Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners | UK Guide
Best dog breeds for 1st time owners
Our dog breed personal experience
when getting a dog things to consider:
From our personal experience getting a dog (in our case Freddie the Maltepoo and CEO of Chef Woof) was the best decision we ever made. However we thought long and hard about it.
When Freddie joined the family, it was so rewarding, however it comes with a huge responsiblity.
Some thoughts that crossed our mind.
do we have the time and space for a dog?
- Work Commitments
- Time daily for walking
- Is our living arrangement suitable for a dog
- Finance associated for insurance, vet bills, food etc
What type of dog would fit with our needs?
- Small breed or large breed
- Pedigree or mixed breed
- Rescue dog or new puppy
- Is our living arrangement suitable for a dog
- Amount of time the dog needs walking
DOG BREED - What We considered?
Considerations for choosing the perfect dog breed to suit your needs
Size and Space
Simply larger dog breeds tend to need more room and exercise. Smaller breeds in our case a Maltepoo tend to adapt better to smaller homes. Of course this is not always the case, but do your research!
Dog Energy Levels
It goes without saying that some dog breeds are extremely high energy (think Spaniels for example). They require lots of mental stimulation, long walks and lots of play!. The opposite goes for some smaller dog breeds.
Dog Temperament
All dog breeds have different personalities and temperaments. On the whole there are lots of good guides that can share this information. However it is only a guide! There are lots of other factors at play, such as the puppies surroundings or in the case of a rescue dog it's back story.
Grooming Needs
Depending on the dog, some require grooming, and some don't. We actually took some advice from the ASPCA - https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-grooming-tips but there are plenty of good websites to choose from. Do your research. Remember some dogs shed whilst other dogs do not! Freddie our Maltepoo for example does not shed has he is half poodle. Therefore regular trips to the dog groomers are required.
As a rule of thumb the bigger the dog, the more it costs at the groomers. (not always).
Health Considerations
Certain dog breeds are widely known to have health issues further along down the line. So always be prepared.
Training
We could write a whole page on this, but in simple terms in general certain dogs are much easier to train then others. Look at the Labrador for example. Widely the most common dog for supporting with accessibility or as a guide dog. Fortunately for us Freddie was relatively easy to train. Some say its the breed which has a huge impact, but it is also about how you go about training your dog.
Dog to fit your lifestyle
Again this goes without saying. Personally we were looking for a dog that was seen as the best dog for families. We wanted a dog that we could take everywhere with us! Freddie our Maltepoo even comes daily to our office.
REMEMBER OWNING A DOG IS A BIG COMMITMENT
Top 20 Dog Breeds for Families
Discover the most popular dog breeds that make excellent family companions, based on RSPCA recommendations.
| Rank | Breed | Size | Grooming | Temperament | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Labrador Retriever | Medium | Moderate | Friendly, loyal, easy to train | RSPCA |
| 2 | Golden Retriever | Medium | High | Affectionate, intelligent, patient | RSPCA |
| 3 | Cocker Spaniel | Medium | High | Eager to please, merry, adaptable | RSPCA |
| 4 | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Small | Moderate | Gentle, sociable, affectionate | RSPCA |
| 5 | Shih Tzu | Small | High | Friendly, good with children | RSPCA |
| 6 | Bichon Frise | Small | High | Cheerful, playful, good with kids | RSPCA |
| 7 | French Bulldog | Small | Low | Easygoing, low exercise needs | RSPCA |
| 8 | Pug | Small | Low | Charming, sociable, good with children | RSPCA |
| 9 | Beagle | Medium | Low | Friendly, curious, good with children | RSPCA |
| 10 | Boxer | Medium | Low | Energetic, protective, good with children | RSPCA |
| 11 | Collie | Large | High | Loyal, good with families | RSPCA |
| 12 | Dachshund | Small | Low | Curious, brave, good for apartments | RSPCA |
| 13 | Poodle (Miniature) | Small | High | Intelligent, hypoallergenic | RSPCA |
| 14 | Maltese | Small | High | Gentle, affectionate, good for apartments | RSPCA |
| 15 | Havanese | Small | High | Friendly, good with children | RSPCA |
| 16 | Shetland Sheepdog | Medium | Moderate | Intelligent, good with children | RSPCA |
| 17 | Australian Shepherd | Medium | Moderate | Energetic, intelligent, loyal | RSPCA |
| 18 | Bernese Mountain Dog | Large | High | Gentle, good with children | RSPCA |
| 19 | Yorkshire Terrier | Small | High | Spirited, good for apartments | RSPCA |
| 20 | West Highland Terrier | Small | Moderate | Friendly, good with children | RSPCA |
Swipe left to see more information →
This is just a guide and our personal experiences. Please ensure you do all your own research and if in doubt ask a reputable specalist or Vet. External Source RSPCA.
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Frequently asked questions
Which dog breeds are easiest for first-time owners?
First-time owners often look for dogs that are friendly, trainable, and low-maintenance. Breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Cavapoos, and Cocker Spaniels are known for being patient, sociable, and easy to train.
What factors should first-time owners consider when choosing a breed?
Consider the dog’s size, energy level, grooming needs, temperament, and compatibility with your lifestyle. Smaller breeds may suit apartment living, while larger, energetic breeds need space and regular exercise.
Are small breeds better for first-time owners?
Small breeds like Cavapoos, French Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus can be ideal for first-time owners because they are easier to handle and require less space. However, temperament and care needs are just as important as size.
Are some breeds better with children for first-time owners?
High-energy dogs like Border Collies or Jack Russell Terriers require experienced owners or active households. Beginners may find medium-energy, easygoing breeds more manageable.
Are mixed breeds good for first-time owners?
Yes, many mixed breeds offer balanced temperaments, good health, and adaptability, making them excellent choices for first-time dog owners.
Are there recommended breeds for first-time owners living in apartments?
Yes, small to medium breeds like Cavapoos, French Bulldogs, or Shih Tzus are ideal for apartment living because they adapt well to indoor spaces while still enjoying daily walks.
Are mixed breeds good for first-time owners?
Yes, many mixed breeds offer balanced temperaments, good health, and adaptability, making them excellent choices for first-time dog owners.
Can first-time owners handle high-energy dogs?
High-energy dogs like Border Collies or Jack Russell Terriers require experienced owners or active households. Beginners may find medium-energy, easygoing breeds more manageable.