Welcoming a dog into your family for the first time is a joyful and exciting moment. A dog is more than just a pet; they are a lifelong companion who brings love, loyalty and warmth into your everyday life.
While it’s easy to be drawn to the cutest or cuddliest pup, it’s important to consider more than looks when choosing your first dog. The right breed should match your lifestyle, energy level and living situation to ensure a happy and healthy relationship.
Certain breeds are particularly well-suited for first-time owners, thanks to their temperament, ease of training and care needs. By carefully selecting a dog that fits your lifestyle, you’ll create a smoother and more rewarding experience as a new pet owner.
To help you make this crucial decision, we’ve compiled a list of 15 of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Whether you prefer large dogs or small pups, you’ll find the perfect forever friend!
1. Shih Tzu
This cute canine was originally bred for royalty in China but now enjoys worldwide popularity for its adorable looks and easygoing and affectionate nature. Shih Tzus don’t need a lot of exercise and thrive indoors, which makes them a fantastic choice for apartment dwellers and busy individuals. They love being with their owners but can become clingy, so training is essential to help them become accustomed to being left alone.
Group: Toy
Height: 9–10.5 inches
Weight: 9–16 pounds
Coat and Color: Long, flowing coat; various colors
Life Expectancy: 10–18 years
2. French Bulldog
Frenchies are known for their distinctive, bat-like ears, giving them an alert, playful look. These calm, laid-back dogs are happiest when spending time with their families at home. Frenchies are also adaptable, making them good dogs for first-time owners. They don’t require extensive exercise—perfect for those who prefer a laid-back companion.
Group: Non-Sporting
Height: 11–12 inches
Weight: 16–28 pounds
Coat and Color: Short, smooth coat; brindle, fawn, white and combinations
Life Expectancy: 10–12 years
3. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly and tolerant attitudes. People often use them as therapy and service dogs due to their gentle nature. They are intelligent, easy to train and highly loyal, making them a perfect choice for novice owners. Their calm temperament and love for human companionship make them ideal family pets.
Group: Sporting
Height: 21.5–24 inches
Weight: 55–75 pounds
Coat and Color: Dense, water-repellent coat; golden shades
Life Expectancy: 10–12 years
4. Portuguese Water Dog
These medium-sized dogs are energetic and intelligent, making them one of the best dog breeds for first-time active owners who enjoy outdoor activities. Fishermen once used Portuguese Water Dogs to help retrieve nets from the sea, which is likely why they love being in and around the water. They’re also a fantastic choice for those who want a dog to train in water work, like diving and swimming.
Group: Working
Height: 17–23 inches
Weight: 35–60 pounds
Coat and Color: Long, curly or wavy coat; colors include black, brown and white
Life Expectancy: 11–13 years
5. Labrador Retriever
Thanks to their friendly, affectionate and easygoing nature, labradors are a popular choice among first-time homeowners. They’re also great with kids and other pets, making them ideal for families.
Labs are eager to please, which makes training a breeze. Their patience and playful personality make them wonderful companions for people of all ages.
Group: Sporting
Height: 21.5–24.5 inches
Weight: 55–80 pounds
Coat Color: Short, dense coat; breed standard colors are black, yellow and chocolate
Life Expectancy: 11–13 years
6. Pug
Pugs are definitely charmers, with their cute, wrinkled faces, expressive eyes and curly tails. They are playful and outgoing, and they thrive when around people. Pugs also do well with children and other pets. Their low exercise requirements and manageable size make them one of the best beginner dogs.
Group: Toy
Height: 10–13 inches
Weight: 14–18 pounds
Coat and Color: Short coat; fawn or black
Life Expectancy: 13–15 years
7. Poodle
Poodles are one of the few breeds considered hypoallergenic due to their low-shedding coat, which makes them one of the best dog breeds for beginners with allergies or sensitivities to pet dander. Additionally, poodles are highly intelligent, making them easy to train.
They come in various sizes—toy, miniature, and standard—so you can choose the right size for your living situation. For example, people living in apartments or smaller homes might opt for a toy or miniature, while those living in larger spaces can consider standard-sized poodles. However, remember that this is an active breed that needs regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Group: Non-Sporting
Height: Varies (Standard: Over 15 inches; Miniature: 10–15 inches; Toy: Under 10 inches)
Weight: Varies (Standard: 40–70 pounds; Miniature: 10–15 pounds; Toy: 4–6 pounds)
Coat and Color: Curly, dense coat; breed standard colors include black, white, apricot, red, gray and blue
Life Expectancy: 10–18 years
8. West Highland White Terrier
Westies are small, sturdy dogs with lively and confident personalities. They have a striking white coat and a bright, happy expression. Despite their small size, Westies are independent, bold, and energetic. They are also relatively easy to train, making them a good choice for first-time dog owners. Westies love playtime and are great with families, but they also enjoy their own space, making them a well-balanced breed for both active and relaxed households.
Group: Terrier
Height: 10–11 inches
Weight: 15–20 pounds
Coat and Color: Double coat; white
Life Expectancy: 13–15 years
9. Great Dane
Don’t let their size fool you: Great Danes are truly gentle giants. They are calm, affectionate and relatively easy to train, making them one of the best dogs for first-time owners with space.
However, Great Danes are high-energy and need regular mental stimulation. They’re best for beginner dog owners who want a companion for walks, hikes and other physically and mentally engaging activities.
Group: Working
Height: 28–32 inches
Weight: 110–175 pounds
Coat and Color: Smooth, short coat; colors include black, fawn, blue, harlequin and merle
Life Expectancy: 7–10 years
10. Irish Wolfhound
The tallest of all American Kennel Club (AKC)-recognized breeds, the Irish Wolfhound has a majestic, noble appearance that has inspired poems and legends. Despite its large size and muscular build, the Irish Wolfhound is gentle and affectionate, especially with children. They are also often friendly with strangers, so while this breed might not be an excellent watchdog, it’s the perfect choice for novice owners looking for a loving and loyal companion.
Group: Hound
Height: 30 inches minimum for females, 32 inches minimum for males
Weight: 105–120 pounds
Coat and Color: Wiry, medium-length coat; colors include black, cream, gray, red and brindle, and wheaten
Life Expectancy: 6–8 years
11. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs were originally bred to herd cattle and pull carts in Switzerland. While these dogs are big and powerful, they’re also sweet and affectionate to their owners. Gentle and calm, Bernese Mountain Dogs love being part of a family. They are among the best beginner dogs for people with large yards who enjoy spending time outdoors.
Group: Working
Height: 23–27.5 inches
Weight: 70–115 pounds
Coat and Color: Medium-length double coat; colors include black, rust and white, black, tan and white, and black and rust
Life Expectancy: 7–10 years
12. Maltese
Maltese dogs, with their beautiful, silky, long coats, have been a symbol of status and luxury for centuries. Understandably, these dogs love being pampered and played with. Their calm temperament makes them one of the best dogs for first-time owners who want a loving, low-maintenance lap dog. They’re also small enough to adapt well to apartment living and don’t require extensive exercise, making them a perfect match for those seeking a gentle, easygoing pet.
Group: Toy
Height: 7–9 inches
Weight: Up to 7 pounds
Coat and Color: Long, silky coat; white
Life Expectancy: 12–15 years
13. Italian Greyhound
Despite their small size, Italian Greyhounds can run incredibly fast! These muscular, athletic dogs are playful, adaptable and as happy lazing with you on the couch as they are running around the dog park. Due to their sensitive nature, they thrive in calm environments and are ideal for first-time owners who can provide gentle handling and care.
Group: Toy
Height: 13–15 inches
Weight: 7–14 pounds
Coat and Color: Short, smooth coat; various colors, including black, blue, cream, and fawn
Life Expectancy: 14–15 years
14. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are often called “cotton balls” due to their fluffy coats. They are cheerful, playful, and love being around people. Additionally, they have a gentle nature and are highly adaptable, making them good dogs for first-time owners willing to invest time into their grooming and maintenance.
Group: Non-Sporting
Height: 9.5–1.5 inches
Weight: 12–8 pounds
Coat and Color: Curly coat; white
Life Expectancy: 14–15 years
15. Boxer
Boxers are known for their exuberant personalities and the strong bonds they form with their families. These muscular, energetic dogs are highly affectionate and loyal, making them great family pets, especially for households with children. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train, though their high energy levels require regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Group: Working
Height: 21.5–25 inches
Weight: 65–80 pounds
Coat and Color: Short, smooth coat; fawn or brindle with white markings
Life Expectancy: 10–12 years
The Importance of Training Your Dog
No matter which breed you choose, whether it’s an energetic Labrador or a calm French bulldog, training and socialization are essential. Training lays the foundation for a healthy relationship between you and your new pet, ensuring both of you know what to expect. A well-trained dog is not only happier but also safer for everyone around them.
Why Training Is Crucial for All Breeds
Even the gentlest dog breeds can develop problematic behaviors that might disrupt your home without consistent training. For instance, untrained dogs may jump on people, chew on furniture or pull on their leash during walks. Early training sets clear expectations, helping your dog understand boundaries and appropriate behavior. This is particularly important for larger breeds like Great Danes, whose strength and size can lead to accidents if not properly controlled.
Training can also help prevent common behavioral issues, such as separation anxiety or leash pulling. Through interactive sessions, dogs are mentally stimulated and given constructive outlets for their energy. This not only improves their behavior but also contributes to their overall happiness.
Why Hire a Professional Trainer
While some dog owners choose to train their pets on their own, professional trainers offer significant benefits. A trainer can assess your dog’s personality and tailor the training approach to suit their needs. This level of customization is difficult to achieve with DIY training and can lead to quicker, more effective results.
A professional can also address specific behavioral issues, such as excessive barking and aggression, which can be challenging for first-time dog owners. They can teach advanced skills, ensuring that training is positive, structured and consistent. Additionally, having your dog trained by a professional provides opportunities for socialization with other people and animals in a safe, controlled environment.
Explore Dog Training Programs at Unleash Fido
If you’re ready to bring home one of the best dogs for first-time owners, make sure your canine companion gets off to a great start with proper training. Unleash Fido offers various services to help your dog thrive, including Basic Obedience, Advanced Obedience, Behavior Modification, Puppy Foundation, Doggie Boot Camp and private lessons.
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation and set your dog up for a lifetime of good behavior!