Dog breeds for beginners
If you are thinking about welcoming a dog into your family for the first time, you will face a number of questions and challenges. Not least among them: Which dog breed is actually best suited for beginners? Are there differences, or does it not matter which dog you choose?
We’ll explain everything you need to know if you’re looking for a breed as your first dog.
Not every dog breed belongs in inexperienced hands
Even if some dog breeds look similar, they can be divided into different categories in terms of their predispositions. Hunting dogs, scent hounds, therapy dogs, working dogs: you could almost say every breed has one or more "tasks" for which it was bred.
That’s why certain breeds like the Border Collie and the Australian Shepherd will show herding behavior from birth, the Dachshund and the Münsterländer will always have their noses to the ground searching for game, and naturally calmer breeds like the Saint Bernard or the Newfoundland are popular for use as therapy dogs.
You see: Some breeds have a strong predisposition to behave in ways that are genetically anchored. Dogs with a strong hunting instinct and a high level of independence usually overwhelm inexperienced owners, so it’s better to choose breeds that are gentle, even-tempered, and easy to train .
Dog breeds for beginners at a glance
So when we talk about beginner dogs, we select breeds that can still be trained and handled even if their new owners make mistakes, lack consistency or when a cool, furry head is needed. Of course, even the following breeds are not an invitation to just let your dog do whatever they want. But they are a great choice for new dog parents to try out and develop their training skills.
Get things right from the start – including with food! A healthy diet is essential for your four-legged friend. If you’re unsure which food is right, feel free to get →free advice from us. Thanks to our →practical trial packs you can easily try out different types of food.
The Golden Retriever
The →Golden Retriever is not only one of the most popular dog breeds, but also an ideal companion for people with no experience with dogs. Usually very relaxed and adaptable, the Goldie is easy to train, fits into any family, and forgives small beginner mistakes.
He’s up for long walks, vacations together and life with children too.
The Maltese
The →Maltese with its small size and its calm nature is a dog for those who have no experience with dogs and are looking for an uncomplicated companion. Its relaxed, curious, and eager-to-learn nature makes it an all-rounder as a first dog.
A little tip: Kids also have lots of fun with dogs. With the right snacks they can playfully interact with the dogs and maybe even teach them a few tricks.
Indulge your pet in a healthy and delicious way – with our snacks
The Poodle
Hardly any dog breed is as intelligent as the →Poodle, which makes it easy for them to learn new commands and be a willing companion in training. Their love of relaxed walks and lots of time with their family makes them the perfect beginner dog.
The Labrador
The →Labrador brings the full package of joy, motivation, and calm that’s needed in a household with no experience with dogs. Both with children and other dogs he quickly makes friends and enthusiastically learns new tricks, commands, and other training exercises.
The Maltipoo
If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll know that the →Maltipoo is the cross between two beginner-friendly breeds already mentioned: the Poodle and the Maltese. And what do you get? Exactly! A dog breed that is just as wonderfully suited for future owners with no experience with dogs. The →small dog breed with wavy hair is smart, uncomplicated, and affectionate. When it comes to training, he is very eager to learn.
Which dog breed is easy to train?
The breeds presented above are also suitable as easy-to-train companions. But there are also breeds that, for example, are very eager to learn and smart , but have character traits like stubbornness, hunting instinct, and independence as well. For beginners, they are only suitable to a limited extent.
Other breeds that are easy to train include:
German Shepherd
Border Collie
Papillon
Havanese
Bolonka Zwetna
Which dogs are suitable for working people?
Not everyone who brings a dog into their family also has the option to →take their dog to work. Even though beginner breeds are definitely suitable as office dogs, these furry friends also need to be able to spend a few hours alone each day.
Before you consider getting a dog, you should check whether having a dog fits with your job. No dog should have to be alone 8 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s not just about dogs needing to go outside regularly. It’s also because dogs are very social animals and appreciate our presence. If you’re not home all day, it’s better to choose a life without a dog.
Of course, there are dogs that are more independent and less clingy than others and therefore have little trouble being alone.
Dogs that are suitable for working people and can also stay alone for 4-6 hours include:
Chihuahua
French Bulldog
Labradoodle
Maltese
Pug
Labrador
