Best dogs for first-time owners

A good first dog is friendly, quick to learn and forgiving when you get things wrong. These breeds score highest on our first-time owner scale. Size matters less than temperament, but a smaller dog is easier to handle while you learn. Even an easy breed needs a puppy class, a routine and time every day. Read the cost and the health sections on each page before you choose, and talk to the breed club about good breeders.

Boston TerrierFirst-time owner: 5/5Cavalier King Charles SpanielFirst-time owner: 5/5Golden RetrieverFirst-time owner: 5/5Labrador RetrieverFirst-time owner: 5/5LöwchenFirst-time owner: 5/5MarkiesjeFirst-time owner: 5/5Bichon FriseFirst-time owner: 4/5Border TerrierFirst-time owner: 4/5English Cocker SpanielFirst-time owner: 4/5Finnish LapphundFirst-time owner: 4/5French BulldogFirst-time owner: 4/5GreyhoundFirst-time owner: 4/5HavaneseFirst-time owner: 4/5MalteseFirst-time owner: 4/5Miniature SchnauzerFirst-time owner: 4/5PapillonFirst-time owner: 4/5PomeranianFirst-time owner: 4/5Poodle (Miniature)First-time owner: 4/5Poodle (Standard)First-time owner: 4/5Poodle (Toy)First-time owner: 4/5PugFirst-time owner: 4/5Rough CollieFirst-time owner: 4/5Shetland SheepdogFirst-time owner: 4/5Shih TzuFirst-time owner: 4/5

Scores 1 to 5 are our own estimate from the breed standards and the sources on each breed page, not a published rating. Open a breed for its costs, health and the rules where you live.

Which breed fits you? Compare breeds

More lists

• Best dogs for cold climates
• Best dogs for apartments
• Low-shedding dogs
• Dogs that cope with being alone
• Quiet dogs that bark less
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• Low-shedding cats