Once you decide to become a dog parent, you will fill excitement and overwhelming, but also the fear of being able to give the dog everything it needs. Don’t worry, it is the all-natural reaction. However, the first step is to determine the breed you prefer.
In some cases, the dog will find you. You can also go to a shelter to adopt one kind of dog, but end up with an entirely different animal because you felt love and connection at first sight. You never know when it comes to the relationship between a dog and a human. Let’s see.
How to Choose?
For a start, think about a well-socialized and housetrained dog from a rescue group. Since such a dog has already lived in a foster home, its temperament and habits are not an enigma.
Remember that some breeds are not recommended for beginners since they require an experienced owner, adequate training, and a high budget. As a novice, you don’t need a bold animal that will command you. Therefore, you should start with a less demanding dog that will adapt to you.
Be aware that a smaller dog requires less training, activities, and adjustments. On the other hand, larger breeds are usually more intelligent, and it is more effortlessly to teach them basic commands.
These are best dogs for first-time owners:
1. Mixed Breed Dogs
The primary objection, when it comes to mixed-breed dogs (bitsers, mutts, mongrel dogs), is that you basically can’t know what genes, temperament, and characteristics that dog carries. On the other hand, they are usually much healthier than pure breeds since they inherit both parents’ best genetic material.
Adopting an abandoned mixed-breed dog has several advantages. Be sure that such a dog will be able to appreciate the love and attention you offer it. That animal has lived a hard life on the street and shelters and will reciprocate with loyalty and dedication to your affection and warm home you provide.
Besides getting an excellent companion, you will help in reducing dog overpopulation in shelters. One more thing! It often happens that a stray dog approaches you because it chooses you and only you among hundreds of people passing by. You won’t have such a privilege when you buy a dog based on breed.
2. Poodle
You can choose among three versions of this well-known, elegant breed, including a toy, miniature, and standard poodle. This highly intelligent, energetic, and adaptable dog will preferably respond to training. It will fit almost every household and get well with children and other dogs.
It is an excellent choice for a first-time owner, but you should keep in mind that this breed needs a pack leader. Therefore, you should train it to prevent stubbornness. It also requires full attention, regular grooming, and at least two walks a day.
The positive sides include minimal shedding and lack of odor. Plus, the poodle is hypoallergenic, making it a perfect choice for those who suffer from allergies.
3. Golden Retriever
Nowadays, the happy, affectionate, intelligent, and loyal Golden Retriever is considered the most desirable family dog. It is prone to training, eager to please, likes learning, and enjoys spending time with its family. The fact it is a large animal will mean nothing to your furry friend. It will behave like a lap-dog, even at an old age.
The great advantage of this calm, adaptable, and friendly dog is its affection to adults and kids of all ages. Keep in mind that you need to brush its long coat regularly and provide enough exercise to keep this active breed in a desired physical condition. You should pick out this lovely dog only if you have a yard.
4. Yorkshire Terrier
If you prefer tiny lap-dogs, the affectionate, curious, and lovable Yorkshire Terrier is an excellent starter dog. It will love you and your children and quickly adapt to living in an apartment. Well-known as a moderate energetic breed, your Yorkie will require daily walks and only essential exercise.
However, make a solid foundation of training early to get a well-mannered, loyal, affectionate, and highly socialized dog. You need to regularly groom and trim its continually growing hair. If you prefer a free lifestyle, this independent, courageous, and intelligent creature prone to adventure will be an ideal match.
5. Boxer
Boxer is a playful, hyperactive, and gentle guard breed that reacts to training desirably. Thanks to the protective nature, it will take care of your kids and keep your home safe. However, teach it to avoid jumping on anyone from the very beginning since it is prone to be too friendly and excited with new people.
Since its coat is short, it won’t require much grooming, but it will shed all the time. Be prepared that this dog needs regular exercise, which is an ideal choice for the family that enjoys an outdoor and active life and traveling. In fact, it is almost a perfect dog for you as a first-time owner if you don’t mind a little bit stubbornness.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This lovely, attentive, and gentle therapy dog is full of character. Since it adequately responds to training, even an inexperienced first-time owner won’t have trouble teaching it the basic commands.
If you choose this dog, you will get a social, loving, patient, and affectionate friend that adores cuddling. Thanks to a calm temperament, it will be an excellent companion to your child.
Despite a long coat, your new Cavalier won’t shed a lot, and it will need only the essential grooming. On the other hand, it is not the healthiest animal on the planet, and you can’t use this friendly creature as a guard dog.
7. Bichon Frise
This cheerful little toy-dog is a great, easy-to-train companion that can adapt to any lifestyle, including living in an apartment. This smart, hypoallergenic dog will react positively to consistent training, adore kids and other dogs, and have low exercise requirements.
Even though this breed is quiet, your bichon loves attention and won’t hesitate to let you know when hungry or needs to go to the bathroom. Be prepared that you should take it to a daily walk, and its curly coat requires regular visits to the groomer.
