Although YouTube and social media plies us with videos featuring working dog breeds, none of those breeds are easy to train or to live with, at least not for the first-time pet guardian. So, as much as you love seeing huskies, German shepherds, border collies and German shorthaired pointer on YouTube channels, save yourself the heartache of surrendering one of those breeds to a shelter. Be easier on yourself by adopting a chill dog breed.
So what are the best dog breeds for prospective and new pet owners? (Note, I prefer pet guardian because I don’t like the idea of owning another creature).
Cocker spaniel and Cavalier King Charles spaniel
The downside to adopting one of these adorable dogs is that they are overbred. This overbreeding can lead to health issues for the dogs and frustration for you. So, opt for a mixed breed that has spaniel in it. Unlike the springer spaniel which is a working dog, the cocker spaniel and the CKC spaniel were originally bred as companion or lapdogs.
While you won’t need to give the dogs as much exercise as a working dog breed, you still need to take them for walks and give them mental stimulation. They are also small enough that you can take them to dog-friendly businesses with you. They possess a sweet temperament and with proper training, you shouldn’t have too many behavior issues to contend with.
While they possess easier temperament, they still could rack up vet and grooming bills. There are often problems with the ears and the eyes so if you do purchase a pure bred dog, make sure that you only do some from a reputable breeder with a high level of ethics and integrity.
Beagle and Basset Hound
Technically, these two breeds fall into the hound dog category and they were originally bred for hunting. But the basset hound is as mellow as they come. They’re another sweet tempered dog and yes, they do need to go for walks and enjoy mental stimulation. You’re not going to end up with a high-energy breed that bounces off the walls and destroys you house when you’re away.
The beagle on the other hand, has been called a lifetime puppy. Even when they’re seniors they still have joy in their steps. They love to bay as opposed to barking which some people find adorable. Beagles are energetic and curious so he or she might get into stuff they shouldn’t. They can also be chewers so make sure you hire a breeder, socialize the beagle and set boundaries.
You’ll also need to hide your food in a locked space. Beagles have even been known to climb onto counters and open cabinets, raid garbage cans and open refrigerators as they are truly passionate about consuming food. This is why you see obese beagles. Keep the junk food away from them and make sure they are receiving 2 or 3 good walks a day. Tire them out for best results.
However, beagles are kind, affectionate, and loyal companions. They have a short coat so they need little in the way of grooming. And you can do a good deed by adopting a beagle that has been part of a rescue project.
Golden Retriever
Obviously, this is a larger breed dog with tons of fur so if you don’t like vacuuming fur or wearing it on your clothing, this might not be the breed for you. You will also need to spend time and effort putting the GR through training and socializing. And this breed requires mental stimulation and playtime. Make sure they are receiving adequate exercise or you could end up with a crazy dog.
However, besides the effort for training, socializing and the grooming bills, the Golden Retriever is among the most affectionate dog breeds. You can also opt for a mixed breed, but stay away from the overbred doodles. Doodles are actually high-maintenance dogs. You’re better off getting a lab-golden retriever mix, especially if you enjoy outdoor recreation and sports with dogs.
Boston Terrier (go with a Boston Terrier mix)
Due to overbreeding of this popular dog breed, look for a mix breed so that you don’t adopt or purchase a dog with serious health issues. It’s unfortunate, that this is one of the flat faced dogs that has been bred to the point that the dogs experience breathing difficulties and other health issues.
However, they are a low maintenance breed. That still means you need to train and socialize the dog, but you won’t have to spend money on grooming. And shorter walks will suffice, compared to a German shorthaired pointer or border collie who need to go for three vigorous walks and a good run each day.
Other breeds to consider are the Havanese, the toy or standard poodle, and papillon.
I hope you enjoyed this article. I’m an animal communicator and life coach for prospective and new pet owners. If you would like coaching for your success as a pet guardian or someone to talk with your pet, sign up for a session with me.
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