Getting your first dog is exciting, but the breed you pick will shape the next ten to fifteen years of your life. Some dogs are forgiving of a new owner's mistakes, happy with a sensible amount of exercise and quick to learn. Others need experience, time and a lot of patience. This guide covers the breeds we see settle best with first time owners in UK homes, plus a few popular breeds worth thinking carefully about before you commit.
What makes a good first dog?
Before looking at breeds, be honest about your week. The best first dog fits the life you actually live, not the one you plan to live.
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Temperament: look for breeds known for being friendly, adaptable and keen to please. They forgive inconsistent training while you learn.
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Exercise needs: a working gundog needs far more than a quick lap of the park. If you work long hours, choose a breed that is happy with moderate daily walks.
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Size: a large dog in a flat with stairs is hard work. Think about your car, your sofa and who will be holding the lead.
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Grooming: low shedding coats like the Poodle and Bichon need regular clipping, usually every 6 to 8 weeks. Budget for it.
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Health: some breeds carry known health problems. Always ask a breeder for the relevant health test results for both parents.
The best dog breeds for first time owners in the UK
Labrador Retriever
The UK's favourite family dog for a reason. Labradors are friendly with almost everyone, love food (which makes training easier) and are steady around children. The catch is energy: they need a good amount of daily exercise and will put on weight quickly if they are overfed. Lifespan is usually 10 to 12 years. Read our full Labrador Retriever breed guide.
Golden Retriever
Gentle, patient and very people focused. Goldens are one of the easiest large breeds to live with if you have the space and time for daily walks. Expect a lot of shedding and regular brushing. Read our Golden Retriever breed guide.
Cavapoo
A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel crossed with a Poodle. Cavapoos are small, affectionate and generally happy with moderate exercise, which suits flats and town living. Coats vary from wavy to curly, and most need professional grooming. Because they are a crossbreed, choose a breeder who health tests both parent breeds. Read our Cavapoo breed guide.
Cockapoo
A Cocker Spaniel crossed with a Poodle and one of the most popular dogs in Britain. Cockapoos are clever, sociable and quick to learn, but they have more energy than people expect and get bored without exercise and play. Read our Cockapoo breed guide.
Poodle (Miniature and Toy)
Poodles are among the most intelligent breeds and are very trainable, which makes them rewarding for a new owner. Their coat sheds very little but grows continuously, so regular clipping is a must. Miniatures suit most homes; Standards need more space and exercise. Read our Poodle breed guide.
Cocker Spaniel
Happy, affectionate and eager to please. Show type Cocker Spaniels tend to be calmer than working type, which have a lot of drive and need plenty to do. Ask the breeder which line the puppy comes from. Read our Cocker Spaniel breed guide.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A gentle lap dog that is happy with short walks and loves company. Cavaliers are known for heart (mitral valve disease) and neurological conditions, so health tested parents are essential.
Bichon Frise
Cheerful, small and adaptable to flat life. Bichons shed very little but need regular grooming, and some can be slow to house train, so be patient and consistent.
Whippet
Quiet and gentle indoors, fast outside. Whippets are often called the perfect first sighthound: they sleep most of the day and need a couple of good runs. Recall can be tricky around small animals, so train it early.
Border Terrier
A small, sturdy terrier with a friendly, less stubborn nature than many terriers. Easy to groom and happy on country walks, but like all terriers they can dig and chase.
Popular breeds to research carefully first
These breeds make wonderful dogs for the right owner, but they bring extra challenges for someone new to dogs.
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French Bulldog: charming and low exercise, but as a flat faced (brachycephalic) breed many have breathing, skin and spine problems. Vet costs can be high. French Bulldog breed guide.
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Dachshund: big personality in a small body. They can be stubborn to train and are prone to back problems (IVDD), so you need to manage stairs and jumping. Dachshund breed guide.
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Boxer: loyal and great with families, but strong, bouncy and full of energy for years. They suit active owners with time for training. Boxer breed guide.
First time owner tips that make the biggest difference
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Use a Kennel Club Assured Breeder or a reputable rescue. Meet the mum, see where the puppies are raised and ask for health test certificates.
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Start training on day one. Short sessions, lots of praise and small rewards.
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Socialise early. Calm, positive trips to dog friendly pubs and cafés teach a young dog to settle in busy places.
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Get insurance before you need it. Lifetime cover is worth comparing, especially for breeds with known health issues.
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Watch the treats. Treats should make up no more than around 10% of your dog's daily food. Choose natural treats with a short ingredient list.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest dog breed for a first time owner?
There is no single answer, but Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Cavapoos and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are often recommended because they are friendly, adaptable and keen to please. The right choice depends on how much time, space and exercise you can give.
What is the best first dog for a flat?
Smaller, calmer breeds usually cope best, such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise or a Miniature Poodle. Whippets are also quieter indoors than people expect. Every dog still needs daily walks.
Are crossbreeds like Cavapoos and Cockapoos good first dogs?
They can be. Both are popular with first time owners, but crossbreeds can inherit traits and health issues from either parent breed, so choose a breeder who health tests both parents.
Should a first time owner get a puppy or a rescue dog?
Both can work. An adult rescue dog with a known temperament can be easier than a puppy, which needs house training and a lot of time. A good rescue will match you with a suitable dog.
Keep reading
Rewarding your new dog
Whichever breed you choose, good training runs on good rewards. Browse our natural dog treats for something worth sitting nicely for. Freddie, our Maltipoo and Chief Tasting Officer, approves every one.
