11 Best Dog Breeds For First Time Dog Owners

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Published 2020-06-02
If you are a first time dog owner then not all dogs will be good for you. Most harder to train breeds or breeds that can demand much more of an owner won’t be a good dog for people just starting off.

Don’t worry, here are 11 breed options that are good for first time dog owners. And they all are very unique and mostly friendly dogs.

1. Golden Retriever
2. Labrador Retriever
3. Poodle
4. Bichon Frise
5. Yorkshire Terrier
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
7. Pug
8. Whippet
9. Bernese Mountain Dog
10. Great Dane
11. Papillon

If you are interested in checking out our longer first time dog owner breed list, check this out: doggowner.com/best-dogs-first-time-dog-owners/

Also, consider going to your local dog shelter if you are looking to get a new dog. There are many dogs out there that need to be adopted.

Before you get your new dog make sure you read up plenty about puppy training, what items you need, and the routines you need to put in place in order to succeed.

Let us know what you think about our list and your experience with these dogs.

We always love to hear from our community about their experiences with their furry friends!

Be sure to subscribe for more videos like these and much more weekly content in the future.

All Comments (21)
  • @mtspp5801
    Pugs and Cavaliers are walking vet bills, which probably should be included in anyone's consideration of pet. Pugs with squashed in noses almost all have trouble breathing and Cavaliers almost all have spinal issues that have sadly been bred into them by humans.
  • @RoboSteave
    I've had dogs of several breeds and loved them all. But I think my favorite one was actually my neighbor's lab. She was really smart, fun, and loyal. Miss you, Zoe!
  • @terrybardy2848
    I had my miniature poodle named Joseph Francis. He lived to be 16 1/2 years old. He was so smart! Poodles Rule!!!!🐩🐩🐩🐩🐩
  • @dresdyn100
    My parents bred German Rottweilers when I was growing up, I never thought I'd move away from them until we inherited a Japanese Spitz. He's friendly, loving, loyal, smart and playful. The only downside was training him out of his barking at the slightest noise, which took longer than I'd experienced before, and he frets terribly when left alone for even a short time. Beautiful boy that stole our hearts very quickly.
  • @ballzmckgee3167
    Got 17 years outta my Golden, hims was best boys and super big!
  • @Stefanie2530
    I've owned 5 bichon frises throughout my life. This breed is pretty close to perfection, IMO. They're a nice size (10-20lb range), smart, LOVE people (including kids!) , SO very happy, love to please their owners, VERY affectionate and easy to train. They do not shed, however they do require grooming. Its recommended every 6-8 weeks. I have ours groomed every 8-10 weeks but brush him daily during that time.
  • @melinda3369
    I am 67 and just got my first dog. A black and tan coon hound from the local shelter. She is the sweetest thing ever, and perfect for me.
  • @elizabethG633
    Just to let you know, we have had experience with Labrador Retrievers and I can tell you for a fact that some of them will live to 19 yrs.
  • @abusedcucumber
    Everyone kept telling me not to get my dream dog as my first dog - malinois. I rescued a gsd x doberman puppy from shelter instead. The energy levels are very similar and the behavior in general. Definitely getting him a malinois sister in the future <3
  • @mysticmama_3692
    All dogs are good dogs if you know how to deal with them. Personally...Im a pit bull person. I used to be one of those who thought they were a dangerous breed, but after taking in a pit bull from a rescue situation 12 years ago....I realize that the stigma against them is undeserved, and have spent the last few years advocating for them, and helping pit bull rescues. They aren't for lazy owners who don't want to take the time to properly train them, but they are wonderful dogs if given the right environment and love to thrive in.
  • @Laurie90267
    I love my Yorkie and Lab. Labs are so easy to house train, loyal and very smart. When he said Yorkies are hard to house train, he was spot on. But, the love and companionship they give makes it easy to overlook an occasional potty mistake in the house. Both Yorkies and Labs want to be near their owner all of the time. They both love to cuddle on the couch next to me and give endless hugs and kisses.
  • I have a spanish bodeguero. Such a nice and benevolent character. A real friend. Both my wife and I really love him. He really enjoys being around us and doesnt show any agression neither zo humans nor other animals
  • I keep seeing bad posts about cavaliers. Ive owned 5 and only 1 has ever had a health issue. The 2 i own now are almost 12 and apart from old age issues, they are very healthy. I cant stress enough the importance of researching breeders for this breed. There are good, ethical responsible breeders out there who breed health cavaliers. Dont let their bad press put you off. They are the most loving, affectionate breed who love their familys and are fantastic and gentle with children
  • @YungBratzHvH
    My first dog was a mix of labrador and german shepherd, i love him very much and he listens to my every word. raising him was very easy!
  • English setters are also great, gentle giants. We had one and he was one of the best dogs. Our Miniature Poodle was also an amazing pet.
  • Thelma, my whippet-Pitbull, was a sweetheart, very easy to handle, friendly & smart. She lived to be 19.
  • @fayjune3008
    I got a Bernese Mountain Dog as my first Dog just last September and I have to say, everything they say about them in this video is totally on point! He's an amazing dog and so sweet it worries me that he loves people so much sometimes. He's very nondestructive, even as a puppy, he didn't chew as much as other dogs I've seen that friends and family have owned. Very, very easy to house break too! I would recommend, 10 out of 10!
  • @WorgenGrrl
    Speaking of Bichon Frise, you can also consider it's cousin the Havenese. It's temperament is the same and is an excellent Family dog. It was originally a ratter (chases down rats) but was easy to train so it became an entertainer and was adopted by the Nobility of Havana Cuba (hence the name) for their children. Like the Bichon, regular grooming visits are a must. My boy, Osito (Little Bear in Spanish), absolutely loved going to the Groomer. Sadly he has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge a few years ago and I hope wherever he is, he's getting pampered for eternity.
  • @cordywitt6400
    Good list, I prefer the poodle. Very smart and easy to handle. 💝
  • Thank you for this video, very helpful for first time buyers or anyone thinking if getting a dog.