12 Dog Breeds That Are Perfect for First Time Owners

Living around dogs tends to reduce feelings of loneliness and stress levels, as these animals tend to make us happier. Knowing this, it is easy to understand the reasons why, in the US alone, about 1.6 million dogs are adopted annually. However, it is always good to know the main characteristics of each breed in advance to know if that animal fits your needs and expectations. This is an especially valuable tip for those who don’t have a lot of experience with dogs.

We, from incredible.club, we took the liberty of choosing 12 dog breeds with all the necessary requirements to be chosen by people who have never raised a dog before. It’s the bonus at the end of the post it shows the breeds that you might prefer to avoid if you have never lived with dogs.

Very affectionate, basset hounds are ideal for first-time owners. These animals can easily adapt to any environment, and tend to be very relaxed. Basset hounds can even complain a little because of their relaxed personality, but it is very important that the owner takes the animal for a walk regularly, in order to avoid overweight in the dog.

The true lapdog, pugs are super playful and patient with humans who are starting to get along with dogs. Because they have a short snout, these animals do not tolerate very hot or very cold climates, and it is best that they always stay indoors. Pugs don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time, and this is something to be aware of if you have a routine that requires long hours outside.

If you live in an apartment or house with a small backyard, the shih tzu is a great option. Individuals of this breed like to take long naps and be in the company of humans. With daily brushings of the coat, you can make a shih tzu the happiest puppy in the world.

Perhaps you know that greyhounds are great runners, but it is worth mentioning that they can also be very lazy, and sleep for a good part of the day. They are dogs that rarely bark, and need little space to feel comfortable. They do better in apartments than many smaller breeds.

Easily trained, papillons are capable of learning a variety of tricks, something that can be crucial for first-time owners. And don’t be alarmed by the long hair, as it rarely falls out. Papillons only need to be brushed well once a month or so.

Big in size and big in heart — that’s a great way to describe a Great Dane. Despite having a fearsome size, the dog is very affectionate and friendly. And contrary to what you might imagine, he doesn’t need a lot of space or a lot of physical exercise to be happy. To take a Great Dane for a walk on a leash, strength is needed: the animal weighs up to 70 kg.

This fluffy white fur ball is perfect for anyone looking to get their first puppy. Dogs of the bichon frize breed do not usually suffer from hair loss, in addition to being very intelligent and easy to train. However, they are animals that need a lot of activity to expend energy.

The Chinese crested dog became famous for being the companion of Cruella de Vil in 101 Dalmatians, but there is nothing evil about this little animal. Although it needs a lot of attention, it is easy to maintain. The breed’s hair sheds little, and the animal tends to be very faithful to humans; loves to be on the lap of the owners.

The mastiff family is huge, but if you want one of them to be your first dog, know that the English mastiff is the best choice. Despite being large, they don’t require much maintenance or grooming. They are polite, easy going and easily adapt to new environments.

Chihuahuas can even be noisy. On the other hand, they are among the most loyal pets. As a result, they are animals that make great companions and can be trained from an early age. It is yet another breed that does not require frequent brushing, requiring only a monthly bath.

If you don’t mind frequent brushing your pooch, the Pomeranian is a great choice for first-time owners. We’re talking about intelligent animals that are easy to train (sometimes a little stubborn), friendly and don’t require many outdoor walks.

One of the most popular dog breeds, boxers can be called the “complete package”. They are hygienic animals, require little maintenance in terms of coat, are faithful, dedicated and intelligent. It is a very patient breed, perfect for those who are starting to deal with dogs and for children.

All the family doodle — including goldendoodles and labradoodles — is not a good choice for first-time dog breeders. They require a lot of maintenance care, in addition to being considered animals with a lot of energy. So, a doodle can easily get bored and destroy your furniture. If you really want to have a family dog, it is important to make adjustments in the house and dedicate at least two hours a day to the puppy.

Another dog breed that requires a lot of attention is the Dalmatian. Famous for their black spots, they have high energy levels, and need regular exercise. Not to mention that Dalmatians don’t adapt well to apartments and shed a lot of hair.

If you were to pick a dog breed to have at home, what would it be? And the opposite: is there any race that you would never have? Leave a comment justifying your choices!