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The 5 Best Dog Breeds for Beginners

 
Josie F. Turner
By Josie F. Turner, Journalist specialized in Animal Welfare. Updated: September 2, 2024
The 5 Best Dog Breeds for Beginners
Dogs

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Many people who aren't experienced in keeping and training dogs aren't sure what is the best kind of dog for them. Should they choose a particular breed? Some breeds aren't recommended for new owners because of their size, and others because of their intellectual or physical requirements. Are you looking for an independent or an affectionate pet?

Abandonment and neglect must be avoided at all costs; sometimes it happens because the owner is not experienced enough to deal with a particular dog's requirements. This is why you should always go for a breed that can adapt to your lifestyle, time and energy commitment, and abilities as an owner. We at AnimalWised will give you a list of the 5 best dog breeds for beginners.

You may also be interested in: The 5 Best Dog Breeds for Autistic Children
Contents
  1. Pug
  2. Golden Retriever
  3. Boston Terrier
  4. Beagle
  5. Boxer

1. Pug

The pug is an unmistakable dog: It's extremely popular due to its small size, since it usually measures 28 cm (11 in) and weighs between 6 and 8 kg (13 to 17 lb). It has a fantastically tolerant personality which makes it perfect for a home that has children or other pets.

Pugs are particularly affectionate and will follow you wherever you go. In general, this is a friendly dog that will be very attentive. While it is surprisingly small, it will warn you before the arrival of any intruders at home.

The pug is not particularly active, and you will often find it resting. Even so, it still enjoys playing and learning commands from its family members. It needs to exercise in moderation - avoiding the hottest hours - since it is prone to being overweight; a problem that you should try to control.

You won't need to comb and brush your pug very often. All you need to do is wipe its tear ducts clear on a daily basis and cut its nails every once in a while. However, they have some fairly common health problems, including respiratory and eye problems and obesity.

The pug is also one of the 5 most wrinkly dog breeds in the world.

The 5 Best Dog Breeds for Beginners - 1. Pug

2. Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is a large dog, about 55 cm (22 in) tall and weighing 35 kilograms (77 lb). In general, this breed has a friendly disposition and isn't aggressive towards people or animals. It will always respond happily to physical contact, since it is a dog with happy and pleasant behavior. Golden Retrievers are very loyal to their owners, and can get aggressive if they perceive any physical abuse towards its family that could put their lives in danger.

They are ideal for exercise lovers. There will be no inconvenience in keeping your Golden Retriever in an apartment as long as you take it out for long walks and runs. It loves playing in water.

This dog doesn't require much looking after. All you need to pay attention to are brushing its coat, wiping its tear ducts and cleaning its ears. Some of the common diseases of the Golden Retriever include obesity, hip dysplasia or cataracts.

The 5 Best Dog Breeds for Beginners - 2. Golden Retriever

3. Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are small dogs that measure 38 to 43 cm (15 to 17 in) long and weigh between 7 and 11 kg (15 to 25 lb). Owing to their small size, they easily adapt to living in an apartment.

This is a quiet and loving breed that responds really well to basic training. The Boston Terrier is a playful and friendly dog, but it is also an excellent guard dog. Learn how to socialize your dog with other dogs and people so that you can enjoy this wonderful breed.

It doesn't require very specific care. All you need to do is comb it once a week, clean its tear ducts, cut its nails, clean its ears and walk it at least twice a day. This dog isn't suitable for long exercise sessions. On the contrary, it should avoid extreme heat since it sometimes finds it hard to breathe properly. Also, remember that at times it can snore a little.

The 5 Best Dog Breeds for Beginners - 3. Boston Terrier

4. Beagle

The Beagle is a small dog with an incredible sense of smell, measuring around 33 to 40 cm (13 to 16 in) tall and weighing between 8 and 15 kg (17 to 33 lb).

This is a very cheerful, affectionate and peaceful dog that enjoys the affection of all those who pay attention to it. It is also very excitable. They behave excellently with children and are therefore good companion dogs.

The Beagle is a very intelligent dog that was originally trained to hunt, and it sometimes have a tendency to be somewhat determined. These dogs need daily exercise and an owner to teach them tricks and commands - actions which they will respond brilliantly to.

However, you should be careful and keep an eye on them due to their hunting instinct; they'll let you know that they have found appropriate prey by howling.

The 5 Best Dog Breeds for Beginners - 4. Beagle

5. Boxer

The Boxer is an amazing companion dog. They are fairly large dogs, measuring around 60 cm (24 in) in height and 30 kg (66 lb) in weight.

They are ideal family dogs and great for dealing with children, who they will protect without thinking twice. This wonderful guard dog is affable, affectionate and will follow you wherever you go, since it has a tendency to try and please its owners. A Boxer will show its affection by trying to lick you from head to toe. You should learn how to train and socialize it from a young age, in order for it to behave properly as an adult.

Boxers tend to be friendly, even with strangers, and are characterized by being playful dogs right through into old age. You'll enjoy a loyal friend with a great capacity for learning. They usually live for around 10 years, and the main diseases that affect this breed are gastric torsion and cancer.

The 5 Best Dog Breeds for Beginners - 5. Boxer

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The 5 Best Dog Breeds for Beginners