Being a first-time dog owner is exciting but can also be more or less complicated, depending on the breed. There are so many dog breeds that it’s challenging to know which one to get. There are a few things to think about before bringing home the next adorable puppy you see. A dog that matches your energy and attention level is the best breed for a first-time dog owner. Choose an athletic dog with endurance if you want to go running with you. If you prefer a lazy lap dog, stay away from high-energy dog breeds. If you don’t have much time for grooming, you might want to start with a low-maintenance dog breed. Here is a list of the top 10 dogs for first-time ‘parents.

1. Golden Retriever

Arguably one of the easiest dog breeds for first-time owners, the golden retriever is one of the most beloved canines for a good reason. The golden retriever is the quintessential family dog. Golden retrievers are loyal, affectionate, obedient, and laid-back dogs with few behavioral issues. You don’t have to be an expert dog trainer to get your Golden to obey your every command, and they’re happiest when they’re with you, which will likely satisfy the desire for companionship that led you to get a dog in the first place. This breed is exceptionally social and gets along well with other people. While playful, Golden Retrievers are mild-mannered and appear to understand their expectations. They are patient, obedient, and simple to train. Grooming is only required once or twice a year.

2. Labrador Retriever

The Labrador retriever is yet another popular dog breed. They are well-known for their outgoing personality and friendly demeanor and are also one of the most well-behaved dog breeds. These friendly, playful pups are available in chocolate, black, and yellow. Labs adapt well to most environments and are excellent with kids. The Labrador retriever is yet another popular dog breed. They are well-known for their outgoing personality and friendly demeanor and are also one of the most well-behaved dog breeds. These warm, playful pups are available in chocolate, black, and yellow. One thing to keep an eye out for with this breed is their fondness for food. They will happily eat anything and everything, so they are prone to becoming overweight.

3. German Shepherd

For many reasons, the noble German shepherd is an excellent dog for first-time owners. For starters, they are brilliant puppies who are simple to train, which is why they are used in K-9 units. Second, they are gentle with their owners and unfailingly loyal, making them excellent watchdogs. Finally, German shepherds are simple to care for. According to the AKC, they benefit from brushing a few times a week to remove loose hair and only require baths occasionally.

4. Poodle

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. 

5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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. They are also known to be excellent therapy dogs. They require a little more grooming than the other pups on our list, as the AKC recommends daily brushing, weekly ear checks, and monthly nail trims.

6. Mixed Breed Dogs

Mixed-breed dogs should be considered when deciding on the best breed for you. These one-of-a-kind dogs can be wonderful companions. If you are unsure which breed is best for you, go to your local shelter or rescue group to meet some adorable mutts. Rescue workers can match you with a dog with the characteristics you seek. All dogs require training, exercise, and grooming, but the needs of a mixed-breed dog will vary depending on its genetic makeup. For first-time dog owners, an older mixed breed dog would be ideal. An older dog can provide you with the benefit of bringing home a companion whose behavior and temperament you are already familiar with.

7. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a happy-go-lucky little dog, great for families with children or apartment living. It looks a bit like a bouncy cotton ball. This breed is a great all-around companion. Bichons are relatively easy to train, adapt well to any lifestyle, and only need moderate daily exercise to be happy and healthy. You will need to dedicate the time and money to regular visits to the groomer. 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. As a bonus, their fur is hypoallergenic, making them ideal for those concerned about dog allergies.

8. Maltese

The Maltese, a sweet and intelligent dog, is easily identified by its glamorous silky coat. They are brave dogs who greet everyone with a friendly approach despite their small stature.

Thought to have originated thousands of years ago in the Mediterranean, the Maltese have always held a high status, favored by philosophers and royalty. Maltese are energetic dogs who enjoy playing. You should walk your Maltese for about 30 minutes daily to give them a chance to burn off all their energy and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The Maltese are obedient and intelligent little dogs that respond well to training and learning new things.

A daily brush will prevent knots and tangles and is a great way to make sure their skin and coat stay in tip-top condition

9. Shih Tzu

This small dog with a big heart was bred as a companion for Chinese royalty. Because they lack strong herding or hunting instincts, they are unlikely to be aggressive and adapt quickly to any household. They are gentle and playful, form strong bonds with their owners, and enjoy nothing more than curling up on your lap. This breed sheds very little. Shih Tzus with long coats should be brushed daily, while those with moderate or short coats should be brushed a few times per week. Shih Tzus’ top tufts of hair should be cut short or tied back to protect their eyes. Shih Tzus require little exercise, making them ideal as apartment dogs. Shih Tzus should be exercised on short walks and played with indoors.

10. Beagle

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 eager to please and highly intelligent so they will benefit from regular training and mental stimulation. Beagle grooming is simple because their fur is short and waterproof, protecting them from the elements.

Whichever pup you bring home, ensuring you can provide love, structure and exercise will be central to raising a happy, healthy dog. While giving love and structure will be all you, we can help with training.

We at The Barking Lot welcome pets of any shape, size, and color. Our 18,000 sq. ft facility gives our guests ample space to play indoors, in fully air-conditioned parks, and outdoors, in shaded parks. Safety is at the heart of everything we do, and we always group our guests based on size, age, and temperament. We have meticulously hired the best and most qualified Care Crew who supervises guests while in our care 24/7 so that you can rest assured your best friends are in able hands. In addition, we share daily videos with you so you can join in the fun! Here, at The Barking Lot there’s something for everything.