Pets have always been a part of human society, with dogs being one of the most popular choices. Dogs provide us with companionship, protection and unconditional love and have even been known to help people in times of crisis.
However, owning a dog is not all fun and games. Dogs require a lot of care and attention, and if you’re not prepared to do the work, they can quickly become a burden. This is especially true for first time dog owner who may not be familiar with the ins and outs of dog care.
If you’re thinking about getting a dog but are unsure if you’re ready for the commitment, check out our list of the best dogs for first-time owners. These popular dog breeds are known for being easy to train, low-maintenance, and good with kids, so you can be sure your new furry friend will fit right into your family.
You’ve decided you’re ready to take the plunge and get a dog, but choosing the right breed is hard. With so many different types of dogs out there, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you and your family. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.
Here are our picks for the best dogs for first-time owners:
1. Labrador Retriever:
You can’t go wrong with a Labrador Retriever. They are some of the most popular dogs for first-time owners for a reason. They are friendly, good-natured, and easy to train. They also don’t require a lot of exercises, which is good for people who don’t have a lot of time to take their dogs for walks or runs.
Labrador Retrievers are also good for families with small children. They are patient and gentle and have an innate loyalty to their family. The healthiest and longest-lived Labs are well-socialized, so if you have a Lab, take them to puppy classes and introduce them to as many different people and animals as possible.
2. Golden Retriever:
Like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers are good-natured, friendly and intelligent dogs that make great pets for first-time owners. They are loyal, obedient and loving companions that enjoy spending time with their family. Grooming is relatively easy with a Golden Retriever as they only need to be brushed once or twice a week.
Golden Retrievers are also relatively easy to train and are known for being good at obedience training. However, they require regular exercise and plenty of space to run and play. For this reason, they are not well suited for apartment living. If you have a yard and are looking for an active dog to join your family, a Golden Retriever may be a perfect choice!
3. Greyhound:
You may not think of a Greyhound as a low-maintenance pet, but they don’t require much exercise. They are perfectly content to lounge around the house all day, making them ideal for first-time dog owners who don’t have much time to walk or run their dogs. They are bred for speed, but they are naturally gentle and quiet.
Greyhounds are also relatively easy to train, although they can sometimes be stubborn. They are loyal and loving companions that will bond deeply with their families. One thing to remember with Greyhounds is that they like to chase small animals, so they may not be the best choice if you have a cat or other small pet. So, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance dog that is quiet and gentle, a Greyhound may be the right breed for you.
4. Whippets:
If you’re looking for a Whippet, you’ll need to be prepared for some serious cuddles. These dogs are gentle and loving, making them perfect for first-time owners. They stay relatively small, so they don’t require a lot of space, and they’re easy to train. The cleanliness of Whippets also means that you won’t have to deal with a lot of shedding. Whippets who live in remote areas are often considered the best dogs for first-time owners living in small apartments.
Whippets are also very quiet, so this may be the perfect breed if you live in an apartment or condo. They’re also gentle and loving, which makes them great for families with small children. Keep an eye on your Whippet around other animals, as they have a high prey drive.
5. Irish setter:
Irish Setters are high-energy dogs that need a lot of exercises, making them well suited for active first-time owners who enjoy spending time outdoors. They are also intelligent and easy to train, although they can be stubborn at times. Irish Setters are friendly and good with children but may not do well in a home with other pets.
Irish Setters only need to be brushed about for grooming once a week. They are relatively easy to groom, although they do shed a lot. So, if you’re looking for an active dog that is easy to train and doesn’t require a lot of grooming, an Irish Setter may be the perfect breed for you! Just be prepared to spend a lot of time walking, running, or playing fetch with your furry friend.
6. Basenji:
Basenji dogs were originally bred in Africa to hunt small game and vermin. Today, they are considered one of the best breeds for first-time dog owners because of their independent nature and low-maintenance coat. Basenjis are also known for being very quiet dogs, which can be a plus if you live in an apartment or close quarters.
They are very clean dogs that do not require much grooming. They make great watchdogs and will bark to let you know when someone is approaching your home. You should expect a daily walk or run your Basenji, as they have a lot of energy. The Basenji is the perfect breed if you’re looking for a small to medium-sized dog with a big personality.
7. German shepherd:
German Shepherds are loyal, protective, and intelligent dogs that make great family pets. They are also easy to train and are good with children. German Shepherds are large dogs, so they need plenty of exercises. Grooming a German Shepherd can be time-consuming, but keeping their coat healthy and free of mats is necessary.
They are also prone to health problems such as hip dysplasia, so be sure to consult with your veterinarian before getting one. We recommend choosing a German Shepherd at least two years old for first-time dog owners. This will give you time to get used to the breed and learn how to train and care for your dog properly.
8. Bernese mountain dog:
The Bernese mountain dog is a large, working breed. They are incredibly strong and have a lot of energy, making them great for outdoor activities. They were bred for herding and guarding livestock, so they were very protective of their families. While they seem like a lot of dogs to handle, they are gentle giants.
They are great with children and other animals. Bernese mountain dogs are loyal and affectionate and make great family dogs. They are also very loyal and affectionate, which makes them perfect for first-time owners who want a dog that will be a true companion. You will need to be prepared to give this breed plenty of exercise and attention, but if you are, they will make a wonderful addition to your family.
9. Great Dane:
You may be surprised to see the Great Dane on this list, but they are one of the best dogs for first-time owners. They are gentle giants who love nothing more than cuddling on the couch with their family. Grooming a Great Dane can be a bit of a challenge, but they are otherwise low-maintenance dogs. Their coats are short and do not require a lot of brushing, but they shed a fair amount.
They were originally bred as hunting dogs, but today they make loyal and loving family pets. Great Danes are patient with children and get along well with other animals. They need plenty of exercises, so if you’re not up for a daily walk, perhaps a Dane isn’t the right dog for you. But if you are looking for a loving, loyal companion, then a Great Dane is worth considering.
10. Siberian Husky:
The Siberian Husky is a beautiful dog that is perfect for first-time owners. For families with small children, the Siberian Husky is a great choice. They are very good-natured dogs that love to play and have a lot of energy. They blow their coat twice a year, so be prepared for some shedding.
Some people think that Huskies are difficult to train, but with patience and consistency, they can be trained to do most anything. They require a lot of exercises, so if you live in an apartment, this may not be the best breed for you. But if you are willing to commit to daily walks or runs, the Siberian Husky will make a great companion.
10 Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners in Apartments:
If you live in an apartment, you’ll need a dog that’s content to stay most of the time indoors and won’t need a lot of exercise. The best dogs for first-time owners in apartments are small breeds that don’t require a lot of space or attention.
Here are a few of our top picks:
1. Bichon Frise:
The Bichon Frise is a small, cheerful dog perfect for first-time owners. They are very affectionate and love to be around people. They don’t require a lot of exercise, so they are content to stay most of the time indoors. Bichons are also hypoallergenic, which is perfect for people with allergies.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is another small breed perfect for first-time dog owners. They are gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs that enjoy being around people. They are also relatively easy to train and are not known for being barkers. For apartment living, they would do best with plenty of daily exercise.
3. Beagle:
Beagles are also good dogs for first-time owners. They have a lot of energy and enjoy being active, but they are also gentle and loving. They are relatively easy to train and are not known for being barkers. However, they may need a little more exercise than some other breeds.
4. Chihuahua:
Chihuahuas are perfect for first-time dog owners who live in apartments. They are the smallest breed of dog and don’t need much space to run around. Chihuahuas are also very loyal and loving, so they make great companions. However, because they are small, they can be easily injured, so it’s important to be careful with them.
5. Boston Terrier:
Like Yorkshire Terrier, Boston Terrier is an ideal dog for first-time owners in apartments. They are small in size so that they won’t take up too much space in your home. They are also very affectionate and loving, so you’ll always have a furry friend to cuddle with. Boston Terriers are also relatively low-maintenance in grooming, as they don’t require much more than the occasional bath and brush.
6. Papillon:
This small, friendly dog is perfect for first-time owners living in apartments. The Papillon is a very active dog and loves to play fetch and go for walks. They are also very intelligent and can be easily trained to do tricks. Although they are little dogs, they do need a lot of exercises, so make sure you have plenty of time to devote to your new furry friend.
7. Shih Tzu:
The Shih Tzu is a small breed of dog that is perfect for those who live in apartments. They are known to be very loving and affectionate and make great lap dogs. They require some grooming but are relatively low maintenance compared to other dogs. Regarding apartment living, Shih Tzus are one of the best breeds for first time owners.
8.Maltipoo:
This is another dog that is a perfect size for an apartment, as they only grow to be about 9-11 inches tall. They are a cross between a Maltese and Toy or Miniature Poodle, and they have the best traits of both breeds. They are low-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for those with allergies. Maltipoos are very intelligent and trainable and love to please their owners. They are also very affectionate and good with children.
9. Goldendoodle:
The Goldendoodle is definitely at the top of the list of dogs that are great for first-time owner in apartment. This dog breed is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, so they inherit the best qualities of both breeds. They are intelligent, friendly, and trainable – perfect for those new to the dog ownership world. They also don’t require much exercise, so they are well suited for life in an apartment.
10. Shiba Inu:
The Shiba Inu is another small breed of dog perfect for those living in apartments. They are very quiet dogs that only bark when necessary, making them ideal for those with close neighbors. They are also very clean dogs that groom themselves regularly. The Shiba Inu does require some exercise, but a daily walk around the block should be enough to keep them healthy and happy.
A note on mixed breed dogs for first-time owners:
Mixed breed dogs are often the best option for first-time owners. They are generally healthier, live longer than their purebred counterparts, and are less expensive to purchase and care for. Mixed breeds also tend to be more tolerant of different living situations, such as apartments. So, if you’re looking for a dog that fits well into your apartment lifestyle, a mixed breed may be the best option.
You can find mixed breed dogs at your local animal shelter or rescue group. You can also contact a reputable breeder and ask if they have any mixed-breed puppies available.
What to Consider before Getting a Dog?
There are a few things you should take into consideration before getting a dog, such as whether or not you have enough space for a pet, whether you’re prepared to handle the daily responsibilities of dog ownership, and if you have the time to devote to a new furry friend. You should also research different breeds to find one that will fit well into your lifestyle.
If you think you’re ready to take the plunge and adopt a dog! You’re about to embark on one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Just remember to do your research first, so you can be sure to find the perfect match for you and your family.
