dogs breeds for first-time owners

1. 1

   Bichon Frise

   A small white companion, cheerful and affectionate, with a characteristic curly coat.

   First-time owners: 5/5Small Belgium, France

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2. 2

   Havanese

   A small cheerful, sociable Cuban companion dressed in a long silky coat.

   First-time owners: 5/5Small Cuba

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3. 3

   Maltese

   A small elegant, affectionate and lively companion with a long silky white coat.

   First-time owners: 5/5Small Italy

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4. 4

   Cavalier King Charles

   A small elegant, graceful and very gentle dog, deeply attached to its family.

   First-time owners: 5/5Small United Kingdom

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5. 5

   Clumber Spaniel

   A powerful, gentle and dignified spaniel, as diligent in hunting as it is endearing with the family.

   First-time owners: 5/5Medium United Kingdom

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6. 6

   Continental Toy Spaniel

   Small lively and affectionate companion dog, as elegant as it is adaptable to everyday life.

   First-time owners: 5/5Small France, Belgium

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7. 7

   Labrador Retriever

   A large retriever that is gentle, playful and very cooperative, ideal for an active family life.

   First-time owners: 5/5Large United Kingdom

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8. 8

   Maltipoo

   Small affectionate and lively companion dog, the Maltipoo charms with its low-shedding coat and its sociable temperament.

   First-time owners: 5/5Small United States

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9. 9

   Shih Tzu

   Small affectionate, intelligent companion dog, very attached to its family.

   First-time owners: 5/5Small China

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10. 10

    Affenpinscher

    A small compact dog, lively and courageous with an inimitable monkey-like expression.

    First-time owners: 4/5Small Germany

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11. 11

    Akita Inu

    Noble and faithful Japanese dog, the Akita Inu combines calm, dignity and a strong character.

    First-time owners: 4/5Large Japan

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12. 12

    Ariégeois

    A hardy, sociable French scenthound, particularly gifted for hare hunting.

    First-time owners: 4/5Large France

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13. 13

    Basenji

    A primitive, clean and affectionate dog, with a lively temperament and a discreet voice.

    First-time owners: 4/5Small Congo

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14. 14

    Basset Hound

    A placid scenthound, sociable and surprisingly hardy beneath its good-natured appearance.

    First-time owners: 4/5Medium Great Britain

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15. 15

    Bearded Collie

    A bearded shepherd, lively and affectionate, as athletic as he is close to his family.

    First-time owners: 4/5Medium United Kingdom

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16. 16

    Bohemian Shepherd

    An elegant, vigilant and devoted Czech shepherd, as gifted at work as with the family.

    First-time owners: 4/5Medium Czech Republic

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17. 17

    Picardy Shepherd

    A rustic, lively and affectionate French shepherd, as elegant at work as with the family.

    First-time owners: 4/5Medium France

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18. 18

    Boston Terrier

    A small lively, affectionate and elegant companion, as playful as he is close to his family.

    First-time owners: 4/5Small United States

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19. 19

    French Bulldog

    Small companion dog very attached to its family, the French Bulldog combines tenderness, good humor and true adaptation to city life.

    First-time owners: 4/5Small France

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20. 20

    Bull Terrier

    An athletic and devoted terrier, recognizable by its unique egg-shaped head.

    First-time owners: 4/5Large United Kingdom

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This ranking is based on the 1-to-5 scores given to each dog breed in our breed pages. If scores are tied, breeds are ranked alphabetically.