Choosing a dog is one of the bigger decisions many people make in life, and as a beginner it can feel especially overwhelming. A dog doesn’t just require your time and commitment – it also becomes a beloved friend and an integral part of your family. To make this choice easier and more rewarding, it’s important to carefully consider what type of dog best fits your lifestyle, your home, and your family.
Choosing the right breed is particularly crucial for beginners, since some breeds have temperaments, energy levels, and care requirements that can be challenging for first-time dog owners. An ideal beginner dog should be forgiving and patient, yet robust enough to cope with the inevitable mistakes that happen while you’re both learning and adapting. Understanding and choosing a breed with a well-known gentle temperament and manageable energy levels can help create a smoother transition for both dog and owner.
It’s also critical to think about the dog’s size, grooming needs, and health requirements. Some breeds need extensive daily care, while others are more low‑maintenance, which may be better suited to people with busy schedules. Health issues are another important factor; choosing a breed known to be generally healthy can reduce future vet bills and increase the chances of a long, happy life together.
With these factors in mind, we’ve put together a list of ten breeds that are often recommended for beginners. These breeds are known for being adaptable and relatively easy to train, making them excellent candidates for those navigating the joys and challenges of dog ownership for the first time. We’ll also touch on mixed-breed dogs, which can offer a unique combination of traits that might be perfect for your specific situation.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly, patient temperament, which makes them excellent family dogs. They are generally easy to read and loyal, but they have high energy levels and need regular exercise and mental stimulation. Golden Retrievers have a thick, water-repellent coat that requires regular brushing. Common health issues in the breed include hip and elbow dysplasia and certain heart diseases. These large dogs typically weigh between 25 and 34 kg and are best suited to homes where they have plenty of space to move around.
Find Golden Retriever · Read more about Golden Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are just as friendly and are also well suited to first-time dog owners. They’re known for their intelligence and ease of training. Labradors have a short, dense coat that is relatively low‑maintenance, but they do shed heavily. Health problems that can affect Labradors include hip and elbow dysplasia as well as eye diseases. These dogs also have high energy levels and need plenty of exercise. Labradors are large dogs and usually weigh between 29 and 36 kg.
Find Labrador Retriever · Read more about Labrador Retriever
Bichon Havanais
The Havanese is a small dog with a lively, friendly personality that makes it an excellent choice for beginners. Its coat is long and silky and needs regular trimming and brushing to prevent tangles. Despite their small size, they can have a medium energy level and enjoy playful activity. In terms of health, they are generally robust, but can be prone to issues such as patellar luxation and certain skin conditions. These dogs are perfect for apartment living and usually weigh between 4 and 7 kg.
Find Bichon Havanais · Read more about Bichon Havanais
Boxer
Boxers are known for their energy and playfulness, which makes them a good choice for active beginners. They are loyal and protective, but need early socialization and consistent training. Boxers have a short coat that is easy to maintain, but they can be prone to health issues such as heart disease and cancer. Boxers are large dogs that typically weigh between 25 and 32 kg and need plenty of physical activity to stay healthy and happy.
Find Boxer · Read more about Boxer
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds, but they are known for their big personalities. They are ideal for beginners who live in apartments thanks to their tiny size. Despite being so small, they can have high energy levels, but they are relatively easy to manage with indoor activities and short walks. Grooming is usually simple, especially for short‑haired varieties, while long‑haired Chihuahuas need regular brushing. Common health problems include heart issues and patellar luxation. Chihuahuas usually weigh only between 1.5 and 3 kg.
Find Chihuahua · Read more about Chihuahua
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their gentle, affectionate temperament, which makes them excellent for first-time owners. They are social dogs that thrive on human contact, so their owners need to be able to offer plenty of love and attention. Their silky coat needs regular brushing to prevent tangles. Health issues that can affect the breed include heart disease and eye problems. These dogs are relatively small, weighing 5 to 8 kg, and have a medium energy level.
Find Cavalier King Charles Spaniel · Read more about Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are known for their friendly, playful nature. They are adaptable and relatively easy to train, which makes them a good choice for beginners. However, their beautiful, wavy coat does require regular trimming and brushing to avoid matting. Cocker Spaniels can be prone to ear infections due to their long, drooping ears, as well as eye diseases and hip problems. These dogs have medium to high energy levels and need regular exercise to stay balanced, and they weigh between 10 and 14 kg.
Find Cocker Spaniel · Read more about Cocker Spaniel
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are excellent for city living thanks to their low energy levels and small size. They are affectionate and easygoing, which makes them a popular choice for beginners. Their short coat is low‑maintenance, but their wrinkled skin may need extra cleaning to avoid skin problems. The breed is known for health issues such as breathing difficulties due to their short muzzle, as well as spinal problems. These dogs usually weigh between 8 and 14 kg.
Find French Bulldog · Read more about French Bulldog
Poodle
Poodles come in different sizes (toy, miniature, medium, and standard), making them a flexible choice for different types of homes. They are exceptionally intelligent and relatively easy to train. Poodles require regular professional grooming to keep their curly coats in good condition. Health issues that can affect poodles include hip dysplasia and eye diseases. Poodles have high energy levels and need plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Their weight varies by size, from as little as 2 kg for a toy poodle up to 20 kg for a standard poodle.
Find Poodle · Read more about Poodle
Papillon
Papillons are known for their distinctive butterfly‑like ears and their alert, playful nature. These small dogs are intelligent and easy to train, making them an excellent choice for first-time dog owners. They have a long, fine coat that needs regular brushing. Despite their small size, they have relatively high energy levels and enjoy both physical and mental challenges. Health problems are generally few but can include patellar luxation. Papillons usually weigh between 3 and 4.5 kg.
Find Papillon · Read more about Papillon
Mixed Breed
Choosing a mixed-breed dog can also be an excellent option for beginners. Mixed breeds can inherit the best traits from two or more breeds, potentially resulting in fewer health problems and a more balanced temperament. Energy level, size, and grooming needs vary depending on which breeds are involved, so it’s important to learn about the dog’s background and needs. Mixed-breed dogs can offer the same companionship and love as purebred dogs and are often available for adoption, which also supports animal welfare.
Summary
Choosing your first dog requires careful consideration of the breed’s temperament, size, energy level, grooming needs, and potential health issues. Whether you choose a purebred dog or a mixed breed, it’s important to pick a dog that suits your lifestyle and living situation. By doing your research and, if possible, consulting breeders and veterinarians, you can make a well‑informed choice that leads to many years of joy and companionship.
