Best Dog Breeds For New Owners

The decision to get a dog is one of the most important decisions you will make.

It can be an exciting time, but it’s also stressful and overwhelming. You want to find a good match between your lifestyle and what you are looking for in a dog.

There are hundreds of breeds out there, each with their own personality traits, strengths and weaknesses. But which breeds best suit new pup parents who’ve never had a dog before?

Dogs come in all shapes, sizes, colours and personalities. They range from large dogs such as Great Danes or German Shepherds to tiny King Charles Spaniels. Some even look like cats!

Choosing the right type of dog for you depends on several things, including size, temperament, age and lifestyle.

If you want a companion animal, consider adopting a puppy or even if you prefer a mature adult dog, choose wisely. The breed you pick can make a big difference! 

Here we will be looking at the top five dog breeds which are best suited to people who have never owned a dog before.

If you have been thinking about getting your first dog for some time now, then this article should help you narrow down your search.

What to Look for in a Dog for a New Owner?

When you are looking for your new dog, it is important that you know what qualities you want in a dog.

You should look at the breed of dog, their temperament, trainability, and consider whether or not they will be suitable for you and your family. If you have children then you need to think about how well the breed gets along with kids. 

Also how active are you in general? If you are very active you’ll want to consider one of the most active breeds, otherwise there are dog’s who require less. 

Let’s take a look at the best breeds for a new pup parent. 

English Cocker Spaniel

If you’re thinking of getting your first dog, you might want to consider an English Cocker Spaniel. They make great companions for new dog owners for a few reasons.

First, they’re relatively low-maintenance and incredibly easy to train. They’re intelligent dogs and pick up on things quickly, so you won’t have to spend months (or even years) teaching them basic commands. Cockers are actually ranked as the 21st most intelligent dog breed! 

Finally, they’re generally good with kids and other animals, so if you have a family or other pets, an English Cocker Spaniel would likely get along well with them.

Cocker Spaniels are also known for being a very affectionate and loyal breed that will form a close bond with their owner.

This is our top pick for first time dog owners as this breed has a long list of qualities that make it a brilliant first pet. 

If you want to learn more about Cocker Spaniels take a look at Spaniel Advisor.

Pug

Pugs are small, lovable dogs that make great companions. They are easy to train and care for, and they don’t require a lot of exercise. Around 40 minutes a day can be enough to keep the dog healthy. While some of the larger breeds could need up to two hours a day! 

One of the biggest attractive qualities of pug ownership is their social and loving nature, which makes them great family members and a joy to be around.

This dog is great for people who live in apartments or small homes because they don’t need a lot of space when compared to one of the larger breeds. 

However, pugs do have some health problems that potential owners should be aware of before getting one. Respiratory problems are the main issue but this shouldn’t be too much of a problem and doesn’t stop thousands of dog owners from falling in love with this breed.

To learn more about Pugs take a look at the Pug Diary.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular choices for first-time dog owners. Actually the third most popular in America! 

They are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, which make them great family pets. Golden Retrievers are also very easy to train and are also very smart dogs. They rank 4th out of all dog breeds in intelligence. 

This breed also loves to spend time with people and other animals alike making them a good choice for families with children. Very gentle dogs! 

However, they do require a lot of exercise and attention, so be prepared to give them plenty of time and energy. Around two hours a day. This can be split up with a little in the morning and more in the evening though to make it easier. 

Looking for a lovable, friendly, and easy to train dog? Then a golden retriever may be the perfect breed for you.

If you want to learn more about Golden Retrievers take a look at Golden Hearts. 

Yorkshire Terrier

The last entry on our list of best first dogs is the Yorkshire Terrier. 

A Yorkshire Terrier may be the perfect choice for first time dog owners. They are small, trainable, and make great furry friends.  Yorkies also make the top 100 smartest dog list being ranked 34th. 

This breed is bred as companion dogs and does a very good job of this. They love attention and need to feel like they are part of the family. Make sure you have plenty of time to spend with your new dog.

Yorkies are pretty vocal dogs and will make a bit of noise now and again. You will want to factor this into you decision as if you live in a block of flats or have a little baby who can easily be woken up by a dog barking. 

If you are looking for a resource on Yorkshire Terriers take a look at Yyorkie.

Picking The Best Dog Breed For You

So, these are our top breeds for new dog owners. 

These breeds mentioned are not the only options you have available as a new pet parent but they do represent some of the best breeds you could pick as a first dog. 

Just remember when choosing the best dog breed for you, it is important to consider your lifestyle, personality, and what you are looking for in a furry friend.

There is no one “perfect” breed of dog, but there is definitely a perfect breed for you. Do your research and talk to breeders or experienced dog owners to find the best fit for you and your family.

And finally, good luck in your search for a new dog. It’s a very rewarding experience!