A Guide to the Best Dogs for First-Time Owners

To help you gain a good understanding of what kind of dog is best for you, we’ve taken a closer look at a few of the best breeds for first-time dog owners below. As with any pet, it’s essential you do thorough research before you even consider bringing a puppy home. In addition, consider reaching out to local shelters in the first instance to see if you can make your home a dog’s forever home.

Before you get too excited and ahead of yourself it’s really important you do your research and think practically. There are a few key questions first-time dog owners should ask. Ultimately, you need to think about what you can offer a dog as much as what they will offer you. How much space do you have at home? Is there a garden for them or parks nearby? How much time do you have to walk and play with them? And, what’s your budget?

It’s important to plan not only for buying the dog itself but for ongoing essentials like food, pet insurance and potentially grooming. Our guide on the costs of owning a dog will help you. Having an idea of your own answers to these questions will definitely help narrow your search and make sure you’re ready to provide a dog with a home for life.

These medium-sized, laid-back dogs are usually quite happy to just lounge around the house – although they need about an hour’s exercise a day to stop them from becoming overweight. A good first dog, they’re well-mannered and kind-natured with a natural sense of loyalty from their hunting-dog ancestry. Bassets love to be around their owners and get along with other pets, too. Just be prepared for the drool.

One of the best dogs to own if you’re living in the city, these small white and fluffy dogs only need around 30 minutes of exercise a day. Thanks to their non-shedding coats, Bichons are hypoallergenic – however, it also means they need regular brushing and trips to the groomers. As smart as they are cute, Bichons love getting attention and have a friendly, playful nature.

The Italian greyhound is more a fan of short bursts of exercise than long walks. A small home with a modest garden is just right for these speedy little pooches. Their short coats don’t shed and won’t need grooming, making caring for them quite simple. However, you’ll need to get them a dog coat and wrap them up warm for walks on colder days. They’re also naturally very loyal and have an affectionate nature, so they’re a good first dog for families.

These loveable pups are kind, intelligent and very affectionate, making them fab family pets. They’re good first dogs as they’re willing to please their owners and enjoy the challenge of training. Both breeds grow into fairly large dogs that love exercise, so they’re best-suited to spacious homes with outdoor space and owners who are happy to go on long walks, whatever the weather.

Thanks to their intelligence, poodles are fast learners, which can make training easier for first-time dog owners. Their famous curly coats also promise minimal shedding, which is good news for anyone with fur allergies. They’re playful and loving but can grow quite large, so suit a bigger house. Not got a lot of space? Go for a miniature poodle. They only need about an hour’s exercise each day, making them a great choice if you don’t have a garden or if you live in the city.

Small in stature but big in personality, these little dogs are a good choice for smaller homes and flats. Yorkies score highly on the intelligence charts, which should help when it comes to training them. These are among the best dogs to own if you won’t be able to walk them very often, as they are often quite happy to relax at home with just the occasional trip outside.

Before first-time dog owners make any decisions, it’s worth doing as much research as you can about your chosen breed and where you’re finding them. We’ve put together a guide to buying a puppy or dog online to help you safely and sensibly assess your options. Once you feel well prepared, start making your home ready for your new four-legged friend with a comfy bed, toys and dog accessories – use our handy new puppy checklist for tips and ideas.