14 Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners (2024)

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Choose the right dog for your lifestyle

• 01 of 14

  Bernese Mountain Dog

  

  The Bernese Mountain Dog might be big, but these dogs are easy-going, eager to please, affectionate, and intelligent. They love a good romp with the kids but are also happy to spend the evening relaxing at home. They adapt well to just about any living situation, and while not aggressive, they are fairly good watchdogs and are very devoted to their humans. Be aware, however, that Berners shed quite a bit and do require regular brushing to remove loose hair.

  Breed Overview

  Group: Working (AKC)

  Height: 23 to 27.5 inches

  Weight: 70 to 115 pounds

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  Coat and Color: Medium-length double coat in black, tan, and white

  Life Expectancy: 7–10 years

• 02 of 14

  Bichon Frise

  

  The bichon frise is a happy-go-lucky little dog, great for families with children or apartment living. It looks a bit like a bouncy cotton ball. This breed is a great all-around companion. Bichons are relatively easy to train, adapt well to any lifestyle, and only need moderate daily exercise to be happy and healthy. You will need to dedicate the time and money to regularvisits to the groomer. This breed's curly coat needs to be trimmed regularly and brushed carefully. For a lower-maintenancecoat, keep your bichon's hair cut short.

  Breed Overview

  Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)

  Height: 9–12 inches

  Weight: 7–12 pounds

  Coat and Color: Curly white coat; may have traces of apricot, buff, or cream

  Life Expectancy: 14 to 15 years

• 03 of 14

  Boxer

  

  If you are looking for a medium-large, high-energy dog, look no further than the playful boxer. This loyal dog forms a close bond with family. And if you lead a reasonably active lifestyle, a boxer could be right for you. This breedneeds plenty of exercise and a strong foundation of training. Though youngboxers can be a little hyperactive, they are trainable and enjoy attention during training. Once trained and socialized, boxers can thrive in active households and often get along well with kids. Guardians by nature, boxers are naturally protective of their families, especially children. And a bonus, the boxer's grooming needs are low-maintenance.

  Breed Overview

  Group: Working (AKC)

  Height: 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch at the shoulder

  Weight: 55 to 70 pounds

  Coat and Color: Short coat; fawn and brindle are the standard colors

  Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

• 04 of 14

  Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

  

  TheCavalier King Charles spaniel is a sweet, affectionate dog with a puppy-like appearance. Cavaliers can thrive in all kinds of households and tend to get along well with children of all ages.This breed is small and has a gentle demeanor. This dog is elegant, attentive,and generally quiet. The Cavalier's moderate energy level means basic daily exercise is typically enough to maintain health. Cavaliers are also very smart and respond to training well. And despite a medium-length coat, this dog's grooming needs are basic. Just make sure to prioritize regular brushing.

  Breed Overview

  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

  Continue to 5 of 14 below

• 05 of 14

  Golden Retriever

  

  The golden retriever is the quintessential familydog; they are eager to please. Goldens are excellent with children of all ages. This medium-large dog is happy, loyal, affectionate, and active. The breed is intelligent and adaptableto thrive in most households. They also need a fair amount of exercise to keep them in good physical condition and prevent boredom. Trainingis essential, but not difficult. They love to learn and can be trained to do many things. The breed needs regular brushing to keep its coat free of tangles and mats.

  Breed Overview

  Group: Sporting (AKC)

  Height: 21.5 to 24 inches

  Weight: 55 to 75 pounds

  Coat and Color: Medium-length double coat; light to dark gold

  Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

• 06 of 14

  Great Dane

  

  Don't let the Great Dane's great size intimidate you. These oversized pooches are gentle giants, although they can be fierce watchdogs if they feel their family is endangered. As a general rule, however, Great Danes are easy-going dogs that enjoy playing, are highly intelligent, and are very affectionate with their favorite humans. A dog this large needs careful attention to obedience training, however, and while only moderate shedders, Great Danes tend to be droolers.

  Breed Overview

  Group: Working (AKC)

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  Height: 28 to 32 inches

  Weight: 110 to 175 pounds

  Coat and Color: Short, smooth coat in almost any color or combination of colors

  Life Expectancy: 7–10 years

• 07 of 14

  Labrador Retriever

  

  The Labrador retriever is one of the most popularand recognizable medium-large dog breeds. Labs adapt well to most environments and are excellent with kids.They are intensely loyal and affectionate dogs that form close bonds with their families. This breed is active, playful, and intelligent. They thrive in active householdsthat can provide plentyof exercise and training. Labs love to learn and can be trained to do almost anything, enjoying fetching, running, and snuggling. Fortunately, theyonly have minor grooming needs, like regular brushing to minimize shedding.

  Breed Overview

  Group: Sporting (AKC)

  Height: 21.5 to 24.5 inches

  Weight: 55 to 80 pounds

  Coat and Color: Short, dense double coat in black, chocolate, or yellow

  Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

• 08 of 14

  Maltese

  

  It's hard to resist the adorable face and friendly nature of the Maltese. These dogs have beautiful silky coats that drape to the floor if left untrimmed, but regular haircuts can keep their coat short and manageable. Despite all that fur, they don't shed much but should be brushed daily. The Maltese is a very affectionate, happy breed that doesn't require excessive exercise and is content to spend time relaxing on your lap.

  Breed Overview

  Group: Toy (AKC)

  Height: 7 to 9 inches

  Weight: Less than 7 pounds

  Coat and Color: Long silky white coat

  Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

  Continue to 9 of 14 below

• 09 of 14

  Mixed Breed Dogs

  

  When considering the right breed for you, it's important to keep mixed-breed dogs in the picture. These one-of-a-kind dogs can make excellent companions. If you are not sure which breed is right for you, visit your local shelter or rescue group to meet some adorable mutts. Rescue workers can match you with a dog that has the traits you desire. Training, exercise, and grooming are necessary for all dogs, but a mixed-breed dog's needs will depend on its unique makeup, which you can discover by using adog DNA test.

• 10 of 14

  Papillon

  

  Don't let this dog's diminutive frame fool you. This happy, friendly,and adaptable dog breed can do well in a variety of households. The papillon gets along with children, but they must be gentle. The papillon is a hardy little dog that enjoys a somewhat active lifestyle. This versatile cutie can function as a lapdog and exercise partner. The papillon does not need a lot of exercise but wants a chance to play and run around. The breed is easy to train and requires only moderate grooming.

  Breed Overview

  Group: Toy (AKC)

  Height: 8–11 inches

  Weight: 6–10 pounds

  Coat and Color: Straight, long, single-layer coat with frills; white with markings and a mask of color, usually red, sable, black, or lemon

  Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years

• 11 of 14

  Pomeranian

  

  The Pomeranian is a daintyand sweet little lapdog. The Pom oftenbonds closest to a single owner but can still do well in families. This breed is better with gentle older kids but can adapt to many situations. Daily basic exerciseis generally enough to keep your Pom happy. They need basic training to provide structure and boundaries. Without training, the breed's feisty and stubborn side may come out. Fortunately, they respond well to consistent, positive training and will thrive becauseof it. This dog is bright and moderately active with a big fluffy coat. Fortunately, its coat is not as high-maintenanceas it looks. Regular brushing is generally all you need to keep your Pom looking good.

  Breed Overview

  Group: Toy (AKC)

  Height: 6–7 inches

  Weight: 3–7 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

• 12 of 14

  Poodle

  

  The poodle is a popular, versatiledog breed that makes a wonderful companion. The poodle is adaptable to its environment and can do very well in various households, including those with children. This breed comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, or standard. All are intelligent and respond well to training. Poodles are energetic dogs that needplenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They need grooming regularly to maintain their curly, continuallygrowing coat.

  Breed Overview

  Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)

  Height: Over 15 inches (standard); 10–15 inches (miniature); 10 inches and under (toy)

  Weight: 45 to 70 pounds (standard); 15 to 18 pounds (miniature); 5–9 pounds (toy)

  Coat and Color: One of many solid colors, including but not limited to white, black, gray, brown, apricot, and particolored

  Life Expectancy: 10–18 years

  Continue to 13 of 14 below

• 13 of 14

  Shih Tzu

  

  The Shih Tzu is a small dog that's big on affection. This ancient Chinese breed is happiest when spending time with the family, whether that's flopped on the couch next to you watching TV or playing with the kids. This isn't a breed with a high need for exercise, nor is it prone to excessive barking, but you will need to brush that beautiful silky coat at least several times each week to prevent tangles. Surprisingly, however, the Shih Tzu sheds very little.

  Breed Overview

  Group: Toy (AKC)

  Height: 9–10.5 inches

  Weight: 9–16 pounds

  Coat and Color: Long silky double coat in almost any solid color or color plus white

  Life Expectancy: 10–18 years

• 14 of 14

  Yorkshire Terrier

  

  The Yorkshire terrier is a great starter dog for those who want a little lapdog. This breed is affectionate towards its owner and may even act protective around strangers. The Yorkie has a moderate energy level and only needs basic exercise. Daily walks are greatfor this breed. It also needs a solid foundation of training. Without structure, these little dogs can be stubborn and vocal. Train your Yorkie as you would a big dog, and it will help strengthen the bond between you and lay down boundaries. This dog has grooming needs that require attentiveness. Yorkies have continually growing hairthat must be brushedand trimmed regularly. If you have the time and budget for regular groomer visits, it will be fairly simple to keep your Yorkie looking and feeling good.

  Breed Overview

  Group: Toy (AKC)

  Height: 8 to 9 inches

  Weight: 5 to 7 pounds

  Coat and Color: Long, straight, and silky coat; color combinations are black and gold, black and tan, blue and gold, and blue and tan

  Life Expectancy: 13 to 16 years