By Ketan Panchal*
Choosing your first pet from a huge list of dogs can be extremely difficult. Before selecting any breed, you have to take into consideration factors such as your lifestyle and environment. You need to know that not all dogs are suitable for first-time pet parents as some will be harder to train and will do better with experienced owners, while some of them are easily adaptable to new owners. Some require a small space, while some thrive in large homes.
1. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are allegedly more obedient than Labradors. With their wavy fur suitable for wet and cold weather, they are ideal for novice families. However, their high energy needs to be kept in mind which should be vented out daily, by both mental and physical exercise. They are easily trainable. Golden retrievers are the number 1 pick for first-time pet parents worldwide.
2. Labrador
Labrador Retrievers often known as Lab, are considered ideal dogs for new pet parents. As long as you are willing to train, labs are a great fit for you. This breed is bred to be intelligent and to form a loving bond with the owner. Labs can be trained to perform any task at hand. They are considered as helper dogs and are well-tempered. They go well with other dogs as well as other people and are gentle with kids. Water dogs love any activity that involves water. They are often known to be particularly good at being friends even with cats.
3. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels do an amazing job of making us fall in love with them because of their overall sweet nature, playful behaviour, and loyalty. They are social and working dogs, so they love forming bonds over playtime. They are extremely adaptive dogs. They blend in with different personalities and are good with kids.
4. Pug
Pug has a devoted fan base and several qualities that make it an ideal breed for first-time owners. They are lap dogs who don’t require a high amount of outdoor activities. You will often find a pug randomly gazing at you. They are adaptive and highly entertained. They are very calm and great with kids.
5. Rottweiler
One of the most misunderstood breeds. They are great for first-time pet parents provided you take care of their basic training at early stages. They are extremely loyal and protective.
6. German Shepherds
Contrary to popular belief GSD is a great breed for first-time pet owners, requiring that the pet parent has enough time to devote to the new family member. They are intelligent, affectionate, loyal, and love to obey commands. A German Shepherd makes a great family dog.
7. Indian Pariah
Indian Pariah or Desi dogs are great for first-time pet parents. Even though they are not recognized as a breed, they are widely accepted as pets and service dogs. A lot of people nowadays are considering adopting desi dogs over buying breeds. They are easily adaptable to the Indian climate. They are smart, friendly, resilient in the face of a lot of diseases, independent, easy to train, highly alert, low maintenance and easy to house train.
8. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu has a friendly, sweet, and playful nature. They adapt well to humans and other pets in your home because they are very social. The Shih Tzu temperament is appreciated by dog parents looking for warm companion dogs who love to stay by their side. They are bright, curious, alert, and active. Highly recommend it for those with a relatively less active lifestyle.
9. Yorkshire Terrier
If you are looking for a lap dog, a Yorkshire terrier is a good starter dog. These dogs are good for small houses or for someone who prefers to take their dog everywhere. They are just like little human babies.
They are easy to carry, bold, intelligent, very active, display an owner-pleasing attitude, and enjoy learning new things.
10. Boxer
Boxer is a family and guard dog. They love to be with their owners. One of the breed’s most notable characteristics is the desire for human affection, especially from children. They are patient and spirited with children, but also protective, making them a popular choice for families.
*Certified Professional Dog Trainer (USA), Instagram handle K9CERTIFIEDTRAINER