Dog Breeds for Beginners
Anyone considering bringing a dog into their family for the first time faces some questions and challenges. Not least of which is the question: Which dog breed is best suited for beginners? Are there differences, or does it not matter which dog you choose?
We explain everything you need to know when you're looking for a breed as a beginner dog.
Not every dog breed belongs in inexperienced hands
Even if some dog breeds may look similar, they can be divided into different categories regarding their predispositions. Hunting dogs, scent dogs, therapy dogs, working dogs: One could almost say that each breed has one or more "tasks" for which they have been bred.
This means that certain breeds, such as the Border Collie and the Australian Shepherd, will show herding behavior from birth, while the Dachshund and the Münsterländer will always have their noses to the ground searching for game, and naturally calmer breeds like the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Newfoundland are popular for use as therapy dogs.
You see: Some breeds come with a strong predisposition to behave in ways that are genetically ingrained. Dogs with a strong hunting instinct and high independence typically overwhelm inexperienced owners, so one should consider dog breeds that are gentle, balanced, and easy to train.
Overview of Dog Breeds for Beginners
So when we talk about beginner dogs, we choose dog breeds that can still be trained and managed even if their new owners make mistakes, lack consistency, and need a cool, furry head. Of course, the following breeds are not an invitation to let the four-legged friends do their own thing. But they are suitable for new dog parents to try out and develop their training skills.
Getting everything right from the start - including food! A healthy diet is essential for your four-legged friend. If you're unsure which food is suitable, feel free to →get free advice from us. Thanks to our →practical trial packages, 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 he is also an excellent companion for people without experience with dogs. Generally very relaxed and adaptable, the Goldie is easy to train, fits into any family picture, and forgives small beginner mistakes.
He is suitable for long walks, shared vacations, and life with children.
The Maltese
The →Maltese is a dog for those who have no experience in dog ownership and are looking for an uncomplicated four-legged friend, thanks to his small size and balanced nature. His relaxed, curious, and eager-to-learn demeanor makes him an all-rounder as a first dog.
Little tip: Children also have a lot of fun with dogs. With the right snacks, they can playfully engage with the four-legged friends and perhaps teach them a few tricks.
Gesund und lecker verwöhnen - mit unseren Snacks
The Poodle
Few dog breeds are as intelligent as the →Poodle, making it easy for him to learn new commands and be a willing companion in training. His preference for relaxed walks and spending time with his family makes him the perfect beginner dog.
The Labrador
The →Labrador brings the joy, motivation, and calmness needed in a household without experience with dogs. He quickly befriends children as well as other dogs and enthusiastically learns new tricks, commands, and other training exercises.
The Maltipoo
Those who have been paying attention know that the →Maltipoo is the crossbreed of two previously mentioned beginner dog breeds: the Poodle and the Maltese. And what do you get? Exactly! A dog breed that is also wonderfully suitable for future owners without experience in handling dogs. The →small dog breed with its wavy coat is smart, uncomplicated, and affectionate. When it comes to training, he is very willing to learn.
Which dog breed is easy to train?
The dog breeds presented here are also suitable as easily trainable four-legged friends. However, there are also breeds that are very eager to learn and smart but come with character traits like stubbornness, hunting instinct, and independence. For beginners, they are only conditionally suitable.
Other breeds that are easy to train include:
- German Shepherd
- Border Collie
- Papillon
- →Jack Russell Terrier
- Havanese
- Bolonka-Zwetna
- →Pug
Which dogs are suitable for working people?
Not everyone who brings a dog into their family has the option to [→take the dog to work](/magazin/hunde/hunde-erziehung/hunde-mit-zur-arbeit-nehmen). Even though the dog breeds for beginners are definitely suitable as office dogs, the furry friends must also be able to spend some hours alone each day.
Before you consider getting a dog, you should check the compatibility of dog and work. No dog should have to be alone for 8 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's not just about dogs needing to go outside regularly to do their business. It's also about the fact that dogs are very social animals and appreciate our presence. Those who are not home all day are advised against a life with a dog.
Of course, there are dogs that are more independent and less clingy than others and therefore have little problem being alone.
Dogs that are suitable for working people and can stay alone for 4-6 hours include:
- Chihuahua
- French Bulldog
- Labradoodle
- Maltese
- Pug
- Labrador
