First-Time Owner Dog Breeds List Dog Breeds for Inexperienced Owner Dog Breeds for New Owner
TOP 18 DOG BREEDS FOR FIRST-TIME OWNER This article proudly presented by WWW.VETSTREET.COM and Kristen Seymour
We know which dog breeds and mixes are the most popular and even which ones are on the rise. But a variety of factors can contribute to a breed or mix's popularity, and just because a dog is hot, that does not necessarily mean it is a great choice for everyone.
We went to the veterinary community to get their take on which dogs, both breeds and designer mixes, are the best choices for first-time dog owners. The following constitutes answers from 218 veterinary professionals who were given a list of the most popular dog breeds and mixes. The list was based on information from the American Kennel Club and on data gathered by Vetstreet.
The Golden Retriever is the No. 1 choice of veterinarians for new dog owners, and it is no wonder. His sweet, gentle, people pleasing personality makes him a delightful addition to most families. He loves to play, displays loyalty and affection and, if that were not enough, this guy is a real looker. Those good looks come at a price, though: His gorgeous coat needs regular brushing and bathing.
Smart, energetic, sensible and entertaining, the Poodle is another breed that is great for the beginner dog owner. Poodles have a reputation for being a bit aloof with people they do not know, but we just think they are less needy. He is available in three sizes, but whatever size you choose, be aware that if you want his curly coat in anything but a basic cut, you are going to spend a lot of time going to the groomer.
The Labrador Retriever lovable has been a favorite breed in the U.S. for more than 20 years, and it would appear that vets agree with this choice, naming him the No. 3 best breed for new dog owners. This friendly breed is a popular choice for service and therapy dogs, and his athleticism makes him an excellent hunting dog and canine athlete. Labs can be challenging and rambunctious as puppies and young dogs, and they have the reputation of eating just about anything. These beauties are best suited to active families who enjoy taking the dog along on their adventures.
This popular toy breed loves people, whether that involves sitting on laps or going for long walks. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is happy, trusting and easygoing, making friends everywhere he goes. Although he can be stubborn, he generally responds well to positive reinforcement and tends to be adaptable enough to sit quietly with an older person, then turn around and play with an active child.
The first of several designer mixed breeds on this list, the Cockapoo bright-eyed and scruffy-coated is a happy go lucky charmer. Ideally, this dog will combine the best traits of the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle, creating a jovial and affectionate, low to no-shed pup who requires professional grooming. However, because he is a crossbreed, there is no guarantee as to what you will end up with, and both breeds are susceptible to ear infections.
The Goldendoodle combines the No. 1 and No. 2 breeds on this list, so it is no surprise he ranks well within the Top 10. A cross between the Golden Retriever and the Poodle, an ideal Goldendoodle is intelligent, friendly and hopefully more active than rowdy. Because traits of crossbreeds are not fixed, there is no guarantee that your Goldendoodle will be hypoallergenic or even a particular size, but he is likely to be a loving family dog.
Like our No. 5 and 6 dogs, the Labradoodle is a popular crossbreed, this time mixing the exuberant, hardy Labrador with the stable, even tempered Poodle. At his best, this is a smart, affable and moderately active dog who can excel in obedience, agility and being your best buddy. His size can vary depending on whether his Poodle genes are toy, miniature or standard. As with the other designer mixes, it is important to keep in mind that his traits are not fixed.
The Bichon Frise was bred specifically to be a companion, so it is little surprise veterinarians deem him such a great choice for new dog owners. Wonderfully affectionate and endlessly entertaining, he has long been a popular circus performer, but he will be perfectly happy performing his tricks for his family at home.
Friendly, portable and enthusiastic, the Boston Terrier gets along with just about everyone he meets. He was bred to be a buddy, after all, so he is happy so long as he is with his human family. And depending on that family's activity level, he can be a competitive canine athlete or a cuddly couch potato, making him another great choice for those new to dog ownership.
He might look dainty, but do not be fooled. The Papillon is definitely a big dog in a small body, and his energy and intelligence abound, which makes him a perfect choice for active owners but a challenge for the more sedentary. He is clever and active enough to hang with the big dogs in organized sports and at the dog park but small enough to be content in an apartment setting. In order to keep him safe, you may have to remind your kids how small he really is. He will never believe it himself.
This sweetheart of a dog lives to love and be loved, and he is happiest when snuggling in your lap. The , originally bred for royalty in China, is compact, playful and mischievous enough to steal your shoes. He might believe the world revolves around him, but it is not out of arrogance; rather, it is because it tends to be pretty close to the truth. Not surprisingly, his coat requires regular grooming to keep it beautiful.
The Puggle fourth and final designer mix on our list, the is a cross between a and a . Beagles are great family dogs who can hang with the most active of companions, yet they are also ruled by their nose and can be hard to lure back if someone accidentally leaves a door open. Oh, and then there is the howling. Pugs, on the other hand, are little homebodies whose short nose can make them less exercise-tolerant than other breeds their size. The Puggle can be a robust little dog with the adventurous yet quieter spirit of a Beagle and the clever antics of a Pug. The best Puggles love to please and have a sense of humor, but, as with all designer mixes, his traits are not fixed, so he has been known to be a bit stubborn, distractible and not overtly affectionate.
The Pug is an absolute charmer. His wrinkly face and fun-loving personality make him a hit with dogs, cats, adults and children. He is no athlete, and he is happiest when he is included as part of the family, which makes sense since the breed was bred as a companion dog for ancient Chinese nobility.
At less than 7 pounds, the Maltese is a tiny toy dog, but his bold personality means he is no shrinking violet. Spunky and puppy-like even into his golden years, this smart little lap dog was specifically bred to love and be loved, which explains why vets agree he is a great pick for first-time dog owners. Remind the kids to be gentle with this in your face guy who's always in the thick of things.
The Havanese is a bright, lively pup who enjoys playing games with you, particularly if he is the one who created the game. But just because he has his own ideas, do not think for a moment he will be content entertaining himself. This dog craves company and plenty of it. His coat requires daily brushing and occasional professional grooming, but he doesn't shed as much as many breeds.
Yorkies are considered a toy breed, but this easily portable dog is a total Terrier. He is intelligent and playful with a big enough attitude to handle cats and larger family dogs. His high-maintenance coat may be a challenge for some, but his alert, curious personality more than makes up for it as far as Yorkie lovers are concerned. Bet you won't want to put him down! It is hard to have just one of them. This dog is best for adults or families with older children.
Do not call him a little Collie! The Shetland Sheepdog is his own breed and has long been a family favorite for his happy face and loyal, smart and quirky personality. He learns tricks with ease and loves to show off, which, paired with his speed, makes him a great agility dog. Beware, though: The Sheltie is a barker, and do not be surprised to find him herding other members of the family - both animal and human.
The Pomeranian often seems to think he is the cutest thing around, and most of the time he is right. Tiny, fluffy, curious and clever, he is a happy and adaptable breed that can be equally content hanging out at home or performing on the agility course. Although his size is suitable for a purse, he does not seem to know it, his personality is all big dog, all the time. His thick coat needs regular brushing but is not terribly high-maintenance.
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