Adding a dog to your family is a very fun and exciting part of life, however, does come with some challenges. Realistically, your pup is a part of your family and will be for many years. There are certainly many plusses to adding a fur-legged friend but there are also certain challenging aspects that come with this. Potty training, basic obedience and you being able to leave home for long periods of time while your pup is home alone are just a few. The key is finding a dog breed that best fits your family’s dynamics and routine. Certain dogs are a better fit for first-time dog owners because they are easier to care for. Below is a list of our top five dog breeds for those who never owned a dog before.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is more of a laidback and happy-go-lucky dog. They are easy to get along with and tend to be very simple. They also train easily and only need a moderate amount of exercise. This a big plus for families that are always on the go. They tend to do well when their family is away from the home and are not known to be destructive. This breed has been a very popular breed for many years because of this.
GROUP: Non-Sporting (AKC)
HEIGHT: 9 to 12 inches
WEIGHT: 7 to 12 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Curly white coat; may have traces of apricot, buff, or cream LIFE EXPECTANCY: 13 to 15 years
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is as loving as she looks. They tend to do great with children and have warm demeanors. They do well home alone and are not known to act out when their family is away for the day. This breed also trains well and is overall a very easy dog to care for. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel does not require excessive amounts of exercise and will be patiently waiting for you at the front door for you to come home. This breed makes a great fit for first-time dog owners.
GROUP: Toy (AKC)
HEIGHT: 12 to 13 inches (to the withers)
WEIGHT: 13 to 18 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Long, sleek and silky coat with feathering around ears, feet, chest, and tail in four color varieties, tricolor, blenheim, ruby, and black and tan LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 14 years
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever makes a great dog for first-time dog owners because they are very easy to train and very smart. They do require and do well with a little more activity time than some breeds, however, they also tend to occupy themselves when at home alone. This breed is also able to adapt to contemporary home or apartment living, does great with children and is overall one of the better dog breeds for first-time dog owners.
GROUP: Sporting (AKC)
HEIGHT: 20 to 24 inches
WEIGHT: 50 to 75 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Medium-length double coat; light to dark gold LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 12 years
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a gentle and caring lapdog who loves his family. They are easy to care for and do not require excessive exercise. They are also not known to be destructive and are good at occupying themselves when home alone. They can be at times a bit stubborn, however, do train well and make great contemporary home or apartment style living dogs. Although this good-looking dog looks high maintenance, they are anything but that and are sure to make a great fit in your home.
GROUP: Toy (AKC)
HEIGHT: 6 to 8 inches
WEIGHT: 3 to 7 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Long, double coat that comes in many colors, though the most common are red, orange, cream, sable, black, brown, and blue LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 16 years
Poodle
Last but certainly not least is the ever so popular Poodle. Known to be the scholars of all dogs, this breed is a great fit for new dog owners because they train with ease. The Poodle does do best with one-on-one attention from his family, but is also able to adapt to being home alone when no one is home. This Poodle comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, or standard. All are intelligent and very loving dogs.
GROUP: Non-Sporting (AKC)
HEIGHT: Over 15 inches (standard) 10 to 15 inches (miniature) 10 inches and under (toy)
WEIGHT: 45 to 70 pounds (standard) 15 to 18 pounds (miniature) 5 to 9 pounds (toy)
COAT AND COLOR: One of many solid colors, including but not limited to white, black, gray, brown, apricot, and particolored LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 16 years
