Navigating finding a dog breed can be difficult if you haven’t owned a dog before. Not only are you taking on the responsibility of caring for a new dog, but you also have to take into consideration your current lifestyle and which breeds will fit into it. First-time owners will need to take into account maintenance, health risks, temperament, personality types and more. 

We have compiled a list of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and additional tips you need to think about! 

What Should I Consider When Owning My First Dog? 

Before you start looking at breeds, there are a few things you should take into consideration before narrowing your search. This includes the following: 

  • Time: Is your current lifestyle flexible for a dog, or can it be? For example, a new dog will need to adapt to your home and possibly not be fully trained. You will need to set time aside consistently to fulfil this unless you get help from external dog training providers. 
  • Environment: Have you got the right environment for your dog? You will need to find the right-sized dog for your living space. Small dogs will fit in almost any space and adapt well, but large dogs may be more tricky. 
  • Energy Levels: Some dog breeds require more time exercising and love being outdoors. If you don’t already have an active lifestyle, getting a dog that needs multiple long walks a day may not be the right fit. Furthermore, you will need to assess your garden space too, as a highly energetic dog will be better suited to accessible green space to run around. 
  • Grooming Needs: A dog’s coat will need some level of maintenance, but some breeds’ hair grows, sheds or mats more often. If you get a long-haired dog, they will require more dog grooming to keep their coats looking healthy. 
  • Diet: Some dogs may require specialist dietary needs. Whilst this is not always breed-specific, it is still an important need and adjustment to consider. 
  • Training: If you decide to self-train or get a dog trainer, you will still need to extend this into your home. Being able to be consistent will be key. 
  • Temperament: Some dogs have a better temperament than others and are more calm. Finding a dog that suits your personality and how others in your household like their downtime will be important. 
  • Health: Some breeds are more susceptible to health issues relating to their breed. There will be known common issues amongst breeds, so it is important to accommodate these. 

Whilst there is a lot to think about, having your new perfect companion will be worth the planning! 

So, Which Dog Breeds Are Best For First Time Owners? 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 

An adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a great option because they are highly adaptable and loving dogs. They generally blend in with any family dynamic and are sociable around children too. If you have other animals in the home, this breed will typically be happy to be around them if socialised from a puppy age. 

When training, they understand and learn new things quickly and are receptive to different dog training methods. Generally, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a low-maintenance dog who has a nice blend of energetic and chill personality, only needing a moderate amount of exercise daily. This breed does have some known health issues, but you can enquire about the probability of your dog developing these at the time. 

Boxer

A boxer isn’t typically the first choice for a first-time dog owner. However, if you want a more energetic breed, or you have additional time and space – then a Boxer can be a good choice. Energetic and loyal, a Boxer can be a companion in an active lifestyle, as they mature later than most breeds. 

They are intelligent to train and will respond well to positive reinforcement. Due to their energy levels, the training programme may need a bit more perseverance. If you are around a lot of the day and have the time to put into a good plan, a Boxer is a great choice for first-time owners. As Boxers are typically larger, they will need more space to be comfortable in the home. 

English Springer Spaniel 

English Springer Spaniels are affectionate, loyal and intelligent dogs – making them ideal for first-timers. Early socialisation is key, and they will be well suited for any home environment, including being around children/ teenagers. 

They are not completely maintenance-free and will require a little more grooming to keep their coat healthy and clean. Their intelligence makes them easier to train, however, they do need mental stimulation too to stop them from being bored. An English Springer Spaniel also likes to be well-exercised and outdoors. 

Poodle

Playful and loyal, a Poodle is a great option for your first dog. They will show you endless devotion and affection, whilst also being highly intelligent to train. 

A Poodle requires a couple of walks every day as they are an energetic dog. Suitable for all household types, including those with children – however don’t like to be left alone for long periods. Working full-time will require a dog sitter or doggy daycare. 

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu are small, friendly dogs who are ideal for first-time owners. They respond well to training programmes, but it is ideal to start as soon as possible. Socialisation and training are important for their development. 

This breed doesn’t require an outdoors family, but due to their size prefers a lot of playing with short walks. A Shih Tzu will love your company and show loyalty and affection as you bond. 

Labrador Retriever 

A Labrador has an easy temperament to get along with in daily life. They love your attention and playtime and will also be super loyal. Their coats don’t require any major maintenance, mainly general grooming with a brush once a week. 

Early training is great for Labrador Retrievers, and they will be receptive to most training methods. An hour’s walk daily plus household playing is sufficient for this energetic breed. Mental stimulation will help keep any boredom and bad behaviours at bay. 

Golden Retriever 

This fun-loving breed will be your loyal companion, making them a great choice for first-time owners. They enjoy being active and sociable and can be adaptable around other animals, adults and children. 

A Golden Retriever’s intelligence and desire for mental stimulation makes them easy to train and pick up new things very quickly. This gentle but active breed is a popular choice! 

Maltese 

A Maltese dog is a great choice for households that may not have a big space to offer, such as a flat. Whilst they still require playtime and exercise, they are not as high-energy as other popular breeds, making them highly versatile around your lifestyle and chilled personality types. 

Choosing a Maltese dog does require attention in other ways, such as regular grooming appointments to keep on top of their coats and keeping warm due to their temperature sensitivity. Their intelligence makes them easy to train and pick up new things quickly. 

Yorkshire Terrier 

A Yorkshire Terrier is a gentle, intelligent breed and popular for those who need a breed with a hypoallergenic coat. They need daily exercise, like any dog, but don’t necessarily require an active household. 

Regular grooming and an early training programme are the most important considerations for a Yorkshire Terrier. When done consistently from an early age, it will make for smooth living as a first-time owner. 

What Aged Dog Is Best For First-Time Owners? 

There are pros and cons to getting a dog at all ages. This is because it mainly depends on what you need to suit your lifestyle. If you get a puppy, for example, they will require more attention. A new environment and training from scratch is time-consuming if you decide to do it all on your own. With that being said, you can establish a strong bond from a puppy age, making them more adaptable to your home. 

Getting an adult dog will be better for those who haven’t got as much time to dedicate to training programmes. They will typically be more relaxed and gentle in the home. However, it depends on their previous training success and upbringing. Getting an adult dog who hasn’t had much training and a lack of socialisation is going to be equally challenging as starting from scratch with a puppy. 

Fully Trained Dogs With A&T Trained Dogs 

Our dogs for sale come fully or partially trained by specialist trainers. If you are a first-time owner, we can help guide you in choosing a breed that suits your needs. We also have specially trained dogs, such as family protection dogs, assistance dogs, emotional support dogs and more. Get in touch online or call us on 01524 587315 for more information and advice.