Top 15 Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Dads and Moms

Thinking about getting your first dog? It’s an exciting decision, and choosing the right breed is essential. Some dogs are easier to train, care for, and form a strong bond with, especially for first-time owners. Whether you live alone, with a partner, or have a family, finding a breed that fits your lifestyle can make a big difference.

To help you get started, this guide highlights the Top 15 best dog breeds for First-Time Owners. Each one is friendly, easy to train, and ready to become a loyal companion.

1. Golden Retriever: Friendly, Patient, and Easy to Train

As one of the best dog breeds, Golden Retrievers are loved for their loyalty and friendliness. Their calm temperament and high intelligence make them easy to train, even if you’ve never owned a dog before. Goldens are also great with kids and other pets, making them ideal for families.

Golden Retrievers enjoy being active, but they’re just as happy lounging indoors with their favourite humans. They need regular grooming due to their thick double coat, but nothing overly complicated. A walk in the park and a game of fetch are enough to keep them happy.

Best for: Active families, first-time owners who want a reliable, affectionate companion.

2. Labrador Retriever: Loyal, Friendly, and Easygoing

Labrador Retrievers are playful, friendly, and easy to train. Their loving nature makes them perfect for first-time dog owners. Labs get along well with kids, other pets, and even strangers.

Regular exercise suits Labradors well, as they enjoy staying active. Whether you're hiking, playing fetch, or heading to one of the best dog parks in Dubai, Labs are happy to join in. They come in black, chocolate, and yellow, and while they shed a little, they don’t need much grooming.

Best for: Owners who want a sociable, easygoing dog that fits in almost any household.

3. German Shepherd: Intelligent, Loyal, and Protective

If you want a dog that’s easy to train and always alert, the German Shepherd might be your perfect match. These intelligent dogs quickly pick up commands and thrive when given a job or purpose. That’s why they’re often used in police and military work.

Despite German Shepherds’ protective nature, they are gentle with their families and extremely loyal. They require regular physical and mental stimulation, such as daily walks, training sessions, or interactive toys, to stay happy. Their grooming needs are moderate, and they benefit from brushing a few times a week.

Best for: Owners who can provide consistent training and want an intelligent, devoted companion.

4. Poodle: Smart, Low-Maintenance Coat, and Easy to Train

Toy, Miniature, and Standard Poodles are excellent choices for first-time pet owners. Despite their sophisticated reputation, Poodles are fun-loving, furry friends who can fit into various lifestyles! The poodle is an adaptable dog breed that makes an excellent companion. Poodle puppies can be high-energy, so they’ll need to be able to run off that energy. Poodles are infrequent shedders, but their fashionable coats should be brushed regularly as a hypoallergenic dog breed. In addition, professional grooming is recommended every four to six weeks. 

Best for: People or families with allergies who want a smart and stylish dog.

5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Gentle and Adaptable

For first-time pet parents, the graceful Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, or “Cavalier,” is a charming choice. These unfailingly sweet puppies are also eager to please their humans, making them ideal for a diverse range of owners, including couples, families, seniors, and individuals. 

Cavaliers are also known to be excellent therapy dogs. They require a little more grooming than the other pups on our list, but the benefits of regular grooming go beyond just looks, as the American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends daily brushing, weekly ear checks, and monthly nail trims.

Best for: Apartment dwellers, seniors, or families looking for a loving lapdog.

6. Mixed Breed Dogs: Unique and Appreciative

Mixed-breed dogs, often called mutts, can be some of the best dog breeds for new pet parents. Thanks to their diverse lineage, they often have well-rounded personalities and may face fewer health issues. Local shelters are full of these unique dogs, and the staff can help you find one that suits your lifestyle.

Older mixed breeds are a wise choice for first-time dog owners. Many are already house-trained, a bit more relaxed, and easier to settle into a new home. Adopting one also means giving a rescue dog a new beginning.

Best for: Caring owners who want a loyal and one-of-a-kind companion.

7. Bichon Frise: Playful, Cuddly, and Allergy-Friendly

The Bichon Frise is a cheerful little pup that fits right in with families or apartment life. Like a fluffy cotton ball with legs, it’s easy to train and stays happy with just a bit of daily exercise.

You will need to dedicate the time and money to regular visits to the groomer. This breed’s curly coat needs regular trimming and brushing. Keeping their hair short makes maintenance easier. Their hypoallergenic fur also makes them a good choice for people with dog allergies.

Best for: Apartment living, allergy-sensitive owners, and families with young children.

8. Maltese: Glamorous, Brave, and Devoted

The Maltese may be tiny, but they have big personalities. Known for their silky white coats and affectionate nature, they form strong bonds with their owners and love being the centre of attention.

Believed to have originated thousands of years ago in the Mediterranean, the Maltese have long held a high status, favoured by philosophers and royalty. They're energetic and enjoy playtime. A 30-minute daily walk helps them burn off energy and stay healthy.

Maltese are obedient and intelligent, responding well to training and learning new things. A quick daily brush prevents knots and keeps their coat and skin in excellent condition.

Best for: Owners looking for a tiny but confident companion with a soft side.

9. Shih Tzu: Gentle, Loving, and Perfect for Small Spaces

Shih Tzus are small dogs with big hearts, originally bred as companions for Chinese royalty. Often listed among the best dog breeds for indoor living, they lack strong herding or hunting instincts, making them unlikely to be aggressive and quick to adapt to any household. Gentle and playful, Shih Tzus form strong bonds with their owners and love nothing more than curling up on a lap. They also shed very little, making them easier to live with indoors.

Shih Tzus with long coats need daily brushing, while those with shorter or moderate-length coats can be brushed a few times a week. The hair above their eyes should be trimmed or tied back to prevent irritation. They require little exercise, making them ideal as apartment dogs. 

Best for: Owners wanting a small, gentle, apartment-friendly dog.

10. Beagle: Curious, Lively, and Family-Friendly

A brave, athletic dog who requires firm guidance in its early training. They enjoy following a scent and can jump walls and dig under fences in pursuit of their prey, and they can be pretty vocal while doing so. Beagles are great family pets because of their friendly and outgoing nature, but they can be boisterous, so, as with all dogs, they should be supervised around small children.

Beagles are smart and eager to please, so they do great with regular training and a bit of mental challenge to keep them sharp. Grooming’s easy too, their short, waterproof coat keeps them low-maintenance and ready for any weather.

Best for: Families with a yard or active individuals who enjoy time outdoors.

11. French Bulldog: Calm, Affectionate, and Low Maintenance

French Bulldogs are a favourite for city life and first-time dog owners. They’re small, lovable, and happiest when close to you. Known for their big ears and funny personalities, Frenchies bring plenty of charm in a compact package. They don’t need much exercise, short walks and some indoor play are usually enough.

They’re playful, patient, and great with kids, and they usually get along well with other pets. Grooming is simple thanks to their short coat; just remember to clean their facial folds regularly to keep them comfortable.

Best for: Apartment living or anyone wanting a low-maintenance, cuddly companion.

12. Cocker Spaniel: Gentle, Cheerful, and People-Oriented

Cocker Spaniels are sweet, happy dogs that love being around people. They’re easy to train and always eager to please, which makes them an excellent fit for families. Whether it's playtime in the yard or relaxing on the couch, they just want to be part of the fun. Their big, expressive eyes and constantly wagging tails make them hard to resist. Many consider them among the best dog breeds for family life.

Cocker Spaniels enjoy daily walks and do best with regular attention and care. Their long, silky coats need brushing a few times a week to stay tangle-free. They're gentle with kids, friendly with other pets, and always ready for some love.

Best for: Families looking for a cheerful, affectionate dog that enjoys being involved in everyday life.

13. Boston Terrier: Friendly, Adaptable, and Full of Personality

Boston Terriers are small dogs with big hearts and even bigger personalities. Nicknamed the "American Gentleman" for their tuxedo-like coats, they’re friendly, smart, and easy to love. Boston Terriers fit right in, whether you live in an apartment or a house. They usually get along well with everyone, kids, older adults, and even other pets.

Boston Terriers don’t need much grooming, just the occasional brushing and a quick wipe of their face. They enjoy short walks and playtime, but they’re also happy to curl up next to you and relax. Boston Terriers are clean, quiet, and full of charm, which makes them great for small spaces.

Best for: First-time dog owners who want a friendly, easygoing pup that’s happy to be part of the family.

14. Papillon: Bright, Lively, and Easy to Train

Papillons might look delicate, but they’re actually energetic and very intelligent. These little dogs are playful, athletic, and love to learn. They’re one of the easiest small breeds to train and often do great in games like agility and obedience. Papillons enjoy being active and involved, whether it’s learning tricks or just chasing a toy around the house.

Papillon means "butterfly" in French, inspired by their unique, wing-shaped ears. They’re curious, alert, and friendly, but not overly barky. Grooming is easy, just some brushing to keep their coat neat. Even though they’re energetic, they’re small enough to thrive in apartments.

Best for: Active people or families who want a smart, cheerful, small dog that loves to stay busy.

15. Havanese: Social, Sweet-Natured, and Adaptable

Havanese dogs are cheerful, friendly, and love being around people. They’re happy living in apartments and do great with families, couples, or even single owners. These little dogs have soft, silky coats and barely shed, which makes them a good choice for those with mild allergies.

Havanese are also among the best dog breeds for people looking for a low-shedding companion. They need regular brushing to keep their coat tangle-free, but they’re easy to care for overall. They’re intelligent, eager to learn, and love being involved in whatever you’re doing. Whether it’s playtime or cuddle time, they’ll be right by your side.

Best for: Anyone looking for a playful, low-shedding dog that fits in well with family life.

Finding the Right Match: Your First Dog Awaits

Bringing home your first dog is more than just a decision; it’s the start of a lifelong bond. Every dog, no matter the breed, needs your time, love, and care. The best dog breeds offer more than good looks; it’s about finding a pup that fits your lifestyle and energy. For expert support, regular check-ups, and helpful guidance as a new pet parent. Arena Veterinary Holding, with locations across Dubai, provides trusted care for every new pet parent.

Whether it’s the playful spirit of a Labrador, the calm charm of a Shih Tzu, or the one-of-a-kind love from a rescue mix, your first dog will teach you loyalty, patience, and pure joy. Get ready, because your new best friend is waiting.

Tail-Wagging Fun Starts Here

Once you’ve found the perfect pup, it’s time to give them the best start, and that’s where we come in. At The Barking Lot, we know that being a first-time dog parent is both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. That’s why we’re here to support you every step of the way, from early socialisation to safe, structured play.

Our 18,000-square-foot facility features fully air-conditioned indoor and outdoor spaces, so your dog can play comfortably all year round. We group dogs by size, age, and temperament to ensure a positive experience, and our dedicated Care Crew is on-site 24/7 to keep tails wagging. With daily video updates sent straight to your phone, you’ll never miss a moment.

Whether you're brand new to pet parenting or simply adding to your pack, we're here to help your dog feel right at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What dogs are good for first-time owners to train?

Some of the best dog breeds for training include Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and Poodles. They’re super friendly, easy to work with, and love picking up new tricks, making them great for first-time dog owners.

Are small dogs good for apartments?

Yes, dogs like the Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel don’t need a lot of space and are happy with short walks and indoor play.

What dogs are suitable for people with allergies?

Breeds like the Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese don’t shed much and are often better for people with allergies.

Is it okay to adopt a mixed-breed dog as a first pet?

Yes! Mixed-breed dogs can be loving, easygoing, and often healthier. Many in shelters are already trained and ready for a new home.

How do I pick the right dog for me?

Consider your daily routine, the space at home, and how much time you have for walks, play, and grooming. Pick a dog that matches your lifestyle.