If you are looking to bring your first furry friend into your home, we would like to say "Congratulations!" We hope your new dog brings you love, fun and happiness. Now that you've taken the first step of deciding you want to bring a pet into your home, you might be wondering what you should look for in your new furry friend. Read on for a list of both small and large dog breeds that are perfect for beginners.
Small Dogs
1. The Pug
- Affectionate and friendly, pugs are happy with pretty much all company, including kids, other dogs, and even strangers.
- Their short coats are easy to groom, although they have a tendency to shed
- Perfectly sized for smaller living spaces, like apartments
- While happy to join you on a morning stroll, pugs don't need a lot of exercise, and are perfectly happy to keep you company while watching TV
- Can have some health issues, due to their short faces
2. The Papillon
- Lively and playful, these dogs are full of energy, making them perfect for active owners
- Papillons are one of the most easily trained toy breeds
- Their small size makes them easy to carry and perfect for apartment life
- Though mostly polite, they can be suspicious or timid of strangers and other dogs if not properly socialized
- Requires a little more grooming to keep their fur from matting
- Tends to bark
3. The Boston Terrier
- The perfect mix of playful and couch potato, the Boston Terrier is happy to go out and run or stay home and have a nap
- Their sleek coats are easy to care for without much shedding
- Typically very friendly and good with kids, other dogs, and strangers
- Well suited for apartment life
- Tends to bark
- Can have some health issues, due to their short faces
Large Dogs
1. The Labrador Retriever
- These dogs are famously friendly, making it easy to see why they're a favorite breed among American pet owners.
- Labs are very intelligent and easy to train
- Loves to play and spend time with family
- Needs plenty of exercise and space to run
- Tends to bark
- Not good for small living spaces
- Watch out for their tail! Labs can easily knock over objects with an excited wag.
2. The Poodle
- Standard Poodles come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from medium to large
- Their curly coats don't often shed, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers
- Highly intelligent, the poodle is easy to train and quick to pick up on body language and expression
- Lively and playful, these dogs are perfect for active owners
- Usually friendly with other animals and people
- Can be sensitive to sudden noise or unexpected touching, which can cause conflict with small children
- Requires constant grooming; coats needs to be clipped every 4-6 weeks
- Needs lots of space
3. The Golden Retriever
- Another American favorite, these dogs are praised for their cheerful and friendly dispositions.
- Golden Retrievers are great family dogs and are friendly with other animals, children, and strangers
- Very eager to please and responsive to training but can be easily distracted - be patient!
- Loves to play and spend time with family
- Needs lots of exercise to stay happy and healthy
- Tends to bark, jump, and chew
- Requires plenty of grooming and sheds often
- Again, watch their tail!