Top 10 Dog Breeds for Beginners

If you want to get a dog, but you have little dog experience the choice might seem daunting. With over 150 breeds to choose from you certainly do not want to bite off more than you can chew as a beginner or your dog might end up running your house hold. Never fear as the ten breeds on this list make excellent choices for doggie beginners.

1. Basset Hound: These droopy-eared, floppy-skinned, medium sized dogs are sweet, gentle, devoted, peaceful and naturally well-behaved. They fit into family life well. Bassets like to do tricks for food and have a deep musical bark. They need moderate exercise and do well in homes or apartments.

2. Cairn Terrier: These small yet stout terriers are spirited, hardy, restless little busybodies. They are alert, loyal, merry, lovable and mischievous just like Toto from the Wizard of Oz, one of the most famous Cairn Terriers. They are easily trained, like to do tricks and naturally patient yet playful with children.

3. Chihuahua: The Chihuahua is a tiny dog with huge, round eyes and erect ears. This breed is courageous, lively, proud and clever. Chihuahuas make excellent companion dogs because they enjoy affection and grow quite attached to their owners. They move very quickly and have plenty of energy yet love to be lap dogs as well.

4. Labrador Retriever: The Labrador Retriever is a large, solid, muscular dog, with a short, water-resistant double coat and webbed feet for swimming. They are loving, affectionate, intelligent, loyal and willing to please. They are the quintessential dog in that they are lively and good-natured and love to play. They also have extremely reliable temperaments and are typically great with kids and other dogs.

5. King Charles Spaniel: This small spaniel has dark round expressive eyes that are large and doll like. The King Charles Spaniel is an eager, affectionate dog who is quite an extrovert. They love to please their people and are intelligent and easy to train. Some say they are naturally well behaved and get along well with other dogs and children.

6. Miniature Schnauzer: These small, squarely-proportioned dog with long heads, bushy beards, mustaches and eyebrows are quite perky and bright-eyed. They are loving, intelligent, energetic, affectionate, and obedient. The Miniature Schnauzer enjoys time and companionship from its owner and does well with children.

7. Papillon: Otherwise known as the butterfly dog because of the long wispy hair on their erect ears, the Papillon is a small dog with a plumed tail and a long silky coat. They are friendly and energetic dogs who are quite hardy for their small size and can exercise for longer than expected time periods. They are gentle, affectionate, lively and vivacious; however, they can be calm and dignified in certain situations. They are steady, obedient and are not yappy dogs despite their small size.

8. Pug: The Pug has a square, thickset, stocky compact, body, with a sleek, soft coat that comes in apricot, fawn, black and silver - all with a short, flat, black muzzle and velvety ears. They are perky, rambunctious, loyal and affectionate. Pugs are clever and mischievous in a playful, happy way. Pugs typically use good manners with company and can be quite sensitive to punishment from their people so harsh punishment is unnecessary.

9. Scottish Terrier: This sturdy little terrier, often called a Scottie Dog, has short legs and a squatty body and is surprisingly strong and agile. Brave and alert, the Scottie is hardy and lovable. They are charming and full of character with playfulness at puppy hood and dignity as adults. People describe the Scottie as a dog that can go anywhere and do anything.

10. Welsh Corgi: The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a long, low dog with large erect ears, a broad flat skull, a fox-like head and an almost non-existent tail. They are hardy, highly intelligent, obedient, protective and devoted dog small to medium sized dogs. Corgis are extremely active and are good with children and inexperienced owners alike.