Top Ten Dog Breeds for First-Time Dog Owners
If you are thinking of becoming a first-time dog owner, you will need to choose a breed of dog that best suits your personality and lifestyle. Some dogs are perfect for those who love going on long walks, while others are more suited to people who lead a sedentary lifestyle. There are over 400 breeds of dog to choose from, so it is important to do plenty of research on the breeds you are most interested in before making a final decision. The following ten dog breeds should therefore help to narrow down your search for the perfect companion, as they all make great choices for those who are new to dog ownership...
The above list of dog breeds is by no means exhaustive, but it does at least give you a good selection of breeds to think about. Finding the right canine companion should hopefully give you many happy and trouble-free years of dog ownership.
1
Labrador Retriever
This popular gun dog is perfect for those looking for a medium-sized dog that is easy-going and quick to learn. These energetic animals love long walks, playing games and swimming, and they make perfect companions for both families and those who live alone. Their short, dense coats are easy to groom and come in three colours: black, yellow and chocolate. You will need to take care when feeding this breed, though, as they are prone to weight gain.
2
Poodle
This breed comes in three sizes: toy, miniature and standard. They make intelligent, energetic, friendly and devoted companions for those seeking a dog that doesn't shed. This breed has been around for many years and was originally bred in Germany as a water dog. They are hardy dogs and can live up to 15 years of age, but their thick coats require plenty of attention to keep them in good condition. Poodles come in a variety of different colours, including black, white, silver and brown.
3
Pug
This small breed is robust, sociable, good-natured and intelligent. Pugs have huge personalities and can live to a ripe old age. The breed originates from China and became popular with the aristocracy. Pugs have short, dense coats, but they tend to shed rather a lot and therefore require regular grooming. It is also important to remember to clean between the folds of skin on the face, as these can become caked with debris that can lead to infections. You should never walk this breed too far in hot weather, as they can easily overheat and get out of breath.
4
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This breed of dog makes the perfect family pet, as it is affectionate, undemanding and easy to train. It is, however, important to train these dogs properly from an early age to prevent any problematic behaviour from occurring later on. The royal name was given to this breed during the reign of King Charles II.
5
Papillon
This breed descends from the toy spaniel and is easy to train, happy, alert and friendly. They are very active little dogs and require more exercise than most other breeds of a similar size. This docile breed also makes the perfect family pet due to its love of people and other pets. Papillons have silky, predominantly white coats with patches of almost any other colour.
6
Boston Terrier
This well-muscled and compact breed requires a fair amount of exercise. It is an intelligent, enthusiastic, alert and gentle dog that can be quite wilful at times without proper training. These popular pets are good around children, elderly people and other pets, and this makes them the perfect family companion. They have a smooth, shorthaired coat that is easy to groom and comes in several different colours, including seal and brindle. This breed is, however, prone to eye problems.
7
Maltese Terrier
This small breed loves to be around people, but it can be intolerant of young children and other dogs. They are energetic and intelligent animals that love company, but they can become destructive if they are left alone for long periods of time. The silky white coat is long and requires plenty of regular grooming to keep it in good condition. They also have a hypoallergenic coat, and this makes them a great choice for those who suffer from allergies.
8
Yorkshire Terrier
This breed was originally used to keep down the rat population in the clothing and cotton mills. It is perfect for those seeking a small energetic dog that is intelligent and loyal. They make perfect family pets, as they are good with both the young and the elderly. They have a long, glossy blue and tan coat that needs plenty of regular grooming.
9
Greyhound
This genuine thoroughbred has been around for a long time and enjoys being with people and other dogs. They are a gentle and adaptable breed, and this makes them the perfect family pet for the young and old alike. Their short, dense coat is easy to care for and comes in a variety of colours, including fawn, black and white. Greyhounds enjoy running at speed when outdoors, but they are surprisingly placid around the house and will often be found resting on the sofa - if they get the chance!
10
Shetland Sheepdog
This breed is a miniature replica of the rough-coated collie and makes a wonderful companion dog. It is an extremely intelligent breed that has a good temperament and is easy to train. They love the outdoors and will enjoy going on long walks. The thick coat sheds seasonally and therefore requires plenty of regular grooming to keep it in good condition. These little collies are very protective of their owners and make great guard dogs. They come in a variety of different colours, including blue merle and sable.
The above list of dog breeds is by no means exhaustive, but it does at least give you a good selection of breeds to think about. Finding the right canine companion should hopefully give you many happy and trouble-free years of dog ownership.
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