Top 10 Best Dog Breeds for Your First Dog

#10: Great Dane

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Don’t let their size or the “Marmaduke” movie keep you from getting a Great Dane. While they are definitely some of the biggest dogs around, they’re also some of the sweetest, and have been referred to as both gentle giants and couch potatoes. The dog’s size might intimidate those who live in smaller houses or apartments, but despite their largess, the Great Dane is actually a wonderful apartment dog. While they do require some walks, they are by nature low to medium energy dogs that are quite happy to lounge around and relax. They do drool quite a bit, though, so you’ll probably want to have towels at the ready.

According to the American Kennel Club, the Shih Tzu is affectionate, good with children, good with other dogs, relatively easy to train, has a medium energy level, doesn’t shed much and hardly drools. Those all sound like traits one would look for in any dog, let alone their first one. And if you’re hesitating because the image you have of the Shih Tzu is a little too precious with the top flowing ponytail - that’s a show dog haircut. In the real world, Shih Tzus are ridiculously cute little puff balls that kinda look like Ewoks.

There’s probably a Greyhound bus joke there somewhere, but we’re just going to leave it and dive right into the Greyhound dog part. Originally bred for racing, Greyhounds do like to run around, but they’re happy with short bursts of activity followed by long bouts of curling up on the couch. If you have a fenced in yard it’s great, otherwise off-leash probably isn’t the best idea with these guys. Also, as much as we all like to make fun of animals wearing clothes, Greyhounds, with their very short hair, are more sensitive to the elements and will probably require a coat in colder climates.

Poodles are very smart, playful, affectionate and hypoallergenic. Which is why they’re a favorite of breeders who cross breed - think Labradoodle, Bernedoodle, Goldendoodle and Cockapoo. And while the doodle craze has produced some amazing dogs, let's not forget the dog at the heart of them all. These intelligent dogs are very trainable, and their high energy level means you’ll be getting your steps in on walks if you don’t have a yard for them to run around in. The ridiculous dog show haircuts make the breed appear pretentious and aloof, while in reality, the poodle is a great first dog for singles, couples, and families - whether in a country home or an apartment in the heart of the city.

#6: Golden Retriever

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One of the most quintessential family dogs on our list is the Golden Retriever. They’re friendly, good with kids, easily trainable and can adapt well to most living situations. They do have lots of energy so this isn’t the dog for you if you aren’t willing to get up and take it for regular walks. You’ll also probably have to brush it regularly to avoid golden tangles and knots in their hair. Golden’s are also a good choice for those who live in apartment buildings as they tend not to bark a lot - which those who share a wall with you will no doubt appreciate.

Looking for a great lap dog as your first pooch? Then the Bichon Frise is a breed worth considering. These cute little pups stand about 1 foot off the ground and weigh in at around 7-12 pounds. Their appearance can be easily confused with small poodles, and like poodles they are hypoallergenic - which is definitely a huge plus for those who thought allergies would keep them from ever being a fur mommy or daddy. Also, the American Kennel Club rates the Frise as one of “the world's great 'personality dogs.'” And as Sam Jackson told us in “Pulp Fiction,” “personality goes a long way.”

Some of our sweet-toothed Canadian viewers might be wondering why we’re recommending a chocolate-covered marshmallow-topped biscuit as a pet. Alas no, we aren’t talking about the popular treat, but the slim and speedy Whippet dog. Like the Greyhound, the Whippet is known for their quickness and like the Greyhound they’ll need to release that energy in bursts, but are happy to laze around after that. They’re great companions and good with kids and other dogs. So, anyone looking to get your first dog, why not take Devo’s advice and “Whip It.”

Those of you who speak French will recognize “papillon” as the french word for butterfly. But actually, Papillon is also a breed of dog who got their name due to their big, wing-shaped ears. Don’t let their small stature and dainty appearance fool you, these dogs are hardier than you think. They’re relatively easy to groom and do well in warm and cold climates, city, or country. As long as there aren’t any other animals around. Papillons love people, but don’t always feel the same way about other dogs.

At number two, we have another sweet and smart lap dog, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These guys are great for first time dog owners due to their affectionate personality and desire to please their owners. They’ve also been used as therapy dogs due to their adaptability to all kinds of people and situations. Grooming is a little more work with these dogs than some others on our list, but that’s a small price to pay for such a good companion. And speaking of great spaniel companions, we also wanted to mention the English Springer Spaniel. These adorable pups require exercise daily, but, like the King Charles, have a wonderful personality and are eager to please their humans. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Yorkshire Terrier Yorkies May Be Small, But These Hypoallergenic Dogs Have Big Personalities Boxer Like Real Boxers, These Loving Dogs Are Smooth & Strong, But They Won’t Bite Your Ear Off Bernese Mountain Dog Bernese Are Big, Playful Dogs with Lots of Love to Give Pug These Adorable, Flat-Nosed Pups Love People & Other Dogs & Are Easy to Train As Well Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier These Medium-Sized Minimal-Shedders Are Great Family Dogs in the City, Country or Suburbs

The Labrador Retriever is number one on our list but, maybe more impressive is the fact that it’s also been number one on the list of the most popular dogs in the United States every year since 1991. And over three decades of top dogging can’t be wrong! Labs are friendly and fun and great with people and other dogs. They are high energy though, so you’ll need to get them outside to run around. A game of fetch is perfect for this breed who have “retriever” right in their name. And don’t worry, “Clifford” is just a children’s story, there’s no chance that your labrador will grow to the size of a house.