25 Dog Breeds That Are Perfect for First-Time Pet Owners

Doing the legwork before bringing a dog home will help first-time pet owners live happily ever after with their new best friend.

25 Dog Breeds That Are Perfect for First-Time Pet Owners

Are you one of those few people who never owned a dog but wants to? Seeing your friends pal around with their four-legged best friend can definitely give anyone puppy fever. But with so many breeds to choose from, it can be hard to know what kind of dog would do best in your home.

It’s a good idea to research dog breeds and learn about their grooming, training, health and exercise needs to make sure they will be a good match for you. Just because you love your friend’s Border Collie, for example, does not mean one would be happy sharing your urban apartment lifestyle.

You’ll also want to research where you’re getting your dog because dogs bred for temperament (rather than color or size) will make the best housemates. Find a knowledgeable, positive reinforcement trainer to help you raise a good canine citizen and a helpful vet to screen for any potential health issues. Doing the legwork at the beginning will help you live happily ever after with your new best friend.

To get you started, these 25 dog breeds are perfect for first-time owners.

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is often considered the quintessential family dog. They are a medium-sized breed that is generally friendly to all and easy to train. They do well with kids (although small kids may get knocked down by their exuberance antics, so definitely watch them with younger kids).

They also usually get along with other pets in the house as well. Plus, the Golden Retriever coat requires minimal maintenance: a routine brushing every few days will keep the tangles at bay.

Golden Retriever Summary

Temperament: Outgoing, intelligent, loyal

Height: 23-24 inches (male), 21.5-22.5 inches (female)

Weight: 65-75 pounds (male), 55-65 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 10-12 years

*All breed information is sourced from the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Golden Retriever Popularity

AKC breed ranking: 3 of 200

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever has long been one of the AKC’s most popular breeds. Like the Golden, Labrador Retrievers are generally great family dogs, getting along with anyone they meet. They are very food-motivated, making them easy to train. You do have to watch for chewing as pups, though, and they are definitely “mouthy.”

Their short coat requires little grooming, but don’t be fooled — your house will still be covered in dog hair as they do shed and have an undercoat. Their ears need to be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Labrador Retriever Summary

Temperament: Outgoing, active, intelligent

Height: 22.5-24.5 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female)

Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 10-12 years

Labrador Retriever Popularity

Three Labrador Retriever dogs on the grass

AKC breed ranking: 2 of 200

Pug

The Pug is definitely the clown of the dog world. If you are looking to laugh your way through life, a Pug may be the dog for you! They are good-natured and love hanging with the family. They have some energy but also like to chill on the couch with you.

They like people so much that training is usually easy and fun with the Pug, too. Their wrinkles do require some grooming maintenance to stay healthy, and their short but thick coat sheds pretty much year-round.

Pug Summary

Temperament: Clown-like, mischievous, loving

Height: 10-13 inches

Weight: 14-18 pounds

Life expectancy: 13-15 years

Pug Popularity

AKC breed ranking: 35 of 200

Greyhound

The Greyhound may be a sprinter, but don’t be fooled — they love to sit on the couch with their favorite human! After some daily exercise, this breed makes a great housemate. While they do have an independent streak, they are intelligent and trainable.

Their short coat requires almost no maintenance and has minimal shedding compared to breeds with an undercoat. Rescued, off-the-track Greyhounds may need more work than a first-time dog owner is prepared for, so ask a lot of questions before rescuing a retired Greyhound.

Greyhound Summary

Temperament: Sweet, independent, noble

Height: 28-30 inches (male), 27-28 inches (female)

Weight: 65-70 pounds (male), 60-65 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 10-13 years

Greyhound Popularity

AKC breed ranking: 63 of 200

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are perfect for those looking for a gentle giant as their first dog. They are sweet and loving to all they meet. They usually get along just fine with kids and other pets. Due to their size, watch them around little children as they may accidently knock them over. They require moderate exercise and shouldn’t tire you out.

The only downside to Bernese Mountain Dogs (aka Berners, as they are affectionately called) is their short lifespan and common health issues, including cancer, blood disorders and hip/elbow dysplasia. If a large dog breed is in your future, be sure to research bloat, a life-threatening issue that can happen if your dog is gulping their food down.

Bernese Mountain Dog Summary

Temperament: Good-natured, gentle, calm, strong

Height: 25-27.5 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female)

Weight: 80-115 pounds (male), 70-95 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 7-10 years

Bernese Mountain Dog Popularity

Two happy bernese mountain dogs jumping in the snow

AKC breed ranking: 22 of 200

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel makes friends with everyone. They are a loving and friendly breed with soft brown eyes that melt the heart. Since they were bred to be lap dogs, the Cavi is content in smaller homes and only needs moderate exercise to keep in shape. As a hunting breed that is eager to please, they also train well.

Just remember that those hunting instincts may mean they can’t be trusted off leash without proper training, which may prove challenging to some first-time owners if they do not have a trusted dog trainer’s help. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s do need some grooming to keep tangles away, and their ears need to be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Summary

Temperament: Affectionate, gentle, friendly

Height: 12-13 inches

Weight: 13-18 pounds

Life expectancy: 12-15 years

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Popularity

AKC breed ranking: 14 of 200

Boxer

The Boxer is a lively, bouncing breed perfect for the active home. They have a friendly disposition towards humans and are easy to train, as long as you don’t try to drill them with a lot of repetition. Their short coat is also easy to manage.

They do not always get along with other dogs, particularly of the same sex. They have a tendency to “bounce” as they run or trot, which could knock over smaller children. If you have an active home, the Boxer might be a good choice.

Boxer Summary

Temperament: Active, good-natured, intelligent

Height: 23-25 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female)

Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), females are about 15 pounds less than male

Life expectancy: 10-12 years

Boxer Popularity

AKC breed ranking: 16 of 200

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are sweet, happy dogs that love everyone. Although a hunting breed, they also love a lap to lay on and lots of attention. They do need exercise but not excessive amounts. Daily walks in the park or a game of fetch will help keep them in shape and content.

They are an intelligent breed with a people-pleasing demeanor that makes them easy to train. Being sensitive, they do not do well with harsh corrections. Their coat does require grooming to prevent knots, and most get their Cockers clipped in the standard cut, requiring routine trips to a groomer.

Cocker Spaniel Summary

Temperament: Smart, gentle, happy

Height: 14.5-15.5 inches (male), 13.5-14.5 inches (female)

Weight: 25-30 pounds (male), 20-25 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 10-14 years

Cocker Spaniel Popularity

AKC breed ranking: 29 of 200

Corgi (Cardigan Welsh or Pembroke Welsh)

Both the Cardigan Welsh and Pembroke Welsh Corgis can be excellent first dogs. They are sweet, intelligent dogs that love attention. There are subtle differences in looks between the two types, including color (Cardigans can be merle) and tail (Cardigans keeps theirs, but in the U.S., the Pembroke tail is docked). Both are trainable but definitely need socialization early on to avoid reactivity.

A herding breed, Corgis do need exercise and to be taught not to chase the kids or other pets in the house. Corgis have an undercoat that requires brushing, and they shed regularly.

Corgi Summary

Temperament: Intelligent, happy, affectionate

Height: 10-12 inches

Weight: 25-35 pounds

Life expectancy: 12-15 years

Corgi Popularity

Cute Welsh Corgi dog sitting on the steps

AKC breed ranking: 62 of 200 (Cardigan Welsh), 11 of 200 (Pembroke Welsh)

Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is a people-pleasing clown that the AKC rates as one of the easiest to train. They do not like harsh corrections but feed off praise and rewards.

Bostons are great with kids and any company that may come over. Some are more energetic than others, but all need at least moderate exercise. Their short coat is easy to maintain for the first-time dog owner.

Boston Terrier Summary

Temperament: Clown-like, friendly, energetic

Height: 15-17 inches

Weight: 12-25 pounds

Life expectancy: 11-13 years

Boston Terrier Popularity

AKC breed ranking: 24 of 200

American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog comes in three sizes to suit any household. They are intelligent and playful, with quite a bit of energy. They are also “talkers” and can be barky, which first-time dog owners may find hard to deal with, especially in an apartment. However, they are considered one of the most trainable breeds, so with the help of a dog trainer, you should be fine.

They do not do well being left alone for extended periods of time. If you work from home and are looking for a companion, the Eskimo Dog might be a great match. They have a double coat that sheds constantly and does require routine brushing several times a week.

American Eskimo Dog Summary

Temperament: Playful, smart, bouncy

Height: 9-12 inches (toy), 12-15 inches (miniature), 15-19 inches (standard)

Weight: 6-10 pounds (toy), 10-20 pounds (miniature), 25-35 pounds (standard)

Life expectancy: 13-15 years

American Eskimo Dog Popularity

AKC breed ranking: 123 of 200

Whippet

Like Greyhounds, Whippets tend to be lazier than you may have imagined and settle into a house easily. Just make sure they get some rigorous fetch games a few times a week as well as daily walks to keep them in shape mentally and physically. They are sweet, loving dogs that grow very attached to their owners, and their calm demeanor makes them good with smaller kids.

They can be a bit more difficult to train than other breeds on this list, but they are intelligent and capable of learning once a bond is formed with their owner. Their short coat is also easy to maintain.

Whippet Summary

Temperament: Playful, affectionate, calm

Height: 19-22 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female)

Weight: 25-40 pounds

Life expectancy: 12-15 years

Whippet Popularity

AKC breed ranking: 54 of 200

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are an uncommon breed that are excellent with families. They are good with kids and can be good with other pets, though some have a strong prey drive. Smaller children may be knocked over accidently due to their size, so they should be watched.

Like most hunting breeds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks have an independent streak but are intelligent and trainable with patience. Starting young is the best thing with the Rhodesian Ridgeback. They do require daily exercise like a walk or a game fetch but nothing extreme. Their short coat sheds a bit and is easy to maintain.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Summary

Temperament: Affectionate, dignified, even-tempered

Height: 25-27 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)

Weight: 85 pounds (male), 70 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 10 years

Rhodesian Ridgeback Popularity

AKC breed ranking: 41 of 200

French Bulldog

Another breed that will make you smile is the French Bulldog. This tenacious breed really seems to take everything in stride and loves everyone, including kids. They require just a bit of exercise to keep fit and then are happy on the couch with you. You do have to watch for overheating due to their flat face, and their wrinkles need regular care to keep infections at bay.

The Frenchie is intelligent and playful, making training fun, even if it may take a bit longer than with some other breeds. Their short coat sheds almost year-round, but it is easy to care for. They do tend to be prone to health issues and often have larger vet bills than other breeds, which is something first-time dog owners should take into consideration.

French Bulldog Summary

Temperament: Clown-like, smart, adaptable

Height: 11-13 inches

Weight: Under 28 pounds

Life expectancy: 10-12 years

French Bulldog Popularity

AKC breed ranking: 1 of 200

English Bulldog

The English Bulldog is a big dog in a small package. Their dense body means they may look like a lapdog, but at full size, you would be hard-pressed to pick them up. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t climb onto your lap for snuggles: They love people! They are generally great with kids. They are also fairly easy to train, and their quirky personality will make you laugh in the process.

English Bulldogs love to chew and tug, so they need to be taught early about what’s appropriate to chew and when to “release” something they have in their mouth. Although they love to relax with you, they still need exercise to prevent excess weight causing stress on their joints. Like the Frenchie, their wrinkles require routine care, and their short coat sheds almost constantly. They also are prone to quite a few health issues that can cause big vet bills that first-time dog owners should keep in mind.

English Bulldog Summary

Temperament: Friendly, brave, calm

Height: 14-15 inches

Weight: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 8-10 years

English Bulldog Popularity

English bulldog sitting on the grass and watching

AKC breed ranking: 6 of 200

Irish Setter

The elegant Irish Setter is a lovely family dog for the active home. They are a lovable dog breed that makes friends easily. They get along well with kids, but watch that they don’t accidently knock them over with their bouncy antics. This is a high-energy breed that needs more exercise than most of the other breeds on this list, even the Greyhound and the Whippet!

If you want a jogging partner, they may be a good fit for you. As an intelligent hunting breed, they are fairly easy to train. They do require routine grooming to keep tangles at bay.

Irish Setter Summary

Temperament: Sweet, outgoing, active

Height: 27 inches (male), 25 inches (female)

Weight: 70 pounds (male), 60 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 12-15 years

Irish Setter Popularity

AKC breed ranking: 71 of 200

West Highland Terrier

The West Highland Terrier, or Westie, is a sweet dog with a courageous terrier heart. Westies are great for houses with kids, but don’t forget that the terrier has instincts. They definitely need exercise and an outlet for their prey drive. Extremely intelligent, they can be easy to train once you learn how to work with their independent streak.

Their wire hair does require regular maintenance, including stripping or clipping by a groomer to keep it in good shape. They are a fairly healthy breed, so first-time owners looking to avoid huge vet bills may find the Westie to be a good choice.

West Highland Terrier Summary

Temperament: Loyal, happy, clown-like

Height: 10-12 inches

Weight: 15-20 pounds

Life expectancy: 13-15 years

West Highland Terrier Popularity

AKC breed ranking: 45 of 200

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise steals hearts with one look. They are adaptable to a wide range of households and generally get along with kids. An active small dog, Bichons should be given some form of exercise daily, like a walk or a short game of fetch. After that, they are content to be on your lap watching Netflix.

Bichon Frises are pretty easy to train, even for first-time dog owners, and they love learning tricks. They shed very little, but they should be brushed daily and clipped regularly by a groomer. Teeth and gum health can be an issue in this breed, so they do need regular tooth brushing by their owner and regular dental checkups at the vet.

Bichon Frise Summary

Temperament: Curious, playful, lively

Height: 9.5-11.5 inches

Weight: 12-18 pounds

Life expectancy: 14-15 years

Bichon Frise Popularity

AKC breed ranking: 47 of 200

Collie

It’s probably no surprise that the Collie is a great choice for a family dog, especially if you are familiar with the show, “Lassie.” However, Collies are working dogs, and in order for them to be good housemates, they need an outlet for their energy and herding instincts. If they have that, they are quite content to chill on the couch or at your feet.

They can be a barky breed, which is something first-time owners should be aware of, but they are extremely intelligent and easy to train. They have either rough (long-hair) or smooth (short-hair) coats. The rough coat requires regular brushing at least once a week to prevent matts in the thick undercoat. The smooth coat is easier to maintain, though it still has an undercoat that needs brushing. Collies are fairly healthy, but first-time owners need to be aware of the MDR1 mutation that, if present, makes them sensitive to certain drugs, including those used for anesthesia.

Collie Summary

Temperament: Loyal, sweet-natured, proud

Height: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)

Weight: 60-75 pounds (male), 50-65 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 12-14 years

Collie Popularity

A beautiful collie with long hair out in nature

AKC breed ranking: 39 of 200

English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel is a lovely dog that does well in busy households with kids. Above all, they want to be with their people, so a household where they are alone all day may not be the best fit. Like all spaniels, they do need daily exercise but not anything excessive. A long walk or a game of fetch is good, but they would love to join you on a hike or other adventure!

Because they are so eager to please, they are rated by AKC as one of the most trainable breeds. Their coat does need weekly brushing and trips to the groomer for regular clipping. Like other “floppy-eared” breeds, first-time owners should be aware that they need to clean them out regularly to avoid infection.

English Springer Spaniel Summary

Temperament: Friendly, playful, obedient

Height: 20 inches (male), 19 inches (female)

Weight: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 12-14 years

English Springer Spaniel Popularity

AKC breed ranking: 26 of 200

Papillon

The Papillon is a small dog with a big personality. They are outgoing and lively, needing at least moderate exercise: Many Papillons excel at agility! Papillon’s are highly trainable, even for the new dog owner, and they love to learn tricks. They do have a strong chase (prey) drive, which owners will need to learn how to manage.

Due to their small size, children should be watched, so they don’t accidentally step on or harm the dog. They do not have an undercoat, so their long, silky coat is fairly easy to manage with routine brushings to avoid knots. Papillons are a healthy breed with a long life expectancy that many first-time dog owners are drawn to.

Papillon Summary

Temperament: Friendly, happy, alert

Height: 8-11 inches

Weight: 5-10 pounds

Life expectancy: 14-16 years

Papillon Popularity

AKC breed ranking: 51 of 200

Yorkshire Terrier

One of the smallest dogs on this list, the Yorkshire Terrier is a popular breed due to their loving, outgoing personalities and cute expressions. Most owners find it easiest to keep them in a puppy cut; otherwise, their long silky hair requires routine brushing to keep it tangle free. However, their coat is low-allergen and does not have an undercoat, so they may be a good choice for a home with allergies.

Their tiny size means they can easily be injured, so children should be watched and taught careful handling. Although small, Yorkies do still need exercise and should not be carried everywhere! They should be given a daily walk and enjoy a short game of fetch so they can run. They are a healthy breed with a long lifespan.

Yorkshire Terrier Summary

Temperament: Affectionate, bouncy, outgoing

Height: 7-8 inches

Weight: 7 pounds

Life expectancy: 11-15 years

Yorkshire Terrier Popularity

AKC breed ranking: 13 of 200

Poodle

The regal Poodle comes in three sizes: toy, miniature and standard. All are intelligent, athletic dogs that love their people. Being eager to please, Poodles are ranked among the easiest to train by the AKC as well as one of the smartest. They do have energy and need daily exercise. Poodles excel in homes where they have a job — whether that’s hunting, agility or obedience.

Poodles are generally good with kids, especially the miniature and standard. The standard may accidentally knock over small children due to their size. Conversely, Toy Poodles are easily injured, and children should be taught to handle them with care. All Poodles have a coat that is thought of as being hypoallergenic and sheds very little. However, first-time dog owners should be aware that their coat needs regular maintenance, including brushing and trips to the groomer for clips. Most pet owners keep their Poodles in “puppy cuts” because they are easier to groom.

Poodle Summary

Temperament: Intelligent, active, proud

Height: No more than 10 inches (toy), 10-15 inches (miniature), over 15 inches (standard)

Weight: 4-6 pounds (toy), 10-15 pounds (miniature), 40-70 pounds (standard)

Life expectancy: 10-18 years

Poodle Popularity

Black and White Standard Poodles in Garden

AKC breed ranking: 5 of 200

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus may be the ultimate lap dog. They are known for being particularly good with kids and doing well in apartments and other small dwellings. Bred for centuries to be palace lap dogs, they are the perfect binge-watching partner. All that being said, Shih Tzus still need fresh air, sunshine and exercise to stay healthy, so still plan on a short daily walk (it’s good for you, too!).

This affectionate breed is also fairly easy to train since they want to please. They do best with praise and reward-based training. Their long coat may be the only “drawback” to the Shih Tzu for the first-time dog owner. It does require daily brushing, especially when kept long. Or taking regular trips to the groomer to keep it in a “puppy cut” makes the coat more manageable.

Shih Tzu Summary

Temperament: Affectionate, playful, outgoing

Height: 9-10.5 inches

Weight: 9-16 pounds

Life expectancy: 10-18 years

Shih Tzu Popularity

AKC breed ranking: 20 of 200

Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog is often mistaken for being a small Collie, though they have more of a dished nose than their larger cousins. The Sheltie, as they are called, is an active breed that is loyal to their family and often wary of strangers. They do well with kids that are dog savvy, as they can be sensitive to rough handling. While extremely easy to train, they need to be properly socialized early to avoid reactivity (barking). Some have high prey or herding drives that first-time dog owners may find challenging, especially when not trained.

Shelties are especially loving and devoted to their people. If you are looking for a dog to go on a hike or run with and then have them curl up at your feet or next to you on the couch, the Sheltie is your dog. Unlike Collies, Shelties only come in a rough coat. They have a thick undercoat that requires regular grooming. First-time owners also need to be aware of the MDR1 mutation that, if present, makes them sensitive to certain drugs, including those used for anesthesia.

Shetland Sheepdog Summary

Temperament: Energetic, intelligent, loyal

Height: 13-16 inches

Weight: 15-25 pounds

Life expectancy: 12-14 years

Shetland Sheepdog Popularity

AKC breed ranking: 27 of 200