What's a good breed of dog for a first time owner?

Question

I mean never owned a dog, never grew up with a dog really. I'm planning on getting a rescue from a shelter, so it'll probably be a mix, but are there any breeds that are better, any that I should avoid?

Answer 1

Talk to rescue groups in your area - a lot of them have their rescue dogs in foster home situations and have an idea of what the dog's personality is, so if you're not hung up on a specific breed, they may be able to find a dog that would be a good match for you.

If it's your first dog, my recommendation would be to go with an adult dog (2-4 years or so), not a puppy, because there are a whole bunch of training issues that come with a puppy that will be easier for you once you have some dog experience under your belt. =)

Good luck!!

Answer 2

Labs are pretty standard, it depends on what size dog you want. Allin all labs are a good mix of activity level, intelligence, and social behavior. Im not familar with small dogs so i cant help in that aspect. Ive geown up with tons of dogs, I have owned a Pit and currently own a Weimaraner(best dog ever) i wouldnt suggest either for a first time owner though, nor would i a dane. Most shelters will not give danes to first time owners anyway. Large breeds are wonderful but a great responsibility.

~Good Luck and Congrats

Side note: Dont worry about the size of your place, most city dwellers live in small apartments and have small-large breed dogs, just so long a they have the needed excersise. i have a hyper active dog, we run everyday and go to the park, it doesnt matter that I live in a house with a yard because i crate him when im gone.

Answer 3

I would find a dog with an activity level that's not too high. For a first time pet owner getting a dog could be a bit overwhelming. While labs are great dogs, they do tend to chew a lot and might be frustrating if you haven't had a dog in the past. That's great that you are planning to get one from a shelter.

Answer 4

The ubiquitous Lab mix springs to mind. Also Beagles are great dogs, but not trustworthy. Greyhounds rescued from the tracks can be excellent dogs. They actually just need one big run every week or so and are happy to be couch potatoes. Avoid herding breeds, guarding types and terriers.
And take a training class with somebody who uses dog friendly methods soon after getting your dog. Preferably a Certified Pet Dog Trainer from the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.

Answer 5

A mix is what you'll probably end up with so when you get to the shelter let them know this is the first time you'll being owning a dog and they will ask you a few simple questions like what sex do you want to get or will it be an in door dog or out door dog, and do you live in a house or apartment. things like that , then they can show you what dogs they have and recommend which one would be your best choice.

Answer 6

I have a black lab/golden retriever mix (Buddy) & he is the greatest dog. Labrador retrievers & golden retrievers are very loving, affectionate, highly intelligent, well behaved & patient. They love to play & they aim to please their owner. They have lots of energy & require a lot of exercise. They are friendly with other dogs, people & kids. They crave attention & need to feel as though they are part of the family. These types of dogs are also easily trained. Buddy, is 7 years old. I got him when he was just 6 weeks & only had him 2 weeks & he was already potty trained. I have a 1 yr old niece & 1 1/2 yr old nephew & they will lay on Buddy like he's a pillow, pull his hair, etc & Buddy will just lay there. If he gets annoyed, he just gets up & moves out of the way. One thing you should consider before choosing the breed you get is your surroundings. Labs & retrievers are large dogs & need lots of room to run & play. So, if you live in an apartment, you probably would want to get a smaller breed. Personally, I would definately choose a labrador/retriever mix. Buddy is wonderful dog & part of our family.

Answer 7

Labrador Retrievers are very smart, loyal, and friendly. They are so popular that lots of shelter dogs are pure or mostly lab. Golden Retrievers are also very good.

I would avoid anything with too much pit bull in it. They can be sweet dogs, but they can do a lot of damage if they bite somebody. Chows are also very dangerous because they are unpredictable. Dalmatians are too high-strung. Cocker Spaniels tend to be rather dim-witted.

Look for one that is the right size for your home situation. Avoid any dog that is too nervous or excitable. Short-haired is easier to take care of than long-haired. The giant breeds eat too much, fill your yard with tons of poop, and only live 8-10 years.

Answer 8

I think mutts are the best. By going to the shelter, you really get a chance to know the dog before you bring it home. Plus, they may be trained and the shelter can give you background info such as whether the dog is housebroken. I got my cat 8 years ago from a shelter and my dog 2 years ago. Our dog couldn't have been a better match for our family...and she was 4 years old when we adopted her.

Answer 9

a lab or a golden retriever thay are easy dogs and very good with kids and meeting new pplz they are awesome pets and they are actually quiet easy to train they listen very well and they get attached like if sum1 was to attack you that dog would take your side and the kinda that you donht want if your a fist time owner are like some small dogs they r harder to potty train and they can be snippy and for a first time u dont want anything like a rottie or a pit or guard dog type what you want is a family dog who is calm and easy......

Answer 10

cocker spaniel though I might be biased since I grew up with one. But she was my best friend, not too big, not too small, but suffers from cataracts and other eye problems. She was 12 or 13 when she finally died of cancer and had to be buried in my backyard.