Dogs People Recommended to First-Time Dog Owners

If you’ve never had a dog before, you might be wondering which breed would be the best fit for you. Getting a dog is a big decision since they become part of the family, and there are so many breeds to choose from! If you’re thinking about getting a puppy or an adult dog, check out these dog breeds recommended for first-time owners. You might find the perfect new pet and playmate! Whether you’re looking for a high-energy dog, a relaxed companion, or just a cute addition to the family, one of these breeds might be perfect for you.

Featured Image Photo credit: Velimir Zeland/Shutterstock.

Agreeable Rescue Dogs

Many dog owners—both seasoned and first-timers—recommend a first-time dog owner go the rescue route. They suggest visiting a shelter or human society in your area and interacting with the dogs there. You can usually get a feel for how high-maintenance or high-energy a dog will be, and you’ll be saving one from a shelter! A win-win.

Sighthounds

Sighthounds are a category of dog breeds that can sometimes be overlooked when people are looking to adopt their first dog. These hounds historically were bread to have a hunting function, but now make very loveable and sometimes lazy family pets. Sighthounds include Borzois, Italian Greyhounds, Irish Wolfhounds, and Whippets. Generally, they are seen as low-management, low-energy dogs that can still turn on the “on” switch to have some active fun outside when you want to!

Labrador Retrievers

Labrador Retrievers are highly popular for their calm demeanors and their devotion to their humans. They’re also known for being herding dogs, though at a lower level of energy than herders like the Border Collie. Labs are also “companion dogs” which means they were bred specifically to be friends to mankind, which is perfect for a new dog owner.

Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers are some of the most popular dogs around, because they’re absolutely adorable at all stages of life, and they’re easy to please and easy to train. Similar to the Labrador Retriever, these dogs are bred as companion dogs, which means they stay loyal to their favorite humans—AKA, you. While these dogs are a little higher energy than some lazier breeds, they don’t require as much exercise as working breeds, so they’re fine for a young, new owner or a family. The Golden is one of the best dogs for first time owners.

Poodles

Poodles are intelligent, affectionate, and highly likely to want to please their owners. One person recommends poodles because they are “like dog training on easy mode.” These fluffy balls of love still do need about an hour of exercise per day and plenty of attention and stimulation with toys, but they certainly don’t want to exhaust their owners.

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The article was inspired by Reddit and doesn’t reflect the views of xoxoBella.