Especially as a dog newcomer, it is super important to deal with the characteristics of the focused breed. Not every dog is one beginner dog and also not everyone a family dog.
Because we think it’s great that you’re getting information, we’d like to give you a little help when choosing your first dog!
In this article, we’ll introduce you to 18 small, medium, and large beginner dogs that are considered easy to handle and care for.
Attention spoiler alert: A special feature is hidden among the large dog breeds for beginners!
Small dogs for beginners
1. Maltese – The carefree one
The small, cheerful cotton ball with the breed name Maltese is considered a particularly loving and playful dog for beginners.
Its height is just 20 – 25 centimeters with a weight of 3 – 4 kilograms. Of course, that doesn’t mean that a Maltese needs less training than a larger dog, but handling is a lot easier in certain situations.
A Maltese that pulls on the leash is less likely to knock an inexperienced owner off his feet than a boisterous Bullmastiff!
2. Havanese – The happy comrade
With a maximum height of 27 centimeters at the withers, the Havanese is hardly larger than the Maltese. Both breeds are ideal beginner dogs.
The Havanese is considered playful, affectionate, gentle, full of life and intelligent. His upbringing is fun, because the smart little guy likes to work and wants to please his family members at any price.
You can take your 4 – 7 kilogram light Havanese with you everywhere – he will love to accompany you on all your ways!
3. Pug – The charming stubborn one
In terms of character, the fashion pug is definitely an excellent beginner’s dog.
He is charming and funny, smart, docile and occasionally a little headstrong. The little stubborn one regularly makes his family laugh and calmly and calmly withstands cheeky children.
For those who have not yet delved deeply into dog breeding, here is an important note about the squishy pug:
Danger!
Unfortunately, the pug has mutated into a fashion dog over the years. The consequences of overbreeding are shortness of breath, lack of thermoregulation, inflamed skin folds and ears and a generally poorly proportioned physique. If you’re looking to adopt a pug, make sure it’s responsibly bred (or taken care of) and not tortured!
4. Poodle – The curly dream
Anyone who is considering a poodle as a dog beginner has a good chance of finding their absolute dream dog.
There are poodles of all sizes – from the small toy poodle to the miniature poodle and medium poodle to the large poodle.
They are all known to be extremely intelligent and docile, making their upbringing both enjoyable and challenging. The poodle wants to learn and be challenged. A pure couch life is out of the question for the adventurous, sociable and cheerful dog.
5. Papillon – That’ll break your heart
The Papillon, also known as the Continental Toy Spaniel, is a friendly, intelligent, and happy little dog.
Neither life in the city nor in a colorful family is a problem for the Papillon. He is considered fond of children and good-natured. Nevertheless, his nature is also very lively and the little rogue is up for fun with everyone.
The Papillon is an excellent companion, companion and beginner dog.
6. Bichon Frisé – The perky cotton ball
Small, white, fluffy, cute – Bichon Frisé. The mini dog is just 23 – 30 centimeters tall and weighs 4 – 7 kilograms.
The little dog is great for beginners and families. He is an ideal company and companion dog with a playful and spirited character.
The Bichon Frisé would like to go to the dog groomer regularly and enjoys being stroked every day. Otherwise, he’s happy when he’s allowed to be everywhere.
Medium sized dogs for beginners
1. Elo – The unknown number 1
The Elo is not a dog breed officially recognized by the FCI, but it still has more than just a right to exist – the Elo is considered the ultimate beginner’s dog!
His nature is calm, loyal and fond of children. The overarching goal of breeding this still very young dog breed is to breed a gentle and friendly buddy and companion dog for children, families and every dog lover.
Conveniently, the Elo comes in two sizes: 35 – 45 centimeters and 46 – 60 centimeters and with both rough and smooth fur in many different colors.
2. Labrador Retriever – Who loves (and eats) everything
Tired after a good walk. Chocolate labrador retriever dog sits and yawns in the studio. Indoor shot of young pet. Funny puppy over white background.
The heart-warming Labbi can definitely be described as an always friendly and constantly wagging cheerful nature.
The Labrador Retriever has been bred over the years from a hunting dog (retriever) to a companion dog. But retrieving is so firmly anchored in his heart that balls or sticks will always be a highlight for him.
The Labrador is good-natured, friendly, playful, outgoing, even-tempered, and intelligent. You can not only spend hikes, bathing trips and couch evenings with him, but the loyal Labbi is also enthusiastic about agility, dog dancing and other dog sports.
3. Golden Retriever – Golden heart
Well oops, is the Golden Retriever a medium dog or a large dog now? Males of this breed are 56-61 centimeters tall. Bitches reach a height of 51 – 56 centimeters.
The beautiful Goldi has a friendly, reliable and cheerful personality. Nevertheless, he also has a strong self-confidence and likes to orient himself to people who are just as strong.
Nevertheless, the Golden Retriever is easy to handle and train, a great family dog and is also suitable for dog beginners!
4. Eurasier – plush dog in the shape of a bear
Wow! The beautiful Eurasier definitely cannot be missing from our list of the most popular beginner dogs.
As you can see, there are some very different and fantastic dog breeds to choose from as your first dog. If you’re looking for an alert, focused, and intelligent beginner dog and don’t mind regular grooming, the Eurasier is your dog!
The plush dog in bear optics is a cross between a Wolfspitz, Samoyed and Chow-Chow.
5. Whippet – The Gentle Flash
No time for hours of brushing? Then treat yourself to a Whippet! This short-haired sighthound requires little grooming, but a little more exercise.
Whippets are friendly, intelligent, affectionate, gentle and sensitive. Your upbringing requires loving consistency and consistent love! If you’re nice to the Whippi, he’ll be nice to you too.
The little adventurer loves long walks and would love to have a large, fenced yard where he can run to the greyhound’s heart’s content.
The Whippet is a fantastic family and beginner dog with a difference.
Cool!
With a greyhound in the house, maybe completely new doors will soon open up for you? Maybe you will discover your passion for sighthound sport and meet many new dog friends on the racetrack!
6. Kooikerhoondje – The Dutch Drops
The Dutch Kooikerhoondje reaches a maximum height of 40 centimeters at the withers. The optimal size for a beginner dog.
Its silky fur and filigree physique give it an almost elfin appearance. The Kooikerhoondje is very agile and active, intelligent and focused.
He is extremely docile and ambitious in dog sports such as agility or dog frisbee. The friendly Kooikerhoondje also gets along well with children.
Big dogs for beginners
1. Bernese Mountain Dog – The uncomplicated one
Family, house and farm at the start? Then all you need is the right four-legged companion. How about a Great Bernese Mountain Dog?
Anyone who is aware that a dog with a height of 64 – 70 centimeters needs a little more space, cannot even be picked up and also devours a larger amount of food (costs), can in the gentle Bernese Mountain Dog find a good friend
He is considered an uncomplicated family dog that is satisfied with playful activities, sunbathing on the lazy skin and long walks with his people.
2. Landseer – The giant dog
You are a novice dog, but one thing is clear to you: the woof-wow should be big? Then please think carefully about which dog you want to bring into your home and definitely get to know a Landseer before you decide on this breed!
In addition to the space needs of the 72 – 80 centimeter Landseer, you should also be aware that this dog will love you so much that he will also want to guard and protect you (or his family).
You can also handle these qualities as a beginner, but you should get experienced people by your side.
Otherwise, the giant dog is considered calm, relaxed, fond of children, affectionate, friendly and intelligent.
3. Boxer – The Knauchi
The German Boxer is considered a cuddly family dog, ambitious athlete and bright companion – even for dog beginners!
Of course, the temperamental boxer needs consistent training, but thanks its owners with motivation, attention and obedience.
With a Boxer you will conquer (almost) every dog sport and he will surely conquer the hearts of the entire family.
4. Lagotto Romagnolo – The truffle snout
The Italian Lagotto Romagnolo inspires many dog lovers and dog beginners with his fine nature and his special nose.
Its curly coat hardly sheds at all if it is groomed regularly. Possible colors are brown roan, milk coffee white, brown-white, orange-white, orange and brown.
The Lagotto has a loving and companionable nature. He is a loyal family, companion and companion dog and loves to accompany you on a truffle hunt – the Lagotto is actually used very often for this because of his fine nose!
5. Leonberger – For ambitious beginners
We can also confidently describe the Leonberger as a gentle giant. Anyone who wants a very large dog as their first dog could find what they are looking for at the Leonberger.
With a height of 72 – 80 centimeters and a weight of up to 65 kilograms, you should carefully consider beforehand whether this bear will have enough space for you.
You have a confident and strong character, fearless and companionable, adaptable and loyal.
There are certainly easier beginner dogs out there, but we don’t want to exclude this loving giant dog from our list.
6. Mongrels
Finally, one more thing to say:
Yes, there are dog breeds that…