Many people certainly want to have their first dog. But before you get to the point where a loyal four-legged friend can move in, a few questions need to be answered. One of the most important is the question of your own experience in dealing with dogs. Because of course a dog like this not only needs the right training, but also many other things and, most importantly, your time.
It is therefore important to first test your own abilities, such as patience or consistency, and to assess which dog breed will not only make you happy, but also which furry friend will be happy with you. To make this possible, we have created an overview of dog breeds that are recommended for beginners because they are relatively easy to train or care for.
Why is not every dog suitable for beginners?
Because not all dogs are the same and the many different dog breeds have clear characteristics that should ideally suit our lifestyle or our activity level.
The Corona period in particular has shown us that for many people, the motivation to go for a walk only lasted as long as curfews were in place. A dog is also a living creature that should not simply be bought like a piece of furniture and then given away because it no longer fits into your life. That can happen, of course, but anyone who gets a dog should think it through carefully beforehand and not back out at the first sign of problems.
The main reason for dogs being given to animal shelters is probably the work and time involved with the dog. This really should not be underestimated - it is not without reason that some couples practice with a dog for their first child, because even if the human baby means significantly more responsibility, a puppy is not necessarily much less stressful.
The FCI currently counts 246 dog breeds, plus countless mixed breed dogs, all of which have different personalities and physical characteristics. From the original dog breeds such as the Husky or Alaskan Malamute to classic hunting dogs such as the Labrador and companion dogs such as the Poodle or Pug: the differences are enormous.
Dogs with a strong hunting or herding instinct are so instinctively driven that training them can be very demanding and time-consuming. These dog breeds have been bred for centuries for hunting or herding, and training them out of this behavior or curbing it is neither easy nor always sensible.
Which dog breeds are good for beginners?
In order to decide which dog breed suits you and your circumstances, it is important that you do a little research into the different dog breeds and get to know their characteristics. But to save you a lot of time, we will show you the most promising candidates.
Dogs for Beginners - Small Dogs
- Maltese: The Maltese is a small dog with a long history that goes back 4000 years. Although its fur is a little more difficult to care for, this cute four-legged friend is a friendly and easy-to-train dog that also fits well into a young family.
- Havanese: At first glance, the Havanese is easy to confuse with the Maltese and in fact the two are not that dissimilar. They are even related. The small Havanese is a very popular companion dog due to its small size of just 28 cm, its cuddly fur and its loving character, making it suitable for beginners.
- Bichon Frisé: Another relative of the Maltese and Havanese is theBichon Frisé . The differences are easier to see on the outside, but the three dogs are very similar in character. Bichon Frisés are also known as lap dogs. This breed of dog fits that description quite well. They are loving and calm four-legged friends.
- Pug: The little pug is a charming creature with a cheerful and friendly character. The intelligent dog is a headstrong animal that can assert itself when necessary. However, with consistent training, its stubbornness can quickly be brought under control.
Dogs for Beginners - Medium-sized dogs
- English Cocker Spaniel: The English Cocker Spaniel with its typical large floppy ears and compact, balanced build is a very happy and friendly animal. It is not for nothing that the hunting dog is one of the most popular dog breeds.
- Poodle: Few dogs are as well known as the poodle . It is often mistaken for a pretty boy. However, the French dog was originally used as a water dog for hunting and also feels at home in its working environment.
Dogs for Beginners - Large Dogs
- Labrador Retriever: The Labrador Retriever was originally used for hunting. However, its nature also makes it a sociable family dog. It has an extremely loving nature and is often used as a therapy and companion dog.
- Golden Retriever: Everyone knows the Golden Retriever because it is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. With its lovable character, high intelligence and obedience, it is the perfect family dog and also suitable for committed beginners.
- Bernese Mountain Dog: The Bernese Mountain Dog is an exceptionally loving dog with an extremely calm and balanced character. His nature makes him a perfect companion or family dog.
Conclusion
In addition to all the different dog breeds, there are of course also many mixed breeds. Here too, there are more or less suitable candidates for beginners, but it is usually difficult to predict how mixed breed dogs will develop and ultimately be able to be trained, or whether they generally have an easy or difficult character.
No matter which dog you end up getting, you'll probably need to be willing to take some risks when bringing a new creature into your home. They all need exercise and that's good for you too! So go for it and visit a breeder or the local animal shelter to get a better feeling.
