In short Novices do best with breeds that are easy to train, forgive mistakes and are low-maintenance. Topping the list are the Labrador, Golden Retriever and Poodle — obedient, people-oriented and patient with an inexperienced owner.
How we rated
Scored on ease of training, tolerance of owner mistakes and overall low upkeep. A high score = the breed suits a first dog.
Rankings:For apartmentsFor kidsFor beginnersMost affectionateQuietestHypoallergenicActiveSmartestСторожовіНайбільшіНайменшіДовгожителіНайздоровішіНайспокійнішіДружні до котівМорозостійкіМисливськіНе слиняві
1
Labrador RetrieverTraining 5.0Family 5.0Barking 2.55.02
Golden RetrieverTraining 5.0Family 5.0Barking 2.55.03
Mi-KiTraining 3.5Family 5.0Barking 1.54.54
OdisTraining 4.0Family 5.0Barking 3.04.55
CavapooTraining 4.0Family 5.0Barking 2.54.56
AlopekisTraining 4.0Family 5.0Barking 3.04.57
PugTraining 2.5Family 5.0Barking 2.54.58
French BulldogTraining 3.0Family 5.0Barking 1.54.59
Toy PoodleTraining 5.0Family 5.0Barking 3.04.510
Medium PoodleTraining 5.0Family 5.0Barking 2.54.511
Coton de TulearTraining 4.0Family 5.0Barking 3.04.512
Cavalier King Charles SpanielTraining 4.0Family 5.0Barking 3.04.513
HavaneseTraining 4.0Family 5.0Barking 3.04.514
Little Lion DogTraining 4.0Family 5.0Barking 3.04.515
Cesky TerrierTraining 4.0Family 5.0Barking 2.54.516
English GreyhoundTraining 3.0Family 5.0Barking 1.04.017
Rat TerrierTraining 4.5Family 5.0Barking 3.54.018
Moscow DragonTraining 3.0Family 5.0Barking 2.04.019
LabradoodleTraining 4.5Family 5.0Barking 3.04.020
Lucas TerrierTraining 4.0Family 5.0Barking 2.54.021
Kai LeoTraining 3.5Family 5.0Barking 2.54.022
WällerTraining 4.5Family 5.0Barking 2.54.023
American Lo-Sze PugTraining 3.0Family 5.0Barking 2.54.024
Japanese Spitz (Nihon Supittsu)Training 3.5Family 5.0Barking 3.54.025
Icelandic SheepdogTraining 4.0Family 5.0Barking 4.04.026
Miniature SchnauzerTraining 4.0Family 4.5Barking 4.04.027
Russian Toy (Long Haired)Training 3.5Family 5.0Barking 3.54.028
Continental Toy Spaniel (Phalène)Training 4.5Family 5.0Barking 3.04.029
Japanese ChinTraining 3.5Family 5.0Barking 2.04.030
Continental Toy Spaniel (Papillon)Training 4.5Family 4.5Barking 3.54.0FAQ
Which dog is best for a first-time owner?
Labrador, Golden Retriever and Poodle — easy to train, patient and forgiving of a beginner’s mistakes.
Which breeds should a novice avoid?
Independent, strong-willed or high working-drive breeds (Husky, some terriers, shepherds) — they need experience and consistency.
Is caring for a dog hard for a novice?
Basic care is simple; training and walks demand the most time and consistency.