When picking your first dog it can be very exciting but intimidating. The question is; whether the dog will be your only companion or will it be a play mate to your children or will it be fur baby to you and your partner? It is important to note that the dog must suit your lifestyle.
Although no two dogs are exactly the same, with breeds, their energy level, size, appearance and how to groom them are usually predictable thus can help you pick the best dog to fit your lifestyle. The poodles, labrador retrievers, bernese mountain dogs, and Yorkshire terriers are a few of the breeds that are very suitable to first time owners.
The list of things to know about housebreaking, how to establish feeding schedules, groom, and the overall dog care is also long. Most importantly, there is always a get-to- know me stage in which you and your new four legging acquaintance get to know each other as a person and how to act. You do not want to emerge out of that period realizing that you have chosen the wrong kind of dog. Luckily, other breeds are the most suitable to beginners since they are more relaxed, less demanding, or not threatening as others.
The following are the most suitable dog breeds in the case of first time dog owners.
Breed Characteristics
The most suitable dog that a first time dog owner should have is the one that corresponds to his or her level of energy and attention. When you want a dog that will run with you, you have to get a dog that is athletic and has stamina which is the Labrador retriever. In case you want a quiet lapdog the Cavalier King Charles spaniel is another breed that will not spoil your life. You can lean towards a low-maintenance breed of dog such as the papillon to be your first dog, particularly when you do not have the time to spend much on grooming.
It is important to keep in mind that good care, training, and veterinary care will be needed by all types of dogs. Adult foster dogs in a shelter may be house trained and well socialized; they might be a great beginner dog as puppies are a huge workload, they need to be socialized, trained, and they need a lot of attention.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dog may be enormous, yet these are simple-going, eager-to-please, adoring, and clever animals. They enjoy a play with the children but not to mention being interested in having dinner at home. They can fit well in any living condition and though not aggressive, are rather good watchdogs and are quite loyal to their human beings. However, be cautious, Berners do shed a lot and do need to be brushed on a regular basis to get the loose children off.
Bichon Frise
The bichon frise is a playful little dog that works well with children in the family or in a flat. It resembles slightly to a squashy cotton ball. This is a very useful all-purpose companion. Bichons are fairly simple to train, can fit in any kind of lifestyle and they require moderate exercise after a day to remain happy and healthy. You will have to invest the time and money on frequent trips to the groomer. The curly hair of this breed must be cut short and brushed. To have a cheaper coat to maintain, have the hair on your bichon clipped short.
Boxer
When you are seeking a medium-large and high-energy breed of dog, look no further than the playful boxer. This is a faithful dog that develops close attachment with family. And a boxer might suit you in case you have a fairly active lifestyle. This breed requires a lot of exercise and good training base. Young boxers are hyperactive, although are trainable and like attention during training. After training and socializing, boxers are able to flourish in active families and even tend to get along with children. Boxers are guardians in their nature and they are more protective towards their families, particularly towards their children. And a plus, the grooming of the boxer is not high-end.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles is a puppy like dog that is very loving and sweet. Cavaliers are known to do well in any type of household and get along with both young and old children. This is a small breed and is docile in nature. This is a classy, watchful, and quiet dog. The moderate energy level of the Cavalier is an indication that ordinary daily exercise is normally sufficient to keep it healthy. Cavaliers are intelligent as well as they respond to training. And even though a medium-length coat, the grooming requirements of this dog are not so high. All you need to do is to remember to brush regularly.
Golden Retriever
The golden retriever is the family dog of all times; they are enthusiastic to satisfy. Goldens are taking wonders with children of any age. This is a medium-large dog that is jovial, loyal, affectionate, and active. The breed is smart and versatile to live in the majority of homes. They should also have a reasonable exercise to maintain good physical shape, and avoid boredom. Training is necessary, though not challenging. They are fond of education and can be trained to perform a lot of things. The breed should also be brushed on a regular basis to ensure that it does not have mats or tangles in its coat.
Great Dane
The great size of the Great Dane is no cause of dismay. These giant dogs are friendly monsters, yet may display very violent guardian behavior when they think their pack is at risk. Generally, however, Great Danes are relaxed-going dogs, love to play, are very clever and extremely affectionate towards their favorite human beings. Obedience training must be taken seriously to a large dog such as this, although requiring moderate shedding, the Great Danes are usually droolers.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador retriever is a medium-large breed of dog that is among the well-known and popular types of dogs. Labs are accommodative to the majority of settings and are great with children. They are extremely faithful and loving dogs who develop close relationships with their families. It is a playful breed, active, and intelligent. They make good in energetic families which are capable of offering a lot of exercise and training. Labs are intelligent and can be trained to do virtually anything and like to fetch, run and snuggle. Luckily, they also have a few grooming requirements, such as frequent brushing to keep shedding to a minimum.
Mixed Breed Dogs
Mixed-breed dogs should not be left out of the picture when you are thinking of the right breed to have. These rare breeds of dogs are good companions. In the event that you do not know what kind of breed to adopt, you should visit your local shelter or rescue organization and fall in love with some cute mutts. Rescue dogs can pair you with a dog of the qualities you want. All dogs need training, exercise and grooming, although each mixed-breed dog will have different needs based on its unique composition which you can find out with the help of a dog DNA test.
Papillon
Do not be misled by the small size of this dog. This is a friendly, adaptable and happy breed of dog which can fit well in any kind of household. The papillon gets along with children, although they have to be tender. The papillon is a robust little dog which leads a somewhat active life. This all rounder can be used as a lapdog and work out companion. Papillon does not require much exercise but prefers the possibility to play and move. The breed is fast to train and it only needs moderate grooming.
Pomeranian
Pomeranian is a cute and small lapdog. The Pom is the type of animal that tends to form a close attachment to one owner yet can also succeed in the family. This breed gets along with kind-hearted older children but can be adjusted to most circumstances. Your Pom is normally satisfied with daily basic exercise. They require rudimentary education to give order and limits. Without training, feisty and stubborn part of this breed might appear. They are responsive to consistent positive training, as well as are fortunately, and will flourish due to it. It is an active dog, not very active, bright in character, and has a large fluffy coat. Fortunately its coat does not demand as much attention as it appears to. Brushing is usually all that is required to have your Pom looking good.
Poodle
The poodle is a well-known dog breed that is versatile and comes as a great companion. The poodle is flexible to the surrounding and it can easily perform in other homes including those where there are children. This breed is also available in three sizes: miniature, toy or standard. They are all smart and will react to training. Poodles are active dogs and they require much exercise and mental stimulation. They should be bathed frequently, to keep the constantly growing curly hair.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a little puppy that is large in love. This Chinese breed is the most contented when attached with the family either flopped on the couch beside you watching TV or even with the children. It is not a breed that demands intensive exercise or one that will bark a lot, however, you will have to brush that gorgeous silky fur at least a few times a week to keep the locks untangled. Amazing enough though, the Shih Tzu does not shed much.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire terrier is a good beginner dog as one would wish to have an easy lapdog. This breed is also loving to its owner and even to strangers, it can even be protective. The level of energy required by the Yorkie is moderate and it only requires simple exercise. This breed is good at taking walks every day. It should also be well-grounded on training. These little dogs are obstinate and noisy without structure. You should treat your Yorkie like a large dog and it will assist in loosening the bond between you and draw boundaries. This dog is a dog that needs to be given attention in terms of grooming. Yorkies are also possessing hair that keeps growing and needs to be brushed and trimmed. In case you can afford to see a groomer frequently and spend a certain amount of money, maintaining your Yorkie will not be very hard.
Breeds to Avoid
In case of first time owners, you would consider passing on highly independent stubborn breeds or dog with unpredictable temper if you are a first time owner. These breeds may demand a behavioral and socialization training and strict observation when they are in the presence of strangers. Some of the breeds to avoid this time around are herding dogs, active terrier breeds, dogs of defense or protection and usually high-maintenance breeds.
