If you’re looking for a dog for the first time, chances are you’re not sure which breed is right for you. Should it be big or small? Energetic or a couch potato? The answer to that is a question. What are you looking for? Read on to see which of these best dog breeds for first-time owners might be right for you.
12 Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners
All of these breeds made my list of the best breeds for first-time dog owners because they have great personalities and are easy/relatively easy to train. They are wonderful for singles as well as those with families.
I’ve included a breed overview with quick facts and FAQs for each breed for those of you who like to skim. Just a quick note about height and weight: unless otherwise noted, females lean more towards the smaller side than males. So, if the range is from 24-38 lbs, expect that females will fall in the 24-35 range and males more towards the 27-38. Make sense? Good. Now let’s dive in!
1. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier
I gave you an overview of the Staffordshire in my article, Small Dogs – An Apartment Dweller’s Best Friend. Well, they’re so great, they get another shout-out.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the classic family dog. He may look like a vicious killer, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
This breed is an exceedingly loving, loyal, and even tender dog. They’re completely devoted to their families, especially the kids. There’s a reason Staffies have been called the nanny dog.
That said, they are moderately stubborn and can be protective of their families, so they will require socialization and patience when training. However, even those without experience will find them fairly easy to train overall.
Breed Overview: Physical Traits and FAQs
- AKC Group: Terrier
- Height: 14-16″
- Weight: 24-38 lbs
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
- Coat Type: Smooth
- Hypoallergenic?: No
- Good with kids?: Yes, very
2. The Labrador Retriever
This is quite possibly one of the best dog breeds around. They are loving, loyal, exuberant, and just generally great dogs.
Dogs of this breed are intelligent and eager to please, making them exceptionally easy to train. Their highly social nature means you won’t have to worry much about them being aggressive toward strangers or other dogs.
They’re also very healthy dogs overall. However, Retrievers are more prone to bloat than many other breeds. Also, like all larger dogs, they can develop joint problems as they age.
While they require outdoor activity, they are perfectly happy to lounge with the family at times as well– after they outgrow the puppy years, of course. However, they do remain fairly high-energy dogs, so they’re not ideal for those leading totally sedentary lives.
Breed Overview: Physical Traits and FAQs
- AKC Group: Sporting
- Height: 22-23
- Weight: 55-80
- Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
- Coat Type: Short and thick double-coat.
- Are they hypoallergenic?: No
- Are they good with kids?: Yes, very
3. The Bichon Frise
The Bichon is another of the best dog breeds for anyone getting their first pooch. Bichons are intelligent dogs with a temperament that lends them to both single owners and families alike.
They are loving to the point of doting at times, and they are quite easy to train…with an exception. Bichons are notoriously challenging to potty train. Once you get past that, though, they learn both basic and advanced skills in a snap.
Energy-wise, they fall right in the middle of the “total lap dog” and “never stops moving” spectrum. They’re content to chill for long periods of time, but they’re also ready to go when you are.
They do need regular grooming to keep their hair in check. I recommend a perpetual puppy cut if you’re not into showing your dogs.
Breed Overview: Physical Traits and FAQs
- AKC Group: Non-sporting
- Height: 9–15 in
- Weight: 12-18 lbs
- Life Expectancy: 14-15 years
- Coat Type: Curly
- Are they hypoallergenic?: Yes
- Are they good with kids?: Yes
4. The Golden Retriever
The “Golden”, as they’re commonly referred to, boasts a loving, loyal temperament, and an energy level that makes them perfect for an active family.
This dog loves to be outside, and he LOVES children. He’s perfectly happy to run with the kids in a fenced yard, go on hikes, or swim in the pool. When he comes inside, the Golden loves to relax on the couch with his people.
If you entertain frequently and need a dog that won’t freak out whenever strangers come over, the Golden is perfect in that respect as well. He’s very much an “I know I just met you but I love you already” type of dog.
Goldens only regular bathing and brushing to keep their gorgeous coat in check. They’re also extremely easy to train thanks to their eager-to-please personalities, making them great dogs for the first-time owner.
Breed Overview: Physical Traits and FAQs
- AKC Group: Sporting
- Height: 22-24″
- Weight: 55-75 lbs
- Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
- Coat Type: Double-coat, thick, wavy
- Hypoallergenic?: No
- Good with kids?: Yes, very
5. The Pug
One of the best dog breeds for new owners, the Pug’s eagerness to please and playful personality make it a perfect choice for any first-timer.
If you love to laugh, then the Pug is for you. These guys are the class clowns of the dog world. They are full of love and life, and they are always eager to try something new. Although they have a moderate amount of energy, these are not outdoor dogs.
Because of their squishy faces, hot days and long walks or hikes are not only ill-advised, they are dangerous.
Pugs just need a short walk. The rest of their energy will be spent doing all kinds of goofy, Instagram-worthy things while they are indoors enjoying their people.
Breed Overview: Physical Traits and FAQs
- AKC Group: Toy
- Height: 10-14″
- Weight: 14-18 lbs
- Life Expectancy: 12-15
- Coat Type: Short and straight
- Hypoallergenic?: No
- Good with kids?: Yes
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The graceful and lovey-dovey Cavie is a wonderful first dog for families, singles, and senior citizens alike.
Cavs are off-the-charts on the “affectionate meter.” They absolutely adore everyone-kids, other dogs, even the family cat! They’re always up for a cuddle on the couch and will happily sit on your lap for hours.
While they’re perfect for a “Netflix and chill” lifestyle, they do know how to have a good time. They’re not high-energy dogs, but they’re also not totally sedentary, either.
Training-wise, they’re not quite as eager to please as labs and retrievers, but they’re extremely quick learners.
However, Cavies are prone to several health conditions, including eye and ear problems, heart conditions, and syringomyelia (a neurological issue). A good breeder will screen for these issues, so it’s 100% imperative that you do your research before buying a Cav.
Breed Overview: Physical Traits and FAQs
- AKC Group: Toy
- Height:12-13″
- Weight: 13-18 lbs
- Life Expectancy: 9-15 years
- Coat Type: Long and straight
- Hypoallergenic?: No
- Good with kids?: Yes
7. Papillon
One look at the Papillon’s beautiful ears makes it easy to see why they’re named after the French word for “butterfly.” If you’re looking for a wonderful lap dog for first-time owners, you definitely can’t go wrong with a Papi! They were actually bred for that very purpose way back in the 1500s.
These sweet little pint-size pups are perfectly suited for apartment living and great for families with older children. They don’t mind tinier tots, but they’re not quite as kid-friendly as many of the other dogs on this list.
Papillons don’t tolerate being alone very well, so if you’re constantly away they’re not the dog for you. However, they’re fantastic for homebodies!
As far as their activity level goes, they’re kind of right in the middle. They need regular exercise but they’re not constantly rearing to go.
Their gorgeous coat isn’t nearly as high-maintenance as it looks. They’re clean dogs and fastidious groomers, so they only need baths when they get REALLY dirty. Other than that, a good weekly brushing is all it takes to keep their fur in great shape.
Breed Overview: Physical Traits and FAQs
- AKC Group: Toy
- Height:8-11″
- Weight: 4-9 lbs
- Life Expectancy: 12-16
- Coat Type: Long, straight, smooth
- Hypoallergenic?: No
- Good with kids?: Somewhat. They like young kids well enough but prefer older children and adults.
8. Standard Poodle
While all poodle sizes make fantastic companions for first-timers, we’ll be talking about the Stanard Poodle here to keep it simple.
These loveable pups are incredibly intelligent and easy to train, which explains why they’re often chosen for service dog work.
Poodles get along great with kids of all ages, and their openness toward strangers makes them great for families who entertain frequently.
As far as other pets go, though, they fall right in the middle of “I need to be an only child” and “the more the merrier!” They can and do live in perfect harmony with other dogs, but only with socialization and training.
They’re also very playful dogs with fairly high energy, so they’re not ideal for sedentary families. They REALLY love swimming and hiking, making them wonderful for outdoorsy types.
The only thing that is really high-maintenance is that curly coat. If you can’t keep up with regular brushing every single day (and you have to brush all the way down to the skin EVERY day), I suggest keeping your poodle’s hair very short.
Breed Overview: Physical Traits and FAQs
- AKC Group: Non-Sporting
- Height: 15-21″
- Weight: 40-70 lbs
- Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
- Coat Type: Long & curly
- Hypoallergenic?: Yes
- Good with kids?: Yes
9. Yorkshire Terriers
The beautiful and bright-eyed Yorkie may be small in size, but he has a ginormous personality and plenty of heart! If you love a sassy and feisty dog, the Yorkshire Terrier is definitely the breed for you.
Interesting fact: despite the name, Yorkies are actually in the toy group, not the terrier group as you’d expect. Check out their history on the AKC if you’re interested in the backstory behind that.
Unlike most terriers, Yorkies are consummate lap dogs at heart. There are exceptions, of course. Some owners say their prey drive and hunting skills match dogs that are actually in the terrier group.
Like terriers, Yorkies are pretty high-energy. They love to play and need plenty of exercise throughout the day.
They’re also pretty easy to train thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please their people.
These fairly hypoallergenic dogs have hair very similar to a human’s. They need regular brushing and a weekly bath to keep their locks looking luscious. You’ll also need to clip the hair around their eyes regularly.
Breed Overview: Physical Traits and FAQs
- AKC Group: Toy
- Height:7-8″
- Weight: 5-7 lbs
- Life Expectancy: 11-15
- Coat Type: Long and silky
- Hypoallergenic?: Yes
- Good with kids?: Yes
10. Great Dane
Don’t let his massive size fool you! The Great Dane is a GREAT companion for newbies! Especially for singles or those with older children.
However, they’re not totally low-maintenance dogs, and it’s important to understand a few things before bringing home this charming breed.
First, these gentle giants are often called couch potatoes, but they actually are fairly energetic dogs with playful natures. They’ll need regular exercise to stay healthy.
Second, like all extra-large dog breeds, Great Danes have shorter lifespans. You need to prepare yourself ahead of time for the heartbreaking fact that you may only have 7 years with your furry friend.
Last, you CANNOT get away with not training your Great Dane. I mean, that’s pretty much true for any dog really, but obedience training is a solid 100% MUST with these giants.
If you can handle all of that, then yes, Great Danes do make good dog breeds for first-time owners. Would they be my first pick for a total newbie? Probably not. But I wouldn’t advise against getting one, either.
Breed Overview: Physical Traits and FAQs
- AKC Group: Working
- Height: 28-30″
- Weight: 110-175 lbs
- Life Expectancy: 7-10
- Coat Type: Short & smooth
- Hypoallergenic?: No
- Good with kids?: Older kids, yes. Younger kids, only so-so
11. Bernese Mountain Dog
Another gentle giant, Berners make a better option than Danes if you want an XL pup but also have very young children. They’re extremely lovey-dovey dogs that are surprisingly gentle with even the tiniest of tots, given their massive size.
However, while they do adore kids, they tend to form deep bonds with one specific person in the family. This makes them ideal for singles as well.
As with the Great Dane, Berners have heartbreakingly short lifespans. So again, make sure you’re prepared for that before you adopt one.
They do shed a fair amount, especially during certain times of the year. Twice a year they basically “blow” their coat. During that time they need weekly brushing.
Berners need regular exercise, and they really love spending time outside with their families. At the end of the day, they’re happy to sit by your side and enjoy a bit of peace and quiet.
Breed Overview: Physical Traits and FAQs
- AKC Group: Working
- Height: 23-28″
- Weight: 70-115 lb
- Life Expectancy: 7-10
- Coat Type: Medium-length double coat
- Hypoallergenic?: No
- Good with kids?: Yes
12. Basset Hound
With their soulful eyes, long ears, and low-rider bodies, there’s almost no dog that’s as instantly recognizable as the beautiful Basset Hound.
Their gentle natures and “chill” lifestyles make them perfect for families as well as senior citizens. They get along well with young kids and other dogs, too.
If there are any drawbacks to Basset Hounds for first-time owners, it’s that they’re not the easiest breed on this list to train. Like most dogs in their breed group, they’re extremely independent.
Remember, hounds were originally bred to hunt on their own, so they needed to be able to think for themselves. Just start early and keep at it. Oh, and use treats!
One other note, their short hair isn’t quite as low-maintenance as it looks. Although it’s not nearly as challenging to keep in great shape as, say, the poodle, it still requires upkeep. You’ll need to brush your hound weekly to keep shedding under control.
Breed Overview: Physical Traits and FAQs
- AKC Group: Hound
- Height: 13-15″
- Weight: 40-65 lbs
- Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
- Coat Type: Short & smooth
- Hypoallergenic?: No
- Good with kids?: Yes
Don’t Forget About Mixed-Breed Dogs!
While we’ve talked about purebred dogs so far, don’t ignore mixed-breed pups, especially those waiting in shelters for their forever families. Three of my dogs were mixed breeds and they were the most extraordinary family dogs ever.
That said, I do want to caution you against choosing a local shelter dog with a challenging history. As much as we want to adopt every dog with a heartwrenching back story, often these dogs need a more experienced hand to help them overcome past traumas.
If you do feel like you can provide all of the extra love and care necessary AND you’re willing to work with a trainer, a vet, and any other professional he may need, it may work out. Just make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into.
Honestly, though, that goes for all dogs. Even the most popular dog breeds require a bit of research on your part before you can truly find the right one for you. You’ll know when you’ve found the perfect pup. Something will just click in your heart and you’ll think, “That’s the one!”
Your Best Friend is out There
These are my top picks for the best dog breeds for first-time owners! Remember, as I always say, make adoption your first option. There are many purebred dogs available for adoption in shelters as well as online rescues. They make exceptional pets, and if you find one that’s already grown, you get to skip the potty training process altogether! Bonus!
Do you have any of these best dog breeds for first-time owners? Which is your favorite?
