Best dogs for first-time owners
Forgiving of mistakes, easy to train and eager to please — the breeds that set new owners up to succeed.
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The ranked shortlist
Ranked by our breed trait data — scores are out of 5.
1. Labrador Retriever
5/5The world's favourite family dog.
2. Golden Retriever
5/5Gentle, patient, forever a puppy.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
5/5A silky-eared lapdog with a spaniel's heart — sweet, gentle, everyone's friend.
4. Bichon Frisé
4/5A cheerful powder-puff — low-shedding, people-loving and endlessly merry.
5. Boston Terrier
4/5The 'American Gentleman' — a dapper, bat-eared charmer in a tuxedo coat.
What makes a good beginner dog
The best first dogs share three things: they're biddable (they want to work with you), tolerant (they forgive the fumbles every new owner makes), and predictable in temperament. Avoid the extremes — very high drive, strong independence or heavy guarding — until you have a dog or two under your belt.