Not sure which dog to get? Then use our guide to the best breeds of dogs for beginners. Perhaps this will help you choose the perfect companion.
Perhaps any dog owner will say that the dog made his life brighter and more fun, but you can understand this only by experiencing it for yourself. But the dog is also a huge responsibility, because you need to feed, equip your house under it or do special on the street, take care of its health, its skin and coat, and play and train it. But this is only the beginning!
Each dog owner will say that his dog is unique and endowed with certain character traits. But it turns out that different breeds are characterized by different behavioral characteristics. It can take more effort and time to train dogs of one breed than to train dogs of another breed. Here we will talk about some dog breeds for new owners.
Small dog breeds
Such dogs are lighter in weight than large ones, which means they can be picked up. There are several small dog breeds for beginners and apartments. Consider them.
Papillon
Papillon dogs are known for their devotion, affection and easy adaptability to the conditions of life of their owner. Their weight is up to 5 kg, and their height is slightly less than 30 cm. They are quite small, therefore they can only live in an apartment, there is no need to walk with them, and if walks are possible, then it will be enough for 20-30 minutes a day to walk up. They are great for novice owners because papillons are extremely smart and relatively easy to train.
But be careful: training should begin as early as possible. The papillon needs to know its place in your family, such a model would be like a hierarchy in a pack of dogs. If this is not done, then the dog may get the better of you and stop obeying. And they are also prone to yapping, so weaning training should begin at an early age.
Miniature dachshund
If a dachshund has short legs and a small body size, this does not mean that it should be underestimated. They are smart, funny and sometimes evil, they feel confident among people and tend to participate in everything that happens around. Dachshunds have more than enough energy, therefore, during the day they need a lot of training and mental activity. If they have something to do with their energy, then they will be perfect little companions. But be careful: they hate being alone and bored. This can lead to destructive behavior, can nibble on shoes or furniture, and all because of stress. So, if you have plenty of free time and space around, then a miniature dachshund may be the perfect dog for you.
Bichon Frise
These tiny little dogs, weighing less than 5 kg, have amazingly cute faces. Unlike many other small dogs, they get along well with children, which makes them a great dog for a large family. They are quite easy to train and quickly adapt to life in a large house or in a small apartment.
Like many other dog breeds, Bichon Frise dogs do not tolerate loneliness, they are very bored and stressed. Therefore, it is better to start them in a family in which someone is necessarily at home. When choosing a Bichon, be prepared for regular spending, because you need to take them to grooming salons for haircuts and washing.
Medium and large breeds
Larger dogs can also be great for you if you are looking for a reason for long walks and an active lifestyle. These dogs require more food, exercise and training. Here are the best representatives of this category of dogs.
Golden retriever
Golden retriever dogs are very popular with both novice owners and dog lovers in principle. And that’s why. They have a gentle, playful character, they are not aggressive and very loyal to the world, which makes them incredibly reliable and trustworthy dogs. Add to these pluses intelligence and willingness to please the owner, and you will have the perfect companion. They even behave well with children, and this makes them family favorites.
Dogs of this breed require a lot of exercise – up to two hours a day, so keep that in mind. And since they have to spend a lot of time outdoors in any weather, they will have to monitor their long hair, because it will get dirty. And something else! In youth and adulthood, the dog is very playful and active, but in old age there are problems inherent in the breed: problems with eyes, joints and teeth. Their treatment will be expensive.
Labrador
Labrador, along with a golden retriever, is considered a classic dog for the first time, especially for families with children. Their gentle but extravagant, cheerful character makes them ideal companions for both children and adults. They are very smart and try to do what the owner asks to please him, which means that even an inexperienced owner can teach them.
Labradors are very energetic, so they need a lot of exercise and mental training. They love to eat, which means that they can get very fat, especially in old age. Because of this, Labradors need active long training, so they are better suited for a family living in their house with a garden.
Poodle
Dogs of this breed are very smart and predisposed to perform various tricks and commands. They are also playful, loyal and peaceful, which makes them a good option for novice owners. They are very energetic, which means that they will be very bored if you do not deal with them and give them puzzles for the mind. A great walk once a day is the minimum for them! If all this does not happen, then the poodle will feel miserable and may begin to bite your shoes or furniture in the house. Therefore, they are best suited for those who are willing to devote a lot of time to them. The special hair of a poodle definitely needs special care, so you will have to visit the groomer at least 3-4 times a year plus daily grooming at home.
Greyhound
Very loyal, gentle and loving dogs, and although they have some specific needs, they will be great dogs for owners willing to put in a little effort. The most striking thing about a greyhound is its athletic build. It is not surprising, because these dogs are designed for running and require several good walks a day – one in the morning and the second in the afternoon or evening. Since they are designed for hunting, there is a risk that the dog will run away when he sees a rabbit or squirrel. The dog may get lost or even get hurt, so it is important to train it to return on command. Fortunately, greyhounds are very smart and quick to learn, but at the same time they are easy to scare, so during training you should be restrained, patient and kind to the dog. The time spent on training such a dog, of course, will not be in vain. As a rule, there is no trouble with wool; it is enough to comb it once a week.
Mongrel dogs
If you decide which domestic dog is best to get for the first time and opted for a purebred dog, then you should visit dog shelters. Perhaps there you will meet a dog that you fall in love with at first sight. The advantage of sheltered dogs is that they can tell you in advance about their temperament and the presence of bad habits. You can also visit the shelter several times to better understand dogs and ultimately choose the best companion for yourself and your family members.