I want to know if there's a breed that are better suited a first time dog owner?

Question

I've been thinking about getting a dog for some years now, I was thinking about an English Bull Terrier or a Boxer, but someone told me that they are not ideal for a first time dog owner?

I should like to point out that I live in a house with a large garden and have no children.

Answer 1

No not at all! Try a Engish bull dog!

Answer 2

First, consider your available space. Do you live in an apartment? If so, you will want to rule out large dogs. Look for dogs in the Toy group, such as Yorkshire Terriers, or some of the smaller dogs in the Terrier group, like the Miniature Schnauzer.

If you have children, you will want to consider the size of your dog, as well. Very small dogs, such as Chihuahuas or Maltese, can be very delicate and are often accidentally injured by young children. On the other hand, very large dogs, such as Boxers or Saint Bernards, can be overly boisterous as puppies and can accidentally turn your child into a human bowling pin. Consider medium sized breeds, such as Fox Terriers or Lhasa Apsos, instead.

Next, consider how much exercise you can give your dog. If you have a home with a fenced yard, your dog will be able to get some exercise on his own. However, dog breeds in the Sporting, Hound, and Herding groups are very high energy animals and you will need to have enough time to provide them with more intensive exercise. Plan to take a lot of long walks with your dog or go for a daily romp in the park. After all, these dog breeds were bred to work hard and don't do well unless they have a job to do or a way to burn off excess energy.

Finally, don't forget to consider grooming needs. Some dog breeds only need a half hour or so of grooming a week, while others need to be groomed for an hour a day. If you are short on time, don't buy a Standard Poodle or a Maltese, unless, of course, you plan to take your dog to a groom. Breeds like Boston Terriers or Whippets are good choices for people who don't have time to do a lot of grooming.

Once you decide which breed of dog you want, you will need to consider the age of the dog. Many people opt to buy a cuddly little puppy instead of an older dog. While puppies have not developed any bad habits, it will be up to the new owner to be sure that the puppy becomes housebroken and obedience trained. Older dogs are frequently already housebroken and usually have some obedience training. They are also more likely to be less hyper and less destructive. However, they can have behavioral problems or health problems that prompted the former owner to find them a new home.

Do you want to buy a puppy? If so, you will need to find a reputable dog breeder who has a litter of the breed you are interested in. Often, a good breeder will have a waiting list for puppies. If you aren't the patient sort, you may be tempted to buy a puppy from a pet store. However, many pet store puppies come from puppy mills and have genetic health defects, bad temperaments, or other problems. It is usually safest to buy a puppy directly from the breeder.

If you are interested in an older dog, you may want to visit your local animal shelter or call a breed rescue. These groups evaluate the dogs' health and temperament before adopting them out.

Once you've narrowed down the breed choices and have decided which dog is right for you, don't get too relaxed. After all, you still have one more important decision to make, what to name your new companion!

Answer 3

I can't speak to the boxer...but I own two English Bull Terriers...one male and one female. I would say, generally, they are not for the first time dog owner or for the faint of heart! They don't call them "bullies" for nothing..lol. They are bull headed, stubborn, hyper, and can be dog aggressive. Mine sometimes remind me of little out of control bull dozers.

On the flip side (and I know I'm being a little bit biased), with a confident owner they are one of the sweetest, most loyal, hilarious, joyous dogs to be around. The cliche' is true...I sometimes look for a zipper on them...I'm just sure there is a little clown inside that dog suit.

My advice would be definitely do your research. A dog is a 10-15 year commitment. And, get around bull terriers if you are thinking about one. They aren't for everyone. A good breeder will have no problem with you spending time with their dogs. Contact the bull terrier rescue association and volunteer some time there.

If you do decide on one, BE CAREFUL who you purchase from. DO NOT purchase blindly. There are many deceptive bully breeders out to make a buck.

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 4

Boxers and English Bull Terriers -- not for a first time owner, definitly. I am a first time dog owner as well but my mother isn't. We decided on a German Shepard because they are good guard dogs... but they get bored very easily so you need a lot of time to spare for a German Shepard.
My next choice is a Labrador or a Golden Retriever. These dogs are smart, loyal and incredibly friendly. Easy to train, they are the best breed for a first timer. They enjoy being around kids and adults and they with treat babies with care and gentleness.They are mostly used as dogs for the disabled which is what makes them so amazing. They will do virtually anything to help their owner.
So its up to you now -- Labrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepard.

Answer 5

you know what i find that there in no great breed no matter what any one says.. and do all the research you want, when you know you know... my entire life i have had a breed of german shepard... always mixed. and i had my heart set on it....when it came down to it i ended up getting a boxer something... maybe part dalmation maybe part lab... i never wanted a boxer because i heard bad things as i did about labs being puppies unti they are four... you know that the best dog to get is the ones that need love... i always adopt and never buy from puppy shelters... those pups who have been thrown out or to the street need the most love...just look around and find one that you know is right for you... you will end up loving it (and lving it sometimes more than your own family members) fyi fence off the garden lol it won't be there long especially if your pup sees a squirrel, and everyone has a favorite dog too thats why i belive there is no great first time dog... but a great book to read is MARLEY AND ME.. you should read it...

Answer 6

The best dog for sur for a first time owner is either a labradour or a golden retriever, they are very obedient dogs & also very affectionate.

Definetley do not go for a bull mastiff or pitbull terrier, A english bull terrier is quite a nice dog also so is a boxer.

Answer 7

Boxers for sure are NOT ideal for first-time owners.
Check out www.petfinder.com for a mutt in your area. They can make great first-time dogs for most people, as long as you have a pre-adoption consultation with the dog.
Otherwise, I suggest a Cocker Spaniel, retired racing Greyhound, Italian Greyhound, or English Toy Spaniel.

Happy searching!

Answer 8

labs are very smart and train easily. they are great for first time dog owners because you will loose your patience less because they house trian so fast. both my labs took only two months to be fully house broken. i also have two pugs and although they take almost a year and half before they stop peeing in the house(i think they have week blatters ,toy breeds have to pee more than large dogs) its alll worth it . they are very loving and love attention. maggie my 3 year old pug will sit in your lab all day if you let her. they have clown like personalitles and bring alot of joy into your life. they are happy being in the house alot. just research temporments and what you really want from a dog. i wanted a loving lab dog so i got a pug. for a smart athletic dog get a lab.

Answer 9

For a "first timer" I suggest something mid-sized that is not a hyper dog like a cocker spaniel or a mixed bread of some kind, Look at your local animal shelter for something, the dogs in there are sweet and really need a home. Good luck.

Answer 10

I agree with Ch.OTCHM. You can find a really great dog at petfinder.com. They have many pure breeds as well as Heinz 57 dogs. (MUTTS) You can get a dog who is already housebroken. They have many different ages and sizes. I think the dogs realise they have been given a 2nd chance, and they are so lovable SAVE A LIFE, MAKE A FRIEND FOR LIFE!

Answer 11

Probably not either of those! u need to think about how much time u will be able to spend with your dog with any work commitments too. i would suggest a dog that is easy to train and laid back, labradors and other retrievers are lovely but being bred for work means they have alot of energy and intelligence that needs channelling! but if u have the time for one they are such great dogs with so much to give.