Top 8 Dog Breeds That Are Great for First-Time Owners

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frises are intelligent and charming lapdogs known for their loving and playful personalities.

Golden retrievers

Among America's most beloved canines, the golden retriever is one of the easiest breeds to own.

Papillon

Another tiny pup, the papillon-which means butterfly in French-weighs no more than 10 pounds.

Labrador retriever

They are known for their friendly demeanor and outgoing personality, and they are also well-behaved dogs.

German shepherd

The noble German shepherd is an excellent dog for first-time owners for many reasons.

Standard poodle

Recognized for their fluffy, pillow-like hypoallergenic coats, the poodle is a notably smart and athletic family companion.

Basenji

The Basenji is a breed of quiet, intelligent dog that you may not be too acquainted with, but it makes our list because of how laid-back and unassuming it is.

Yorkshire terrier

The beautiful Yorkie is a tiny terrier that weighs about seven pounds, making it an extremely small dog.