What are good dog breeds for first time owners?

Question

If the potential owner has experience with training/handling some dominant dogs, what would be a good medium - large size breed for his first dog?

Please do not say Golden/Lab Retriever. I know they're great dogs, but I would like to hear some other ideas.

Answer 1

First time owner? I would suggest going to an animal shelter, and possibly looking into a mixed breed dog. Otherwise I would suggest, possibly a boxer? But you need to do some research on them, and get to know the breed first. They are wonderful dogs, very out going, and normally love eveyone and everything. They are also good with kids. But like I said, do a little research on the breed first.

Answer 2

If you are a first time owner, perhaps you should get an adult dog to start with. No matter what breed, an adult has it' personality set (you won't know that with a puppy), may already be house broken and trained. As for recommends, I love Rotties myself as well as Shepherds and Boxers, Staffs, and larger Spaniel breeds, but it sooo depends on the lifestyle of the adopter. It just depends so much on how much time alone the dog will have, how active the owner is and the activities they like to do, other pets in the house and kids, and if they live in a apt. if the dog barks at all. Great Danes are lovely, and so are mastiff/mossler breeds.

Doing research of breeds and having a trainer picked out before puppy comes home to stop common bad behaviors before they start is the best way to be sure you can handle your dog and to know what to expect of the breed. For a first time owner of a larger dog, I would suggest looking at an adult first, as puppies need so much work and early training is so crucial. It is great that the potential owner has some history with dominant breeds (too many people do not understand what normal dog behavior is or don't do enough training when young, or use poor training methods), so as long as he has the time to meet a large breed exercise/training needs many breeds could be a match. By choosing an adult dog he will have an easier time with a big, active, and dominant breed, since the dog has its adult personality and is past the teenage years/terrible twos when dogs are more likely to start testing their leaders.

Some I would avoid as puppies for a first time owners would be Huskies, Malamutes, and Akitas as they are much harder to train if you are not familiar with the breed and can test you continually, and are real escape artists. Other breeds I also would not recommend as puppies either are Cane Corso, Ridgebacks, Boarder Collies, Chow Chows. Just my opinion here folks. Herding and heeling breeds are also a challenge to, so I would not recommend them unless the owner is well informed about the challenges working breeds pose. If you find an adult of any breed who is well trained and socialized and is less active, it may work out fine, just do your research and ask lots of questions when you adopt.

There are lots of medium to large breed to choose from and plenty of mutts so as long as the owner is well educated and has an action plan for how the dog will get what it needs, I am sure one will be a good fit.

Answer 3

The best answer is I don't know. It would depend on what you want in the dog? A loyal buddy sure but do you want something that is very active? Hair vs No Hair. Get the book called the The Right Dog for you or something like that and look at the questions they ask and narrow down the list. Then start checking on different breeds.

Purebred dogs have specific traits which is why you chose a purebred dog if you don't have any specific traits in mind choose a mixbreed from a local rescue. Mostly due your homework and find the best fit for you.

Answer 4

There is a lot of different breeds out there...the main thing is to find a good match based on temperament, energy levels and the humans time and schedule. Most dogs need a lot of attention and excersise - I think that is where one should start... How much time can the new owner devote to the dog - how active does the new owner want the dog to be - and how active will the owner be... Once you figured that out - find that specific breeds rescue and meet some of those dogs. The rescue volunteers will also be able to tell you lots about that breed...
I love Weimaraners, but they require a lot of excersise and attention and love...

Answer 5

I'd say do your research. If your not home a lot and your not the outdoor person don't get a border collie. Honesty there are many different good breeds out in this world. I giggled at the don't mention labs or golden retrievers. Those are very good first time dogs. My suggestion on a good frist time dog would have to be a dashound, their hyper at times and then laid back. Their very cute and you can dress them up in all sorts of clothes. lol.

Answer 6

Mutts are fabulous, but it helps to understand their breeding a little bit.

Some don't shed but need to visit a groomer; Some are great guard dogs and bad if you have kids; Some are couch potatoes; some just want to chase chase chase that ball.

Here are some websites that will help you choose based on your lifestyle.
http://animal.discovery.com/breedselecto...
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/cgi-bin/dbi-...
http://www.breederretriever.com/breedsel...

These will give you a lot of breeds to choose from, but they'll also omit many breeds that you should avoid. Do some homework and you'll be happy you did!

Finally, go to www.thefamilydog.com for great advice from Sara Wilson and Brian Kilcommons, two exceptional trainers. You can learn pretty much everything about dogs here.

Answer 7

I'd really need to know more about your lifestyle to give you that information.

You may find what you need from a rescue or a shelter. If you decide you want a purebred puppy, please be sure to purchase from a responsible, reputable breeder.

Personally, after living with and breeding Samoyeds for years, I found the Bernese Mtn Dogs to be a refreshing change of pace... but without knowing more about you, I wouldn't make that recommendation.

Answer 8

Growing up I had/still have a Rottweiler- I don't care what people say about them- they are fantastic dogs. My Rottie is a Mush and a great watch dog- loves children- easy to train, very intelligent and not hard to groom. It's how you train them, but the last two Rottweiler's were and are the best dogs to do so. (in my opinion). :)

Answer 9

as long as you have looked into the breed properly and read EVERYTHING there is to know about them and their training any dog can be good for a first time owner

Answer 10

Golden retrievers are extremely gentle dogs and easy to train They are playful, yet calm when they need to be. I have one and honestly he is one of the best breeds out there, but if you are looking for something a little smaller, then a yorkie is a good breed. Also German Shepards are great dog too! Good luck!