If you’ve never had a dog before, it can be both exciting and overwhelming to figure out what kind of furry companion works best for you. You’ll want to think about the right dog breed for your lifestyle to ensure that you and your four-legged pal are a good fit for each other. By considering factors like grooming requirements, energy level, size and temperament, we’ll help you pick the best dog for you as a new pet parent. Now let’s take a look at 10 of the best dogs for first-time owners.
- Labrador Retriever — Labradors are a family favorite and are known for their social and outgoing nature. They have a kind and patient disposition, making them a wonderful addition to any home with children of any age. They get along well with other pets. Labradors are versatile, and their versatility shines through whether they’re working as a service dog or being a loyal family dog. Labs shed quite a lot, so you’ll need to have a consistent grooming routine with them.
- Golden Retriever — Goldens with their fluffy and furry coats are so darn cute to look at, but for first-time owners, grooming them can be a bit of a daunting task. Use the best pet hair remover to make it easier on you and your dog during regular and frequently needed grooming sessions. They shed a lot and require a lot of grooming, but with that comes a whole lot of love. If you’re looking for a highly trainable and obedient companion, a Golden is a great choice for a first-time dog parent.
- Pomeranian — The small and fluffy Pomeranian is packing a large amount of energy and personality. The Pomeranian is ideal for any dog lover who wants a dog to play with and go on frequent yet short walks with. For a sweet, playful and affectionate dog, bring a Pomeranian into your life.
- Miniature or Toy Poodle — Both Miniature and Toy Poodles are highly intelligent dogs. They’re ideal for anyone who has allergies since they have hypoallergenic coats. You may want to consider a professional groomer to help your poodle look their best. In between formal grooming sessions, use a dog hair remover brush to keep their coat shiny and healthy. As for their demeanor, some owners find their Poodle to be a bit of a barker. They like to chew on things, so make sure you keep them entertained with plenty of toys!
- French Bulldog — With their compact size and easygoing demeanor, the French Bulldog is an easy choice for first-time pet parents. For anyone with a busy lifestyle, the French Bulldog requires a minimal amount of exercise. They’re affectionate and entertaining, known for being able to make strong bonds with their owners.
- Shih Tzu — If you’re looking for a gentle and affectionate lap dog, the Shih Tzu is the perfect choice. Keep in mind that their luxurious coats require regular grooming, but that just adds to the Shih Tzu’s charm. They enjoy indoor play and short walks, making them adaptable to different activity levels and living spaces.
- Beagle — So you’ve got a little adventurer in the family, and you want a dog that can keep up with them. The Beagle is a curious and friendly dog that requires a moderate amount of exercise. The intelligent and playful Beagle offers a lot of potential for easy yet engaging training sessions.
- Bichon Frise — The small and delightful Bichon Frise is well-loved, thanks to their cheerful disposition. They’re perfect for anyone with allergies because they don’t shed much and have hypoallergenic coats. For anyone living in an apartment or small space, the Bichon Frise is able to easily adapt to different living spaces.
- Pug — The small-sized Pug is charismatic and sociable, the perfect companion for urban living with their playful demeanor and moderate energy levels. You may look at a cute little Pug and think they don’t need a whole lot of grooming. However, these short-haired dogs do require a bit of maintenance and, according to Chewy, are surprisingly heavy shedders.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel — Finally, we have the small and affectionate Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These charming dogs thrive on human connection and easily adapt to indoor living. For anyone with a less active lifestyle, their gentle nature and moderate energy levels are an ideal match. Not to mention, they’re compact and easy to groom.
These are just a few of the best dogs out there for first-time owners. Continue doing research to learn more about dogs that fit your lifestyle. Remember that if you choose an especially furry dog, you’ll need to routinely groom them with a deshedder and learn how to fit that into your schedule. No matter your decision, you’ll love the feeling of a calm and cuddly lap dog as much as a playful and energetic one. We hope you feel more confident as you embark on your journey to becoming a pet parent!