Pets, especially dogs, are amazing companions for humans. Depending on what you want the dog for, the breed you choose can change. For example, you wouldn’t want to get a pug as a security dog. On a similar note, if you’re someone with little to no experience with raising dogs, you don’t want to be responsible for taking care of breeds like the Cane Corso that are aggressive and need confident owners. Dogs can be man’s best friend, no doubt, but without the necessary training, any breed might as well become your worst nightmare.
But worry not! I’ve researched a whole bunch of dog breeds, even handled a few of them. I’ve shortlisted about 10 of the best dog breeds you can adopt if you’re a novice dog owner. Read on to learn more.
1. Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are well named. Apart from having a beautiful honey-golden fur coat, their personalities are also golden They’re very friendly, approachable, and kind dogs. If you’re looking for a cuddle partner, a friend for your children, or a loyal companion for yourself, the Golden Retriever is definitely for you. It’s a very happy and cheerful breed of dogs. You don’t need to have much experience with dogs to train Golden Retrievers. Moreover, they’re constantly eager to please you, so training is a lot easier compared to other breeds. Lastly, while they are beautiful dogs, you need to be prepared to deal with all the fur and hair.
Pros:
Very easy to train
Loyal and gentle
Great as a family pet
Cons:
Can be challenging to manage fur and shedding
2. Pugs
The first thing that comes to mind when someone says “pug” is their small size and cute face. They’re known to be amazing playful, affectionate, and loyal dogs. It’s the perfect dog for an active home with children and other animals. Moreover, they’re the ideal dog breed for first-time owners. They don’t require much maintenance like many other dogs and are relatively easy to train. However, they are prone to health issues, which is something to consider.
Pros:
Easy to train
Great family dogs
Low maintenance
Cons:
Vulnerable to health complications
3. Bernese Mountain Dogs
Bernese Mountain dogs are a large breed. You’re probably wondering how a large breed is suitable for a first-time owner. While they indeed are large dogs with high energy and need a lot of exercise, they’re playful, loyal and devoted family dogs. If you have a large open area, the Bernese Mountain dog may just be the perfect dog for you. They absolutely love large outdoor spaces to run and explore.
Pros:
A loving dog that does well with children
Do well with strangers and other dogs
Cons:
Can be hard to maintain
Not suitable for small houses
4. Labrador Retrievers
Arguably one of the most famous dog breeds, the Labrador Retriever is known for its friendly nature. They will constantly try to impress you. They're protective of their family but also sociable and don't show aggression towards strangers(if raised as a family pet). They're highly active and require space to run and play. Be ready to handle a lot of shedding. If you're looking for a good active friend for your children to play with, the Lab is the right choice for you. They come in black, golden, and chocolate colors. I personally adore the golden Lab.
Pros:
Responsive to training
Sociable with strangers and other animals
Cons:
Managing shedding can be a challenge
The next one is a beautiful and loyal breed that would need a little more commitment and knowledge beforehand if you want to adopt them
5. German Shepard
The German Shepard is one of the most loved dog breeds in the world. While they're known for their service in the military and security, they do very well as family pets as well. Having been raised with the Shepard for 13 years, I speak from personal experience when I say they're loyal, protective, and loving. Their intelligence and owner-pleasing temperament make it easier to train them. That said, you still need to train them properly. They're powerful dogs and can be a menace if you don't train them right at a young age. But if you get that right, they will be the best friend you'll ever have.
Pros:
Protective of their 'pack'
Amazing fit as family pets
Cons:
They do shed quite a lot
Note:
Regardless of what breed you choose, you have to train your dog right. Without proper training, dogs can be a burden once they grow up. It's harder to re-train dogs after they mature. So be confident while training.
So, that was my list of 5 of the best dog breeds for amateur dog owners. Thank you for reading!
NICE RAAA...