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.
Collie
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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.
Shetland Sheepdog
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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.
