Adopting a dog is a huge step for anyone. If you are a first-time dog owner, adoption can feel overwhelming as you navigate the many choices involved. You might not fully understand what you’re signing up for. It’s often said that dogs are “man’s best friend,” and while this is true, building such a bond requires a lot of training, patience, and love.
Choosing which breed of dog to adopt is often the most impactful part of the journey. What you may not realise is how different each breed is. The breed influences a dog’s temperament, size, ease of training, intelligence, friendliness, independence, lifespan, and more. Considering all these factors, we’ve put together a list of the top six dog breeds that are ideal for first-time owners. We’ll also provide some useful tips on how to keep each breed stimulated, happy, and out of trouble!
Golden Retriever
The golden retriever is often ranked as the most popular breed of dog. For first-time dog owners, a golden retriever will usually make life very easy. They are highly intelligent, which makes them quick learners. You may still benefit from a formal training class, but it’s not necessary. You can try reading some books or watching tutorials online, and that may be all it takes.
A few considerations with golden retrievers are that they get quite large. Males can weigh up to 75 pounds, classifying them as a large breed. Their life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and they tend to be pretty healthy overall. To keep them happy, you’ll need to give them plenty of exercise. They enjoy long walks and, as their name implies, love playing fetch with their favourite toy. They have medium-length fur that requires maintenance and upkeep. They are also known for shedding a lot, especially in spring.
Labrador Retriever
People who aren’t familiar with dog breeds often mistake the Labrador retriever for the golden retriever. Labrador retrievers share many traits with golden retrievers, such as their temperament, intelligence, and playful nature. However, there are notable differences between the two breeds. Labrador retrievers have shorter hair, which can be easier to deal with. Their coat is also very dense and requires regular brushing to manage shedding. Size-wise, they reach up to 80 pounds, and their life expectancy is also 10 to 12 years.
Pug
If the idea of a small dog with minimal work appeals to you, a pug could be perfect. Pugs are the kind of dogs that adapt to their environment, allowing them to fit in seamlessly. Due to their size and temperament, pugs are a smart choice for singles, couples, families, and seniors. Nothing is intimidating about them, and they can easily be picked up. Most owners agree that teaching a pug the basic commands is straightforward.
To keep your dog entertained, brief periods of playtime throughout the day are usually all it takes. They enjoy their walks, but be sure to use a harness rather than a standard collar. Pugs are prone to issues with their trachea, so you don’t want to put pressure on it. Additionally, they have a hard time tolerating extreme heat. This means skipping long walks during a heatwave.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Here’s another small breed of dog that is ideal for those without much yard space. You don’t even need a dedicated yard as long as you’re able to walk your dog daily. The breed tends to weigh 13 to 18 pounds once fully grown and is only 12 to 13 inches in height. They are known for being affectionate and will happily curl up in your lap. Their gentle personality also makes them perfect for households with kids.
As for how to keep the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel entertained, it’s pretty simple. Daily walks are important, although they don’t need to be long. You can exercise them indoors by playing with their toys. One thing to be aware of is they have long fur that requires regular maintenance. This fur maintenance is important because shedding is common. The life expectancy for this breed is 12 to 14 years.
Poodles
Instead of focusing on a single type, let’s talk about poodles as a whole. There are toy, miniature, and standard poodles. Each type can be a wonderful companion; the key is finding the one that suits your lifestyle. The smallest is the toy poodle, and the largest is the standard poodle.
Standard poodles are consistently ranked in the top three most intelligent dog breeds, which can be both good and bad. Standard poodles are easy to train, but their high intelligence means they need mentally stimulating activities. Keeping a smart, energetic poodle mentally engaged is possible with such things as a puzzle toy, a snuffle mat, or even a treat dispensing toy. While your dog is busy solving puzzles, why not stimulate your own mind with a casual mobile game or a few spins at a pay by phone casino from the comfort of your couch?
If you are hoping to find a dog that doesn’t bother your allergies, a poodle might be perfect because they are hypoallergenic, meaning they are less likely to trigger allergic reactions. In terms of their temperament, poodles tend to be high-energy, social, and playful.
Boxer
For those who like the idea of a larger dog but still want it to be relatively easy-going, a boxer can be a great addition to your household. Just like so many other breeds on this list, boxers do well with singles and families. This is a high-energy breed perfect for active people. A boxer would happily join you for daily jogs, hikes, bike rides, and other activities. One thing to note about them is they need good, solid training from the get-go because they are so physically strong.
Many like the idea of having a protective dog, and again a boxer can fit the bill. They are known for their loyalty and will protect all members of the household. In terms of maintenance, they are fairly low-maintenance. Their fur is extremely short, so you don’t need to worry about brushing them or tons of fur shedding. They get to be about 70 pounds in adulthood, although they still consider themselves lap dogs. The life expectancy for boxers is 10 to 12 years.
Choosing the Perfect Breed Is Harder Than You May Think
Each of the dog breeds listed here has positive qualities that could make them perfect for your lifestyle. Narrowing down which breed is best for you can be difficult, so be sure to do as much research as possible, talk to friends, and ask questions. You don’t want to rush your decision about which breed to adopt.
