Top 10 Best Dog Breeds for New Dog Owners

Want a dog but don't know which ones are good for beginners? Well, I have the top ten that could help!

1. Poodle

   

   The Poodle is a group of formal dog breeds including the Standard Poodle, Miniature Poodle, and Toy Poodle. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes four sizes: Standard, Medium, Miniature, and Toy. Poodles are highly intelligent and are known for their hypoallergenic coats.

   Poodles are intelligent dogs and don't need much work. In my opinion, they are good for beginners, but I wouldn't cut all their fur. They are adorable without being pampered.

2. Golden Retriever

   

   The Golden Retriever is a large-sized breed of dog originally bred as a gun dog to retrieve shot waterfowl such as ducks and upland game birds during hunting and shooting parties. They were named retriever because of their ability to retrieve shot game undamaged. Golden Retrievers are known for their... read more

   This breed is intelligent and smart. But since they are in the sports group, these dogs need lots of exercise. So, if you like to ride your bike or jog every morning, these are great dogs for you!

3. Shetland Sheepdog

   

   The Shetland Sheepdog, also known as the Sheltie, is a breed of herding dog. Originally called the Shetland Collie, the name was changed due to opposition from Rough Collie breeders. The breed is known for its intelligence, agility, and long, dense double coat.

   Shelties are kind, gentle dogs that sometimes get along with cats. They have long fur and they don't shed a lot. They love to play but they love soft cozy beds too. They don't really need walks either. They just need a backyard!

4. Labrador Retriever

   

   The Labrador Retriever, also known simply as the Labrador, is a sporting dog bred for retrieving game in water. Labradors are known for their friendly temperament, intelligence, and strong swimming ability. The breed remains one of the most popular in the United Kingdom, the United States, and other... read more

   This breed is similar to Golden Retrievers, but they require a bit less exercise. Now don't get me wrong. They do need a lot of exercise, but they have less fur. They look the same but just the fur color can be different.

5. Siberian Husky

   

   The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working dog breed that originated in northeastern Siberia. It was developed by the Chukchi people for sled pulling and endurance in cold climates. The breed is known for its thick coat, erect triangular ears, and striking blue or multicolored eyes.

   These are yappy at times and take lots of exercise, but love to cuddle! They are snow dogs so they love cold weather. Winter comes once a year, so enjoy it with your new husky!

6. Maltese

   

   The Maltese is a hypoallergenic, small breed of dog in the Toy Group. It descends from dogs originating in the Central Mediterranean Area. The breed is known for its long, silky white coat and affectionate nature.

   These dogs are small and loyal. They love to know their master and love to play. They don't need a lot of exercise but they take lots of toys.

7. German Shepherd

   

   The German Shepherd is a breed of medium- to large-sized working dog that originated in Germany. The breed's officially recognized name in English is German Shepherd Dog. In Britain and Ireland, it is also known as the Alsatian, a name that was used more commonly during the 20th century.

   I acquired my first German Shepherd dog when she was 18 months old. I was told she preferred women to men. Wrong! She absolutely adored my husband as well as myself. She was a fantastic, loving, and loyal dog that rarely barked.

   Tragically, she died at age 4 from a tick. We were absolutely devastated and swore we'd never have another dog. 12 months later, we missed her so much that we acquired another German Shepherd - a magnificent male aged 7. His owner was moving into an apartment and not allowed a dog, so he was looking for a home for him on large acreage. Very sadly, he died aged 14 from an enlarged heart. Both dogs gave us the kind of devoted love that no other dogs had given us.

8. Bull Terrier

   

   The Bull Terrier is a breed of dog in the terrier family. There's also a miniature version of this breed, which is officially known as the Miniature Bull Terrier. Both types are recognized for their distinctive egg-shaped heads and muscular builds.

   Bull terriers pull their leashes a lot but can be cuddling pals. They are active but don't use up a lot of energy. They can be funny, so hold your breath.

9. Boxer

   

   The Boxer is a medium-sized, short-haired breed of dog, developed in Germany. The coat is smooth and tight-fitting. Colors are fawn, mahogany, black, or brindled, with or without white markings, and white... read more

10. Yorkshire Terrier

    

    The Yorkshire Terrier is a small terrier breed developed in 19th‑century Yorkshire, England. Originally bred to catch rats in clothing mills, they are known today for their compact size and energetic personality.

    They gained popularity in the Victorian era as fashionable companion dogs and are... read more

    Yorkies are little adorable doggies. Playful, lazy, whatever you want them to be. Play with them, sleep with them, hide with them. Love them.

    Yorkies are really easy to take care of. Since they are smaller, that definitely makes it easier. Plus, they are adorable.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Pug

    

    The Pug is a breed of dog with a wrinkly, short-muzzled face and curled tail. The breed has a fine, glossy coat that comes in a variety of colors, most often fawn or black, and a compact square body with well-developed muscles. However, Pugs have difficulty breathing due to their extreme head shape,... read more

12. ?

    Shiba Inu

    

    The Shiba Inu is the smallest of the six original and distinct spitz breeds of dog from Japan. It is known for its spirited personality, fox-like appearance, and agility. Shiba Inus are one of the most popular companion dogs in Japan.

The Contenders

13. Doberman

    

    The Doberman Pinscher, also known as the Dobermann or Doberman, is a medium-large breed of domestic dog originally developed around 1890 by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a tax collector in Germany. Known for their loyalty and intelligence, Dobermans are often used in police and military roles. They... read more

    These dogs are not only vicious guard dogs, but they can actually be quite gentle! It's really the way you treat them. If you are bad to them, they are vicious. But if you love them with happiness, they will be gentle like you!

14. Shih Tzu

    

    A Shih Tzu, also known as the Chrysanthemum Dog, is a toy dog breed weighing between 10 to 12 pounds when fully grown. It is known for its long, silky hair and friendly temperament. The breed originated in Tibet and was developed in China.

15. Australian Terrier

    

    The Australian Terrier is a small breed of dog belonging to the terrier group. It was developed in Australia, although its ancestral roots trace back to several terrier breeds from Great Britain. The breed is known for its rough coat and energetic temperament.

16. Border Collie

    

    The Border Collie is a working and herding dog breed developed in the Anglo-Scottish border region for herding livestock, especially sheep. It is widely regarded as the most intelligent dog breed, with high energy and trainability. Border Collies excel in dog sports and obedience competitions.

17. Papillon

    

    The Papillon, also called the Continental Toy Spaniel, is a breed of dog of the spaniel type. It is named for its butterfly-like ears and is known for its intelligence and agility. The breed is one of the oldest toy breeds in Europe, with a history dating back several centuries.

18. Corgi

    

    A small herding dog breed originating from Wales, Corgis are known for their distinct short legs and long bodies. Popular as both working dogs and pets, they have a lively and affectionate temperament. There are two main types: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, which typically has a docked tail, and the Cardigan... read more

    They are amazing dogs for people with kids. They don't need a massive backyard or very long walks. They are great companions and have amazing personalities.

19. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

    

    The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small toy‑class spaniel recognized by The Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club. They are known for their affectionate demeanor, expressive eyes, and silky coat.

    They were named after King Charles II of England and were first bred in the 1920s. Cavaliers... read more

    They are really easy, especially good for you if you have cats or rodents. I had four gerbils and three cats, and my King Charles got along with all of them.

    Lovely dogs. They get along beautifully with my rabbit.

20. English Cocker Spaniel

    

    A gun dog breed developed in England, the English Cocker Spaniel is known for its agility and keen nose. It has a medium-length coat and is commonly used for retrieving game in various terrains. The breed is friendly, affectionate, and highly trainable.

21. Australian Shepherd

    

    Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd was actually developed in the United States. Primarily a herding dog, it is characterized by its intelligence, agility, and strong work ethic. The breed is easily recognized by its striking coat patterns and eye colors, which can include blue, brown, or heterochromia... read more

22. Beagle

    

    The Beagle is a breed of small-sized hound, similar in appearance to the much larger foxhound. It is a scent hound developed primarily for hunting hare. Beagles are known for their strong sense of smell, vocal nature, and friendly temperament, making them popular as family pets.

23. American Staffordshire Terrier

    

    The American Staffordshire Terrier, also known as Amstaff, is a medium-sized, short-coated dog breed that originated in the United States. It is known for its muscular build and affectionate nature. The breed is recognized by the American Kennel Club and is often confused with the Staffordshire Bull... read more

24. French Bulldog

    

    The French Bulldog is a small breed of domestic dog. "Frenchies" originated in the 1800s from a cross between bulldog ancestors imported from England and local ratters in Paris. The breed is known for its bat-like ears, compact size, and affectionate demeanor.

25. English Bulldog

    

    The Bulldog, also known as the British Bulldog or English Bulldog, is a medium-sized dog breed. It is recognized for its loose skin, distinctive pushed-in nose, and muscular build. Bulldogs are known for their calm demeanor and strong loyalty.

26. Chinese Crested Dog

    

    The Chinese Crested Dog is a hairless breed of dog. Like most hairless dog breeds, it comes in two varieties, with and without fur, which are born in the same litter: the Powderpuff and the Hairless. This breed is often recognized for its affectionate temperament, playful nature, and suitability as... read more