Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners
Easy to train and friendly breeds that forgive beginner mistakes and make a great first dog. Here are 26 breeds from our guide that fit.
Labrador Retriever
The world's favourite family dog.
Golden Retriever
Sunny, smart and endlessly devoted.
German Shepherd
The ultimate working partner.
Poodle
Brains, elegance, barely any shedding.
Rottweiler
Powerful guardian, softie at home.
Yorkshire Terrier
A tiny terrier with a giant attitude.
Boxer
Goofy, loyal and full of bounce.
Australian Shepherd
Brainy, tireless and devoted.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A gentle, affectionate lapdog.
Border Collie
The smartest dog in the world.
Boston Terrier
The dapper American gentleman.
Bernese Mountain Dog
A gentle giant with a heart of gold.
Great Dane
The gentle giant of dogs.
Doberman Pinscher
Sleek, loyal and fearless.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Short legs, huge personality.
Cocker Spaniel
A merry, soft-eyed sporting dog.
Miniature Schnauzer
A bearded, spirited little watchdog.
Cane Corso
A powerful, noble guardian.
Maltese
An elegant, silky lap companion.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Tireless gundog, devoted family athlete
Vizsla
The velcro dog who never leaves your side
Weimaraner
The sleek silver ghost of the field.
English Springer Spaniel
Tireless field worker, devoted family friend
Bichon Frise
A cheerful powder puff of joy
Havanese
Cuba's cheerful velcro companion
Papillon
Butterfly ears, big-dog brain
Still deciding?
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