Getting your first dog is an exciting time, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, certain dog breeds will be much better suited towards first-time owners than others; they're easy to train, groom, bond with and above all, they're resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Grab a cuppa and here are 10 breeds that tend to be good entry-level dogs for novice dog owners.
1. Labrador Retriever
Labs have reigned supreme on the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular and recognizable medium-large dog breeds In U.S for 30 straight years for a reason!
These playful, easy-going pups—which come in chocolate, black, and yellow—adapt well to most environments and are excellent with kids. Smart, affectionate, and energetic, Labradors does best in an active household where they can both run and cuddle.
2. Golden Retriever
The quintessential family dog, golden retriever, is very smart, loyal, happy and willing to please.
With their gentle nature, shining coats, and charming smiles, Golden Retrievers mixes very well with people, dogs, and even cats. They also need a fair amount of exercise and thrive in active households that can provide plenty of exercise and training.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a gentle, graceful, athletic, and high-spirited little pup that undoubtedly is a contender for the title of "top tail-wagger".
These goofy and friendly little dogs are known for being highly adaptable and gets along with all family members — from young children to the elderly. Depending on an owner's lifestyle, they can be upbeat athletes or shameless couch potatoes.
4. Boxer
If you are looking for a medium-large high-energy, loyal and loving companion that doesn’t leave your side and loves to get out and exercise with you, look no further than the playful boxer.
This loyal dog loves to be with his people and protect them, especially children. The Boxer requires daily exercise and a strong foundation of training.
5. Papillon
The Papillon—which means butterfly in French—is a small, friendly toy dog with a fine-boned structure.
This happy, friendly, and adaptable dog breed can do well in an apartment, out in the country or anywhere in between, and they also get along well with children. Though very small, this toy breed can function as a lap dog and exercise partner.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
A truly petite-sized pup, the adorable Yorkie is a great starter dog for those who want a little lap dog.
Though tiny, Yorkshire terriers have a reputation for being tenacious, feisty, brave, and sometimes bossy. But more than anything else, they will provide years of laughs, love, and close companionship.
While these pups are playful, the breed does better with older children who've been taught to respect them than with toddlers and small children.
To get a healthy dog, a good play session in the living room or a nice walk around the block is needed!
7. Pugs
Their friendly and playful nature, along with an adorable face, these sturdy, compact dogs are known as the clowns of the canine world!
Originally bred to be lap dogs, the adaptable pug is happy with kids or old folks, in the city or country, as an only pet or in a pack. Another bonus, pugs live to please their people, which helps make training them a breeze.
8. Poodle
Whether Standard, Miniature, or Toy, and either black, white, or apricot, Poodles are renowned for a playful but dignified personality and keen intelligence.
With an Einstein brain and a Three Stooges sense of humor, the Poodle is very fond of people and eager to please; he loves children as much as he loves adults, too. Combine that with poodle's legendary intelligence, and you've got a dog that's highly trainable and well suited for just about any task you put them to (obedience, agility, hunt tests, etc.).
9. Bichon Frise
Small and fluffy, Bichons are happy-go-lucky little dogs with a love of mischief and a lot of love to give. Their easygoing nature and adorable poof of white make Bichons great for families with children or apartment living. Despite their diminutive size, the Bichon Frise requires plenty of playtime and activity, and doesn’t care for being left home alone for long hours of the day.
10. Dachshund
Dachshunds are a good choice for apartment dwellers and people who don't have a backyard, however, they often bond closely with a single person and may even become jealous of their owner's attention and can become a little snappy. You’ll have a happy healthy dog as long as you incorporate plenty of opportunities to chase and find things.
Conclusion:
Always ensure the needs of the breed you choose meet your lifestyle. So, consider puppy classes to help you both get to grips with training, and don’t forget to check your local shelters for mixed-breed dogs, because they can make exceptional family pets, too!
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