Best Dogs for First-Time Owners
Forgiving, straightforward breeds for anyone taking on this kind of pet for the first time.
← All dog breeds (10)7 entries
Photo coming soon
Labrador Retriever
The world's most beloved family dog — loyal, playful and endlessly gentle.
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 55–79 lb (25–36 kg)
- Lifespan
- 10–12 years
Photo coming soon
Golden Retriever
A sunshine-coloured companion with a heart of gold.
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 55–75 lb (25–34 kg)
- Lifespan
- 10–12 years
Photo coming soon
French Bulldog
Big personality, small package — the urban dog that charms everyone.
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 18–29 lb (8–13 kg)
- Lifespan
- 10–12 years
Photo coming soon
Poodle
Brilliant, elegant and hypoallergenic — the dog that surprises everyone.
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 7–71 lb (3–32 kg)
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
Photo coming soon
Beagle
Nose-first and heart-led — the scent hound that fits any family.
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 20–24 lb (9–11 kg)
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
Photo coming soon
English Bulldog
Wrinkled, stubborn and utterly loveable — the original couch companion.
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 40–55 lb (18–25 kg)
- Lifespan
- 8–10 years
Photo coming soon
Dachshund
Long on personality, short on legs — the bold little badger dog.
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 9–33 lb (4–15 kg)
- Lifespan
- 12–16 years
Free guides for dogs owners
The new puppy checklistEverything to buy, book and prepare before a puppy comes home.Read the guide →How to build a dog care binderThe sections a complete dog binder needs, and the order to put them in.Read the guide →How to track puppy potty trainingLogging trips is how the pattern becomes obvious — and the accidents stop.Read the guide →