Family dogs are dogs that make excellent companion dogs. Variants for beginners and first-time owners usually share many of the following features:
- Easily trainable: The easier the dog is to train, the more beginner mistakes are forgiven. Some four-legged friends, on the other hand, are stubborn by nature.
- Submissive character: Some dogs automatically submit to their master and thus obey more. Dominant breeds are only suitable for professionals.
- Easy-care: The easier the dog's coat is to care for, the less time you have to plan for it. In some cases, daily brushing is required.
- Easily socialized: Some breeds naturally get along with people and strange animals. Others, on the other hand, need to be specially socialized.
- Little leakage: The more energetic a dog is, the more time-consuming it is to keep it. Without enough outlet, problems can arise. [1]
Below you will learn about the 33 best breeds that are suitable as family dogs for beginners and their characteristics.
>> Our top recommendations
#1 Maltese
The Maltese is a perfect family dog for beginners. Especially because he is a super easy-care and trusting four-legged friend. He is generally sociable and open.
He's actually from Malta. However, this fact is controversial. What is certain is that he will live up to 15 years. By the way, they only get between 1 and 3 puppies.
Unfortunately, they do not cope well with the cold. You then often have chills. Curiously, despite their fur, they also often get sunburnt. [2]
Fun fact: An animal millionaire? Yep, one of these fearless four-legged friends inherited a whopping 12 million in 2007 after his owner passed away. This made him the richest dog in the world!
#2 Golden Retrievers
The Golden Retriever is easy to train, friendly and gets along great with children. And these are just a few reasons why he is the ideal family dog. [3]
It is also great for beginners. Although they bark more often at strangers, they are far too friendly to attack. But their bark is very loud at 113.1 decibels.
Originally they were hunting dogs for waterfowl. Today, however, they are mainly used as domestic dogs. But he also works as a rescue and guide dog.
Fun fact: If you miss a shoe after your nap, your four-legged friend has probably stolen it. Because the Golden Retriever loves to carry things around in his mouth. So no more expensive high heels!
#3 Yorkshire Terriers
The Yorkshire Terrier is the 10th most popular breed. After all, they are great family dogs. These brave four-legged friends are ideal for beginners.
Learning quickly is also a positive characteristic of four-legged friends. Likewise their intelligence and fearless nature. Unfortunately, they are relatively difficult to house train. [4]
They do not cope well with heat and cold. Then they get chills very quickly. They also require a lot of physical and mental activity.
Fun fact: Don't worry, you don't have an overly hairy duck at home. Your four-legged friend just sneezes backwards more often. It draws in a lot of air at once, creating duck-like noises.
#4 Poodle
The poodle is an active and alert four-legged friend. The ideal family dog and great for beginners. Its life expectancy is up to 18 years.
The animals have a teddy bear-like appearance. So they're super cute. However, they need a strict master and are also rather proud animals. [5]
They used to be shaved so that they could swim better. So contrary to general assumption. It didn't happen because of style.
Fun fact: These four-legged friends need a strict master… Or rather a strict trainer? They are one of the few breeds that can learn to flick-flack.
#5 Greyhound
The Greyhound has a long snout. They have very thin fur. This means they need a coat in winter. However, they sleep almost 18 hours a day. [6]
These four-legged friends take up little space and are even suitable for apartments. Just as good as family dogs for beginners. After all, they are also super cuddly and calm.
When running, they are in the air a full 75% of the time. Unfortunately, most greyhounds cannot sit due to their anatomy. But they see 270° around them.
Fun fact: Whoever brakes loses! Despite his caution, this four-legged friend pays no attention to cars or pedestrians. Once he's in hunting mode, nothing else matters.
#6 French Bulldog
The French Bulldog. A four-legged friend with no hunting instinct. But super easy to care for, playful and sociable. The perfect family dog and also ideal for beginners.
They are also generally very trusting towards the family. In other words, they get along well with children, dogs and even strangers. In general, they are very sociable animals.
Their anatomy includes bat ears. According to surveys, this makes them one of the cutest dogs in the world. But they are also among the stupidest. [7]
Fun fact: If you find yourself laughing because your French bulldog did something, be prepared. They like to repeat things that make their owners laugh.
#7 Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is ideal for beginners and families. Because he is very loyal and develops a protective instinct towards his family. [8]
They generally make excellent guard and family dogs. That's why they are among the 25 most popular dog breeds worldwide. Unfortunately, they shed a lot.
In fact, they can have up to 15 puppies at a time. On average, however, more like 5 to 7. This is one of 4 types of mountain dog.
Fun fact: A new case for surreptitious vacuum cleaner advertising. With this four-legged friend, a good vacuum cleaner is almost mandatory. They even shed so much twice a year that you could fill a cuddly toy version of your four-legged friend with them.
#8 Pug
The pug is easy to train and barks little. For this reason, he is the perfect family dog for beginners. Also an advantage: He is very people-oriented. [9]
The animals do not cope well with heat. You can then even have breathing problems. They also need a lot of love and attention.
Sleeping is one of this four-legged friend's main activities. They can sleep up to 14 hours a day. They like to snore, but also loudly.
Fun fact: No matter whether in the toilet, in the kitchen or in the bedroom. With this four-legged friend you literally have a little second shadow that wants to and will follow you everywhere.
#9 Leonberger
The Leonberger is obedient, loving and friendly. These characteristics are just a few of those that make him the perfect family dog, even for beginners. [10]
Unfortunately, the animals shed a lot. But they are very protective and loyal to the family. They also enjoy playing with children and are very sociable.
This dog breed originally comes from Germany. They are named after the town “Leonberg”. Their weight is up to 77 kg. They live up to 7 years.
Fun fact: When this four-legged friend is little, you can really recreate the scene from The Lion King at home! These four-legged friends have a lion-like appearance. What child wouldn't want to have their own little Simba all to themselves?
#10 Papillon
The Papillon is an ideal family dog for beginners. The animals were used to keep rats and mice out of the house. Because they have a strong hunting instinct.
It is one of 2 subspecies of the “continental toy spaniel”. So one of 28 spaniel species. They all only weigh between 3-4 kg. [11]
Their life expectancy is up to 17 years. He is the ideal family dog. After all, he gets along really well with children and is also ideal for beginners.
Fun fact: Her name is French and means “butterfly”. Because of their big and cute ears.
#11 Samoyed
The Samoyed has a very strong hunting instinct. Nevertheless, he is the ideal family dog. After all, he is very sociable and also trusting. [12]
The animals used to be primarily sheepdogs for deer. But they were also used as guard dogs, sleigh dogs, hunting dogs and family dogs. Because he loves busyness.
Another advantage is that they very rarely exhibit aggressive behavior. In general, they are rather gentle animals. That's why they are also suitable for beginners.
Fun fact: A new case for the vacuum robot! With this four-legged friend he will definitely not be unemployed, because the Samoyed loses a lot of hair.
#12 Boston Terriers
The Boston Terrier is nicknamed the “American Gentleman” because of his behavior. This also secures him a place among the 21 most popular dogs.
He was the first breed of dog bred in America. He is also very playful. So the ideal play partner for children and a great family dog for beginners. [13]
It is also great for seniors. Among other things, because it is very easy to train and has only a weak hunting instinct. On top of that, he is very friendly.
Fun fact: If you like small, cute dogs, you've come to the right place. This four-legged friend is so small as a puppy that he is just as big as your fist.
#13 German boxer
The German Boxer is very loyal and protective. The characteristics make him the perfect family dog. They are also excellent guard dogs. [14]
It is also ideal for beginners because it is easy to train. By the way, they are the 11th most popular dog breed in the world.
They are also suitable for apartments. Unfortunately, they have difficulty staying alone. Another point is that they do not cope well with heat and cold.
Fun fact: With this four-legged friend you should think twice about letting him lick you. Because here we have the world record holder for the longest dog tongue at a whopping 43 cm.
#14 Beagles
The Beagle is the ideal sniffer dog. But it is also ideal as a family dog for beginners. Especially because of his very friendly and calm character. [15]
This tracking dog was originally bred for hunting. He comes from England and lives up to 15 years. This four-legged friend has one of the best noses among dogs.
He is also great for apartment life as he is rather relaxed and easy to train. However, they do not cope well alone and in the cold.
Fun fact: The big, cute ears of these dogs don't just help them look extra cute. They also help them smell by waving the smells with their ears towards their nose.
#15 Labrador Retrievers
The Labrador Retriever is probably one of the best-known family dogs for beginners. The reason for this is that they…