The 10 Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners

Thinking about adopting your first dog? It’s an exciting decision—and it can also be an overwhelming one. Lots of prospective pet parents wonder about how to find the right fit, especially when it comes to breed. Some breeds require more care and training than others, while others have tendencies that benefit from an experienced hand.

As a new pet parent, your goal will be to choose a breed that fits your lifestyle, living environment, and overall capabilities. To find out what breeds are ideal for first-time owners, we spoke with Dr. Aimee Warner, a licensed veterinarian and advisor at Waggel. With her help, we’ve compiled a list of beginner-friendly dog breeds by considering key traits like energy levels, grooming requirements, temperament, and trainability.

Ideal Characteristics for a First Dog

According to Dr. Warner, some breeds tend to be easier than others for first-time dog owners. Whether you opt for a puppy or an adult, here are some ideal characteristics to look for.

• Friendly. Every dog will have their own unique set of quirks, but sociable breeds are a little more likely to get along with the people and pups they meet in the world. Some generally friendly dog breeds include the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Bichon Frise.
• Easy to train. Biddable breeds tend to be more forgiving of mistakes new guardians are bound to make as they figure out the timing and mechanics of training. Traditionally easy-to-train dog breeds include the Poodle and Havanese.
• Low-maintenance coats. A dog with a coat that requires regular professional grooming can be a lot to handle (and costly) for pet newbies. Dog breeds with low-maintenance coats, like a Pug or a Greyhound, typically only require light brushing and bathing at home.
• Calm temperaments. Dog breeds that are naturally even-tempered tend to be more resilient and adaptable. Dogs with calm temperaments include the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
• Low-energy. Dogs with lower exercise needs, like the Shih Tzu, are often more manageable for novice guardians. Working dogs and high-drive breeds are a big commitment, requiring specific knowledge, attention, and training.
• Small. Small breeds are typically easier to handle physically, are bred for companionship, and are more compatible with smaller living spaces. The Pug, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise are all excellent small dogs for first-time owners.

With these characteristics in mind, here’s an expert-recommended list of beginner-friendly breeds featuring 10 of the best dogs for first-time owners.

1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

With their sweet natures and forever-puppy faces, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are some of the best dogs for first-time owners. Highly trainable with moderate energy levels, these gentle pups adapt well to a variety of household types, including families with children.

Weighing about 15 pounds as an adult, Cavs don’t need a whole lot of living space either. However, you’ll want to keep them on a leash if you don’t have a fenced yard, as they’re known to chase things. And while their coats are medium length, grooming is relatively low-maintenance. You’ll just want to keep up with regular brushing at home.

Criteria to consider:

• Space: Suitable for all types of living situations: houses, apartments, etc.
• Effort: Highly trainable, medium exercise needs, and low-effort grooming
• Breeder cost: High; $3,000-$5,000
• Availability: Highly popular dogs; many breeders have waiting lists, and rescue organizations may be choosy with applicants

2. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, and for good reason. These rays of sunshine are social, silly, affectionate, and typically good with kids, making them the ideal family dog.

Averaging about 60 to 70 pounds at maturity, these medium-large, energetic dogs benefit from having a yard or easy access to outdoor space. Their luxurious golden locks also require frequent brushing to avoid matting and tangles, but they usually don’t need professional grooming.

Bred for sport, Goldens thrive on physical and mental activity, so training and regular exercise are a must. The good thing is that their winning personality and high intelligence make them easy to teach and even easier to love.

Criteria to consider:

• Space: A yard or easy access to outdoor space is recommended
• Effort: Needs a fair amount of exercise and training; coats require frequent brushing
• Breeder cost: Medium to high; $2,000-$4,000
• Availability: Relatively easy to find from both breeders and rescue organizations

3. Labrador Retriever

Another quintessential family dog, the Labrador Retriever has been one of the most popular breeds in America for 30+ years, claiming the top spot up until recently. Their playful personalities, intense loyalty, and love for learning (and eating) make them one of the best dogs for first-time owners.

However, this breed is highly energetic and prone to mischief if their needs aren’t adequately met. As such, they do best in active households and with pet parents committed to doing all the things Labbies love, from swimming to playing fetch.

Ranging from 60 to 80 pounds at full size, Labrador Retrievers eat a moderate to large amount of food. Their sleek short coats are easy to maintain, but be prepared to find Lab confetti around your house—this double-coated breed is known to shed!

Criteria to consider:

• Space: A yard or easy access to outdoor space is recommended
• Effort: High energy and active, but usually easy to train; professional grooming is not necessary, but expect shedding
• Breeder cost: Medium; $1,000-$3,000
• Availability: Relatively easy to find; popular with breeders and Lab-specific rescue organizations

4. Bichon Frise

Easily mistaken for puffy little clouds, Bichon Frise dogs are happy-go-lucky pups that tend to get along well with people and other pets. Their small stature—generally less than a foot tall—means they don’t need much space, making them good companions for city and apartment living.

Generally low effort, these cute cotton balls love to play and train, but they don’t need a lot of exercise to be content. Their soft, curly coats, on the other hand, will require regular visits to a professional groomer. On the plus side, you won’t have to worry much about shedding!

Criteria to consider:

• Space: Does well in small spaces like apartments
• Effort: Low to moderate daily exercise and easy to train, but requires careful brushing, frequent trimming, and visits to a groomer
• Breeder cost: Medium; $1,500-$3,500
• Availability: Very sought-after breed; may have to wait for an opening with a reputable breeder, and adopts out quickly at rescues

5. Shih Tzu

Originally bred to be companion dogs for Chinese emperors, Shih Tzus are now well-suited for anyone with a lap. Popular dogs for new owners, they’re happiest when spending time with their humans and don’t need a lot of exercise.

Besides being small, averaging 9 to 16 pounds, Shih Tzus aren’t prone to barking much, making them a suitable choice if you live in close quarters with neighbors. Their silky double coat will require regular grooming and brushing to prevent tangles, though, especially when kept long. Training, especially potty training, can also be quite a journey, but pet parents note that their Shih Tzus respond well to positive reinforcement (and a good dose of patience).

Criteria to consider:

• Space: Does well in small living situations and close quarters with neighbors
• Effort: Low to moderate exercise needs; training can be challenging and requires patience; regular grooming is necessary
• Breeder cost: Low to medium; $500-$2,000
• Availability: Popular but not hard to get through reputable breeders or rescue organizations

6. Havanese

Barely standing 10 inches off the ground, Havanese are small but spirited and extremely social dogs, making them popular with city dwellers. Generally patient and calm, Havanese also make excellent companions for children and other pets.

These smart little dogs are generally content with moderate exercise—but they require plenty of mental stimulation through activities like play sessions and trick training. Frequent brushing and grooming are also part of the care routine for this long-haired breed.

Due to their extroverted personalities, these little socialites don’t do well with long periods of solitude. As such, they might make excellent first dogs for individuals who work from home and would like a little buddy by their side during company calls.

Criteria to consider:

• Space: Ideal for city dwellers
• Effort: Generally easy to care for but requires plenty of playtime and mental stimulation; regular grooming is a must
• Breeder cost: Low to medium; $800-$2,000
• Availability: May be more difficult to find at reputable breeders and rescues than more common breeds

7. Pug

For prospective pet parents looking for a low-maintenance dog, the Pug is hard to beat. This breed has a short coat that doesn’t require professional upkeep and a personality that’s happy to just chill in a variety of situations. Pugs are great with families, but they are also content to have just one companion, making them a good choice as a first dog for singles.

They don’t need a lot of outdoor space or exercise, and because of their flat little faces, which can cause breathing problems, they can’t spend a lot of time out in the heat or humidity. Short daily walks full of good, long sniffs should suffice for these pups! Pugs have a reputation for being foodies, though, so pet parents will have to be mindful of their tendency to be overweight.

Criteria to consider:

• Space: Little space is needed
• Effort: Low exercise needs and no-fuss coats; pet parents will need to be mindful of the heat and a pug’s tendency to overeat
• Breeder cost: Low to medium; $800-$2,000
• Availability: Popular but usually easy to find via a breeder; finding them via a rescue can prove to be more difficult

8. Papillon

Looking for an active breed but don’t have the space for a Lab or Golden? Meet the Papillon! These small but highly athletic dogs are consistently top contenders in dog sports. They do well with pet parents who can meet their energy through agility, trick, and obedience training. Don’t worry, though—they’re known for being fast learners and easy to train, even for first-time pet parents.

An all-around companion, Paps are happy little creatures with big personalities that thrive in all types of climates and living situations. Although their coats are quite fluffy, they shed minimally and are actually easy to maintain.

Criteria to consider:

• Space: Needs access to outdoor play and activity
• Effort: Energetic and needs plenty of physical and mental stimulation, but highly trainable; coats are also easy to maintain
• Breeder cost: Low to medium; $500-$2,000
• Availability: Due to their popularity and small size, finding a reputable breeder may take some time; they’re also often adopted quickly from breed-specific rescues

9. Poodle

Poodles are the teacher’s pets of the dog world, which can ease a person’s mind if they’re worried about training for the first time. Exceptionally intelligent, Poodles are fast learners and eager to please. However, they do best with pet parents committed to meeting their mental and physical needs through training, exercise, and enrichment.

If you’re interested in exploring the world of dog sports, Poodles are also known for their incredible athletic abilities. As a non-shedding breed with “hypoallergenic” coats, they’re a great first choice for anyone with allergies. Additionally, Poodles come in three sizes—toy, miniature, and standard—so you can find the scale that suits your living situation. Their coats, while non-shedding, do require constant attention and grooming to keep them free of mats and dirt.

Criteria to consider:

• Space: Can accommodate different living quarters depending on size/variety; access to a yard or outdoor space is recommended
• Effort: Requires commitment to training, exercise, and mental stimulation to thrive; coats must also be regularly groomed
• Breeder cost: Medium to high; $2,000-$4,000 (depending on variety)
• Availability: In high demand and are often adopted quickly via rescues; pet parents may need to get on a waitlist for reputable breeders

10. Bernese Mountain Dog

Beautiful, strong, loyal, and extraordinarily gentle, Bernese Mountain Dogs are great with families and are incredibly tolerant of children of all ages. These dogs often direct their affection to one specific member of the family and are fiercely loyal. They love cold environments, which works out well for pet parents in colder climates.

While a large breed, weighing between 75 and 115 pounds at maturity, they generally exercise in short spurts and can be a little lazy. Their beautiful and thick coats remain healthy with regular brushing and do not require professional grooming, although they do shed. One thing to note as a new pet parent: Berners can be prone to a variety of health issues that may limit their longevity.

Criteria to consider: 

• Space: Needs enough indoor/outdoor space to accommodate their large size
• Effort: Low to moderate exercise needs; heavy shedders; benefits from consistent training
• Breeder cost: Medium to high; $2,000-$3,500
• Availability: Difficult to find at rescues; may require getting on a breeder waitlist

Breeds First-Time Owners Should Avoid

Dr. Warner notes that some dogs are more difficult than others for novice pet parents. While these pups are all wonderful in their own right, they have some traits that may be too much effort for first-time pet parents. These breeds include:

• High-energy breeds. These pups require a lot of dedication to meet their exercise needs. Without consistency in training and sufficient activity, these dogs can be challenging to handle. This can be especially true if your high-energy dog is also incredibly intelligent. (We see you, Border Collies and Jack Russells!)
• High-drive breeds. These dogs have been bred for specific purposes and require dedicated training, time, and expertise devoted to their “profession.” For instance, herding dogs like Australian Shepherds and Cattle Dogs were bred, as their names suggest, to herd sheep and cattle and need outlets to meet these instinctual needs.
• Guarding dogs. German Shepherds, Great Pyrenees, and Rottweilers benefit from pet parents who are knowledgeable about how to handle and redirect their protective tendencies. Otherwise, these instinctual behaviors can manifest as resource guarding.
• High-maintenance dogs. Dogs with special coats, like Afghan Hounds and Old English Sheepdogs, require a significant amount of extra effort to maintain their coats. If one isn’t familiar with the amount of time and money needed for grooming, this upkeep can come as quite a shock.

Practice Makes Perfect: Preparing for a Pup

No matter what type of dog you choose to bring home, each pup will grow into their own personality—and that can be hard to predict. You’ll still encounter some hurdles, from potty training and behavior issues to time commitments and unexpected expenses. But you’ll also find a lot of joy, especially if you can meet your dog where they’re at, loving the pup in front of you.

As you think about which pup might be right for you, consider volunteering at a shelter, pet sitting, or engaging in other activities that allow you to interact closely with dogs. The more time you spend with a wide variety of dogs, the more you’ll come to understand which types of personalities and traits are a match for you!