Dog Breeds for Beginners

Not all dog breeds are suitable for people with no dog experience. We introduce you to seven dog breeds that are also suitable for beginners.

If you are getting a dog for the first time, you should ask yourself a lot of questions before you buy one. In addition to costs, time, and knowledge about dog ownership and dog behavior, it is also important to deal with the different dog breeds and to choose a dog that is well suited for beginners.

Many people have an exact idea of what breed they want their first dog to be. But the “dream dog” is not always a suitable first dog. If you don’t have any dog experience yet, you should get a dog that is willing to learn and easy to train. Dog breeds with pronounced dominance behavior are not really suitable for beginners.

Warning: Just because a dog is considered “easily trainable” doesn’t mean it doesn’t need training. Consistent training always plays an important role with dogs. We recommend that first-time dog owners in particular take their dog to a dog school to learn all the important basics. In addition, species-appropriate activity – both mental and physical – is important for all dogs. Each breed has specific requirements that you must meet.

Good dog breed for beginners

Among other things, these dog breeds are considered suitable for dog beginners.

Golden retriever

The Golden Retriever is very adaptable and friendly. He has a quick perception and great willingness to subordinate and is considered a great family dog. The Goldie is also well suited for dog beginners.

The Golden Retriever is an intelligent dog that needs to be challenged not only physically but also mentally. Intelligence games and movement are therefore important. Most goldies love to fetch and swim. The Goldie needs a humorous, playful, and loving consistent upbringing.

Maltese

Maltese are happy, curious, adventurous, and affectionate dogs. They are very willing to learn and therefore also well suited for dog beginners. However, consistent training is necessary right from the start and for inexperienced dog owners, a visit to the dog school is also advisable. The Maltese love variety and movement. It is important to pay attention to regular grooming and to get the dog used to it from the start.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an affectionate, adventurous, friendly, and easily trainable dog. Therefore, he can also be a great friend for dog beginners. He loves to romp around and go for walks. If you meet these needs, you will get a dog that is willing to learn and that is not used to aggression or dominance.

Labrador

The Labrador is an always cheerful, playful, and friendly dog. He loves to be petted and is also considered a great family dog. He always tries to please his people. In addition, the Labrador is very intelligent and willing to learn. On the one hand, this means that he learns quickly and willingly and is easy to train, on the other hand, the clever dog must be challenged accordingly. He needs a lot of exercise every day and also mental challenges, for example through games.

Papillon

The Papillon is a loving and friendly dog. The intelligent dog breed is characterized by a willingness to learn and thus good trainability. Consistent training right from the start and sufficient activity through games and walks are important for the Papillon.

Poodle

The poodle is one of the smartest dog breeds out there. He is people-oriented, playful and spirited. Due to their docility and empathy, poodles are easy to train and also suitable for beginner dog owners – as long as the training is correct and consistent from the start. There are four different types of poodles, which vary greatly in size.

Havanese

The Havanese is a small and lively dog breed that particularly likes varied games and tasks. He loves to learn new things and is therefore easy to train for inexperienced dogs. The Havanese comes in many different colors, for example, brown, grey, white, or black and white.

Big dogs for beginners?

Large dog breeds are less suitable for novice dogs simply because of their size and strength. The most suitable large dogs for beginners are the Leonberger and the Bernese Mountain Dog. The latter is also known to be a good family dog. A consistent education from the beginning, preferably with a dog school, is essential.

Not good dog breeds for beginners

Many dog breeds are not so well suited for inexperienced dog owners because they are more difficult to train and like to have their own way. Dogs with pronounced hunting, guarding or herding behavior, in particular, need a dog owner with experience and security who can handle them properly. Breeds that are less suitable for dog beginners include:

• Chihuahua
• German shepherd dog
• Dachshund
• Australian Shepherd
• Beagle
• Akita