Becoming a dog owner is a big decision and it will certainly change your life for the better.
However, first-time owners should know that not all dog breeds are equal. Not only do they look different, but they also have different temperaments, energy levels; some are easy to train, while others are stubborn and independent.
We have compiled 10 dog breeds that are relatively easy to train, love kids and family, and usually are considered great pets.
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Before making a final decision, we strongly advise you to thoroughly compare the dog breeds you shortlisted, and talk to a reputable breeder or a vet, to make sure you made the right decision.
1. Boxer
Height: 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch
Weight: 55 to 70 pounds
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
Affectionate With Family: 5/5
Trainability Level: 4/5
Easy To Groom: 5/5
Although Boxers are known as a naturally protective breed, they are incredibly affectionate with their people, especially children at the same time.
This is a high-energy breed, so that means that it requires plenty of physical exercises, but it requires little grooming.
2. Poodle
Height: Under 10 inches for Toy Poodle, 10 to 15 inches for Miniature Poodle, from 15 inches for Standard Poodle
Weight: 5 to 9 pounds for Toy Poodle, 15 to 18 pounds for Miniature Poodle, 45 to 70 pounds for Standard Poodle
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
Affectionate With Family: 5/5
Trainability Level: 5/5
Easy To Groom: 1/5
Poodles come in three different sizes, but all of them are highly intelligent and very friendly toward humans and other dogs.
This playful breed needs plenty of physical and mental stimulation but is considered one of the easiest breeds to train.
Poodles are also almost a non-shedding breed, so people prone to allergies often choose them, as one of the hypoallergenic dog breeds.
3. Labrador Retriever
Height: 21 to 24 inches
Weight: 55 to 80 pounds
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
Affectionate With Family: 5/5
Trainability Level: 5/5
Easy To Groom: 5/5
Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog breed in the United States for decades, for a reason.
They are beautiful, loyal, and have such a mild nature. Labrador Retrievers are very versatile, they will enjoy long walks, hiking, and jogging sessions.
This highly intelligent breed is easy to train, and they do great with kids and adults, as well as other dogs.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Height: 12 to 13 inches
Weight: 13 to 18 pounds
Life Span: 9 to 15 years
Affectionate With Family: 5/5
Trainability Level: 4/5
Easy To Groom: 4/5
This incredibly affectionate dog breed love to spend time with its family. Eager to please, they are easy to train and therefore a great choice for first-time owners.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels require only average grooming and exercise, which makes them considered low-maintenance dogs.
They are also known for being effective therapy dogs, too.
5. Maltese
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: up to 7 pounds
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
Affectionate With Family: 5/5
Trainability Level: 4/5
Easy To Groom: 2/5
Maltese is one of the breeds that love to spend time indoors and doesn’t require a ton of physical activity, although regular walks are necessary to keep them healthy. That said, it is a perfect breed for busy families, as they don’t mind being left alone for a part of a day.
Although they are very affectionate with their family, they are also a good watchdog and can be sometimes defensive around strangers.
6. Shih Tzu
Height: 9 to 10 inches
Weight: 9 to 16 pounds
Life Span: 10 to 16 years
Affectionate With Family: 5/5
Trainability Level: 4/5
Easy To Groom: 5/5
Shih Tzu is a breed that requires the least physical activity of any other on this list, so it’s a great breed for people that don't lead an active lifestyle.
These dogs are perfect lap dogs that won’t show any signs of aggression and are very affectionate with family, including kids.
However, be ready to invest serious time into grooming this breed. They have longer, lavishing coat that gives them elegant look.
They are known to develop obesity problems easily, so make sure to pick dog food that's suitable for Shih Tzu.
7. Bichon Frise
Height: 9 to 11 inches
Weight: 7 to 12 pounds
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
Affectionate With Family: 5/5
Trainability Level: 3/5
Easy To Groom: 1/5
Bichon Frise is another breed on our list that has a hypoallergenic coat, and therefore a popular choice among people with allergies.
This breed is highly intelligent and massive people-pleaser, so they are easy to train.
However, Bichon Frise is considered a high-maintenance breed. To keep their coat clean and shiny, be ready to provide them with a brushing session once or twice a week.
8. Golden Retriever
Height: 21 to 24 inches
Weight: 55 to 75 pounds
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
Affectionate With Family: 5/5
Trainability Level: 5/5
Easy To Groom: 2/5
Golden Retrievers might be the easiest dog breed for novice owners. They can thrive in almost any household, and will their gentle character, they will easily get along with anyone, including children and other pets.
Retrievers are very intelligent, and they are naturally good learners so you won’t have any troubles when it comes to training.
Please don’t forget that they need plenty of exercise, regular walks aren’t enough to keep them happy and healthy.
9. Papillon
Height: 8 to 11 inches
Weight: 4 to 9 pounds
Life Span: 12 to 16 years
Affectionate With Family: 5/5
Trainability Level: 5/5
Easy To Groom: 3/5
This small dog breed actually loves to be active and play, although it doesn’t need too high-intensity exercise – playing outside is completely enough for them.
Papillon dogs love their family, including children, but they aren’t doing very well along with other pets.
The Papillon’s grooming needs are basic.
10. Pug
Height: 10 to 14 inches
Weight: 14 to 18 pounds
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
Affectionate With Family: 5/5
Trainability Level: 3/5
Easy To Groom: 5/5
Pugs are not only natural charmers, but they are also one of the oldest dog breeds and they date back before 400 BC.
They love being around their family and are perfect lap and companion dogs. Pugs love living in the apartment, and cities in general, but you should be aware that they tolerate hot weather badly.
You should be aware that Pugs are prone to health issues, such as Pug Dog Encephalitis and canine hip dysplasia, and these are just some of many. Luckily, their life span is long, between 12 and 15 years.
11. Mixed Breeds
Mixed breed dogs can be any size, weight, or color, and they tend to live longer than purebred dogs because dogs bred to meet standards could pass along problems in their genes as well.
However, if you decide to rescue a mixed breed dog, not only you’ll save the dog’s life and make it happy, but you’ll also have an opportunity to rescue an older dog that could potentially be trained and used to apartment living.
Be sure to talk to your local shelter or rescue and they should be able to help you to find a dog with a personality that will be a perfect match for your lifestyle.
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