Top 10 Best Large Dog Breeds for First-Time Dog Owners
Most people recommend small dog breeds for first-time dog owner. But, small dogs aren’t for everyone.
After all, small dogs have fewer exercise requirements, are less expensive to care for, and are generally capable of less destruction. However, if you are looking for some larger breed, there are definitely good options.
Listed here are the ten best large dog breeds for first-time dog owners.
Great Dane
Despite their intimidatingly large size (sometimes weighing more than 200 lbs!), Great Danes are docile couch potatoes. This breed is great for first-time dog owners because of their low maintenance lifestyle, which includes minimal grooming.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is the world’s most popular dog, and for a good reason. This breed is affectionate, easy to train, and eager to please. So long as new dog owners understand the exercise requirements of this breed, they make wonderful companions.
Golden Retriever
Similarly, the Golden Retriever is another wonderful pick for a first-time dog owner. Golden Retrievers love to spend time with their favorite humans and respond very well to positive training methods. This breed is perfect for a moderately active family.
Standard Poodle
The Standard Poodle is another great dog for a first-time dog owner because of its above-average intelligence, willingness to learn, and ability to strongly bond with its owner.
Boxer
The boxer is a bouncy, energetic, and affectionate dog that is great for first-time owners. Able to form strong bonds with humans (especially children), the boxer is an easy-to-train natural protector.
Doodle
A current trend in dog breeding is to cross almost any affectionate breed with a Poodle, which creates a “doodle.” The most common doodles include Goldendoodles (Golden Retriever / Poodle mixes) Labradoodles (Labrador Retriever / Poodle mixes). The result is a hypoallergenic, affectionate, easy-to-train, and hardy dog.
Greyhound
Although many people associate Greyhounds with speed racing, this breed is more of a couch potato by nature. Affectionate, loyal, and lazy, the Greyhound is ideal for novice dog owners.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a gentle giant commonly used as a service animal. This dog requires little exercise, minimal training, and is especially fond of humans and children.
German Shorthaired Pointer
If you are extremely active and do not spend a lot of time away from home, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a wonderful companion for a first-time dog owner. Easy to train, loyal, and highly energetic, this dog will stick to its owner like glue but requires lots of exercises.
Rough Collie
The Rough Collie is most well known for its role as Lassie in the eponymous television show, which rightfully depicted this breed in a positive light. The Rough Collie is gentle, eager to learn, and easy to train.
Health & Activity Tracker
- No monthly fees
- Anomalies alerts
- 24/7 tracking
- Healthbook in the app
- Multi-owner friendly
- Easy data sharing
- Dogwalker check
- Weights only 13.6g / 0.48oz
- Up to 20 days on one charge
- Fits both on collar & harness
- Safety LED lights
- Anti-lost system
- 3 silicone holders in the box
- Free Android & iOS app
- Real-time health tracking
- Suitable for any dog from 6.5lbs
