Adopting a dog is challenging, but at the same time, a very fulfilling experience. As a newbie dog owner, looking for your very first pooch is exciting and could be overwhelming at the same time. There are so many wonderful dog breeds to choose from, but which one is right for you? We have compiled the 6 best dogs for first-time dog owners to help you find your perfect match.
6th. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu’s name means little lion, but his personality is anything but that. He is a good-tempered, loving, and friendly lapdog. The breed’s love for companionship extends to children and other pets. He may likely bark at strangers, but he is quick to warm up and befriend them.
Due to his constant need for interaction, he is best suited for first-time dog owners that can spend most of their time at home.
Another wonderful trait of the breed is his high adaptability. He does well in different living environments, from small apartments to spacious houses. However, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind. Excessively warm or cold places are detrimental for the Shih Tzu.
His coat is unable to protect him from extreme temperatures, and his flat face makes it difficult to regulate his body temperature, especially during hot weather.
The Shih Tzu can be quite challenging to train due to his stubbornness. Firm and consistent training paired with positive reinforcement will greatly help in motivating and keeping him focused. Grooming the Shih Tzu can be time-consuming since his coat needs frequent brushing. However, you can save more time if you keep his fur trimmed short.
5th. Poodle
The poodle began as a working dog before he became one of today’s beloved family pets. The breed comes in three size variations: toy, miniature, and standard. The breed is a spirited, outgoing, and affectionate dog. He cherishes his family and loves receiving their attention.
The breed’s easy-going and playful nature makes him a great playmate for children. Since the poodle thrives in interacting with people, he cannot be left alone for long periods, or he may develop separation anxiety.
The poodle is an excellent choice for first-time owners as he is one of the smartest and most trainable dog breeds. He is ready to learn and eager to please his owner. If you have set your eyes on the poodle, know that he has extensive grooming needs due to his coat.
4th. Bichon Frise
Classified as one of the toy breeds, the bichon frise is one of the small dogs that are fit for apartment living. He is an ideal furry companion for new pawrents due to his adaptability and highly sociable personality. He’s a loving canine friend for children and pets alike.
As long as he receives ample amounts of attention from his family, this dog will be happy and healthy. Lack of it, however, can make the bichon frise feel lonely and more at risk of developing separation anxiety. So, he should not be left to his own devices for lengthy periods. Ensure that at least one family member keeps him company most of the time.
The bichon frise loves performing in front of his owners and impressing them with him skills. Hence, training bichon is easy and enjoyable. His grooming needs are quite demanding, although it is a low shedder. That’s because his coat and skin require thorough attention. If you get a bichon frise, be ready to give regular brushing and taking frequent trips to a professional groomer.
3rd. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador retriever is the most popular dog breed in the UK. There are many reasons why this dog breed is well-suited for new dog owners. He is very charming, gentle, and sweet. May it be people, children, or other pets, the Labrador easily fosters new friendship with them.
The friendliness of the Labrador makes him an ineffective guard dog. It isn’t in his nature to attack. As a highly active and intelligent dog, the breed is easy to train and quick to learn commands.
When it comes to grooming, the Labrador retriever is a heavy shedder, but regular brushing prevents loose or dead hair from ending up around your home.
Are you keen on getting a Labrador retriever? Just make sure to meet his exercise needs since he is a very energetic canine and can be prone to obesity.
2nd. Golden Retriever
Another popular dog breed in the UK that made it to the most popular dog breeds list is the golden retriever. He is known to be one of the best family dogs around, as he is sweet-tempered and at the same time full of life. Be it children or other pets; the golden retriever is ready to spend hours playing with them. Since the breed loves people too much, he easily trusts strangers and is likely to befriend them than be guarded towards them.
The golden retriever was developed as a breed that works along with humans. Thus, he is highly trainable and enjoys carrying out even the simplest of tasks. From waking up the children to picking up the newspaper, this dog is happy to help.
The golden retriever is best suited for active first-time dog owners. He has high energy levels that can only be sated through plenty of exercise for an hour or two. If you are particular about keeping your house fur-free, note that the breed sheds heavily. However, as long as you brush his coat regularly, you can reduce the shedding problem.
1st. Maltese
A small breed with a fearless personality, the Maltese is a lively lapdog that is deeply devoted to his owners. Despite his diminutive size, he won’t back down if his family is in danger. Although the breed is protective of his human companions, he is friendly towards other people and pets.
The Maltese also gets along well with children, preferably older ones. However, due to his small size, children should be taught gentle handling to avoid injuring the dog. On the other hand, his compact size makes him a good apartment pet. Training is something the Maltese enjoys and is good at.
The Maltese are a great companion for families that do not have active lifestyles. The Maltese do not require a lot of exercise compared to other dog breeds. A couple of short walks and playtime is enough to keep him happy and fit. These wonderful qualities make the Maltese a good canine companion for first-time dog owners.
With that said, the breed has a low-shedding but high-maintenance coat that requires extra effort when grooming. Take this into consideration before choosing this dog as your furry companion.
