Choosing a Dog Breed Suitable for First Time Owners
Before choosing any dog to suit your lifestyle requirements you should read our Guide to Choosing a Pet Dog to get an overall view of the many areas you should consider before making your final decision to get the right pet dog for you.

Dogs suitable for first time owners:-

Owning a dog can be very rewarding experince, but the decision to become a dog owner will be a huge commitment.

Most dogs can live around 15 years, if they are healthy, so it is not a decision to be made lightly.

It is important that if you decide to share your life with a dog it is for all the right reasons and after consideration of the many factors involved.
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There are some basic areas that anyone, whatever their lifestyle requirements, should consider before making the choice of what type of dog would be most suitable.
These start with details about your lifestyle:- (Previous dog owners will probably have assessed these points already but their lifestyle and requirements may have changed).

Our Guide to Choosing a Pet Dog contains a further, broader, range of information that you should consider before choosing any new pet dog.

How active are you, what are your energy levels? The activity levels of dog breeds will vary, many dogs require long walks and outside exercise (boredom and bad behaviour often result from lack of exercise}
What size of dog would suit your lifestyle:- (dogs fall into three size groupings- small, medium and large),
Is your accommodation and outside space sufficient for a large dog?
Are you able to handle a larger dog on walks?
Could you lift or carry a larger dog if necessary?
Small dogs can also be full of energy and busy dogs at home can cause all sorts of problems
How much time can you give to your pet dog. Apart from exercise, dogs could make other demands on your time.
Easy to train dogs obviously require less time spent on training.
Little or no grooming may be a factor.
Do you require a dog that likes playing or a more docile “lapdog”?
Noise levels…many dogs react to unfamiliar noises, some by barking or growling and others who may be more shy or reserved can become frightened. Extreme barking can obviously cause problems for you or your neighbours.
Will you need to leave your dog alone for short periods? (Doctor or hospital visits even social visits to “dog free” zones). Some dogs can cope with this, others, unless trained, find it difficult and can get bored.
Will the added cost of keeping a dog fit in with your lifestyle and circumstances?

Some suggestions for Dog Types you might consider that will suit First Time Owners.

Dog Breed

Bichon Frise -
Good natured small dogs that make excellent pets . Very attractive and distinctive with a predominately white coat and a pocket-sized appeal, they do not need particularly long walks and make excellent gentle and loving companions.

Maltese -
The Maltese is a tiny, docile breed that is extremely affectionate and loves to be pampered it is among the gentlest mannered of all little dogs, and its trust and responsiveness are appealing Easy to train, they love to play fetch and learn tricks. They do not shed but require regular brushing to keep their coats from matting. Like other non-shedding dogs, they are a good choice for allergy sufferers. A good pet in limited accommodation, the Maltese's exercise needs are minimal

Papillon -
A small pretty and lively dog ideal as a companion or as a loving easily socialised dog for families Its beautiful coat is prone to frequent shedding and needs to be combed at least daily. These dogs make wonderful lapdogs, and they are relatively quiet, compared to other small breeds.The breed is also relatively hardy.

Shih-Tzu -
Active, friendly, alert little dogs with an independent nature.Affectionate and devoted to their owners, good with children and other animals They live for human companionship; and have a have a sweet, gentle disposition Their long coats can require high-maintenance grooming, or they can be trimmed in a "puppy cut" which requires less upkeep.

Pug -
A small dog that is sociable, homely, companionable and friendl , their playful and clownish nature makes them ideal family pets.
Not overly intelligent which means patience is required when training..Has a low exercise requirement but can be high-energy dogs that love to cuddle. Can shed quite a bit which mighy require regular grooming.

Poodle Miniature -
Good natured, playful dog that is easy to please. Always ready for games they make ideal family pets. Affectionate and responsive.Handsome, intelligent and lively pets and companions.
Easy to train and very Intelligent.
Housetrains easily and one of the most popular breeds.

Poodle Standard -
Good natured, playful dog that is easy to please. Always ready for games they make ideal family pets.Affectionate and responsive.
Easy to train and very Intelligent.
Housetrains easily and one of the most popular breeds. .

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel -
A generally playful dog that likes human company, but are sometimes reserved with strangers. Affectionate and devoted to owners and children, good with other pets and friendly towards unfamiliar dogs, thrives on human contact and will love being part of your family.

Samoyed -
The Samoyed is intelligent and quite easy to train. He learns new commands quickly at an above average rate.
Is very aware of his owners moods an feelings.

Golden Retriever -
A very popular family pet it is affectionate, active, playful and fond of people. They are good with children and other pets.
Active and playful, enjoys swimming.
Highly intelligent and easy to train.

Labrador Retriever -
A kind natured dog not aggressive, intelligent and easy to train learning commands very quickly.
Reliable, trustworthy, calm, friendly, gentle and confident. A very popular dog that is very eager to please you and is always ready to have fun.

Collie -
Collies make great family pets because they love to be with people, and love to be part of the family. They are great with children and often take a special interest in them. A highly intelligent dog that is easy to train, they will bond quickly and easily with a family and easily become watchful and protective of the home.

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How active are you, what are your energy levels? The activity levels of dog breeds will vary, many dogs require long walks and outside exercise (boredom and bad behaviour often result from lack of exercise}

How much time can you give to your pet dog. Apart from exercise, dogs could make other demands on your time. Easy to train dogs obviously require less time spent on training. Little or no grooming may be a factor. Do you require a dog that likes playing or a more docile “lapdog”?

Noise levels…many dogs react to unfamiliar noises, some by barking or growling and others who may be more shy or reserved can become frightened. Extreme barking can obviously cause problems for you or your neighbours.

Will you need to leave your dog alone for short periods? (Doctor or hospital visits even social visits to “dog free” zones). Some dogs can cope with this, others, unless trained, find it difficult and can get bored.

Will the added cost of keeping a dog fit in with your lifestyle and circumstances?

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How much time can you give to your pet dog. Apart from exercise, dogs could make other demands on your time.
Easy to train dogs obviously require less time spent on training.
Little or no grooming may be a factor.
Do you require a dog that likes playing or a more docile “lapdog”?