"Easy" dog breeds
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I actually don't consider Labradors "easy" at all. Goldens maybe a bit more so, but people don't seem to understand that they are RETRIEVERS that are highly active and very mouthy that need a lot of attention, training, and exercise to mature to be a good family pet. Add on the fact that the average pet breeder is pumping out dogs with questionable temperaments and health...not easy at all. We had a client who had purchased a Golden Retriever pup as their very first ever dog, because "they had heard such wonderful things about them". Then they proceeded to label their 9 week old, spunky, amazing puppy as "dominant" and "aggressive" and "out of control" because she barked at them, mouthed them, and jumped on them. Yes. Such a correct diagnosis. All the while this poor puppy just needed some clear, consistent signals from them that they were NOT giving (nothing like yelling sitsitsitsitsitsit while getting progressively louder and clicking a clicker to mark nothing to get your puppy to listen to you).
So, in short, I think if you've never had ANY experience around a dog, at all, that the best thing for you to do would be to adopt an adult, trained dog from a rescue or breeder that can match your needs, wants, and expectations to the dog.
If you've been around dogs, know about dogs in general, and are willing to attend classes/devote the proper time/do your research, I think adopting either a puppy of a breed that is known for its amenability or an adult of a "harder" breed (a breed more prone to shyness or aggression) isn't a bad choice. If it is your first time with a puppy, it's harder to screw up a pup that is genetically programmed to be social, sweet, and friendly than it would be a pup that has fearful or aggressive tendencies.
Breeds or dogs that are bred for sport or working homes should hopefully never be in the hands of someone who is a "first time" owner, unless they have extensive experience with dogs. I'm not talking about the dog person who is getting their first dog and wants to do agility and disc with a Border Collie, I'm talking about a family with 2.5 kids and a white picket fence going out to the farm and picking up a stock working cattle dog pup to be their toddler's companion, because they had a cattle dog growing up that was just the best dog, even though they haven't had a dog for the past 20 years and their living environment now is not what their environment was 20 years ago when they had their awesome cattle dog.
So, in short, I think if you've never had ANY experience around a dog, at all, that the best thing for you to do would be to adopt an adult, trained dog from a rescue or breeder that can match your needs, wants, and expectations to the dog.
If you've been around dogs, know about dogs in general, and are willing to attend classes/devote the proper time/do your research, I think adopting either a puppy of a breed that is known for its amenability or an adult of a "harder" breed (a breed more prone to shyness or aggression) isn't a bad choice. If it is your first time with a puppy, it's harder to screw up a pup that is genetically programmed to be social, sweet, and friendly than it would be a pup that has fearful or aggressive tendencies.
Breeds or dogs that are bred for sport or working homes should hopefully never be in the hands of someone who is a "first time" owner, unless they have extensive experience with dogs. I'm not talking about the dog person who is getting their first dog and wants to do agility and disc with a Border Collie, I'm talking about a family with 2.5 kids and a white picket fence going out to the farm and picking up a stock working cattle dog pup to be their toddler's companion, because they had a cattle dog growing up that was just the best dog, even though they haven't had a dog for the past 20 years and their living environment now is not what their environment was 20 years ago when they had their awesome cattle dog.
Cavaliers are my go to first time dog breed...short of some health issues (heart problems I believe)
I've never met one that wasn't a fantastic sweet little companion dog.
Most of the time, I suggest an honest rescue that utilizes foster homes, and a dog of any breed/mix that has some training/maturity, 4 years old is usually kind of the sweet spot.
I've never met one that wasn't a fantastic sweet little companion dog.
Most of the time, I suggest an honest rescue that utilizes foster homes, and a dog of any breed/mix that has some training/maturity, 4 years old is usually kind of the sweet spot.
For a complete novice ..an older rescue would be better and going more on personality and whether its had any training. Not all dogs in rescue are problem dogs some are there cos their owner passed away and they've no one else. That owner might have done a lot of training with the dog.
We've had mixture of rescues from 4 month old, 18 months old to an oldie ..13yr old whose elderly owner died..he lived another 5 years...and a pedigree puppy from 8 weeks old. My next will be an older rescue as I'm not getting any younger myself and will be in my 50's if my younger collie lives to 14yrs + same as my old girl.
I would say for person to take into consideration their own age too but most rescues wouldn't give a pensioner a young puppy. Puppies are cute but hard work..If you want small and cute go for an older toy/companion breed such as Lhasa Apso etc.
We've had mixture of rescues from 4 month old, 18 months old to an oldie ..13yr old whose elderly owner died..he lived another 5 years...and a pedigree puppy from 8 weeks old. My next will be an older rescue as I'm not getting any younger myself and will be in my 50's if my younger collie lives to 14yrs + same as my old girl.
I would say for person to take into consideration their own age too but most rescues wouldn't give a pensioner a young puppy. Puppies are cute but hard work..If you want small and cute go for an older toy/companion breed such as Lhasa Apso etc.
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I agree Labs and Goldens aren't really easy dogs. They have a lot of energy and of course have to be trained like any dog. I've met some laid back Labs and Goldens but they were probably trained by their old owners. But I have met more gogogo Labs and Goldens than not. They are retrievers after all.
I can't really think of a dog that is an easy breed to be honest... dogs need to be trained and are going to have energy Labs & Goldens included. It really depends on the dog, not the actual breed IMO.
There can be laid back Hounds, Labs, Goldens, Chihuahuas, Terriers, Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds etc. My hound was laid back for the most part. But he was not an easy dog. He was stubborn but that's what made him.. him. My Rottweiler Mix wasn't laid back either. She wasn't even when she hit her older years.
I have met senior Labs and Goldens that I wouldn't consider easy. But most Labs & Goldens are easy to please by playing fetch all day.. but that doesn't mean they are "easy" dogs. It just means they are easily pleased and do everything you ask of them because they want to please you too!
And I know you want to know more about breeds since you're considering getting a dog and I think it's great you are inquiring about breeds that may be for you!
I can't really think of a dog that is an easy breed to be honest... dogs need to be trained and are going to have energy Labs & Goldens included. It really depends on the dog, not the actual breed IMO.
There can be laid back Hounds, Labs, Goldens, Chihuahuas, Terriers, Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds etc. My hound was laid back for the most part. But he was not an easy dog. He was stubborn but that's what made him.. him. My Rottweiler Mix wasn't laid back either. She wasn't even when she hit her older years.
I have met senior Labs and Goldens that I wouldn't consider easy. But most Labs & Goldens are easy to please by playing fetch all day.. but that doesn't mean they are "easy" dogs. It just means they are easily pleased and do everything you ask of them because they want to please you too!
And I know you want to know more about breeds since you're considering getting a dog and I think it's great you are inquiring about breeds that may be for you!
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Goldens and labs are NOT "easy" breeds and that's why so many end up homeless.
I think of breeds like shih tzus, Cavaliers, maybe retired racing greyhounds....if you're not concerned about health issues, maybe frenchies and pugs. I think it really really depends on the family or who I'm recommending the breed to, though. Dogs aren't really "easy" pets. They require a lot of work and time and money. But for first time dog owners that don't seem to be very knowledgable about training, a cavalier, shih tzu, or possibly beagle is what I recommend.
Labs and goldens are easy to train, but have pretty high exercise requirements.
I'm sure this won't be a popular answer, but many of the pit bull mixes or pit bull type terriers we have come through rescues are pretty great first dogs (as adults).
I think of breeds like shih tzus, Cavaliers, maybe retired racing greyhounds....if you're not concerned about health issues, maybe frenchies and pugs. I think it really really depends on the family or who I'm recommending the breed to, though. Dogs aren't really "easy" pets. They require a lot of work and time and money. But for first time dog owners that don't seem to be very knowledgable about training, a cavalier, shih tzu, or possibly beagle is what I recommend.
Labs and goldens are easy to train, but have pretty high exercise requirements.
I'm sure this won't be a popular answer, but many of the pit bull mixes or pit bull type terriers we have come through rescues are pretty great first dogs (as adults).
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I do agree that Pit bulls and mixes definitely can be for first time dog owners if you do your research to make sure they are the right dog for you. The young adults I have met were definitely not easy dogs.. because they lacked leash manners at the shelter I worked at.
But, that wasn't their fault.. some people just don't teach proper leash manners or basic commands. Plus in a kennel with all that energy they get a little restless but after they work off their energy they are fine. For a pit bull or mix I'd suggest 4 years and and up. That way they are more mature.
I haven't met any cavaliers so I don't have a take on that or retired greyhounds. But pugs can definitely be a good first dog. I have met ones that are just.. goofy but nothing major. Just happy with life.
Also I think chihuahuas or mixes could be good first dogs as well if you want a dog that doesn't like everyone he/she meets lol. But it depends on the individual dog not the breed of course.
And shih tzus I agree can be great first dogs.. but you really have to up keep a good grooming plan if you're up to that. Besides that they aren't really high maintenance.
They are generally one person dogs but that varies on the individual dog. I have met chihuahuas who love everyone but I have also met some picky ones that are one person dogs. :lol-sign:
But, that wasn't their fault.. some people just don't teach proper leash manners or basic commands. Plus in a kennel with all that energy they get a little restless but after they work off their energy they are fine. For a pit bull or mix I'd suggest 4 years and and up. That way they are more mature.
I haven't met any cavaliers so I don't have a take on that or retired greyhounds. But pugs can definitely be a good first dog. I have met ones that are just.. goofy but nothing major. Just happy with life.
Also I think chihuahuas or mixes could be good first dogs as well if you want a dog that doesn't like everyone he/she meets lol. But it depends on the individual dog not the breed of course. And shih tzus I agree can be great first dogs.. but you really have to up keep a good grooming plan if you're up to that. Besides that they aren't really high maintenance.
They are generally one person dogs but that varies on the individual dog. I have met chihuahuas who love everyone but I have also met some picky ones that are one person dogs. :lol-sign:
I usually recommend shin tzus for sedentary people who want a dog to keep them company. All the shihs I've known have been happy little munchkins who are great with kids. They're also the only breed I know that genuinely does not want to go for a walk. I've hears those exist, but all my shih tzu buddies have either hidden at the sight on the leash or tried to chew through it so they could stand there smugly on the sidewalk.
Cavaliers are great, and I know more good cockers than bad at this point.
Cavaliers are great, and I know more good cockers than bad at this point.
I don't really believe in the "first time dog owner breed".
If you get an "easy" dog that doesn't match your personality at all, you are going to have a hard time.
Instead, I think it is much more important to look at individual dogs of breeds that match your wants and desires, and your own personality.
Leo is my ideal "first time dog owner" dog. Perfect! He would not necessarily be the perfect dog for another first time dog owner. My needs are different from other peoples.
Leo is "easy" because he has an extremely good off switch in the house, and he doesn't have major issues. He is extremely easily trainable and doesn't destroy anything. Every body he meets dotes on what an amazing dog Leo is.
Leo is "hard" in that he is an extremely active, high energy dog who NEEDS a good run (walks do nothing) every day. He also would not do well with a dominance based trainer, because he is not easily intimidated. He is "soft" in that he really really cares about what I think...but he can be "hard" in other ways. There is no doubt in my mind that he would bite if he was regularly scruffed or alpha rolled. He doesn't get scared by physical violence at all, and his reaction is much more "You stop that right now". Now, that doesn't bother me at all because I don't use negative physical corrections, but a different unknowledgable first time dog owner could definitely get bit by him.
I think Leo is a GREAT first time dog . For me. He would not necessarily be a great first time dog for certain other people. The same thing applies for many other dogs.
If you get an "easy" dog that doesn't match your personality at all, you are going to have a hard time.
Instead, I think it is much more important to look at individual dogs of breeds that match your wants and desires, and your own personality.
Leo is my ideal "first time dog owner" dog. Perfect! He would not necessarily be the perfect dog for another first time dog owner. My needs are different from other peoples.
Leo is "easy" because he has an extremely good off switch in the house, and he doesn't have major issues. He is extremely easily trainable and doesn't destroy anything. Every body he meets dotes on what an amazing dog Leo is.
Leo is "hard" in that he is an extremely active, high energy dog who NEEDS a good run (walks do nothing) every day. He also would not do well with a dominance based trainer, because he is not easily intimidated. He is "soft" in that he really really cares about what I think...but he can be "hard" in other ways. There is no doubt in my mind that he would bite if he was regularly scruffed or alpha rolled. He doesn't get scared by physical violence at all, and his reaction is much more "You stop that right now". Now, that doesn't bother me at all because I don't use negative physical corrections, but a different unknowledgable first time dog owner could definitely get bit by him.
I think Leo is a GREAT first time dog . For me. He would not necessarily be a great first time dog for certain other people. The same thing applies for many other dogs.
I think the dogs position in family/pack has an affect too.
Our previous dogs were all only dogs and all had their moments of challenging behaviour in one way or another.
My current youngest wasn't the first/most dominant in his litter then came to me at 8 weeks where my eldest dog was the dominant dog having been an only dog for 11 and half years. She quickly put him in his place very early so he's more submissive, eager to please, & very sensitive In that sense he's an 'easy dog'
However he is also a Border Collie whose very bright, he thrives best with a job to do and alot of mental activity as well as a good run everyday. Maybe if I didn't meet those needs he wouldn't be so content and biddable as he'd be under exercised and bored?
Most companion breeds are considered easier as unlike working breeds they don't have an high prey drive to herd or catch and kill (such as terriers) or be so sensitive to motion that may lead to car chasing obsessions etc . ..as they're just bred to be a companion to someone...but they can suffer from seperation anxiety worse when away from you where other breeds maybe more independant in that sense.
Our previous dogs were all only dogs and all had their moments of challenging behaviour in one way or another.
My current youngest wasn't the first/most dominant in his litter then came to me at 8 weeks where my eldest dog was the dominant dog having been an only dog for 11 and half years. She quickly put him in his place very early so he's more submissive, eager to please, & very sensitive In that sense he's an 'easy dog'
However he is also a Border Collie whose very bright, he thrives best with a job to do and alot of mental activity as well as a good run everyday. Maybe if I didn't meet those needs he wouldn't be so content and biddable as he'd be under exercised and bored?
Most companion breeds are considered easier as unlike working breeds they don't have an high prey drive to herd or catch and kill (such as terriers) or be so sensitive to motion that may lead to car chasing obsessions etc . ..as they're just bred to be a companion to someone...but they can suffer from seperation anxiety worse when away from you where other breeds maybe more independant in that sense.
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Any dog regardless of breed can be car chasers if given the opportunity. I know a Lab that was a car chaser.. so a lot of dogs can be sensitive to motion.. especially those on bikes. I was chased by a Lab when riding my bike.. wheels make even the most stable dogs go nuts. And I am sure he was a good dog but jumped the fence to go after me on my bike. Maybe he had a bad experience with people on bikes.. who knows.
And a lot of dogs regardless of breed can have separation issues. I wouldn't base it on breed alone. It depends on the dog. Terriers aren't the only breed group who can be obsessive. I have a terrier mix and the only thing she is obsessive about is playing fetch. She's a Lab at heart!
And a lot of dogs regardless of breed can have separation issues. I wouldn't base it on breed alone. It depends on the dog. Terriers aren't the only breed group who can be obsessive. I have a terrier mix and the only thing she is obsessive about is playing fetch. She's a Lab at heart!
Good advise about.
The biggest thing to look at is your life style, and what you look to do with your dog.
No dog is easy or hard, it's all about finding what best fits you and your life style.
I know a person who's first dog was a fila and perfect for her. (95% of the world that's a insane first dog.) For her it worked.
I know another who got chi as a first dog and could not handle it, and one other that thought they loved dog until they got a Cockapoo and learned about training/walking/feeding and learned that she was just in love with the idea of a dog.
The biggest thing to look at is your life style, and what you look to do with your dog.
No dog is easy or hard, it's all about finding what best fits you and your life style.
I know a person who's first dog was a fila and perfect for her. (95% of the world that's a insane first dog.) For her it worked.
I know another who got chi as a first dog and could not handle it, and one other that thought they loved dog until they got a Cockapoo and learned about training/walking/feeding and learned that she was just in love with the idea of a dog.
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Like everyone else says, I think it definitely depends on the person. English bulldogs are great for folks who want a dog that doesn't need a lot of exercise and is mostly a couch potato, as long as they are prepared for the possible health issues. But if someone is looking for a running companion, bullies would definitely be a bad choice.
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Well there are many variations of bulldogs.. of course I wouldn't expect an English Bulldog to run a marathon but they can definitely handle a long walk. Also I would definitely not consider them easy at all. Well bred ones usually do fine, but ones that are not well bred (from back yard breeders)
They are definitely sensitive to heat, so you can not expect them to be out in the yard all day while it's humid or walk them when it's extremely hot. They can have a heat stroke. They can also have elbow and hip dysplasia. And they have breathing problems. At the dog daycare I worked at.. there was an English Bulldog that had breathing issues where the only way he could breathe is blowing snot through his nose. It was sad and I wondered how he was still alive.
American Bulldogs are athletic. And they aren't as sensitive to heat as an English Bulldog. But they are prone to have ACL tears. And they are prone to allergies but are manageable.
They are definitely sensitive to heat, so you can not expect them to be out in the yard all day while it's humid or walk them when it's extremely hot. They can have a heat stroke. They can also have elbow and hip dysplasia. And they have breathing problems. At the dog daycare I worked at.. there was an English Bulldog that had breathing issues where the only way he could breathe is blowing snot through his nose. It was sad and I wondered how he was still alive.
American Bulldogs are athletic. And they aren't as sensitive to heat as an English Bulldog. But they are prone to have ACL tears. And they are prone to allergies but are manageable.
I think that several of the toy breeds, and other breeds bred specifically for companionship, are going to be the most "easy" dogs. A nice Cavalier is is sweet, charming dog, if you can get past the atrocious health issues in the breed. Spaniels are generally fairly "easy" if you can handle the energy - and like the temperament. Like everyone else has said, that's key. Easy for me is not necessarily easy for someone else. I mean, Rowan is the easiest dog in the world for me, but his clinginess and moodiness would drive someone crazy if they favor, say, Malamutes.
Oh good, someone else said it.
Oh good, someone else said it.
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Assuming you aren't interested in off leash, I would consider whippets easy. Quiet, low incidence of HA/DA/Reactivity, good with other animals, easy coats, fairly low exercise requirements (says the one whose boys have been engaged in a 2 hour wrestling session over a hoof.)
If you don't mind grooming, almost all of the shih-tzus I meet have been charming little dogs. Cavs as well, though the heath problems scare me.
If you don't mind grooming, almost all of the shih-tzus I meet have been charming little dogs. Cavs as well, though the heath problems scare me.