21 Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Pet Parents

Bringing home a new dog is always exciting. But pet parenthood can also be a bit overwhelming—especially for those bringing home a dog for the first time.

While all dogs require socialization, training, grooming, exercise, and love, some breeds might be better suited for first-time pet parents than others. Always factor in your lifestyle when choosing a dog, including your:

• Activity level

• Budget

• Living situation (Do you live in an apartment, or have a big fenced-in yard?)

• Work situation (Are you away for long hours? Do you work from home?)

Here are some of the best dog breeds for first-time pet parents.

1. Bernese Mountain Dog

A gentle giant known for having an affectionate and calm temperament, the Bernese Mountain Dog, or “Berner,” is a wonderful dog for first-time pet parents. This breed is an eager-to-please companion, gets along with other animals, and is gentle around small children.

Because Bernese Mountain Dogs were originally bred as working farm dogs, they do best when given jobs to do. And while they are calm dogs, Berners have a moderate energy level that’s often satisfied with a few neighborhood walks or an afternoon hike.

2. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a small white dog known for their friendly and fun personality. Their size makes them good apartment dogs, though they tend to bark a lot, which close-by neighbors might not appreciate.

Though there’s no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog, the Bichon Frise is a low-shedding breed that may be a good fit for families that experience dog allergies.

3. Boxer

For active families that want a high-energy pal, the Boxer is one of the best big dog breeds for first-time pet parents. The breed can reach up to 80 pounds and requires 30–60 minutes of high-energy exercise or play every day.

For pet parents who want to bring their dog on their morning run or enroll in dog sports such as agility or rally, Boxers are always game to be by your side. 

4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Both athletic and affectionate, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is ideal for first-time pet parents due to the breed’s gentle and easygoing nature. CKC Spaniels were originally bred to be companions, so their adaptability and moderate energy level also makes them a great fit for all types of families.

5. French Bulldog

One of the most popular dog breeds, the French Bulldog, or “Frenchie,” is a laid-back, low-energy, and friendly dog. They can fit seamlessly into many different living situations.

But when looking to bring home a Frenchie, potential pet parents need to be aware of the French Bulldog’s propensity for health issues and plan accordingly. Purchasing pet insurance is a good choice for this breed.

6. Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever hails from Scotland and is well-suited for first-time pet parents. Prized for their friendly, loyalty, and trainable nature, this breed can live well with other dogs, smaller animals such as cats, and children.

Their namesake medium-length coat benefits from regular grooming, and they thrive on moderate daily exercise to manage energy and prevent undesirable behaviors that may pop up with boredom.

7. Goldendoodle

A Golden Retriever-Poodle mix, the Goldendoodle is friendly, social, playful, and overall one of the best dog breeds for first-time pet parents. Set aside some time daily for exercise, as these dogs can get themselves into trouble if they get bored.

Their coat, which can be wavy or curly, does require daily maintenance and regular professional grooming to prevent matting and knots, so budget both your money and your time accordingly.

8. Greyhound

The lean and graceful Greyhound has a reputation for being the fastest dog breed, but that doesn’t mean they’re always moving. In fact, Greyhounds are docile and calm dogs most of the day. Their laid-back attitude, love for lounging, and few grooming needs makes them a good fit for many first-time pet parents.

9. Labrador Retriever

One of the best large dog breeds for first-time pet parents, the Labrador Retriever is a popular family dog. Labs are friendly and respond quickly to training with positive reinforcement. Daily exercise is important to manage a Lab’s high energy levels, so the breed does best with active pet parents.

10. Labradoodle

Another “doodle” dog breed, the Labradoodle makes a good first dog for many of the same reasons a Goldendoodle does: They are friendly, intelligent dogs that love being around people, and can pick up training cues easily.

Like their parent breeds, Labradoodles require regular exercise and consistent mental stimulation so they don’t become bored.

11. Maltese

The Maltese is one of the best small dog breeds for first-time pet parents, not only because of their itty-bitty size, but because of their gentle, affectionate, and adaptable nature.

Along with their temperament, this purse-sized pooch is renowned for their long white coat that needs regular grooming. So, make sure you have time to brush your Maltese’s hair throughout the week.

12. Miniature Poodle

As one of the three types of poodles, the Miniature Poodle is a lot like their relatives: super smart with curly, allergen-friendly fur. Their moderate energy level means they’re happy with a few walks and backyard playtime every day.

13. Papillon

Papillons are small and friendly dogs—the perfect combination for a first-time pet parent. They are one of the smartest dog breeds and need activities to stimulate their mind, such as learning tricks and playing with interactive toys. 

14. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Sturdy and stumpy Pembroke Welsh Corgis make good dogs for first-time pet parents because they are friendly, don’t require a ton of exercise, and get along well with other pets and children. But the breed is highly susceptible to obesity—which contributes to back issues—so it’s a pet parent’s responsibility to make sure their dog maintains a healthy weight.

15. Pomeranian

At just 3–7 pounds, the Pomeranian is a pint-sized dog filled with energy and heart. Sweet and spunky Poms can be a good fit for first-time pet parents who don’t mind spending a little extra time grooming their dog several times a week.

But because they are so small, Pomeranians might not do well in homes with very young children, who may accidentally injure a dog during play.

16. Shih Tzu

If you’ve never cared for a dog before, a Shih Tzu is a good choice. These small dogs were bred for centuries to be companions, so Shih Tzu are well-known for their friendly personality.

This breed can develop separation anxiety if left alone frequently or for long periods of time. Because of this, Shih Tzu are best suited for homebodies or for those who like to take their dog with them on errands and adventures.

17. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a silky, fluffy dog with origins in Ireland. While they require a lot of grooming to keep their namesake fur soft and tangle-free, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are happy dogs that love their humans and make a good option for first-time pet parents.

18. Standard Poodle

The elegant Standard Poodle was originally bred to be a hunting dog, but the curly-coated pups are now commonly found as companion pets. As one of the smartest dog breeds, Standard Poodles can learn basic obedience and fun tricks quickly with positive reinforcement.

They are also friendly dogs when socialized from a young age, but they do need a pet parent dedicated to exercising and grooming them.

19. Toy Poodle

The smallest Poodle variation—weighing in at about 6 pounds, max—the Toy Poodle is a good small dog breed for first-time pet parents. Calm, smart, and eager-to-please, Toy Poodles need the mental stimulation and grooming that all other Poodle sizes also require.

20. Whippet

Whippets are medium-sized hound dogs known for their calm temperament. They don’t bark often, don’t require much in the way of grooming, and have moderate exercise needs, making them a low-maintenance pup perfect for first-time pet parents.

21. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers are small and spunky dogs that love to play. They need lots of grooming—both at-home and professional care—but Yorkies can be a good fit for anyone looking for their first dog, thanks to their adaptable nature and smarts.