Are you new to the dog world and looking to adopt a pup in need of a good home? Many experts advise first time dog parents to start with a small dog.
As it’s going to be your sole companion, a playmate for your kids, or a “fur baby” for you and your partner. bringing home your first dog is both exciting and a little bit scary. There’s a lot to learn in terms of housebreaking, setting up feeding routines, grooming, and general canine healthcare.
Small dogs are attractive because there, Temperament characteristics such as trainability, eager to please and bond, affectionate with the owner, and outgoing friendliness are some of the traits that makes some dogs easier to own than others.
To help you determine the best first dog for new owners—and avoid some of the worst dogs for first-time owners—we’re showcasing some of the most popular dog breeds that are easy to train, groom, and bond with them. Here is the type of dogs.
10 Dogs for First Time Owners
- Bichon Frise
The bichon frise is a happy-go-lucky little dog, great for families with children or apartment living. They don’t shed as much as many other dogs, so you won’t have to clean up stray fur. Plus, you can take them almost anywhere.
Their fluffy, powder puff coat with their large dark eyes make them an irresistible choice for a small dog companion.
This breed’s curly coat needs to be trimmed regularly and brushed carefully. For a lower-maintenance coat, keep your bichon’s hair cut short.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a sweet, affectionate dog with a puppy-like appearance. They like to please and will fall all over themselves trying to make you happy.
The Cavalier is one of the most popular breeds in the UK and US. They are also popular among seniors as their demands are low and love high.
They make our list of the best first dogs for new owners because of their adaptability and smarts, which make them both easy to get along with and train.
They may chase anything that runs in their path, including cars, so leash training is a must. This breed should top the list of dogs for first time owners. Despite a medium-length coat, this dog’s grooming needs are basic. Regular brushing is essential to avoid tangles in the hair.
- Maltese
It’s hard to resist the adorable face and friendly nature of the Maltese. Their glamorous white coat gives them a look of haughty nobility, but looks can be deceiving.
Don’t be fooled by that gentle, sweet look, these dogs and will let you know it with their bark of defiance. Although the Maltese has been bred for years to be a companion dog, he is very capable of catching rats like a terrier might, and they retain that alert, lively, intelligent personality trait.
This is a sprightly, vigorous dog who excels not only as a companion but also as a therapy dog and competitor in such dog sports as agility, obedience, rally, and tracking. The Maltese is a very affectionate, happy breed that doesn’t require excessive exercise and is content to spend time relaxing on your lap.
- Papillon
Don’t let this dog’s diminutive frame fool you. This happy, friendly, and adaptable dog breed can do well in a variety of households. The breed’s sparkling personality makes these dogs a favorite of all who meet them. Even though you might think of Papillons as lap dogs, these pooch’s are active and playful, and they won’t be content lounging on the couch with you all day.
They love people and prefer to be close to their special people throughout the day and night. While some separation is expected and necessary, the Papillon would choose to be by your side 24/7. The papillon does not need a lot of exercise but wants a chance to play and run around. The breed is easy to train and requires only moderate grooming.
- Poodle
The poodle is a popular, versatile dog breed that makes a wonderful companion. Toy Poodles make the perfect pet for anyone who is dedicated to them and can give them the proper care they deserve. This breed comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, or standard.
Without proper training, your pup could be high-strung and timid. With training being such an ease that should never be a problem, as long as you’re willing to commit to your Poodle, as you would do with any breed of dog. They need grooming regularly to maintain their curly, continually growing coat.
- Pug
The Pug is in many cases portrayed as a great deal of canine in a little space. These durable, conservative canines are a piece of the American Pet hotel Club’s Toy bunch, and are known as the jokesters of the canine world since they have an incredible comical inclination and like to flaunt.
These dogs are the near perfect family dog. They can adapt to most location and situation and get along with all ages, especially kids that can give them extra nonstop attention.
- Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small dog that’s big on affection. This ancient Chinese breed is happiest when spending time with the family. As fearless watchdog, this breed tends to bark loudly when someone comes to the door, but then greet the visitor enthusiastic with kisses and affection.
If you’re looking for a small best buddy who who can adapt to apartment living, join you on the couch for cuddles, and shower you with unconditional love, this may be the dog for you. You will need to brush that beautiful silky coat at least several times each week to prevent tangles.
- Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire terrier is a great starter dog for those who want a little lap dog. This breed is affectionate towards its owner and may even act protective around strangers. They are alert, trainable, curious, and lovable. They may be the quintessential purse dog, but what they lack in size they make up for in personality.
The Yorkie is a companion dog these days and quite a bit smaller than his ancient cousins. Yorkies have continually growing hair that must be brushed and trimmed regularly. On the off chance that you have the opportunity and financial plan for ordinary custodian visits, keeping your Yorkie looking great will be genuinely basic.
- German Shepherd
The noble German shepherd is an excellent dog for first-time owners for many reasons. For starters, they are exceptionally smart pups that are easy to train, which is one justification for why they are used in K-9 units. Second, they are delicate with their proprietors and unfailingly faithful — to the end that they make incredible guard dogs.
The breed is easy to train and requires only moderate grooming.
- Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog might be big, but these dogs are easy-going, eager to please, affectionate, and intelligent. Their big size can be intimidating, but they’re big softies who love to stick close to their humans. In fact, they can be a little shy.
They are genuinely great guard dogs and are extremely committed to their people. Know, in any case, that Burners shed a lot and do require ordinary brushing to eliminate free hair.