dog breeds

Top 14 Dogs Who Are Good For First Time Dog Owners

Two happy dogs looking up, smiling, sitting on a green grass field in an outdoor setting.

It is an exciting step for that first time dog owner. While dogs can bring joyous companionship and bundles of unconditional love to the lives of their owners, they also need time, patience, and understanding to be responsible pet owners. That’s why first-time dog owners need to choose a breed that is both easy to train and fit in well with just about any lifestyle. Certain breeds are more forgiving of novice errors and perform better in a host of circumstances. But here are the 14 best dogs for first-time owners, all of which come with a unique set of traits that make them great pets for those just starting out:

1. Labrador Retriever

Disposition: good nature, loving, outgoing

Weight: 55-80 pounds, Giant

Golden Labrador Retriever dog sits calmly on a driveway, enjoying the sunlight.

Key Features: Labs are popular for a reason. These are gentle dogs that are easy to train and like being with people, which makes them ideal for families as well as individuals. Labs are a great breed for an active owner, and are adaptable to living environments from apartment life to owning a large house with a yard.

2. Golden Retriever

Temperament: Affectionate, Intelligent, and Loyal

Medium to large size (55-75 pounds)

Cheerful golden retriever enjoying a day outdoors in the forest.

Why They Make A Great Companion: Golden Retrievers are known for being a very loving breed. They are smart so training them is easy, and they mingle well with children and other animals. First-time ownerFamily-friendlyLoves the outdoors

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Personality: Loving, Gentle, Friendly

Size: Small (13-18 pounds)

Charming close-up of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy looking directly at the camera.

Best Features: Small with a lot of love to give and they are perfect for beginners dog owners. Affen Spaniels are gentle-natured, trained more easily and loved as a part of the family. Despite their regal appearance, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not one of those high-strung lapdogs that only seem so in pictures on the internet.

4. Poodle — Miniature or Standard

Temperament: smart, playful, loyal

Size: Range (Minis are 10 to 15 pounds; Standards range from 40 to 70 pounds)

Cute poodle puppy lying indoors near a cozy fireplace, creating a warm ambiance.

Why They Make Great Pets: Poodles are very intelligent and simple to train, which makes them suitable for first-time owners. They vary in size, meaning that you will not have to buy one surprisingly big. Poodles are also hypoallergenic, so they are great for people with allergies.

5. Bichon Frise

Personality: Cheerful, playful, affectionate

Size: Small (12-18 pounds)

Two fluffy Bichon Frise dogs riding in a stroller, showcasing their cute and cheerful expressions.

Why They Rule: These gentle, happy-go-lucky dogs are friendly and sociable and adore the company of their human packs. They are trainable and require very minimum exercise. Bichons are also a non-shedding, hypoallergenic breed which makes them perfect for allergic individuals.

6. Shih Tzu

Personality: Very affectionate and outgoing, friendly

Size: Small (9-16 pounds)

Adorable Shih Tzu puppy in motion, running joyfully outdoors in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

Why They’re Good: Shih Tzus have a gentle and friendly nature, which makes them perfect for beginners. They are tiny, not that active and they can live in an apartment or a small house. They are also very loving animals and a wonderful friend for many elderly people.

7. Boxer

Personality:playful, energetic, loyal

Medium to Large Size (About 60-70lbs.)

Close-up portrait of a cute Boxer puppy looking up while standing on lush green grass.

Why They Are Great : Boxers are energetic puppies who love playing and remain faithful to their families. They are loving and excellent with children. Boxers are also a breed that has in incredibly high amounts of energy yet they are smart doggos and trained them is very easy dog so this can be perfect teach-yourself-everything owner first-time.

8. Papillon

Personality: Friendly, intelligent, energetic

Size: Small (5-10 pounds)

Adorable papillon dog with dirt on its face, looking intently at the camera.

Why They Tick so Many Boxes: Papillons may be small (weighing no more than 5-14 pounds), but they have an undeserved reputation. Bernedoodles are easily trainable — they love to learn new stunts. Apartment Living / HouseLivingThey adaptable to most conditions

9. Pug

Personality: Good-natured, charismatic, laid-back

Size: Small (14-18 pounds)

Mops - Kleinhund

Why They Make Great Pets: Pugs are adoring and people-oriented. They are generally considered to be a great dog for first-time owners due to their laid-back personality. They Are Low Energy And Good For An Apartment

10. Beagle

Disposition : Curious, Social & Playful

Small to medium-sized dog (20-30 pounds)

Why We Love Them: Part of the Hound group, Beagles are merry little hounds that enjoy their place in the home. Curious, playful and adventurous yes, but they are still called Man´s best friend. Since Beagles are easy to train and they get along great with kids and other pets most people prefer beagle rather than any other breed.

11. Cocker Spaniel

Personality: Affectionate, gentle, happy

Size: Medium (20-30 pounds)

Close-up of a cute cocker spaniel wearing a plaid outfit in a sunny park.

Why They Make Great Pets: Cocker Spaniels are loving, affectionate dogs that adore their families. These are easy-going family dogs who can be trained with relative ease, and they love to play but are just as happy to lie around at home. This is because they are so gentle and amiable — great traits for a family dog or for first-time dog owners.

12. French Bulldog

Personality: Laid back, easygoing, affectionate

Small-medium (16-28 pounds)

A cute French Bulldog lying on sunlit pavement, showcasing its adorable expression.

Why They’re Good: A low-maintenance dog that is perfect for those homes in apartments or with a small living space. They are not very active and enjoy lounging with their owners. Frenchies are also quite loving and enjoy hanging out with their family.

13. Yorkshire Terrier

Personality: loving, excellent mind

Size: Small (4-7 pounds)

Adorable Yorkshire Terrier dog looking alert outdoors. Perfect for pet lovers.

Why They’re Good: Yorkies are tiny, affectionate dogs that adapt well to apartment life. These are outgoing dogs that enjoy being with their owners. Yorkies are hypoallergenic as well- which is great for those with allergies.

14. Dachshund

Disposition: Inquisitive, tricksy, good guard

Size: Small (16-32 pounds)

Cute dachshund puppy resting on a person's arm, wrapped in a colorful striped shirt.

Why They Make Such Good Dogs: Other than being incredibly loyal, dachshunds are fun-loving dogs that often make excellent dogs for those new to owning a dog. They are pretty low-maintenance and need only a medium level of exercise but still make ideal pets for apartment living or homes with small lots.

Selecting the Best Dog Breed For You

As your first dog or a new one at that, the lifestyle you lead, your living conditions and how much time can be spent on exercise and training of the dog will go towards determining whether a golden retriever is right for you. While some breeds of dogs need daily runs because they are high energy, the other option is to have a teeny dog that was bred to relax in someone’s lap all day. This guide offers you some tips to figure out this:

Energy Level: Select a dog with the same energy level as you have. If you are very active, a breed like the Labrador Retriever or Boxer may be better suited. For a more laid back life, then think about the Shih Tzu or even the French Bulldog.

Where You Live: Think About Your Home Size Adaptation refinements for apartment living is best suited for small dogs like Yorkies and Pugs, whereas a Golden or Lab will need a larger space to adapt.

Exercise needs: Some breeds require a lot more exercise than others. For example; Beagles are more active, while Poodles and Pugs will live happily with a moderate amount of activity.

Ease of training: Novice dog owners should seek a dog that easy to train Poodles, Cavaliers and Golden Retrievers are all great examples of intelligent and trainable breeds.

If you have allergies: If anyone in your home suffers from pet allergies, then hypoallergenic breeds are a good bet. Poodles, Bichon Frises and Yorkies might not bring on the sneezing at all!

Conclusion

The first step in forming a strong relationship with your new furry friend is to select the right dog breed to fit your lifestyle. We came up with a list of 14 breeds known for being friendly, adaptable — plus, they’re simply more feasible options for first-time dog owners. From small, low-energy dogs all the way to huge, active breeds, you can find the right fit.

To learn more tips and advice on taking care of your pets Keep Exploring Petsfunzone.com!

The Top 10 Best Running Dogs — Your Perfect Running Partner

A joyful scene of a woman running with her dog on a sunny beach, capturing carefree fun.

One of the joys in running, can be finding a play-pal that has the same get up and go as yourself. Dogs are not just good for offering endless love, cuddles and other heartwarming things like that but great at getting you out the house. There are certain dog breeds that just love to run — with unending amounts of energy they have the physical stamina to be running right alongside you. Person to suit pretty much anyone who enjoys a run and wants a dog that can keep up with them this article shows you 10 perfect dog breeds: whether your a casual jogger or ran ultramarathon distance there’s one of the dogs for you if you want, speed and endurance depending on what kind of running partnerperson,title,Whether you’re looking for agility.

Things to take into consideration when picking a running dog

But first of all, not every dog is fit for running so its important to get an appropriate breed. Whether or not a dog makes a good running partner depends on its breed, age, size, and health. For example, brachycephalic breeds (short-nosed dogs like bulldogs or pugs) are not good for running because they might have a hard time breathing. In addition, young puppies or very old dogs may not be able to keep up with a regular run and their joints might not yet (puppies) or no longer (elderly dogs) allow them to.

Here are the top 10 dog breeds for runners

1. Border Collie

Black White Long Coated Dog Dashing Trough Body of Water

Racing Type: Fast long-race

Endurance Level: High

Border Collies are known for their stamina, intelligence and work ethic which is why they make such great herding dogs. They were purposely bred to be herding dogs can more than keep up with a marathoner, running for days if the need exists without tiring. Since they are so intelligent, this also makes them very trainable and off-leash runs will be a breeze.

Ideal For: Marathon Runners, Tough Terrain Fans

2. Labrador Retriever

Portrait of Dog

Trivia-Race Style: Command of the Speed

Endurance Level: High

Why They Rock: One of the most athletic, active and gregarious dogs on this list They thrive in the outdoors and have a solid endurance base, so they are awesome running partners for medium to long runs. They are also highly trainable and excel at being amazing companions to those who run!

Best For: Long, moderate-paced runs on flat surfaces.

3. Weimaraner

Brown Dog on Snow Covered Ground

Pace: Upbeat / High Energy.

Endurance Level: Very high

Why They’re Great: Weimaraners are hunting dogs with a sleek body and gathered, athletic appearance. They have an energy level that allows them to run long distances. Weimaraners are very active and love to gets lots of exercise, so they are great running partners for someone who enjoys long intense runs.

For: Runners at longer distances and looking to keep a good pace.

4. Australian Shepherd

Man and Woman Walking Their Dog on the Beach

Running Style: Average to Beatuai

Endurance Level: High

Best For: Australian Shepherds are full of energy and highly intelligent, they are an active breed who love playing. Bred to herd, they have the endurance to stay with it during a long run and they love off-road miles of trails and uneven ground. All in all, the Lab is obedient and eager to please, which also means they can be excellent off-leash runners who enjoy keeping their minds active.

Ideal For: Because it is a running shoe, unique for cross terrain trail runners.

5. Vizsla

Dog with Ball in Mouth Jumping Over a Fallen Tree Trunk

Speed: Quick, Long Dist.

Endurance Level: Very high

Why They Make Great Pets: This sleek, muscular dog is a dynamo in the field and can work all day long without tiring out. Vizslas were originally bred as hunting dogs for their agility, and speed so they can keep up with the fast-paced runs — perfect for marathon runners. These dogs are sweet and love to be on the move, so they will happily accompany you… running?

Best For: Runners who log lots of miles and need to bring a lot of energy to the party.

6. Dalmatian

A Dog Running Towards a Toy

Racing Style: No holds barred, go for everything

Endurance Level: High

Why They Made the List: Bred initially to run alongside horse-drawn carriages, they come with the stamina for tireless mile-after-mile sprints. They are very athletic and have a need for physical exercise which makes them wonderful running partners for accomplished runners who have taste of speed in their blood.

Ideal For: Runners who crave fast, long runs

Endurance Level: High

7. Jack Russell Terrier

Photo of Dog On Grass Field

Distance: 1-4 miles, moderate to fast-paced.

Endurance Level: Moderate

Why They’re Good: Jack Russell Terriers are little dogs that pack a big punch with energy and agility. These feisty little dogs can run a short to moderate distance and are always excited to romp around at high speeds. They are also very intelligent and trainable, which makes them good to have on runs.

Toughest For: Runners who like runs to be shorter and with more changes in pace.

8. German Shorthaired Pointer

German Shorthaired Pointer Running with a Ball in Mouth

Running Style: Marathoner, High Energy

Endurance Level: Very high

Why They’re The Best: German Shorthaired Pointers are active, high-energy dogs and were developed as hunting dogs with a great deal of stamina. They are natural outdoor dogs and have the energy for extended, brisk runs. The endless energy and passion for runs, qualifying them as a first-rate long distance runner.

Ideal For: Distance Runners and Liking a Balance of Speed-Efforts & Endurance efforts.

9. Rhodesian Ridgeback

A Rhodesian Ridgeback Standing in Snow under Clear, Blue Sky

Speed: Medium to Fast

Endurance Level: High

Why They’re Awesome: Native to Africa, the Rhodesian Ridgeback was born and bred to hunt lions (yes, you read that correctly), so they have the drive & prowess for long runs at a steady pace. Not on a speed demon level, but the distance these breeds can cover is quite notable at a comfortable consistent pace.

Ideal For: Dogs that need a long, steady run.

10. Siberian Husky

White and Black Siberian Husky on Brown Sand

Running Style: Long Distances, Stamina

With: A mix of 165 pond feet and speed secrewsEnturance Level: Punishing

Why They’re Great: Born to run Siberian Huskies have terrific stamina developed as sled pullers. Running You are truly designed for long-distance, cool climate running. Huskies need to be able to run frequently and, as a result, make great long-distance runners and endurance running partners.

Ideal For: Runners in cold weather and distance running enthusiasts.

Last thoughts on running with your dog

Before you rush out and start running with your dog, there are a few things to consider —You need to ensure that they are both healthy and able to run long distances. To help, here are some things to keep in mind.

Before You Start Running With Your Dog: Ask your vet — you should always ask your veterinarian if a certain type of activity is appropriate for your pooch.

Speed and Distance: Go slow, particularly if your furry friend is not accustomed to running long distances. It enables them to increase their endurance and progression.

Make Sure to Water: During runs, and more importantly after runs, be certain your dog has water available at all times – especially in warmer weather.

Fatigue Watch: Keep a close tab on your dog´s body language. Give a Break if they are looking tired/sweating!

Walking on a Leash — Train your dog to run smoothly with you so both of you have a fun and secure experience

Conclusion

While some of you will argue that you avoid running like the plague, basic dog evolution tells us that all dogs love to run. Running with a dog can be a joyful and motivating activity (if your dog is brown), and having the right breed means youll never have to pound pavement alone for another mile ever again. From the casual jogging dabbler all the way to marathon runners, here are ten breeds of dog that have both the endurance and energy matched with a side order of companionship to match your active lifestyle. Splash the Best Companionful running dog by your side, give it some love, attention and a good training, you will have years with motivation in your life.

For more dog care and training tips, keep visiting Petsfunzone.com!