Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
16 Best Dogs for First Time Owners
16
items These breeds are a great choice for first-time dog owners. They tend to do well with kids and other dogs and can be well-adjusted members of your family. If you want a loyal companion that is low-maintenance, these breeds fit the bill!
Sections
3
Small Dogs
Medium Dogs
Large Dogs
Small Dogs
Small dog breeds are a great choice for first-time dog owners as they are generally calm and low-maintenance.
They are a good-natured pup with a sweet, loving disposition. These doe-eyed pups usually get along with people and other dogs quite well, and they are gentle and even-tempered. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are well-suited to apartment living, maki...
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: The Ideal Family Dog
1
Is a happy-go-lucky small dog that adjusts well to city or country life. These gregarious dogs need regular exercise to stay happy. They get along well with other dogs and people and are usually easy to train, making the Bichon Frise one of the best ...
Bichon Frise: The Fluffy Companion You’ll Instantly Love
The Papillon is an alert, friendly, and happy dog. These cute pups are very adaptable and easy to train, making them adjust well to different living situations. Papillons are small but athletic and enjoy staying active. They do well on walks and hike...
Papillon: The Petite Pup with a Big Personality
Lovable small dogs with funny personalities. They love to play and have a mischievous spirit. These good-natured pups get along well with people and other dogs and tend to be quiet in the house. They have a low-maintenance short coat that makes groom...
Pugs: The Comical Companions You’ll Never Get Enough Of
A friendly, pint-sized pup that is one of the best dogs for first time owners. Shih Tzus are charming and affectionate and tend to love children. They usually get along with other pets. Shih Tzus have a medium energy level, making them less work than...
Shih Tzu: The Regal Lapdog with a Heart of Gold
Medium Dogs
If you’re looking for a medium-sized dog, these are some of the best breeds for first-time owners!
Poodles are smart, obedient dogs that do not shed. Their hypoallergenic coat makes them ideal for allergy sufferers. Poodles come in three sizes - Standard, Miniature, and toy, ranging from medium to small. Poodles are athletic, friendly, smart, and ...
Poodles: The Elegant Athletes of the Dog World
Energetic dogs that are popular for families with kids. This athletic breed is great with children and protective of their families. If you lead an active lifestyle and want a partner in crime, the Boxer is a great choice. They’re easy to train and h...
Boxers: The Perfect Blend of Power, Personality, and Play
Excellent family pets and great for first-time owners. These curly-haired pups are affectionate and adventurous. The Portuguese Water Dog is eager to please and easy to train, making the breed the perfect choice for active people. Portuguese Water Do...
Portuguese Water Dog: The Energetic, Hypoallergenic Best Friend
Goldendoodles are a mix between Poodles and Golden Retrievers. Doodles are popular family pets that are usually kid-friendly, outgoing dogs!
Goldendoodle: The Ultimate Blend of Brains, Beauty, and Cuddles
1
Mixed-breed dogs can be ideal companions for first-time owners. Shelters and rescues are full of mixed-breed dogs. When you're looking at a rescue dog, consider how much the dog sheds, their energy level, and how well they get along with people and o...
Mixed Breeds, Pure Love: Why These Dogs Deserve a Chance
The lovable Basset Hound is a good choice for your first dog if you want a low-energy companion who loves to snooze on the couch with you. Basset Hounds are low-key, happy hound dogs with adorable droopy ears. As hound dogs, they can be vocal and hav...
Basset Hound: A Sweet, Silly Sniffer with a Heart of Gold
Large Dogs
If you love big dogs, these are some of the best dogs for first time owners!
These golden-haired pups are highly adaptable and trainable. They’re often used for therapy work since they love people so much and are easy to train. For an all-around happy dog you can take anywhere, Golden Retrievers are a good choice.
Golden Retriever: The Heartwarming Companion You Can’t Resist
These large, striking dogs were bred for working in the mountains of Switzerland, and they enjoy staying active and thrive in cold weather. Berners are loving and eager to please, making training a breeze.
Bernese Mountain Dog: Gentle Giants with a Heart Full of Love
Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds, and recently had a streak of being the most popular dog breed in America for 31 years, according to the American Kennel Club. Labs earn their great rank, as they are fun, outgoing dogs that ...
Labrador Retrievers: Intelligent, Playful, and Always by Your Side
Gentle giants of the dog world. These towering pups may look intimidating but don’t let them fool you - they have calm, easygoing temperaments. The Great Dane is very adaptable and does surprisingly well with apartment living, given enough regular ex...
Great Dane: Big in Size, Bigger in Love
The Newfoundland, known as the “nanny dog,” is excellent with kids. These devoted and patient giant dogs get along well with people and other dogs. Newfies have a medium energy level and are very adaptable, traits that make them ideal for new owners.
Newfoundlands: The Friendly Giants Who Bring Calm and Comfort
1