By Alicia Kort
Valentina Barreto / Stocksy
So you want to bring a pup into your home for the first time. Congratulations! It’s a big decision to make and one that prompts others, such as how to determine what kind of dog you should choose to adopt. It’s an important choice because certain dog breeds are better suited for first-time pet parents than others.
We’ve come up with a list of 15 dog breeds that are good for first-timers. These dogs are smart, adaptable, affectionate, trainable, friendly, and require a low to medium amount of exercise. All of these qualities are important because they set you and your dog up for success as you navigate bringing a furry friend into your home.
Keep in mind, though, that just because a breed is supposed to exhibit certain qualities doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will. Individual dogs can act and behave differently than their breed. Not finding the dog you’re looking for? Consider these small, medium, and large-sized dog breeds.
Good Dogs For First-Time Pet Parents
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1. Mixed-Breed Dog
Mixed-breed dogs from rescues or animal shelters can make great companions to first-time pet parents. If you adopt a dog when they’re already an adult, they have settled firmly into their personality, so you know the dog you bring home will be similar to the one you met in the shelter. The staff or their foster parent(s) can advise you on what your new pup needs in terms of food, water, and exercise — information that breeders won’t always give you, especially if you’re getting a puppy. Shelter staff and foster parents have gotten to know their pups, though, and generally want what’s best for them, so they are there to help. After settling into their new home for a few weeks, a rescue pup will start to relax and might become more energetic and playful.
Weight: 5 to 65 pounds
Smart pup
Moderate energy
Unique
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2. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a charming dog with curly white hair who aims to impress and weighs up to 18 pounds. Extremely intelligent and trainable, Bichons love to learn new tricks and show them off to anyone who will watch them. They are good first dogs because they are affectionate and have low-shedding coats. Some people consider them hypoallergenic, but that doesn’t mean the dog parent is off the hook for grooming — they still need to be brushed and bathed regularly. Bichons are apartment-friendly pups and don’t mind living in a more compact space (if anything, they probably prefer being closer to you). They do need regular exercise and playtime, however. Potential pet parents should keep in mind that this breed is prone to separation anxiety and doesn’t like to be left alone, so they’re best suited for homebodies.
Weight: 7 to 13 pounds
Low-shedding
Smart pup
Velcro dog
teamjackson / AdobeStock
3. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers, nicknamed “Labs,” are sweet, friendly, and energetic companions. Labs are large breed dogs who can weigh up to 80 pounds and have yellow, chocolate, or black coats. They are great pets for first-time dog parents because they are easy to train, eager to please, and patient. These pups often have jobs on search-and-rescue teams or as service dogs; they’re happiest when they have a job to do and are mentally stimulated, so they need toys and games to keep them from becoming bored and thus destructive. Although Labs have the perfect temperament for first-time dog parents, they require about two hours of exercise per day. Their coats require weekly brushing, but their water-resistant double-layer fur does not shed a lot.
Weight: 55 to 80 pounds
Playful pup
Moderate energy
Eager to please
Konstantin Koreshkov / Shutterstock
4. Papillon
The Papillon, whose big butterfly-like ears make you wonder if this tiny pup will spontaneously take flight, is a toy dog that is lovey-dovey, good with kids, and adaptable. They like to be around their humans all the time and are prone to separation anxiety. Papillons only weigh up to 10 pounds, but they can sometimes be a little overconfident about their size, so pet parents will need to keep an eye on them around bigger animals and young children who are still learning how to interact with dogs. Despite their diminutive stature, these pups need plenty of exercise and playtime, both indoors and outdoors. Their silky, long fur needs to be monitored for matting, but their fur is only a single coat, so they don’t need as much brushing and grooming as other breeds.
Weight: 5 to 10 pounds
Smart pup
Affectionate
Moderate energy
PolinaBright / Shutterstock
5. Border Terrier
The Border Terrier is a small, wiry pup who can weigh up to 15.5 pounds. Known for having an “otter face,” the Border Terrier is characterized as a warmhearted, athletic explorer. This breed requires a half hour a day of exercise and should be walked on a leash because they have a strong prey drive and otherwise might take off. The Border Terrier also enjoys digging, so if the pet parent has a fenced-in backyard, the fence should go down at least 1.5 feet. This sweet pup has a wiry outer coat and soft undercoat. In addition to requiring regular grooming, this breed does have heavy shedding seasons, and people will need to set aside time for brushing.
Weight: 11 to 15 pounds
Digger / chaser
Moderate energy
Smart pup
YorVen / Shutterstock
6. Japanese Chin
At first glance, the Japanese Chin looks like a pup who lived a lavish lifestyle once upon a time — and that’s true. Japanese Chins were royal companions and lap-dogs in both Japan and Great Britain. Their flattened faces, big eyes, and surprisingly long ears make this pup, who tops out at nine pounds, appear so noble. This breed is a good first-time dog companion because though they require regular walks, they don’t need a ton of exercise — in fact, it’s not advisable to take them on hikes or jogs because they’re not built for it. They have been described as cat-like and a little stubborn, so they might be a bit hard to win over once you first bring them home and introduce them to loved ones.
Weight: 4 to 11 pounds
Lap-dog
Low energy
Cat-like
RDNE Stock project / Pexels
7. American Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel has a long, silky coat and expressive puppy-dog eyes. If this breed looks a little familiar to you, it’s because Lady from Disney’s Lady and the Tramp is modeled after an American Cocker Spaniel. Weighing up to 30 pounds, the American Cocker Spaniel is a small but loyal companion. They’re highly affectionate, adaptable, patient, and gentle around children and other pets, so they’re a great pick for first-time pet parents. The American Cocker Spaniel is sensitive and doesn’t respond well to harsh reprimands. Even though they’re part of the sporting group, they only need up to an hour of exercise a day. First-time dog parents should opt for a puppy cut for this breed because when their hair is long, it requires a lot of specialized care.
Weight: 20 to 30 pounds
Affectionate
Moderate energy
Smart pup
Jasmina007 / iStock
8. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog weighs up to 110 pounds and appears friendly with built-in smiles on their faces. These are dedicated, easy-going pups with high levels of patience and trainability. They’re good with kids and other dogs, which makes them a great pick for first-time parents. These intelligent, family-friendly dogs are generally obedient, and, despite their status as working dogs, they require a moderate amount of exercise. They should ideally have a yard to run around in but are also happy being taken on hiking adventures, long walks, or playing a rousing game of fetch for a minimum of 30 minutes a day. The most high-maintenance part of owning a Bernese Mountain Dog is taking care of their double coat. They shed a lot, especially when it gets hotter, and they’ll need to be brushed once a week.
Weight: 90 to 130 pounds
Friendly
Smart pup
Moderate energy
Kate / AdobeStock
9. Basenji
The Basenji is a barkless hunting African dog who has won over the hearts of many as a sweet family companion. Boasting intelligent eyes and sleek, soft fur, Basenjis are low-maintenance when it comes to grooming and friendly, making them ideal first-time pets. This breed can weigh up to 24 pounds and they’re relatively quiet, though they’re not soundless; they do chortle to let you know exactly what they’re thinking. What can be a challenge for first-time pet parents is training Basenjis. They have minds of their own and can be stubborn, so it’s advisable to take them to a doggy obedience class to get some extra help in this arena. This former hunting dog is medium-energy and needs plenty of fetch time in the backyard and long walks.
Weight: 21 to 24 pounds
Low-shedding
Moderate energy
Low-maintenance
Cavan Images / Alamy Stock Photo
10. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are doting dogs famous for their sad puppy-dog eyes, long ears, keen sense of smell, and low-slung body that weighs up to 75 pounds. They’re also famously good dogs for first-time dog parents. Eager to please and relatively chill, the Basset Hound doesn’t require as much exercise as other breeds on this list. They prefer low-speed, longer walks with many opportunities to use their tracking abilities. Their short coat is also low-maintenance, but they will need regular brushing sessions to keep their shedding under control. The main thing to consider with a Basset Hound is that they can be difficult to train, so first-time dog parents might want to invest in obedience classes.
Weight: 40 to 75 pounds
Eager to please
Low energy
Low-maintenance
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11. Whippet
The Whippet looks like a mini-Greyhound and has the racehorse speed to match. This breed can weigh up to 40 pounds and boasts a long arched neck, big chest, slim waist, and long powerful legs. First-time dog parents might be a little nervous about bringing a bonafide sprinter into their home, but Whippets are calm and relaxed at home. This breed is happy to curl up on the couch while you catch up on your favorite show. They still need bursts of running and play a few times a week, so a fenced backyard is ideal, though they also do well in apartments with trips to the dog park. Their coats are short and easy to care for — they just require occasional brushing and bathing to remain healthy.
Weight: 20 to 35 pounds
Low-maintenance
Affectionate
Smart pup
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12. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a pint-sized pup, only weighing up to six pounds, who is devoted and loving. Chihuahuas prefer to spend all of their time with their pet parents, so it’s perfect that they fit easily in purses, backpacks, and bags. This pup loves to play, but it’s important for pet parents not to overexert them on long walks. The Chihuahua makes a good first-time pet for small-space dwellers. They are too small to interact with small children, so they’d be happiest with a family without kids or seniors. Chihuahuas can be either short- or long-haired, which require different levels of grooming.
Weight: 2 to 7 pounds
Velcro dog
Affectionate
Low energy
13. Cavapoo
The Cavapoo is a mix of the Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, weighing up to 20 pounds and boasting a curly coat. This affectionate and playful pup has a temperament that makes them a great choice for first-time dog parents. They are easy to train, aim to please, and are relaxed when not in play mode. The Cavapoo has the Poodle’s low-shed, nearly hypoallergenic fur. The curly coat requires regular brushing, or painful mats can occur. This breed enjoys regular walks, fetch, and other play, but they should be supervised around young children because these dogs are small and can be more easily injured.
Weight: 8 to 20 pounds
Smart pup
Affectionate
Low-shedding
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14. Greyhound
The Greyhound has a similar temperament to the Whippet, but they’re taller and weigh more; they can weigh up to 70 pounds and reach up to 30 inches in height at the shoulder. Just like the Whippet, these dogs make great first-time pets for pet parents. They are content to chill at home but like to get their energy out in bursts by playing ball or getting their zoomies out in a fenced space. The breed has a history of independent thinking. They’re used to working with humans rather than for them, so they can be difficult and frustrating to train. Greyhound adopted as a puppy, should be socialized immediately with children and other pets.
Weight: 60 to 80 pounds
Low energy
Digger / chaser
Friendly
Danita Delimont / Alamy Stock Photo
15. Schnoodle
The Schnoodle is a mix between the Schnauzer and Poodle and has been around since the 1980s. Like the Cavapoo, the Schnoodle has such low-shedding curly hair that they are sometimes considered hypoallergenic, but they still need to be brushed frequently and groomed every six weeks. The Schnoodle can vary widely in size though: They can weigh as little as five pounds and as much as 70 pounds. Small Schnoodles are more content with apartment life, can be more anxious around children, and prefer to spend time in your lap, while large Schnoodles need more space to roam and are higher energy.
Weight: 5 to 70 pounds
High energy
Low-shedding
Smart pup
Should I adopt an adult dog?
There are a lot of benefits to rescuing an adult (or senior) dog from a shelter. Their personalities are largely set in stone, and the shelter can advise you as to what their behavior is like in the shelter, so you basically get a how-to guide about your dog.
Because your potential dog has spent time in the shelter, they have likely received some training and might even be house-trained, so you may not have to teach them as much in your home. Training a dog can be challenging, especially if they are a breed with an independence streak. If you aren’t able to train your dog at home, you should pay for obedience classes.
Should I get a puppy?
We all agree that puppies are adorable, but they are also a ton of work. Puppies may not be a good choice for first-time dog parents because they’re demanding and can have a lot of problems. Pet parents might struggle with house training, teaching them to sleep in their crates, barking, those sharp little puppy teeth, and obedience. Puppies often get into the things you don’t want them to get into — shoes, clothes, toilet paper, and trash. It’s like looking after a more destructive toddler.
Ready to adopt? Find your perfect puppy or dog on adoptapet.com.
Breeds to Avoid
Adding a dog into your home can be a big adjustment to your daily routine. Walks, playtime, and feeding times are now on the agenda. Some of the worst dog breeds for first-time dog parents include high-energy working dog breeds like Huskies, German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Aussies, Cattle Dogs, and Border Collies. These are all great breeds, but they require multiple hours of exercise a day and grow disruptive and destructive if they don’t get the exercise they need. They’re also independent-minded and can be very stubborn, so they are better for experienced pet parents.
Alicia Kort is a writer and editor living in Brooklyn. She’s currently the senior commerce editor at Apartment Therapy. She’s been published in StyleCaster, Electric Literature, Newsweek, Interview, Brooklyn magazine and more. In her free time, she runs, reads, and spends time with her dog-nieces, Maya and Lady, and her cat-niece, Pepper.
