10 Recommended Dog Breeds for First Time Dog Owners

As a first time dog owner you may have an idea of what kind of dog breed you want and that is awesome! However, it is worth it to do your research into different dog breeds to make sure you understand their personality type, energy level, grooming needs, health concerns, and if they are the best compatible option for you. Whether you are going to be looking for a shelter/rescue dog or from a breeder it is important you understand what to expect from the dog breed you are looking at.

There are a lot of really challenging dog breeds that may not be best for a first time dog owner. Here’s a list of what I think as a certified dog trainer are the best breeds for your first time.

10 Recommended Dog Breeds for First Time Dog Owners

1) MIXED BREEDS

As my number one draft I’m taking you in a direction you may not have expected with mixed breeds. In many cases mixed breeds are a great place to start for first time dog owners. Adopting an older mixed breed from your local rescue or shelter can give you a leg up with a dog that is already potty trained and may have some obedience skills. Adopting a mixed breed puppy is also a great start for first time dog owners.

It’s important to note that whenever you adopt a mixed breed dog you are less likely to fully understand their temperament than with a full bred dog. For most owners this isn’t a problem, but if you plan on competing whether agility, hunting or other it may be a disadvantage.

In General, the more breeds mixed in your dog’s genes, the more moderate they will be as it tends to cancel out any extreme or unpleasant behaviors from an individual breed. You may not know every breed that the dog is mixed with if they are from a rescue or shelter, but pinpointing the main ones should give you a good idea.

2) LABRADOR

The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed both in the United States and the United Kingdom, it is one of several kinds of retrievers. They make excellent family dogs and companions as well as working dogs. They are exceptionally friendly, active, and outgoing; they are also known for their love of water.

Energy Level – They will require regular walks and would do good with other active activities such as hiking, running, training or fetch.

Coat Type – They have short thick fur and shed quite a lot. They will need to be regularly brushed.

Size – Females grow to 55 – 70 pounds while the males will be between 65 and 80 pounds. Their life expectancy is between 11 – 13 years.

3) GOLDEN RETRIEVER

The Golden Retriever is another very popular dog breed. They are one of the most common family dogs as they are very easy to care for, tolerant, devoted, and known to be very friendly and happy. Considered to be a low maintenance dog they also rank high on their affection towards people and friendliness with other dogs and kids.

Energy Level – They will require regular walks and would do good with other active activities such as hiking, running, training or fetch.

Coat Type – They have long thick fur and shet quite a lot. Their fur matts as it grows, they will need to be regularly groomed to keep this under control.

Size – Females grow to about 55 – 65 pounds while the males are between 65 and 75 pounds. Their life expectancy is between 10 – 12 years.

4) CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL

The Cavalier is the largest toy breed, however by most still considered to be a lap dog. They are highly affectionate, most are playful, patient, gentle, and eager to please. They do extremely well with children and other dogs, but as they love companionship it’s not recommended they spend long periods of time alone. Their noses are slightly longer than Pugs but still may suffer from similar health concerns.

Energy Level – Low to Medium. They’d love to walk or play a game, but love to be lap dogs/companions.

Coat Type – Long, silky, and wavy; they will need to be regularly groomed by a groomer and daily brushing is recommended.

Size – The average size is between 13 – 18 pounds. Their life expectancy is between 12 – 15 years.

5) COCKER SPANIEL

The American Cocker Spaniel is considered happy, smart, gentle, trusting, outgoing and eager to please. They can be good with children and are usually sociable and gentle with other pets. While fairly active indoors they will do okay in an apartment. Because of their soft nature they don’t do well with rough or harsh training.

Energy Level – Cockers were bred to hunt so their energy is high, they will need regular walks and would do good with other active activities such as hiking, running, training or fetch.

Coat Type – Long, silky, and wavy; they will need daily brushing or to be taken to a groomer to keep it maintained.

Size – Females grow to about 20 – 25 pounds while males are between 25 – 30 pounds. Their life expectancy is between 10 – 14 years.

6) SHIH TZU

The Shih Tzu is a friendly dog with a lively attitude. They do well with kids and are okay with laid back owners. However, they do have a bit more maintenance than some others. They have a long double coated fur which needs routine brushing and grooming and the area around their eyes needs to be cleaned gently daily.

Energy Level – Daily exercise is recommended for a healthy active life.

Coat Type – Long and double coated, they will need regular grooming.

Size – The average size is 9 – 16 pounds. Their life expectancy is between 10 – 18 years.

7) PUG

A Pug is a toy dog breed with a wrinkled face and a small body. They are described as charming, loving, and mischievous. They are very sociable dogs but also can be stubborn, yet they are playful, clever, and known to be successful in dog obedience. Because of their snouts, pugs are susceptible to eye injuries, they may have a difficult time breathing, and due to breathing issues they may have difficulty regulating their temperature using their tongue. They can be prone to obesity; therefore it is important to maintain a healthy diet and offer regular exercise.

Energy Level – Low – Medium. Pugs love play, however their short legs and squished noses make breathing and long running a challenge.

Coat Type – Short and easy!

Size – The average size is 14 – 18 pounds. Their life expectancy is between 13 – 15 years.

Kuranda Dog Beds

8) BULLDOG

The English Bulldog is generally docile, friendly, and gregarious. They are known for their fierce loyalty and defensiveness; most bulldogs will not venture outside of the home without their human companion. They are known for getting along with children and other dogs or pets in general. They are prone to some health problems, such as hip dysplasia, breathing problems and gaining weight. They do well in houses or apartments as they are generally considered couch potatoes.

Energy Level – Low. They are generally low energy but should engage in play and walks to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.

Coat Type – Short and easy!

Size – Females are about 40 pounds while the males are about 50 pounds. Their life expectancy is between 8 – 10 years.

9) WHIPPET

The Whippet is described as playful, affectionate, calm, quiet, and gentle. Although bred for racing they are notorious couch potatoes and prefer to spend most of the day sleeping. Because they can run very fast, they aren’t good to keep off leash but do well with training and are considered a great apartment dog.

Energy Level – Medium. They would love multiple walks or a run but are not known for their endurance.

Coat Type – Short and Easy! However because their hair is so fine and short, they benefit from doggie jackets in cooler areas.

Size – The average size is 25 – 40 pounds. Their life expectancy is 12 – 15 years.

10) GREAT DANE

The Great Dane is commonly called a “Gentle Giant” due to their large size and friendly personality. These patient, dependable but goofy dogs make excellent family dogs and are oftentimes considered couch potatoes.

Energy Level – Low – Medium. They enjoy a walk to stretch their legs but generally like being at home.

Coat Type – Short and Easy!

Size – Females grow to about 110 – 140 pounds while the males are between 140 – 175 pounds. Their life expectancy is 7 – 10 years.

10 Recommended Dog Breeds for First Time Dog Owners

As a first time dog owner, choosing your first dog is an exciting thing! Just remember to consider everything about your lifestyle and what dog breed would fit best into it. It’s important to look into all the traits that make up the dog’s genes, whether purebred or mixed. Picking the cutest dog from the photo isn’t the best way to go! As you delve more into different breeds such as these or others check out the American Kennel Club’s website, they set the standard for dog breeds in the United States and have data and stats on every breed here.

Dog Training in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Corrales, Placitas

The mission of Good Buddy Dog Training is to help build the bond between dogs and their owners through positive training methods. We teach dogs to accomplish new behaviors and humans to bring out the best in their furry friends. For the most effective training, we work with people directly in their homes, where dogs and their humans feel most comfortable. And the training we do is based on the science of how dogs learn by using a positive and fun curriculum to build confidence in both dog and owner.