King Charles Spaniel and Labrador lying in the grass Dog guide 11.05.2023

Beginner dogs: Top 15 breeds for beginners

Discover the top 15 beginner dogs: ideal for newbies, easy to train & care for dog breeds that are perfect for your life.

The best breeds for novice dogs

If you want to get a dog and are inexperienced, choosing the right breed can be a challenge. This article presents the best dog breeds for beginners that are easy to train and easy to care for. Small, medium and large beginner dogs are presented that are ideal for families and dog owners bringing a four-legged friend into their lives for the first time.

Important factors such as the owner's everyday needs are also considered, as it is crucial to choose a breed that fits the lifestyle of the future owner. Suitable dog breeds are presented both for those who are looking for a running companion for jogging and cycling tours, and for those who prefer a quiet four-legged friend that can be taken to the office.

With the information in this article, the ideal choice for a first dog can be made. Both the needs of the dog owner and the characteristics of the different dog breeds are taken into account to promote a harmonious human-dog relationship.

Criteria for selection

When selecting a beginner dog, several criteria should be considered to ensure that the chosen breed is a good fit for the future owner:

  1. Temperament: an easy-going, friendly personality is important to facilitate training and ensure a harmonious co-existence.
  2. Trainability: dog breeds that are outgoing, eager to learn and easy to train are better suited for beginners.
  3. Size: The appropriate size depends on factors such as available living space, family dynamics and personal preferences.
  4. Activity Level: the dog's energy and stamina should match the owner's lifestyle and activity requirements.
  5. Grooming needs: some breeds require more grooming than others, which affects time and cost.

Small beginner dogs: perfect companions for city apartments.

Small beginner dogs are the ideal companions for city dwellers and those who live in cramped living conditions. In this article, we present some of the best small dog breeds that are perfect for beginners and can live happily ever after in city apartments. Discover charming, easy to care for and train dog breeds that will enrich your life.

Süße Französische Bulldogge liegents auf Schreibtisch Depositphotos / AllaSerebrina

French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is one of the most sought-after dog breeds for beginners, thanks to its compact size and affectionate, sociable temperament. These charming four-legged friends are known for their affectionate nature and strong bond with their owners. Their friendly, good-natured nature makes them ideal companions for families and singles alike. They are easy to train and get along well with children and other pets. With their low exercise needs and moderate grooming requirements, French Bulldogs are great for city apartments and people with limited time or mobility. Their adaptability and endearing qualities make them the perfect choice for beginners.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel im Laub auf Wiese Depositphotos / mashiki

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an excellent choice for beginners due to its friendly, gentle and affectionate personality. This dog breed is extremely adaptable and is suitable for both city homes and country living. Cavaliers are easy to train and eager to please their owners, making training enjoyable and stress-free. Their affectionate nature makes them ideal companions for families with children, the elderly, and households with other pets. With their moderate activity level and low maintenance needs, they are low-maintenance pets that offer lots of love and affection. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a perfect beginner dog that enriches its owners' lives with joy and loyalty.

Glücklicher hellbrauner Mops (Pug) Depositphotos / belchonock

Pug (Pug)

The Pug (Pug) is an ideal beginner dog due to its compact size, friendly nature and adaptability. These lovable dogs are known for their charming character and playful personality. Their always good-humored demeanor provides a lot of joy and entertainment in everyday life. Pugs are easy to train and easy to care for, which makes them especially appealing to newcomers to dog ownership. Despite their lack of exercise, they enjoy short walks and playtime. They get along well with children and other pets, making them excellent family dogs. Their adaptability to different lifestyles and living conditions make the Pug the perfect choice for beginners looking for a happy and loyal companion.

Schöner Havaneser sitzt im Wald Depositphotos / mdorottya

Havanese

An excellent dog breed for beginners, the Havanese is characterized by its friendly, affectionate and intelligent nature. These small, fluffy dogs are easy to train and eager to learn new tricks and commands, making them ideal companions for first-time dog owners. Their adaptable personalities allow them to fit well into a variety of lifestyles and living arrangements, including city apartments and homes with limited space. Havanese get along well with children and other pets and make excellent family dogs. Their low to moderate exercise needs and hypoallergenic coat quality make them suitable for allergy sufferers. The loving and lively nature of the Havanese makes it the perfect beginner dog to enrich any household.

brauner Zwergdackel liegt im Gras Depositphotos / anmalkov

Miniature Dachshund

The Miniature Dachshund is an extremely popular breed of dog for beginners, with a charming character and compact size. These small dogs are adaptable and are great for living in city apartments or homes with limited space. Despite their small size, they are bold, curious and energetic. Miniature Dachshunds are intelligent and docile, which makes them easy to train and ideal companions for first-time dog owners. They get along well with children and can adapt to living with other pets. Their low to moderate exercise needs and low-maintenance coat make them a practical choice for beginners. With their happy and lovable personality, Miniature Dachshunds will enrich any household and make an excellent beginner dog.

Medium-sized dog breeds: Versatile options for novice dog owners

Medium-sized dog breeds are an excellent choice for beginners because they are a versatile option and can adapt well to different lifestyles. In the following sections, we present a selection of medium-sized dogs that stand out for their adaptability, easy handling and friendly personalities.

Labrador Retrieber beige Showlinie vor Getreidefeld Depositphotos / art2435

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and is great for beginners. These medium-sized dogs are known for their friendly and even-tempered personalities. They are extremely intelligent and docile, which makes training easier for first-time dog owners. Labradors are family friendly and get along well with children and other pets. Their active lifestyle makes them ideal companions for outdoor activities and walks. Grooming of the short-haired coat is straightforward, which also contributes to the breed's appeal to novices. Overall, Labrador Retrievers are an excellent choice for beginners looking for a loyal and loving four-legged friend.

Brauner Boxer im Profil auf der Wiese Depositphotos / atomadog

Boxer

The Boxer is a medium-sized dog breed that is especially well suited for beginners. With their affectionate and friendly nature, Boxers make excellent family dogs. Their intelligence and willingness to learn make them easy to train, which is especially beneficial for first-time owners. Despite their strong appearance, Boxers are known to be gentle and patient, which also makes them ideal companions for families with children. They are active and playful, but also enjoy relaxing moments. The maintenance of their short coat is uncomplicated, which additionally makes the breed attractive to beginners. All in all, the Boxer is an excellent choice for those looking for a loyal and loving companion.

Heller Golden Retriever sitzend im Gras Depositphotos / AllaSerebrina

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is an extremely popular dog breed and is particularly suitable for beginners. These friendly four-legged friends are known for their gentle and patient personalities, which makes them ideal family dogs. Their intelligence and ability to learn allow for easy training, which is especially beneficial for first-time owners. Golden Retrievers are social and good-natured, which makes them easy to get along with children and other animals. As active dogs, they enjoy long walks and outdoor activities, but are also content with relaxing moments at home. Although their long coat requires a bit more grooming, overall the breed is great for beginners and provides a loyal, loving companion.

Border collie Depositphotos / Ksuksann

Border Collie

The Border Collie is an intelligent and energetic dog breed that is well suited for beginners who are active and willing to invest time in training and activities with their dog. These dogs are known for their high intelligence and willingness to learn, which makes training easier. Border Collies are loyal and willing to work, which makes them great companions for various activities. They are good-natured and friendly and get along well with other animals and children. Border Collies do, however, need plenty of exercise and mental workouts to be happy and balanced. However, with enough activity, they are an excellent choice for beginners looking for an intelligent and engaging four-legged friend.

Brauner Cockapoo in der Natur Depositphotos / mountaintreks

Cockapoo

The Cockapoo is a charming cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle and is great for beginners. These dogs are friendly, intelligent and easy to train, making them ideal companions for first-time owners. Their affectionate and loving nature makes them great family dogs that get along well with children and other pets. Cockapoos are adaptable and are comfortable in both apartments and homes with gardens. Their small size and low shed ding coat make them especially easy to care for. Since they are usually allergy friendly as well, they are suitable for people with allergies. Overall, Cockapoos are an excellent choice for beginners looking for a loving and low-maintenance dog.

Large Beginner Dogs: Gentle Giants

Large dogs can often seem intimidating, but many of them have a gentle nature and are great for beginners. Below, we introduce some large beginner dogs that are known as "Gentle Giants." These loving and good-natured animals are not only impressive in stature, but also easy to handle and care for - perfect for first-time owners who want a great companion.

Bernhardiner in den Alpen Depositphotos / swisshippo

Saint Bernard

St. Bernards are impressive dogs that are great for beginners despite their size. Known for their friendly and gentle nature, these dogs are extremely adaptable and good-natured. They are easy to train and get along well with children and other pets. Their patience and composure make them ideal family dogs, remaining calm even in stressful situations. Although St. Bernards require regular grooming, they tend to be frugal when it comes to exercise and activity. Overall, St. Bernards are an excellent choice for beginners looking for a large, friendly and loving companion.

Deutsche Dogge vor Wasser Depositphotos / Drago_Nika

Great Dane

Great Danes are impressive dogs that are known as gentle giants despite their enormous size. They are well suited for beginners as they are friendly, affectionate and good-natured. These dogs are easy to train and build a strong bond with their owners. Their calm and composed nature allows them to fit in well with families that have children and other pets. Although they require adequate exercise, they are not overly active and can adapt to a variety of lifestyles. However, their space requirements and regular grooming should be noted. Overall, Great Danes are an excellent choice for beginners looking for a large, loving and loyal companion.

Schwarzer Neufundländer im Wald Depositphotos / emmanuellegrimaud

Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are another dog breed that, despite their impressive size, are known as gentle giants. They are especially suitable for beginners , as they are affectionate, patient and good-natured. Their easy trainability and desire to please their humans make them ideal companions for first-time dog owners. Newfoundlands are known for their swimming abilities and their role as lifeguards, which also makes them great family dogs. They are equally at ease with children and other pets. However, their grooming needs should be noted, as their thick coats require regular brushing and trimming. Overall, Newfoundlands are an excellent choice for beginners looking for a large, friendly and protective dog.

Leonberger am Feld Depositphotos / Julia_Siomuha

Leonberger

Leonbergers are an impressive breed of dog, characterized by their imposing appearance and friendly nature. These large dogs are gentle, loving and patient, which makes them a great choice for beginners. Their intelligent and docile nature makes them easy to train, and they are eager to please their owners. Leonbergers are well suited for families and get along well with children as well as other pets. However, since they are a large and powerful breed, it is important to provide them with adequate exercise and space. Their dense coats require regular grooming to avoid matting and skin problems. If these requirements are met, the Leonberger makes an excellent beginner dog and a loyal, loving companion.

Irischer Wolfshund in der Natur im Schnee Depositphotos / OlgaSalt

Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound represents an impressive breed that, despite its size, can be an excellent choice for beginners. Their calm, gentle and friendly nature makes them an excellent choice for families. This breed's easy-going and good-natured nature makes them easier to train, and it is clear that they are eager to please their humans. Despite the name, Irish Wolfhounds are loving and loyal companions who get along well with both children and other pets. Their low activity requirements make them ideal for people who prefer a less energetic dog. It should be noted, however, that their size and rapid growth bring special nutritional and joint care needs. With proper care, the Irish Wolfhound proves to be a great beginner dog and loyal, affectionate friend.

Banner: Depositphotos / vospalej
Thanks for reading
Subscribe to our newsletter
to stay up to date on dog trends.
We won’t spam your inbox! We won’t sell or rent your email address.
To find out more, view our Privacy Policy
dogbible - a platform for people who love dogs
<svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" data-icon="facebook" role="img" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512"><path fill="currentColor" d="M504 256C504 119 393 8 256 8S8 119 8 256c0 123.78 90.69 226.38 209.25 245V327.69h-63V256h63v-54.64c0-62.15 37-96.48 93.67-96.48 27.14 0 55.52 4.84 55.52 4.84v61h-31.28c-30.8 0-40.41 19.12-40.41 38.73V256h68.78l-11 71.69h-57.78V501C413.31 482.38 504 379.78 504 256z" data-v-b19174da="" class=""></path></svg> <svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" data-icon="instagram" role="img" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 448 512"><path fill="currentColor" d="M224.1 141c-63.6 0-114.9 51.3-114.9 114.9s51.3 114.9 114.9 114.9S339 319.5 339 255.9 287.7 141 224.1 141zm0 189.6c-41.1 0-74.7-33.5-74.7-74.7s33.5-74.7 74.7-74.7 74.7 33.5 74.7 74.7-33.6 74.7-74.7 74.7zm146.4-194.3c0 14.9-12 26.8-26.8 26.8-14.9 0-26.8-12-26.8-26.8s12-26.8 26.8-26.8 26.8 12 26.8 26.8zm76.1 27.2c-1.7-35.9-9.9-67.7-36.2-93.9-26.2-26.2-58-34.4-93.9-36.2-37-2.1-147.9-2.1-184.9 0-35.8 1.7-67.6 9.9-93.9 36.1s-34.4 58-36.2 93.9c-2.1 37-2.1 147.9 0 184.9 1.7 35.9 9.9 67.7 36.2 93.9s58 34.4 93.9 36.2c37 2.1 147.9 2.1 184.9 0 35.9-1.7 67.7-9.9 93.9-36.2 26.2-26.2 34.4-58 36.2-93.9 2.1-37 2.1-147.8 0-184.8zM398.8 388c-7.8 19.6-22.9 34.7-42.6 42.6-29.5 11.7-99.5 9-132.1 9s-102.7 2.6-132.1-9c-19.6-7.8-34.7-22.9-42.6-42.6-11.7-29.5-9-99.5-9-132.1s-2.6-102.7 9-132.1c7.8-19.6 22.9-34.7 42.6-42.6 29.5-11.7 99.5-9 132.1-9s102.7-2.6 132.1 9c19.6 7.8 34.7 22.9 42.6 42.6 11.7 29.5 9 99.5 9 132.1s2.7 102.7-9 132.1z" data-v-b19174da="" class=""></path></svg> <svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" data-icon="pinterest" role="img" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 496 512"><path fill="currentColor" d="M496 256c0 137-111 248-248 248-25.6 0-50.2-3.9-73.4-11.1 10.1-16.5 25.2-43.5 30.8-65 3-11.6 15.4-59 15.4-59 8.1 15.4 31.7 28.5 56.8 28.5 74.8 0 128.7-68.8 128.7-154.3 0-81.9-66.9-143.2-152.9-143.2-107 0-163.9 71.8-163.9 150.1 0 36.4 19.4 81.7 50.3 96.1 4.7 2.2 7.2 1.2 8.3-3.3.8-3.4 5-20.3 6.9-28.1.6-2.5.3-4.7-1.7-7.1-10.1-12.5-18.3-35.3-18.3-56.6 0-54.7 41.4-107.6 112-107.6 60.9 0 103.6 41.5 103.6 100.9 0 67.1-33.9 113.6-78 113.6-24.3 0-42.6-20.1-36.7-44.8 7-29.5 20.5-61.3 20.5-82.6 0-19-10.2-34.9-31.4-34.9-24.9 0-44.9 25.7-44.9 60.2 0 22 7.4 36.8 7.4 36.8s-24.5 103.8-29 123.2c-5 21.4-3 51.6-.9 71.2C65.4 450.9 0 361.1 0 256 0 119 111 8 248 8s248 111 248 248z" data-v-b19174da="" class=""></path></svg>