Best dog breeds for first-time owners
Updated 2026-11-06 · 10 breeds
A good first dog is easy to train, forgiving of mistakes and happy to be around people. These breeds are sociable and eager to learn, which makes the early weeks far less stressful. Every dog still needs time, exercise and patience.
How we chose: We chose breeds that rate easy or moderate to train, are good with people, and do not need extreme exercise or very specialised handling.
Labrador Retriever
A friendly, even-tempered retriever from Newfoundland, now one of the world's most popular family dogs.
Large · High energy · 10–12 years · Exercise 90 min/day · Grooming Low
Golden Retriever
A gentle, eager-to-please retriever developed in the Scottish Highlands for fetching waterfowl.
Large · High energy · 10–12 years · Exercise 90 min/day · Grooming Medium
Poodle (Standard)
A highly intelligent curly-coated water retriever and the largest of the poodle sizes.
Large · High energy · 12–15 years · Exercise 75 min/day · Grooming High
Labradoodle
A Labrador–poodle cross first bred in Australia as a low-shedding guide dog.
Medium · High energy · 12–14 years · Exercise 75 min/day · Grooming High
Shih Tzu
A long-coated lap dog bred as a companion for Chinese royalty.
Small · Low energy · 10–16 years · Exercise 30 min/day · Grooming High
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A gentle toy spaniel once favoured by English royalty.
Small · Medium energy · 9–14 years · Exercise 45 min/day · Grooming Medium
English Springer Spaniel
An athletic, enthusiastic spaniel bred to spring game from thick cover.
Medium · High energy · 12–14 years · Exercise 90 min/day · Grooming Medium
Whippet
A slim sighthound sometimes called the poor man's racehorse.
Medium · Medium energy · 12–15 years · Exercise 60 min/day · Grooming Low
Maltese
A tiny, white-coated toy dog long kept as a lap companion.
Small · Medium energy · 12–15 years · Exercise 30 min/day · Grooming High
Bichon Frise
A cheerful white powder-puff of a dog from the Mediterranean region.
Small · Medium energy · 14–15 years · Exercise 40 min/day · Grooming High
Tips
- Book a puppy class early. Training you and the dog together is the best investment.
- Be honest about the time you have. A lively breed in a busy household gets bored.
- Budget for food, vet care, insurance and grooming before you commit.