train, making them adjust well to different living situations. Papillons are small but athletic and enjoy staying active. They do well on walks and hikes with their families and in dog sports like agility.
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Adaptability: 5/5
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Energy Level: 4/5
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Bark Level: 5/5
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Grooming Needs: 3/5
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Trainability: 5/5
Pug
Pugs are lovable small dogs with funny personalities. They love to play and have a mischievous spirit. These good-natured pups get along well with people and other dogs and tend to be quiet in the house. They have a low-maintenance short coat that makes grooming a breeze.
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Adaptability: 5/5
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Energy Level: 3/5
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Bark Level: 1/5
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Grooming Needs: 2/5
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Trainability: 4/5
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a friendly, pint-sized pup that is one of the best dogs for first time owners. Shih Tzus are charming and affectionate and tend to love children. They usually get along with other pets. Shih Tzus have a medium energy level, making them less work than high-energy breeds. They make perfect lap dogs, happy to chill and soak up all the love and attention they can get.
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Adaptability: 5/5
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Energy Level: 3/5
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Bark Level: 3/5
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Grooming Needs: 4/5
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Trainability: 4/5
Medium Dogs
Medium-sized dogs can participate in lots of activities with you and tend to live longer than their large counterparts. If you’re looking for a medium-sized dog, these are some of the best breeds (and mixes) for first-time owners.
Poodle
Poodles are smart, obedient dogs that do not shed. Their hypoallergenic coat makes them ideal for allergy sufferers. Poodles come in three sizes – Standard, Miniature, and toy, ranging from medium to small. Poodles are athletic, friendly, smart, and eager to please, making them popular pets. These pretty and versatile pups need regular grooming to keep their coats trim and clean.
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Adaptability: 4/5
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Energy Level: 4/5
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Bark Level: 4/5
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Grooming Needs: 4/5
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Trainability: 5/5
Boxer
Boxers are energetic dogs that are popular for families with kids. This athletic breed is great with children and protective of their families. If you lead an active lifestyle and want a partner in crime, the Boxer is a great choice. They’re easy to train and have minimal grooming needs.
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Adaptability: 3/5
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Energy Level: 4/5
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Bark Level: 3/5
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Grooming Needs: 2/5
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Trainability: 4/5
Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dogs are excellent family pets and great for first-time owners. These curly-haired pups are affectionate and adventurous. The Portuguese Water Dog is eager to please and easy to train, making the breed the perfect choice for active people. Portuguese Water Dogs have hypoallergenic coats, making them one of the best choices for allergy sufferers.
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Adaptability: 5/5
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Energy Level: 5/5
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Bark Level: 3/5
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Grooming Needs: 4/5
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Trainability: 5/5
Doodles
Doodles are Poodle mix dogs that may be crossed with different breeds, depending on the type of Doodle. Labradoodles are a cross between a Poodle and a Labrador Retriever, while Goldendoodles are a mix between Poodles and Golden Retrievers. Doodles are popular family pets that are usually kid-friendly, outgoing dogs. The exact personality of your Doodle will depend on their cross-breeding, but in general, most Doodles are enthusiastic, cheerful, and friendly dogs. As with Poodles, Doodles usually require regular grooming to keep their coats trim and healthy.
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Adaptability: 4/5
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Energy Level: 4/5
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Bark Level: 3/5
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Grooming Needs: 4/5
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Trainability: 4/5
Mixed-Breed Dogs
Mixed-breed dogs can be ideal companions for first-time owners. Shelters and rescues are full of mixed-breed dogs. When you’re looking at a rescue dog, consider how much the dog sheds, their energy level, and how well they get along with people and other animals. Most first-time owners do well with friendly, easygoing mutts who are attentive to commands, making training easy.
Basset Hound
The lovable Basset Hound is a good choice for your first dog if you want a low-energy companion who loves to snooze on the couch with you. Basset Hounds are low-key, happy hound dogs with adorable droopy ears. As hound dogs, they can be vocal and have an independent streak, making training a little more challenging.
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Adaptability: 3/5
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Energy Level: 2/5
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Bark Level: 4/5
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Grooming Needs: 3/5
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Trainability: 3/5
Large Dogs
If you love big dogs, these are some of the best dogs for first time owners. From the calm Newfoundland to the gentle giant Great Dane, these breeds are usually low-maintenance for first-time owners.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are loving, friendly dogs that never meet a stranger. These golden-haired pups are highly adaptable and trainable. They’re often used for therapy work since they love people so much and are easy to train. For an all-around happy dog you can take anywhere, Golden Retrievers are a good choice.
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Adaptability: 5/5
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Energy Level: 3/5
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Bark Level: 1/5
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Grooming Needs: 2/5
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Trainability: 5/5
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are calm, loyal dogs who love to play. These large, striking dogs were bred for working in the mountains of Switzerland, and they enjoy staying active and thrive in cold weather. Berners are loving and eager to please, making training a breeze.
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Adaptability: 4/5
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Energy Level: 4/5
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Bark Level: 3/5
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Grooming Needs: 3/5
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Trainability: 4/5
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds, and recently had a streak of being the most popular dog breed in America for 31 years, according to the American Kennel Club. Labs earn their great rank, as they are fun, outgoing dogs that love children and other dogs. These personable pups have a high energy level so they need plenty of exercise. Labs are a great choice for first-time owners with an active lifestyle.
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Adaptability: 5/5
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Energy Level: 5/5
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Bark Level: 3/5
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Grooming Needs: 2/5
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Trainability: 5/5
Great Dane
Great Danes are the gentle giants of the dog world. These towering pups may look intimidating but don’t let them fool you – they have calm, easygoing temperaments. The Great Dane is very adaptable and does surprisingly well with apartment living, given enough regular exercise. Great Danes are great dogs for first-time owners who have the strength and ability to handle a large dog.
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Adaptability: 4/5
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Energy Level: 4/5
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Bark Level: 3/5
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Grooming Needs: 1/5
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Trainability: 3/5
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland, known as the “nanny dog,” is excellent with kids. These devoted and patient giant dogs get along well with people and other dogs. Newfies have a medium energy level and are very adaptable, traits that make them ideal for new owners.
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Adaptability: 4/5
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Energy Level: 3/5
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Bark Level: 1/5
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Grooming Needs: 2/5
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Trainability: 3/5
Breeds to Avoid
Although not every dog of the same breed is alike, in general, certain dogs are more challenging for first-time owners. Some hunting dogs have been bred to make noise when they find prey, which can lead to a dog that barks more than average.
Herding dogs tend to be high-energy, which can be overwhelming for new owners. Primitive breeds such as spitz-type dogs (Huskies, Akitas, etc.) are often strong-willed and independent, which can make training difficult.
Some dogs have a lot of grooming needs, requiring regular brushing and regular grooming. This can be costly or time-consuming, so it is important to consider.
Adopting Your First Dog
If you’re ready to adopt a new dog, consider looking at rescues. Petfinder is a great resource for finding purebred and mixed-breed pups available at shelters and rescues around the country. You can search for dogs in your area to find the right dog for you.
When you’re considering adopting a puppy or dog, ask questions about their temperament and upbringing to make sure you’ve found a good match. Consider the dog’s energy level, personality, and grooming needs to make sure you’ve found the right pup for you.
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