So, my first dog… this is so awesome (and huge!) decision. On the other hand, getting a dog that matches your lifestyle, energy level and living situation is key to making sure you both have an enjoyable experience together. The temperament, adaptability to various living conditions and relatively low maintenance needs of some dog breeds make them an ideal choice for first-time pet parents. In this blog we have compiled the 10 best first dogs to buy and described them according to their attributes that will help you make a well-informed choice if you are getting one for yourself as well.
1. Golden Retriever
These dogs are the best dog breeds for first time pet owners that make up an excellent choice. Very affectionate and loyal, they are sweet-tempered dogs with other household pets as well. They are family oriented and very good with children. This dog is also very clever, and shockingly easy to train due it being so willing to please (lots of retrievers in there). The same is true of their playful, high-energy temperament — you won’t want to stick one in a small apartment with people who just sit watching TV all day. Even though they have long hair that needs brushing several times a week, their loving temperament more than makes up for the grooming time.
2. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is another great choice for a first-time dog owner. They are active, outgoing, and friendly dogs which makes it easy for these breeds to adapt well in any type of home — either you live in the house with a yard or rent an apartment. Old, very intelligent Labradors will be nice if properly trained for new pet mothers. They are friendly with kids and other pets as well which make them excellent family companions. Labs are similarly active like Golden Retrievers: they will enjoy it more if you can take them on hikes or runs rather than watching TV all day.
3. Shih Tzu
If you desire a dog of diminutive size paired with wonderful charm, the Shih Tzu could possibly provide just that. The breed is wonderfully affectionate and amiable. Unlike the larger, more high energy breeds that require a lot of space to move around in, the Shih Tzu is low-energy and can be comfortably housed even in smaller spaces such as an apartment. Loyal to a fault, they will forge tight affiliations with their household members and relish cuddling or lounging about. While Shih Tzus only need to be groomed frequently because of their long, flowing coat, they are fantastic for first-time pet parents who want a more laid back companion since the breed is fairly calm and does not require much exercise.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel — Another awesome breed for beginners. This breeds affectionate and sweet nature. They are social and crave human contact and want to be right next to those they love most. Small but strong, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel does well in families with children. They’re also pretty easy to train, and their versatility makes them great for life in an apartment or a freestanding home. Their coat will require some maintenance because they are rather fluffy creatures, and their sweet disposition makes it a pleasure to care for them.
5. Beagle
Beagles are a great option for newbies seeking an easygoing, energetic companion. Beagles are very open-minded and often go somewhere where they want to go. Their playful temperament and general good nature with children makes them an excellent family dog. Grooming is low-maintenance aside from exercise, which every day for a beagle is going to either make it or break it. Beagles can be a little headstrong at times but they are responsive to reward-based training techniques.
6. Bichon Frise
Number 5 — Bichon Frise: The charming personality of a bichon frise is ideal for novice dog owners. Bichon Frise — fluffy, cheerful and affectionate. The Bichon is extremely social and does well in homes where they can be with people most of the time. They’re also good with kids and other animals, making them ideal family pets. The Bichon Frise has a hypoallergenic coat so they are good for people who have allergies. Yes, they need regular grooming too but their miniature size and friendly disposition is natural for first time pet owners to handle.
7. Poodle
With their high IQs and adaptability, poodles (standard or miniature) are a popular first-timer pet parent choice. Because poodles have both a high IQ and low shedding rate the breed does very well in obedience training of any type, which can be comforting to new dog owners. They are great family dogs and get along well with people, love human companionship, and other pets including cats. Since they are a hypoallergenic breed of dog, poodles are ideal for people who suffer from allergies. Their heavy coat does need regular grooming, but they are friendly and intelligent dogs making them a fabulous addition to any household.
8. Boxer
Boxers are a medium to large breed of dogs that carry their playfulness and energy wherever they go. They are highly sociable and, like all cats in general, they have a strong attachment to their family. One more reason why boxers are ideal for having kids in the house They are intelligent and willing to please, so they can be trained relatively easily (though sometimes their willfulness is a bit challenging). Boxers will guard their home which also makes them great watchdogs, but are not aggressive. Abyssinians need regular exercise in order for them not to be bored and they are well-suited around children who like activity.
9. Cocker Spaniel
For first-time dog owners, the friendly Cocker Spaniel is an excellent companion. Basset Hounds are kind-hearted, excellent bettors with children and they need only a short walk to the end of your road! Cocker Spaniels are also smart and they will do well with being in a home where there is someone to teach them things since an inexperienced dog owner could face some difficulties. Although they have a beautiful, shiny coat requiring regular grooming, the sweetness and docility of these little dogs make them worth every ounce. The Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized dog that can accommodate both an apartment and a house.
10. Maltese
If you want a new dog that is low maintenance, get this Maltese bite-sized canine. The Maltese dog breed are loveable lap dogs which generally make a sweet natured pet. Good for apartments, not extremely high in energy level but enough to keep up with an active owner or family. The CHL loves attention and although their coat needs regular grooming, novice dog owners will love them.
Conclusion
Your choice of dog as a first-time pet parent is the most critical step in establishing better human-dog relations, and creating an enjoyable experience for you and your new companion. By reading these descriptions, you will get a sense of what each one may offer and why they are suited for first-time dog owners. Whether it’s a small lap dog or an energetic medium sized family pet, these breeds have sociable temperaments that tend to adapt readily and are easy maintenance. Swing by our dog selection guide and with thoughtful reflection over your current lifestyle, housing scenario or activity level you surely will land upon that perfect canine who fills your life with joy and laughter.
Photo credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-have-a-walk-with-two-golden-retriever-dogs-in-the-park-kOAaNXuP0c0
https://unsplash.com/photos/golden-retriever-wearing-red-and-white-scarf-RFpaVggKP6E
https://unsplash.com/photos/golden-retriever-sitting-on-green-grass-R6SdnJnLJEg
https://unsplash.com/photos/a-small-white-dog-with-its-tongue-hanging-out-q5mzaxLHtVk
https://unsplash.com/photos/a-brown-and-white-dog-laying-on-top-of-a-lush-green-field-77-u-fUBfT4
https://unsplash.com/photos/white-and-brown-beagle-4zfacTKyZ7w
https://unsplash.com/photos/white-puppy-running-on-green-grasses-GUhO9PVO7QM
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