Top 15 Dogs For Beginners:
Breeds That Won’t Let You Down
Choosing your first dog is an important step that requires careful consideration and understanding of your needs and capabilities. The best dogs for novice owners are characterized by their friendly nature, high trainability, and adaptability to various conditions. Recommended breeds for beginner owners will help make this experience pleasant and unforgettable, and a furry friend will become a loyal companion for many years.
It is essential to remember that any dog needs training, good care, and timely veterinary assistance. Additionally, the dog’s temperament should match yours, whether you enjoy running or prefer lounging on the couch. Such dogs for novice owners will not only become faithful companions but will also bring joy to the home, making the process of ownership and care easier.
Now, for any holiday, it is easy to choose a worthy gift for a new pet owner – a genre portrait of the puppy in a costume and artistic setting.
Such a portrait will become very personal and emotionally significant for the pet owner. It can be created from a regular photograph by contacting a specialized workshop, framing the image beautifully, and wrapping it in craft gift paper.
Let’s consider several dog breeds that will be the best choice for beginners.
1. Labrador Retriever
Originating from Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada, the Labrador Retriever was bred in the early 19th century and used by fishermen for retrieving nets and caught fish from cold waters. In the United Kingdom, Labradors became popular hunting dogs due to their perfect working qualities.
Despite their powerful build and high energy, Labradors are excellent for beginners. They have a short, dense, water-repellent coat that can be black, chocolate, or yellow. Labradors have a broad head, strong neck, and deep chest. Their tail, known as an “otter tail,” is thick at the base and tapers to the end.
Labradors are known for their friendly, balanced, and good-natured temperament.
2. Golden Retriever
The breed was developed in Scotland in the mid-19th century by crossing retrievers, water spaniels, and setters. Golden Retrievers were used for hunting and retrieving game from water and land.
Golden Retrievers are large dogs with a dense build and a long, thick, water-repellent golden coat. They have a broad head, dark eyes, and a friendly expression. Golden Retrievers have strong, muscular legs and a sturdy tail.
They are known for their friendly, gentle, and patient temperament, making them suitable for novice owners. Golden Retrievers are highly trainable, eager to please, and get along well with children. They are active and require a lot of physical exercise.
3. Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)
Originating from the Shetland Islands in Scotland, Shelties were initially used for guarding and herding sheep. Shelties were developed by crossing local dogs with Scottish Collies and other herding breeds.
Shelties are small, proportionately built dogs with a long, thick double coat that can come in various colors, including sable, tricolor, and blue merle. Shelties have a wedge-shaped head, erect ears, and expressive eyes.
Shelties are known for their intelligence, energy, and loyalty. They are highly trainable and often participate in various dog sports such as agility and obedience.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Bred in England and named after King Charles II, who was known for his love of the breed, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was originally used as a hunting dog but eventually became a popular companion.
These small dogs (height 30-33 cm, weight 5-8 kg) have long, silky coats in black and tan, ruby, or Blenheim (white with chestnut markings) colors, with large dark eyes and a moderately long tail. Cavaliers enjoy a lifestyle filled with walks and play but also appreciate calm time at home.
5. French Bulldog
Developed in France in the 19th century by crossing toy English Bulldogs with local French dogs, possibly terriers, the French Bulldog became popular among working-class immigrants from England to France who brought their small bulldogs with them.
French Bulldogs have characteristic bat-like ears, a broad muzzle, large expressive eyes, and a short, wrinkled face. Their coat is short, smooth, and shiny.
French Bulldogs are known for their friendly and cheerful temperament. They get along well with children and other animals but can be somewhat stubborn. Expecting them to endure long physical activities or lengthy walks is not recommended.
6. Poodle
One of the oldest dog breeds, the Poodle originated in Germany, although the French Poodle is also considered a national breed of France. The breed has been known since ancient times and was initially used for hunting waterfowl due to its excellent swimming abilities.
Poodles come in four sizes: standard, miniature, toy, and teacup. They have a distinctive curly coat that can come in various colors, including white, black, brown, apricot, and gray. Poodles have an elegant build, with long legs and a proud head carriage.
Poodles are known for their high intelligence and trainability. They are easy to train and often perform in circuses and shows. Poodles are very active and require a lot of physical and mental exercise. They are sociable but can be somewhat shy with strangers.
7. Pug
Originating in China about 2000 years ago, Pugs were beloved by Chinese emperors. In the 16th century, the breed was brought to Europe, where it quickly became popular among the aristocracy. In the Netherlands, Pugs became the symbol of the royal House of Orange.
Pugs are small, stocky dogs with a distinctive wrinkled face, large round eyes, and a short, curly tail. Their coat is short and smooth, with colors ranging from fawn to black, silver, or apricot with a black mask.
Pugs are friendly, playful, and devoted to their owners, enjoying attention. They get along well with children and other pets, preferring short walks.
8. Bichon Frise
An ancient breed originating in the Mediterranean region, Bichons were popular among sailors and aristocrats, especially in France and Spain.
Bichons are small dogs with a fluffy, curly white coat that requires regular grooming to avoid tangles and mats. They have a round head, large dark eyes, and a cheerful expression.
Bichons are known for their friendly, lively, and energetic nature. They are very sociable and enjoy being in the company of people. Bichons are intelligent and easily trainable, making them excellent companions.
9. Beagle
An ancient breed known since Ancient Greece and Rome, modern Beagles were developed in England in the 19th century for hunting small game such as hares.
Beagles are medium-sized dogs with a short, smooth coat and a sturdy build. They have large, soft ears, expressive eyes, and characteristic tricolor coats: white, black, and tan.
Beagles are known for their friendly and energetic temperament. They are very active, curious, and love spending time outdoors exploring. Beagles get along well with children and other pets but can be stubborn and independent. They require a lot of physical exercise and mental stimulation.
10. Papillon
A small decorative breed from France, the Papillon is known for its butterfly-like ears. The breed has been known since the 16th century and was popular among French aristocracy and artists.
Papillons are small, elegant dogs with large ears that can be either erect or drooping. They have a long, silky coat that is usually white with various markings (black, brown, orange, etc.).
Papillons are intelligent, active, and lively dogs. They are curious and easily trainable, making them excellent participants in dog shows and competitions.
11. Schnauzer
Schnauzers originate from Germany and get their name from the German word “Schnauze,” which means “muzzle.” There are three main sizes of Schnauzers: standard, miniature, and giant. They all share common features but differ in size and some structural characteristics. Schnauzers were originally used as guard and herding dogs.
Schnauzers have a distinctive appearance with a dense, wiry coat and a pronounced beard, which makes their muzzle particularly expressive. They have a straight body, strong legs, and a characteristic erect tail. The coat of Schnauzers can be black, salt and pepper, white, or other colors. Schnauzers have a sturdy, intelligent look and expressive eyes.
Schnauzers are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and protective behavior. They are very active and require regular physical exercise and mental stimulation. These dogs are excellent at guarding and protecting their territory. Schnauzers can be somewhat stubborn, but they learn quickly with the right approach.
12. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniel has Anglo-Saxon roots and was bred in the United Kingdom for hunting game birds. The breed exists in two main varieties: the English Cocker Spaniel and the American Cocker Spaniel. Both varieties were bred for work, but the American Cocker Spaniel was developed later and became popular as a family pet.
Cocker Spaniels are medium-sized dogs with long, thick ears and beautiful coats that can come in various colors, such as black, brown, red, white with spots, and more. They have a square build, powerful legs, and distinctive wavy hair on their belly and ears.
Cocker Spaniels are sociable, loyal to their owners, and love children. These dogs are active and energetic. Cocker Spaniels have an excellent sense of smell and can be used for work and hunting, although in modern times, they are most often wonderful family pets.
13. Boston Terrier
Developed in the USA in the late 19th century, the Boston Terrier originated from the crossing of the English Bulldog and the white English Terrier, later adding the blood of the French Bulldog. The Boston Terrier got its name in honor of the city of Boston, where it was first bred.
Boston Terriers are small dogs with a height at the withers of 38 to 43 cm and a weight of 4.5 to 11 kg. They have a short, smooth, and shiny coat. The coat color is most often black with white markings but can also be brindle or liver. The characteristic “cheerful” look of Boston Terriers is due to their round head, expressive eyes, and erect ears. Boston Terriers are known for their friendly and lively nature. They get along well with children and other animals, making them great companions for novice owners.
14. Havanese
Havanese, or Havana Bichon, has roots in Cuba. It was bred as a companion for aristocrats and wealthy island residents. The breed is part of the Bichon family.
Havanese are a small breed (height at the withers from 23 to 27 cm, weight from 3 to 6 kg) with long, silky hair that can be straight or wavy. The coat can come in a variety of colors, including white, black, fawn, or chocolate. Havanese have expressive eyes and drooping ears, as well as a fluffy tail that usually curls over the back.
15. Corgi
Corgi is one of the oldest breeds, originating from Wales. There are two varieties: Pembroke (more well-known) and Cardigan. Pembrokes are more popular and are associated with Queen Elizabeth II, who was very fond of them.
Corgis are small but sturdy dogs. Their height at the withers is from 25 to 30 cm, and their weight ranges from 10 to 14 kg. They have a dense, medium-length coat with an undercoat.
Corgis can be red, black and tan, sable, sometimes with white markings. They have a long body on short legs, large ears, and a friendly facial expression. Corgis are intelligent, active, and curious dogs.
