--- title: "Dog breeds for first-time owners: our top 20 | Pedibase" description: "Dog breeds for first-time owners: our top 20, based on scores from our breed listings (temperament, size, average price) and verified breeders." canonical_url: "https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/best-for-first-time-owners" meta: "og:description": "Dog breeds for first-time owners: our top 20, based on scores from our breed listings (temperament, size, average price) and verified breeders." "og:image": "https://www.pedibase.com/og.png" "og:image:alt": "Dog and cat breeders near you" "og:image:height": "630" "og:image:width": "1200" "og:title": "Dog breeds for first-time owners: our top 20" "twitter:description": "Dog breeds for first-time owners: our top 20, based on scores from our breed listings (temperament, size, average price) and verified breeders." "twitter:image": "https://www.pedibase.com/og.png" "twitter:title": "Dog breeds for first-time owners: our top 20" --- > Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt) Top 20 # Dog breeds for first-time owners Some breeds are more forgiving of first-time dog owners. These breeds are often recommended for beginners: read about training, temperament and price before choosing a breeder. 1. 1 [![Cavalier King Charles](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4456/pexels-photo-13215910.jpeg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/cavalier-king-charles) ## [Cavalier King Charles](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/cavalier-king-charles) A small elegant, graceful and very gentle dog, deeply attached to its family. First-time owners: 5/5Small United Kingdom [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/cavalier-king-charles) [ 213 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-cavalier-king-charles) 2. 2 [![Labrador Retriever](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4333/portrait_of_a_labrador_retriever.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/labrador-retriever) ## [Labrador Retriever](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/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 [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/labrador-retriever) [ 166 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-labrador-retriever) 3. 3 [![Shih Tzu](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/6663/pexels-photo-32269523.jpeg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/shih-tzu) ## [Shih Tzu](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/shih-tzu) Small affectionate, intelligent companion dog, very attached to its family. First-time owners: 5/5Small Tibet [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/shih-tzu) [ 122 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shih-tzu) 4. 4 [![Continental Toy Spaniel](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/8291/epagneul-nain-continental-9.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/continental-toy-spaniel) ## [Continental Toy Spaniel](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/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 [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/continental-toy-spaniel) [ 39 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-continental-toy-spaniel) 5. 5 [![Maltese](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4910/pexels-photo-23542118.jpeg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/maltese) ## [Maltese](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/maltese) A small elegant, affectionate and lively companion with a long silky white coat. First-time owners: 5/5Small Italy [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/maltese) [ 33 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-maltese) 6. 6 [![Havanese](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4891/pexels-photo-18065241.jpeg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/havanese) ## [Havanese](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/havanese) A small cheerful, sociable Cuban companion dressed in a long silky coat. First-time owners: 5/5Small Cuba [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/havanese) [ 26 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-havanese) 7. 7 [![Bichon Frise](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/9341/bichon-a-poil-frise-herbe.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/bichon-frise) ## [Bichon Frise](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/bichon-frise) A small white companion, cheerful and affectionate, with a characteristic curly coat. First-time owners: 5/5Small Belgium, France [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/bichon-frise) [ 19 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-bichon-frise) 8. 8 [![Clumber Spaniel](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/5972/clumber_spaniel.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/clumber-spaniel) ## [Clumber Spaniel](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/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 [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/clumber-spaniel) [ 3 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-clumber-spaniel) 9. 9 [![Cockapoo](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/10325/cockapoo-1.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/cockapoo) ## [Cockapoo](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/cockapoo) Cheerful and affectionate cross between Cocker and Poodle, star of families in the United Kingdom. First-time owners: 5/5Small United States [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/cockapoo) [ 1 breeder](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-cockapoo) 10. 10 [![Bolonka](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/10339/bolonka-1.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/bolonka) ## [Bolonka](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/bolonka) Small colored Russian bichon, gentle and very attached to its family. First-time owners: 5/5Small Russia [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/bolonka) 11. 11 ## [Cavachon](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/cavachon) Sweet Cavalier King Charles and Bichon Frise mix, cuddly and easy-going. First-time owners: 5/5Small United States [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/cavachon) 12. 12 [![Maltipoo](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/10153/maltipoo-1789117180484-0.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/maltipoo) ## [Maltipoo](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/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 [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/maltipoo) 13. 13 ## [Poochon](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/poochon) Small Bichon Frise and Poodle mix, cheerful, cuddly and very low shedding. First-time owners: 5/5Small Australia [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/poochon) 14. 14 [![Shih-poo](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/10340/shih-poo-1.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/shih-poo) ## [Shih-poo](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/shih-poo) Small Shih Tzu and Poodle mix, affectionate, playful and low-shedding. First-time owners: 5/5Small United States [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/shih-poo) 15. 15 [![Chihuahua](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4403/blubble_head_english_chihuahua_-_warhol.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/chihuahua) ## [Chihuahua](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/chihuahua) The smallest purebred dog in the world, lively, affectionate and very attached to its home. First-time owners: 4/5Small Mexico [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/chihuahua) [ 358 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-chihuahua) 16. 16 [![French Bulldog](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4394/pexels-photo-16603584.jpeg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/french-bulldog) ## [French Bulldog](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/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 [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/french-bulldog) [ 244 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-french-bulldog) 17. 17 [![Yorkshire Terrier](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/18/pexels-photo-35386961.jpeg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/yorkshire-terrier) ## [Yorkshire Terrier](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/yorkshire-terrier) Small, lively and elegant terrier, the Yorkshire Terrier charms with its big personality in a miniature format. First-time owners: 4/5Small United Kingdom [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/yorkshire-terrier) [ 179 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-yorkshire-terrier) 18. 18 [![German Spitz](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/5825/un_chien_spitz_allemand.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/german-spitz) ## [German Spitz](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/german-spitz) A spitz-type dog, from the Wolfspitz to the Pomeranian, lively, elegant and very attached to its family. First-time owners: 4/5Medium Germany [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/german-spitz) [ 167 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-german-spitz) 19. 19 [![Dachshund](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/9225/pexels-photo-31347265.jpeg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dachshund) ## [Dachshund](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dachshund) Small, elongated dog, lively and determined, the Dachshund combines character, mischief and a true family presence. First-time owners: 4/5Small Germany [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dachshund) [ 166 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dachshund) 20. 20 [![English Bulldog](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/8095/bulldog-anglais-2.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/english-bulldog) ## [English Bulldog](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/english-bulldog) A compact molosser, affectionate and calm, very attached to its family. First-time owners: 4/5Medium Great Britain [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/english-bulldog) [ 84 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-english-bulldog) This ranking is based on scores from 1 to 5 assigned to each dog breed in our listings. In a tie, breeds with more breeders in France rank higher. ## Other dog breed rankings - [Dog breeds suited to apartment living](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/best-for-apartments) - [Dog breeds for families with children](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/best-with-children) - [Most affectionate dog breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/most-affectionate) - [Dog breeds that get along with other pets](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/best-with-other-pets) - [Easy-to-train dog breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/easiest-to-train) - [Dog breeds that bark less](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/that-bark-the-least) - [Guard dog breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/best-guard-dogs) - [Calm, low-energy dog breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/calmest) - [Dog breeds that shed less](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/that-shed-the-least) - [Dog breeds that drool less](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/that-drool-the-least) - [Low-maintenance dog breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/easiest-to-groom) - [Most intelligent dog breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/most-intelligent) - [Hardiest dog breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/healthiest) - [Dog breeds that need little exercise](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/that-need-little-exercise) - [So-called hypoallergenic dog breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/hypoallergenic) - [Small dog breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/smallest) - [More affordable dog breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/cheapest) [All dog breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breeds) [Breed comparison](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds) [Which dog should you choose?](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#website","@type":"WebSite","description":"Find dog and cat breeders near you. 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